Palomino Smokehouse — Restaurant in Calgary

I have been here many times, and typically it’s top notch food. Went there last night to celebrate my birthday and am wishing I had chosen somewhere else. The group of us arrived for a late supper (about 9:30) and found seating easily. We were informed that a band would be starting to play soon, to make sure that we were ok with the impending ambiance. We were, and the server proceeded to take our orders. Service was prompt and friendly as usual, and our food came out in record time. As soon as I started on my Alberta Cheesesteak, I knew something wasn’t up to par. What usually was a nice few slices of tender smoked brisket was now some shredded mess of tough beef-like mass. It was one of the most disappointing sandwiches I’ve had. To judge it on it’s own, not knowing what it should be, would result in a below average rating, and a recommendation to try other things on the menu. The other people in my party were also underwhelmed with the food the kitchen was putting out. The pulled pork was oddly tough and seemed to be fattier than usual. And the other person that ordered the Cheesesteak continued to utter profanities regarding the discrepancy between what it has been in the past to what we received last night. If quality must be sacrificed in order to meet the increased demand of stampede, I’ll make sure to suggest that the palomino be avoided during those 10 days of drunken debauchery. Otherwise, kudos to the wait staff on being amazing and authentic! I felt bad that the bartender over-serving a visually intoxicated patron who had been warned about closing the doors to the patio barely 5 minutes earlier, and the kitchen’s adjustment to the menu items will reduce their tips. Hopefully this is a side effect of the event going on at the moment and not a greater shift of what to expect at The...

Are you looking for delicious smoked beef brisket? How about pork, or turkey? And do you enjoy the meat sweats? Yes? Then the Palomino Smokehouse is a definite must try for you. Palomino is located along the C-Train tracks in downtown Calgary. Having been around for more than 20 years, it’s an institution when it comes to mouthwatering barbecue, lively atmosphere, and vibrant live music scene. The experience is casual / rustic and not much for frills.

As the name eludes, they specialize in slow-smoked meats. The ingredients all seemed to be high quality (according to the semi-pro meat smoking team members I had lunch with) and the portions were enormous. Of the 6 people at our table that ordered the full pound of brisket, only one managed to eat more than half! Not just brisket either, you can get pulled pork, ribs, turkey and a variety of other smoked delicacies including jackfruit … whatever that is. The side dishes are equally as delicious including the bacon wrapped corn on the cob which I would suggest getting a double order of.

The lower level seems to be set up for live music performances and more of a bar atmosphere. Haven’t been here outside lunch so can’t comment on what that would be like but I hear they have some pretty epic Stampede events.

I highly recommend Palomino for lunch and to kick-off the afternoon nap under your...

NACHOS SO GOOD YOU'LL WANT TO WRITE A REVIEW ABOUT IT. Alright, I only usually leave a review if I feel so passionately inclined to do so, and this is one of those rare moments. My lovely family from Melbourne, who are self proclaimed "foodies" and have been known to drop more than a few hundos on a meal, visited Palomino Smokehouse while I was stuck at the office. Being a new-ish Calgarian, I hadn't had the chance to visit this fine institution yet. They proceeded to inform me of the "surprisingly delicious" nachos they had, so I knew I'd have to return to try them for myself. And damn... They were not wrong... When I say these nachos were fully loaded, they were FULLY LOADED. Layers of cheese? Got it! Plenty of toppings? Got it! Dipping sauces that are actually worth maybe loosing a jalapeño over during the dunking process? ABSOLUTELY. I even spent a solid 10mins trying to find the bean dip recipe online before writing this review because it was so good. Didn't even miss not having guac. Pulled pork? Indeed! So much you actually start to question: have they gone too far!?; and also damn we got our money's worth; and maybe damn, do I need more plain chips!? Needless to say, if you're looking for a plate o nachos that'll knock your socks off, Palomino's have got your back (psst! They're even gluten...