LOCAL Public Eatery Barclay — Restaurant in Calgary

As a seasoned culinary critic, my recent visit to a particular establishment left an indelible mark, largely thanks to its exceptional staff, even though circumstances prevented me from fully exploring its gastronomic offerings. Prime Location and Unparalleled Hospitality The restaurant boasts a prime location, a significant advantage in itself. From the moment I stepped inside, I was enveloped by the attention of an exceptionally welcoming and gracious team. Their genuine willingness to assist and create a comfortable ambiance was both evident and highly commendable. While my appetite limited me to just a beer on this occasion, the menu clearly offers a diverse array of dishes that undoubtedly warrant a more thorough exploration on a future visit. The Phenomenal Craftsmanship of Jay, The Bartender My professional journey and serendipitous travels have taken me through countless establishments across Canada, from the bustling cities of Calgary to the scenic towns of Banff and Canmore, where I've frequented hundreds of restaurants, and a few notable spots in Manitoba. Yet, the sheer level of artistry and efficiency displayed by Jay, the Bartender (yes, capitalized for emphasis), truly surpassed all expectations. His rhythm and precision are so astounding that words barely do them justice. In Poland, one might say: "zapierdala jak mały samochodzik" to describe such incredible speed and diligence. In English, the most fitting expressions that come to mind are: "You're buzzing around like a busy bee" or "You're holding down the fort all by yourself." Jay executes each drink with supernatural accuracy and speed, never missing a beat. Simultaneously, he masterfully maintains lively and engaging conversations with multiple guests, effortlessly remaining approachable and attentive, much like a chess grandmaster deftly playing on several boards at once. His skill is so profound that even a mythical eight-armed octopus would struggle to match his output. A Well-Deserved Five-Star Rating This establishment, without a doubt, earns its rightful 5-star rating from me. As we say in my homeland, "personnel is everything." And Bartender Jay is a brilliant testament to this wisdom, transforming a simple visit to the bar into an...

Always a fantastic place to hangout. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack & beer at the bar, or packing a table with a group of friends, it’s a place you’ll want to stay a little while longer. The ambiance is great, loud enough music to fill the room and keep your foot tapping without overwhelming your conversations. The food is consistently solid and reasonably priced.

By far, the best thing about this place is the staff. Naturally nice, laidback, friendly, and fun. They’re always accommodating and will be the reason you keep coming back. A few (not remotely exhaustive) shoutouts to the amazing people that have served me well over the years: Drew - Total beauty. Chat with him once and you’ll have a new friend. Jaime - Who knew management could be this cool? From what I can tell, she runs an efficient ship, seems to really care for her staff, and gets to know all the regular tables. Such a treat to talk to. Joel the bartender - Great at his job. But maybe too handsome? Jayme - bartender, server, office manager, I think she should take some time off once in a while… but the restaurant is lucky to have her around so much. Afty - What a guy. Attentive & fun. Always a treat when he’s tending the bar. Alanna - might be an actual angel. Unreal server & always helping the rest of the staff (seating, running food, etc.) Nilani - such a cool person. The only downside is that if you come in too often, she might ask you to write a review. Jess - packed bar during Super Bowl? No problem. I had friends at most of the tables, they all had the same review: perfection. Kitchen staff - I’ve only had the pleasure of meeting a couple personally. Kudos to all of them for looking like absolute pros in the open kitchen while slinging out great food, fast.

Final note: Good luck finding another spot with all of this on offer. Local in Eau Claire has a near monopoly on the most talented restaurant staff in the city. I’m not sure how they acquired a group of people so attractive, humble, and skilled. But I’m...

I’ve been coming to this place for the past six months, and honestly, it’s become more than just a place to grab a drink or a bite, it’s a part of my life now. I don’t usually write reviews, but when a place makes you feel this good, this welcomed, and this at home, you have to let the world know.

From day one, what struck me wasn’t just the cozy vibe or the great food, it was the people. The heart of this place isn’t just in its walls or decor, it’s in the people who work here and bring it to life every single day.

Let me start with the service. It’s nothing short of extraordinary. Every staff member I’ve met genuinely puts in that extra effort, not just to serve you but to see you, to know you, and to make you feel amazing every single time you walk in. Whether I’ve had a long day or I’m just out for a casual evening, I always leave lighter, happier, and full of gratitude.

Nalani, Cassidy, Alana, Cal, Drew, Jay, and Jan, you’re all absolute gems. You’ve turned what could be just another pub into a sanctuary. Each of you brings your own magic to this place. You remember faces, favorite drinks, stories, even moods. That kind of attention and care is rare and it means the world. The way you greet people with warmth, the way you engage with us like we’re family, the way you make everyone feel seen, it’s powerful, and it’s beautiful.

And the food? Always on point. Whether it’s a comforting classic or something new, it never disappoints. But what really stands out is how they’re always open to creating special drinks on request. It’s that kind of “sure, we got you!” attitude that makes every visit feel like a...