Shelter Cocktail Bar — Restaurant in Calgary

Incredible, incredible, incredible! What a find!

We went on the recommendation of friends, and honestly, the place would've been difficult to find otherwise. There's no obvious signage, the entrance was nondescript (there was a signature gas mask above, but it was easy to miss), but the numbered address matched what our phones listed. It's beside an Anytime Fitness, and directly across from Ten Foot Henry and A1 Bodega.

First, what a theme to centre a cocktail bar around! Everyone else is busy pursuing a classy, old time charm vibe, warm rustic, industrial, or modern fusion with a twist, but these guys decided apocalyptic shelter was the way to go. Such a cool, comfortable space, and what a way to separate themselves from the crowd!

Most importantly, their drinks are solid. Exceptionally creative, with an exquisite balance of flavours. We were happy to stay entirely too long, and tried far too many drinks! Our tastes run less towards the dark and boozy, so your mileage may vary, but I have to recommend the Big Nick Energy, Sunset Park, Okame, and Purple Eggs and Yam. The last two were especially impressive, and you'll be wowed respectively by the perfect inclusion of wasabi, and the ludricrous crush-ability of the other!

Service was warm and enthusiastic, and these guys understand the little touches that keep their name on people's lips: the popcorn was a nice surprise, and the complementary mini desserts were such an indulgent conclusion to everything. Cannot recommend this...

This is the first poor review I have written on Google.

I recently visited Shelter Cocktail Bar with some international colleagues, and unfortunately, our experience was marred by the rude and unprofessional behavior of a staff member. From the moment we entered, the server was dismissive and abrasive. She informed us of a “one bill policy” and a mandatory 20% gratuity for groups of six or more, which we understood and accepted.

Initially, there were only five of us. However, when three more colleagues arrived and sat at a different table, the server insisted that we all be on the same bill because we “knew each other.” We were baffled and asked for clarification, to which she replied that she needed to speak with the manager.

A few minutes later, she returned, claiming the manager confirmed the policy that anyone who knows each other must be on the same bill, regardless of seating arrangements. When we requested to speak with the manager ourselves, she curtly responded that she was the manager. Her attitude was condescending and unprofessional, leaving us all embarrassed.

While I understand the need for establishments to have policies in place, the way this situation was handled was completely inappropriate. I strongly recommend that the owner conduct training for the staff on customer service and effective communication. Such training could help avoid misunderstandings like this in the future and ensure that all patrons feel welcome...

Went here as it was close to our Airbnb and boasted good cocktails and I was looking for exactly that. They delivered on the cocktails for sure. Very inspired menu. Used a good variety of quality spirits and other ingredients. My first cocktail was my favourite and extremely well balanced. The forward spirit was mezcal. It also featured ancho Reyes, lime and avocado. Plus another ingredient or two. The garnish was humble with a Thai chilli and half salted rim. We had three other cocktails which were all great in their deliver as well. The bartender Micky (I think) day with us briefly after we complemented and it was a nice finish to a great visit. The room is inspired by old European art, wallpaper & a mix of American and European 1st and 2nd world war decor. Fitting as the name is Shelter and the back bar was crested with a wall of something like 16 different gas masks. Really impressed with the overall originality and inspired feel. Only negative was that the seating, more so the tables were to small and close to your legs making it hard to find a comfortable seating position. I found the unique vintage seats, stools and couches to be comfy but would be nice if the tables were not so impeding. Featured a truly amazing ceiling installation and some Victorian art which had been modernized with spray paint.

Any cocktail lovers and art enthusiasts should...