Broken City Social Club

Awesome sunny rooftop patio. For sure the best sun for your day. The beer selection is also great and they have a decent happy hour too. The food is your standard pub grub but the prices are cheap. The music is perfect for the sunny ambiance and the staff are incredibly friendly!
Would have been five stars but the wings were not very saucy and when we left the waitress had not kept track of our drinks. We had to try and figure out what everyone had drank and ate, which after a few in the sun was not ideal, keeping the bill in order is part of the job of being a waitress.
But, would still definitely recommend and go again!
This place is meant for friends to drink beers. Down stairs they have varying music artists different days of the week

I only go here for Trivia on Tuesday, and the hosts always do an excellent job. The beer is awesome, and the burgers are yummy. Once I had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich that was stone cold in the middle, so I’m a little cautious around their food menu, but my experiences at the Broken City have been so delightfully unlike any other bar in the city that I’m willing to forgive mishaps from their kitchen staff.

WOWWWWW… Such rude staff. I’ve tried booking a birthday for tomorrow and called and emailed multiple times. I was told on Monday to call Friday morning to confirm my guest list. So I did and the woman who answered was extremely rude and short with me. I understand the late nights people work, but it’s customer service, you need to be polite to the customers trying to bring you business! I am extremely unimpressed and annoyed right now!

Great deck in summer time. Food specials every day before 6pm for $ 6. Drink specials. Great selection of European beer. Very relaxed atmosphere. It’s a true dive but in a good way. My favourite thing about this place is the staff. Friendly, informative, quick and professional. It seems one doesn’t need to show breasts to be good at your job.

Have been to Broken City a couple of times for drinks and of course Punk Rock Bingo when it was still on. But never eaten there. So when I found out that one of the Giraf Animation Festival events was happening here and coincided with Sunday brunch it was on.
We walked into a carnage of chaos this morning though. They have Magic: The Gathering events every Sunday morning + had the animation event on. They did well accommodating everyone though.
Then the system that prints food orders to the kitchen went down for nearly an hour. Cue carnage they also only managed to have 1 waitress serving the whole room. This poor girl did her best to let everyone know when the printing system was back up and what that meant for food wait times. She was then also was running around all over doing drinks. A moment of applause for her effort and not loosing it — hard feat and she handled it one.
Food eventually came and honestly surprised how good everything was considering I can only imagine the pressure the kitchen was under. Steak and eggs came with sunny side up eggs (yolks actually runny) and steak (cooked perfectly to order). Breakfast Bowl ordered with extra beef was huge! Decent size for price.
They took care of our drinks to cover the long wait time which was appreciated. Also really just thankful for being forwarded on the wait and then being kept updated.
Based on how the handled the situation and service would give them a 4 star but was so hungry by the time food got there it went to 3 stars. Happy to give them another chance to blow me away as no complaints with the food.

This is the dirtiest, filthiest pub I’ve ever been to. Girls doing cocaine in the bathroom at 2PM and no one seemed to give a shit. Fully 8 month pregnant girls standing an inch from big ass speakers. I am sorry but so not my speed. My burger was decent but atmosphere is absolute shit.

I want to like Broken City a lot more than I actually do. Props to their new very veggie friendly menu. I didn’t try the food though. Drinks are a bit pricey for where you’re drinking (it really is a hole). Bathrooms are awful (toilets are always somehow broken). Service left quite a bit to be desired. Cover charge was a piss off, especially because we entered before cover started, and the bouncer came to our table and forced us to pay up or leave when it did. I doubt I’ll be going back for a really long time or recommending it to others.
Both of these stars are reserved 100% for the two guys doing the Tuesday night trivia. They were really good and it was fun.

I have become a trivia addict and I am not even good at it!
But that is just one small component that makes up the good times at Broken City — good beer, good food, good bands, good people.
Tables carved into, graffiti-​centric bathrooms and Comedy Monday Nights.
I still remember my early 18+ days and partaking in Dance Mother F#@$%! Dance and ruing that it was always on a weeknight.
Now nearing 30, there are still plenty of reasons and good things bringing me back to Broken City.
If you eat here, the cauliflower wings are amazing as well as the fried egg sandwich.
Now time to not be able to answer any trivia questions.

Best bar in town, if you like that lived-​in feel (like I do). Great music, colourful locals and very decent menu with prices no one can argue about. Try the made in-​house veggie burger. Add cheese and bacon for bonus points.
Patio always fills up fast in nice weather so be sure to get there early!

They took the cauliflower wings off of the happy hour menu which kind of sucks. Breakfast is still good. OK veggie burger. Only really came here for the happy hour wings though.

This is my favourite pub in Calgary. Friendly service and excellent food. They always have fun things happening. The atmosphere is kind of back alley but it makes me comfortable in some strange way.
If I have anything bad to say it’s that they don’t take debit. I just feel like businesses that don’t take all forms of payment are lying in the books.
If you’re like me and you like to people watch, sit at the high table by the stage.

Every few weeks my Dad wants to have lunch downtown when I’m working but he graciously leaves the selection of venue up to me. Truth be told, nothing strikes anxiety into my heart more than choosing a restaurant, especially when dining with someone who is my culinary opposite.
Today, on a whim, I selected Broken City. Which I knew had «food» but I had no real idea what that entailed. Broken City has been a place I have come to around midnight to see a show, usually my brothers band, and it I get a drink it’s unusual for me, so eating there has certainly never happened.
I almost don’t want to write the rest of this review because I don’t want anyone else to know (selfishly of course, because we all know how much I hate waiting) but here it is:
It was hands down the BEST downtown lunch experience I’ve ever had. And you can quote me on that. Here are the reasons why:
1. Food:
I had a grilled vegetable salad with tofu in an apple cider vinegar dressing. Aka the salad of my dreams. It was so good, very filling and super fresh. My dad had a steak sandwich and Cesar salad, which he said was «really good» but I didn’t try it so…
2. Service:
Our waitress (and damn I forgot her name… but the receipt said «Dragon») was amazing. Super friendly, always checking on drinks, fast and she actually really seemed to care both about the restaurant as a whole and that my Dad might get thirsty so she brought him water.
3. Crowd Factor
There was very few people there, it was quiet, low music and we didn’t have to yell over a million other people yelling.
Also, the price was super reasonable, $ 33 for two meals my dads pop and two coffees. Not bad.
We will be going back often — in fact Dad wants to have our Easter brunch there this weekend.
Well done Broken City!

Came here for a comedy night and thought this place was interesting. I feel like they could probably have a better layout for everyone to sit because it definitely felt crowded and some of the tables didn’t allow you to see the comedians. They had a pretty decent line up of performers, some I didn’t find entertaining but I know a lot for a lot of them it was there first time. The drinks were very reasonably priced, they had almost all of there beers available on tap for $ 4 as well as their highballs. We did have to pay $ 5 for cover at the door but ultimately it was a pretty cheap night out with friends!

I think any place that keeps the local comedy scene alive should be commended, but this place does that and so much more. Plus, they even have great happy hour food that is vegan/​veg friendly and good drink specials. The wait staff is friendly and helpful and even when they are busy you get wonderful service (especially for a bar).
This is definitely a great local bar. It does all of the bar-​y things right: lots of seating for large/​small groups, good selection of beer, good selection of fried things on the menu, but it also manages to put a great spin on it… instead of just chicken wings they have cauliflower wings (delicious, by the way) and the nachos can be ordered meat and dairy free. The veggie chili is frequently sold out and the nachos aren’t too far behind. You’re not going to get super healthy food (because hey, it’s a bar) but you are going to get delicious food, even if you have an allergy/​dietary need.
My husband loves comedy so we go for Comedy Monday Night. If you haven’t gone then you should. It’s $ 10 and you see great local acts and get a chance to support a couple first timers as they entering the comedy scene. Places like these are super common in your big cities like LA, New York, Atlanta, Montréal, Toronto, and it’s sad that this seems to be about the only one (for open mic) in Calgary. It does a great job at it, though, and would definitely be among one of my favorite places even in those other cities.
The only thing about Monday is get there early. It gets crowded really fast. Also, if you’re in a smaller party you might be seated with another smaller party. It’s just a great time to get to know someone new. :-)
The only thing is that the cocktails aren’t the best, but this isn’t that kind of bar. It’s a great place for beer, bar food, and general merriment. If you want awesome cocktails, I would say go somewhere else and pay and arm and a leg for them. If you want an awesome time any night of the week, come to Broken City.

So, Ive been here for comedy night on Monday and Karaōke night on Sunday. Comedy night was a swirling nightmare of regular hobbyist comedians and a great headliner. I went through moments of horror, boredom and embarrassment, it was great! Karaōke night featured a smattering of individuals crawling out of the woodwork, belting out some pretty great tunes. There is a great rooftop bar, with lots of great local brews and a menu of vegetarian and meaty items that are great. They have a pinball machine also which is great but its overall health is questionable. This is a great watering hole/​event venue.

I have lived in Calgary for almost 30 years and love music… and somehow this venue has eluded me.
Stopped by for a quick bevy after and event a few years ago — and for no real reason, just never returned.
Recently joined a Unilocal Elite party — Bingo and Punk Music. I will admit that I thought BINGO was an ackranom for something — was quite surprised to find out it was in fact BINGO! Last time I played Bingo — still used round pieces… apparently Bingo has gone upscale with dobbers of ink.
Before getting into the Bingo cards — we enjoyed amazing wings. I only had 2 flavours of BBQ — but definitely had more than my fill. Amazing — will return just for that reason.
Punk music — ok, not my fave — but was with a great group of people and had a great time!
Next time I return I will try more of the food. For this time — had the BEST evening and look forward to the next time!

One of the best venues in the city.
I have never tried Broken City’s food, but I do go there a lot for the music. Broken City hosts lots of great bands and djs from all over. They also still offer great deals on drinks during these events while being fairly close to the CTrain and other places to drink. Overall one of my most common Friday or Saturday night locations.
Come for the music and stay for the atmosphere!

Great live music, Punk Rock Bingo nights (Punk Rock Bingo has recently changed to Trivia), comedy, killer retro DJ’s and… Magic The Gathering? You know what, I’m not even surprised! Just like Napoleon Dynamite, Broken City does whatever they feel like they want to do. GOSH!
Worn wood floors and tables and lots of pub style character — Broken City doesn’t dress to impress, and they don’t expect you to either! Come as you are, and be who are, they’ll treat you well and show you a good time.
Even though you’ll usually find me here for the events, the food is pretty top notch too! I’ve recently discovered the brunch scene here, and not only is it a great place to spend your entire Saturday night livin’ it up, you can relax and recover in peace with some vegan pancakes and a PBR and Clam to sort you out.
If you’re open to whatever, and you’re looking for something fun to do, chances are you’ll have a blast at Broken City!

Aside from The Coup, it is very difficult to find good vegetarian/​vegan food in this city. Sure, there are always things like stir fries, Big Salads, and pasta entrees available at most restaurants, but it is a rare treat to find other choices (ie– not just rabbit food!). Sometimes even vegetarians want some good ol’ delicious pub grub too!
Anyway, I’ve been to Broken City a few times and am VERY impressed with the selection. For lunch and dinner I’ve had the veggie chili, cauliflower pizza bites, and veggie burger. Mmmm… they do a mean veggie burger. Smothered in guacamole and everything! Oh, and the veggie chili is excellent! Even my carnivorous friend was lusting after my lunch after letting them sample it.
My favourite thing though, is the breakfast. They offer a veggie breakfast bowl complete with fresh hashbrowns, veggie chili, scrambled eggs, cheese, salsa… it’s the real deal. Everything is cooked perfectly. Eggs fluffy, hashbrowns crispy… *drooool* I’d seriously eat this for dinner if they offered it all day. *HINT HINT* Vegans take note: They offer making this bowl vegan by omitting the cheese and subbing the eggs for tofu at no extra cost.
Service has always been decent. It can get a little scrambled during peak times, but that is common and i’ve never left unhappy. Wouldn’t say the service stands out as particularly «EXCELLENT» but the food is so yummy and that is ultimately what brings me back. :)

Broken City recently updated their menu again, and while I’m sad that the vegan poutine is off the menu for good (especially since I never seemed to be able to try it! :’(), they DO have a delicious Vegan Burger now! No dry, microwaved to the point of sad, hockey puck. And their chickpea fries are tasty goodness.
And thanks to the staff for finding my phone, and putting it safely behind the bar until I walked back tonight. xoxoxoxo