Reader’s Garden Cafe

This is a Historic place to bring your best friend, your grandma, or a group of ladies for an afternoon with a view of downtown and the Saddledome. The walk up to the house is spectacular as you wind your way through indigenous plants, wild flowers and trees indigenous to Southern Alberta and the Calgary area. The house is a replica of one that stood on that site back in 1912 and was owned by the Reader family whose father was a parks superintendent. The hours for the café are from 11 – 3 pm Thursday — Sunday.
I have been two times now and both were very different based on the service. If it’s too hot for tea, I suggest a pitcher of Sangria which is made fresh to order. Follow with the Blackcurrant Sumac Scones which come with clotted cream and house preserves. The salmon eggs Benedict were fantastic! They were so good, I had them the second time around.
It’s best to make a reservation and outdoor seating is first come first served. If you have any mobility issues, call ahead and you can drive up to the front door instead of walking from down in the parking lot.
Enjoy!

This is an amazing restaurant that is built into the park. It’s close to the train and has tons of parking. The restaurant has an old-​fashioned look to it and is nicely ventilated.
I didn’t make reservation and waited in the park. The hostess called me when the table was ready. Great service!
My apple salad with spelt was amazing. All the food is organic. I’m coming back next time for afternoon tea and sweets.
The price is fine because they really use amazing ingredients.
Must go!

I’ve lived in Calgary since 1986, and yet I only recently discovered this place on the hilltop of Readers Garden. It’s a beautifully restored heritage estate home that feels utterly secluded from the bustle of the city below. I ordered the free range buttermilk chicken sandwich with the featured soup of the day – delicious and filling, with fresh, high quality local ingredients put together with care.

Born and raised in Calgary but having gotten used to living in The Okanagan — this hidden gem is a very pleasant surprise nestled in the inner city! With its charm and rustic feel, the experience feels like a weekend getaway rather than just a meal. One can tell that both the food AND service is about quality & not quantity; but yet you leave on a full stomach! Now really… isn’t that what it should be about? :-)

Situated next to the beautiful Readers garden (and a cemetary on the other side), this historic landmark has some really wonderful food. Local and as organic as it comes.