National on 17th — Restaurant in Calgary

Been here numerous times but last night was the last time I will ever return to this establishment, and that is sad for me to say since I own and operate a business across 17th from here. Here's why: The bouncer at the front door was friendly and flattering when he asked us for ID - even though he said, "Hi Guys, have a good time in there" to two other people who managed to walk right past us and inside without being ID'd at the same time. We chose two stools in the middle section and noticed that it was busy but probably 5 or 6 tables were vacant (so not really that busy) for a Thursday night. We also noticed a lack of servers. One approached us after we had been sitting there for over 10 minutes; now since I've been in the food services industry for many years, I know this is much longer than industry standard. After 20 minutes sitting down, our server takes drink orders from us. I guess she was busy, and that's fine. Before getting our drinks the server comes back and tells us, "I have to make sure you have ID." The lack of attention to us at this point had become annoying, but asking for ID a second time, when 1. we have been sitting there already 20 minutes, and 2. other patrons have not been asked for identification at all, is actually insulting. So we show her and continue to wait. Almost 30 minutes later, still no drinks on our table. But thank goodness we look under 18!! two thumbs up

The meal we got was nothing special - the taste was bland and for a dish that supposedly came out of their oven, not at all piping hot. A gentleman who appeared to be a supervisor asked us how everything was, and we answered honestly, telling him it was OK. Truthfully, it seemed like he was annoyed that we had been honest with him. Again, being in the industry for years, I know that someone asking customers how food is tasting should be in a position to also apologize for the lack of taste. He offered to take it away but we politely declined. In the end, $3.50 was discounted from our bill for the lack of quality.

All in all the service at National has gone down. Maybe they are focusing too much on expansion, as they have opened two additional locations (that I know of). The main thing here: we were left with a bad taste in our mouth, before even receiving drinks to the table. Lesson...

An Exquisite Experience at National on 17th Avenue, Calgary

In the heart of Calgary, on the bustling 17th avenue, lies a gem of a culinary destination: the National bar restaurant. As a connoisseur of the world's most revered dining establishments, I was keen to delve into what National had to offer.

Upon arrival, the selection of beverages presented a delightful spectrum. The beer, crisp and refreshing, was the perfect prelude to the main attraction. The virgin Caesar showcased a balanced symphony of flavors, while the iced tea - with its commendable refill option - was the epitome of refreshment.

Yet, the pièce de résistance of the evening was undoubtedly the chicken wings. Marinated in both spicy and BBQ flavors, these wings were a masterclass in texture and taste. The exterior boasted a flawless crust, golden and crispy, while the interior was succulent, rendering each bite an explosion of well-seasoned juiciness. It's evident that the chefs at National have honed their craft to perfection.

The ambiance was a harmonious blend of relaxed sophistication. There's an inherent vibrancy to the place, complemented by an undercurrent of friendliness that makes one feel immediately at ease. The waitstaff, apart from being aesthetically pleasing, were the very embodiment of professionalism, ensuring a seamless dining experience.

However, a word to the wise: the parking situation in this part of Calgary can be rather trying. The frenetic nature of 17th avenue means that one might have to resort to parking on residential streets or, if fortune favors, find a paid spot on the main street. It's a small price to pay for an otherwise exemplary dining experience.

In conclusion, the National bar restaurant stands as a beacon of culinary excellence in Calgary, offering a gastronomic experience that effortlessly blends taste, ambiance, and service. It is, without doubt, a must-visit for those with a...

Completely shocked at how the bartender Jessica treated me last night.

I am an employee within the Concord group. National is also part of the Concord group, so I am able to receive a discount here. We ordered a drink with the bartender and I was honest with her and told her that the drinks were for them, not me - and that I wanted to use my employee discount for a single drink. My friends and I had just come back from a wine tasting event, and I wanted to stay relatively sober so I could take care of them. My friend insisted he pay for the drinks. I asked the bartender if she gave me a discount on one of the drinks and she responded so rudely that my issue was no longer about the discount. She was condescending and gave me so much attitude. I spoke to the manager Justin who was very personable and apologized for her behavior and said he would speak with her and told me to let him know the next time I wanted another drink. I found out the bartender's name in case I decided to write a review. I was satisfied with the manager's response until I turned around to see that Jessica had come out all the way from behind the bar and walked up to me and was completely in my face, aggressively asking me why I wanted to know her name, asking me why I didn't deal with her myself, etc. She yelled at me until the manager saw us and told her to get back to the bar.

I've had great experiences here at the National, and I've always been treated courteously by the staff. Service is usually prompt and friendly and the food and drinks are great. But l was shocked at the behavior of the bartender last night and I hope she was just having an awful night and hasn't treated anyone...