Penny Black Bar & Kitchen — Restaurant in Calgary

This is an interesting place, situated in the very corner of a plaza I can only refer to as "industrial boutique" it is the only bar in an otherwise light industry / commercial part of Douglas Glen. I guess it could be considered a community establishment but honestly it's probably better to assume it attracts more of an after work and lunch crowd from the various shops and offices surrounding it. I had entered with the intention of a quick lunch and was met with a few great options as recommended by the friendly waitress. Unfortunately that was the best part of my visit. As I waited almost 1/2 hour for a simple sandwich the facade of a well worn bar became more apparent. Windows and surfaces were pretty dirty and the men's bathroom was akin to a dive bar downtown, black filth caked bathroom doors and surfaces. Soap dispensers left empty and a pungent smell of last nights patrons (ew) told me all I needed to know about the verbosity of the cleaning schedule. Some areas of the bar had worn couches like future and tired animal print carpet while others sported the more traditional table and chairs, compounding the older tired vibe despite I guess representing the party animal vibe? The vast bar in the middle of the room was well it and clean, had an ample selection of libations hosted by a single bar tender who seemed to be flying as he poured near constant beers. I finished my simple yet delicious sandwich and needed to make a b-line but the single waitress in the area appeared overwhelmed with service. She apologized for the wait citing a rush of clients the 4 or 5 other tables which appeared to be ordering far more booze and food but appeared happy with the pace. All things considered I think I'd come back to check this place out for a full meal and maybe a night of entertainment but I strongly recommend they update the bathrooms and ensure they sanitize the heck out of them. Have a look at the condition of your bar, counters, surfaces it's probably time to invest back into the bar if you don't wanna gross people out. I'm not saying It needs to be surgically clean but I've been in campgrounds with better places to wash my hands before eating my lunch. Food was 7.5/10 service albeit slower was friendly 7/10 but the place needs some love to keep up with newer modern establishments over in...

Third time here, first experience was decently average, no complaints. Second time I tried the unpalatably salty nashville sandwich and was thankful for plenty of beer options to clean my mouth out. Third experience was today, sunday football. Sat at the bar and got a Ceasar. Bartender came over quick, took my food and drink order. After dropping off my drink he completely ignored me. The kitchen staff brought my food, my drink had been empty for from 12minutes left in the quarter of the miami game to the end of the game about 25 minutes. I had finished my food by the time he came back and offered another drink. I took the bill and got out of here. First time in forever that I left no tip. If the bar had enough staff to support the business, I bet my experience would have been much more normal. This surely is not normal here, but it is enough for me to not come back. I drove to another pub to watch the game. Again, this isnt bad service or anything that made me upset. It was a lack of the service that I am sure is normal for a place with this reputation and word of mouth. Not all on the bartender, he needed someone to be pouring beers do he had time to serve...

I normally go to the Toad & Turtle and this place reinforces my choice. I went with my wife due to her being invited by some work friends for a outing. The service was poor, as I tried to make use of their daily deal on wings but they only gave me 1 order and when I tried to order more I was actually ignored. Never got my pop I ordered after I finished my barely passable coffee. The place was pretty small and yet hosted so many people so that I could barely talk without having to shout at people which while normal for an actual pub, this is sort of a Restaurant/Pub and I feel the atmosphere is generally lacking for those who dont enjoy having to shout so much. The wings themselves were ok but not great, I ordered a Medium ranch and I felt they were passable not the greatest but you won't find the greatest wings in Canada as they belong to a Louisiana restaurant. I would have liked to try more types of wings but I have no inclination on potentially wasting more money on an...