A little off the top. Oh, and a margarita! Such are the options at Cannibale in Calgary, a curious bar and barber concept where patrons are encouraged to combine a few cocktails with their monthly haircut.
“We are Calgary’s first barbershop/speakeasy concept,” the establishment says on its website. “We provide an amazing one-on-one service in our cool barbershop, then head over to the lounge for cocktails and some great food.” Indeed, a free beer is offered with every cut.
On the other hand, patrons can drink and dine first and get trimmed later, but one wonders how many shaved heads have been perpetrated in the name of a few too many pints.
Either way, full marks for creativity to Cannibale, which has been open since 2015 and has a couple of other salons (without the adjacent lounge/patio) in the city.
“The culinary landscape in Calgary is changing. There’s a push toward creative spaces, playful concepts and inventive menus – and Cannibale follows suit,” National Geographic noted in a review.
Meanwhile, another review in WestJet magazine gave a shout out to Cannibale’s patio and its “friendly neighbourhood vibe (that) really makes me feel at home.”
That patio (photo below) is a particularly pleasant place to enjoy not one but two happy hours: $5 beers, wines and spirits every day from 4 till 6 and again from 10 p.m. to close.
The regular drinks menu features a dozen craft draft and bottled beers, plus wine tumblers, all for $8, plus another dirty dozen cocktails split into “old” and “new school” options.
Food is similarly stylish with items like spicy pumpkin seeds, prawn avocado salad, chipotle spareribs and four types of tacos (plus much more).
Weekend brunch features a different menu for both food and cocktails.
Cannibale Bridgeland is located at 813 1 Ave. Take note: bar and barbershops hours don’t entirely overlap. The former is open every day till midnight from 4 p.m. during the week and 11 a.m. on weekends (incl. Fri.). It is closed Monday.
With summer in mind – and glass in hand – we at Travel Industry Today continue our seasonal series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues to enjoy during the (hopefully good) weather. Send your suggestions to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com
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