Dickens — Restaurant in Calgary

I really enjoy the Down With The Thickness event that takes place here, but the last two times I've been, two different servers have been rude to me for no discernable reason. Maybe because I asked a question about the menu or because it was loud, so I was having a hard time hearing them, but who knows. I was with the same friend each time, and it has become a running joke that the server will be short with me.

The food was sort of just unremarkable pub food. Nothing to really write home about. It's fine. It does smell good, though. Lots of dill.

I love this event, but I pretty much expect the staff to be rude to me without reason. I swear I wasn't being difficult or taking up a lot of their time.

Update:

I went to the latest Down With The Thickness event. I arrived early to get a good seat, and after waiting about fifteen minutes, the server still hadn't come by, so I ordered a drink at the bar. The bartender was friendly and helpful. It wasn't busy yet, but the server didn't come by for the first time until my friend arrived about fifteen minutes after I'd ordered at the bar.

She checked in with them a few times after they ordered a drink. My friend left after about an hour, and I stayed for the remainder of the show, but the server didn't check in with me or bus the table at all during the second half of the show. I left cash for my friend's drink on the table before they even left, but the server never came by again for the last hour, so I guess she didn't see it. When I left, she followed me out and heading up the stairs to leave because she, I guess, thought the bill for my friend's soda was being walked out on. I let her know that they'd left an hour ago and that I had left her money on the table.

I don't really want to go back to Dickens again, even for this event. I don't know why the servers are rude to me or just flat out ignore me. I don't feel...

Dickens is great. I think they'd probably be way more popular if people didn't perceive them as out of the way.(they're in fact downtown, accessible by every bus route that travels along 9th, adjacent to 3 parking lots, and two blocks from the c-train)

Riding the line between a classic show-bar dive, and a versatile events bar, and a good place for a lunch - the space itself can come across weathered: it's been a pub in some form or another since the beginning of time. Though you can frequently see it improve - most recently I believe they aquired a new lighting rig. They have a pinball machine and several pool tables, lots of TVs and a more private back room with a projector.

Dickens hosts fun weeknight and weekend programming, (including Gamer Sundays) and bring in a lot of great independent music of all genres. There are usually several music festivals based out of Dickens each year, and Dickens is also a venue for festivals like Sled Island.

The monthly Hang the DJ 80s New Wave, Goth, Retro night has been occurring in Calgary for about 15 years (though under different names)

Daytime's are normally the guaranteed table service times, as some nighttime events would not mix well with loaded trays if did and drink. In general the service is nice, and remarkably prompt during events (provided you're not a bad customer and are aware it's cash only, wait your turn, know your order, tip well because 3-4 people serving 400 is impressive.)

The food is reasonably priced pub fare leaning towards comfort over fancy.

As whole, it's a fun long-lived independent venue, with fun nights and good shows. The food and drink are definitely amoung the cheapest of venues...

Favourite go-to queer friendly alt space in Calgary. The pickle fries with sour cream dip is a game changer! Though I do miss their waffle fries and I wish they had more plant based options. I basically only eat fries because I can’t have the cauliflower wings. Or introducing a vegetarian poutine or a plant based Buffalo chicken sandwich would be cool too. But no pressure 😂

Always a great space for live music, DJ’s and drag shows. Love coming here alone, or with friends or to support my community! Dickens is the heart of Calgary!

Just wish it was more accessible for wheelchair users! The bathrooms are gender neutral which is great! But they aren’t made to also support folks with accessibility aides and having to go behind the bar to use the staff bathroom is a bit uncomfortable. The stage itself is also low key terrifying to run up and down on when a person is performing, but we love a good hand down and there is always someone willing to offer a hand like your royalty 😂.

All in all a great space, I have a favourite server who always has the best reccs for drinks and food (the sour cream dip idea was theirs) and they’re always down to chat if it isn’t too busy. Which really adds to the space and makes me want to go back knowing that there’s someone so approachable and friendly. Pretty much all of the staff are amazing and they work so hard! I always try to tip extra at dickens, especially on drag nights 😂. They’re so efficient and deserve all the tips!

I wish I could go more often, but I go when I can.

Thanks Dickens for being a safe space for so...