We came here to celebrate a birthday and were genuinely excited to try this place for the first time. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t meet expectations. The food tasted ok, but the execution was very sloppy, and the Christmas-themed drinks and décor felt more tacky than festive. The ambience leaned heavily on basic holiday music, which didn’t elevate the atmosphere.
Service was the biggest issue. When we arrived, we waited more than 20 minutes with no acknowledgment from anyone. We actually had to send our birthday guest to track down a server just to get started. Throughout the night, multiple dishes were sent to the wrong table or brought out incorrectly—three times. On top of that, service and kitchen pacing were extremely slow. The manager had emphasized during booking that we only had a two-hour dining window, yet the restaurant couldn’t even deliver all of our dishes within those two hours.
Communication leading up to the reservation was also slow, and overall the experience didn’t feel aligned with the “award-winning” reputation they promote. It wasn’t terrible, but it definitely wasn’t upscale.
Fortunately, our group still enjoyed the evening because we used all that waiting time to have great conversations. But the visit itself missed the mark, and based on this experience, we’re not sure we’d return—maybe it’s better outside the holiday rush, but this round just didn’t deliver.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Juliya
Decor and service were outstanding! Our server (male, glasses, brown curly hair) was fantastic. I shared what I like and don't like, and his cocktail recommendations were on point. We didn't realize you can't really have a full dining experience there. Food menu is mostly finger food and very limited. However, if you're looking for a festive holiday cocktail bar, I'd highly recommend it.
C cwickens
Love Proof, especially the Christmas pop-up. The drinks are pricey but oh so good. I highly recommend going with a friend so you can try more of the menu.
Emily Lundy
Absolutely adore this spot. I’ve been many times and it simply never misses. The drinks are always exceptional and the staff are always friendly and accommodating. A Calgary staple that locals and visitors should keep at the top of their lists.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
demeter
We visited this spot to celebrate a birthday and were genuinely excited to try it for the first time. Unfortunately, the experience didn't land the way we hoped. The flavors were solid, but the execution felt sloppy. Drinks were fine, but the Christmas-themed cocktails came off a bit tacky, and the ambience leaned heavily on generic holiday music, which made the space feel more chaotic than festive. The biggest pain point was the service pace. When we booked for seven (we ended up being six), the manager emphasized we would only have a two-hour dining window. Ironically, the kitchen couldn't even deliver all the dishes within that timeframe. Service was extremely slow, and while we understand the challenges of being understaffed during the season, the lag really impacted the overall experience. Communication leading up to the reservation was also slow, and nothing about the evening felt aligned with the “award-winning” positioning they promote. It wasn't terrible, but it definitely wasn't upscale. Thankfully, our group still enjoyed the night because we had time to talk—mostly because we were waiting so long. Overall, it was an okay visit, but not memorable enough for us to return. Maybe it's better outside the holiday rush, but based on this visit, it missed the mark.
Jennifer
Service was extremely slow. The beef carpaccio took an hour to arrive at your table. Thankfully, it was delicious
Cassie Struik
This was, unfortunately, one of the most disappointing dining experiences I’ve had in quite some time. Service was consistently slow, drinks took an excessive amount of time to arrive, and it was a long wait before anyone came to take our food order. When the food finally did come, no plates or utensils were provided, and we had to request them separately.
Our server and the busser were clearly working very hard under difficult circumstances, but it was evident they were unsupported. While they were doing everything they could to keep the evening moving, several staff members, including the owner, were standing near the back office and bar area talking rather than stepping in to assist. Watching the owner remain disengaged while his team struggled was extremely disappointing and set the tone for the entire experience.
As for the menu, the eggnog cocktail was the only standout. The remaining drinks were average at best. The food, unfortunately, missed the mark entirely. Everything was overly salty, to the point where the Hawai‘i bao buns were nearly inedible. The saltiness overwhelmed any other flavours, including the pineapple.
Considering the long wait to be seated and the delays in receiving both drinks and food, nothing about the experience justified the time spent. Overall, this visit was a major letdown and not something I would recommend based on the service, quality, and lack of leadership observed.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
Cassie
This was, unfortunately, one of the most disappointing dining experiences I've had in quite some time. Service was consistently slow, drinks took an excessive amount of time to arrive, and it was a long wait before anyone came to take our food order. When the food finally did come, no plates or utensils were provided, and we had to request them separately. Our server and the busser were clearly working very hard under difficult circumstances, but it was evident they were unsupported. While they were doing everything they could to keep the evening moving, several staff members, including the owner, were standing near the back office and bar area talking rather than stepping in to assist. Watching the owner remain disengaged while his team struggled was extremely disappointing and set the tone for the entire experience. As for the menu, the eggnog cocktail was the only standout. The remaining drinks were average at best. The food, unfortunately, missed the mark entirely. Everything was overly salty, to the point where the Hawai‘i bao buns were nearly inedible. The saltiness overwhelmed any other flavours, including the pineapple. Considering the long wait to be seated and the delays in receiving both drinks and food, nothing about the experience justified the time spent. Overall, this visit was a major letdown and not something I would recommend based on the service, quality, and lack of leadership observed.
Anthony Imbrogno
Christmas theme is well underway here. The Christmaspolitan drink was extremely good. Attentive bar staff made for a great date night. A little cramped seating at the bar but overall a worthwhile place to feel fabulous.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Geno
Had a reservation that they had no idea we had made. Server was rude and couldn’t poor water without missing the glass. Christmas cocktails were all terrible and not worth the price. Will not go back or suggest anyone to go there
Cool bar! They were decorated to the hilt for Christmas. It is smaller and you may need a reservation. Check it out.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Alex
It was just what we were looking for. We went for happy hour before the flames game. Enjoyed some cocktails and bao buns which were fantastic. The place isn't that big but the ambiance and atmosphere was romantic with candles on each table. I would recommend getting a reservation if you're planing to go before a flames game between 4-7.
Hash
Back in town for a short visit. Decided to make a pre-dinner reservation to try Proof out. Nice little spot, quite small seating area but still comfortable. I think the lower tables would be better suited for food orders and a longer stay. Service was excellent. Cocktail menu is beyond creative. Food was very good, we wanted to order more but had dinner reservations so had to refrain. Old fashioned was pretty much the standard you get, it was on their Happy Hour Menu Tried another Tequila based drink with lime leaf. Came completely clear, and it was so different from anything I've ever had. Very nice. Will definitely be back for more visits. Thanks!
deidra Michel
Allie is awesome
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Elle Wilde
Phenomenal service! Ali was the best server I’ve had in a while.
We came here to celebrate a birthday and were genuinely excited to try this place for the first time. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t meet expectations. The food tasted ok, but the execution was very sloppy, and the Christmas-themed drinks and décor felt more tacky than festive. The ambience leaned heavily on basic holiday music, which didn’t elevate the atmosphere.
Service was the biggest issue. When we arrived, we waited more than 20 minutes with no acknowledgment from anyone. We actually had to send our birthday guest to track down a server just to get started. Throughout the night, multiple dishes were sent to the wrong table or brought out incorrectly—three times. On top of that, service and kitchen pacing were extremely slow. The manager had emphasized during booking that we only had a two-hour dining window, yet the restaurant couldn’t even deliver all of our dishes within those two hours.
Communication leading up to the reservation was also slow, and overall the experience didn’t feel aligned with the “award-winning” reputation they promote. It wasn’t terrible, but it definitely wasn’t upscale.
Fortunately, our group still enjoyed the evening because we used all that waiting time to have great conversations. But the visit itself missed the mark, and based on this experience, we’re not sure we’d return—maybe it’s better outside the holiday rush, but this round just didn’t deliver.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Decor and service were outstanding! Our server (male, glasses, brown curly hair) was fantastic. I shared what I like and don't like, and his cocktail recommendations were on point. We didn't realize you can't really have a full dining experience there. Food menu is mostly finger food and very limited. However, if you're looking for a festive holiday cocktail bar, I'd highly recommend it.
Love Proof, especially the Christmas pop-up. The drinks are pricey but oh so good. I highly recommend going with a friend so you can try more of the menu.
Absolutely adore this spot. I’ve been many times and it simply never misses. The drinks are always exceptional and the staff are always friendly and accommodating. A Calgary staple that locals and visitors should keep at the top of their lists.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We visited this spot to celebrate a birthday and were genuinely excited to try it for the first time. Unfortunately, the experience didn't land the way we hoped. The flavors were solid, but the execution felt sloppy. Drinks were fine, but the Christmas-themed cocktails came off a bit tacky, and the ambience leaned heavily on generic holiday music, which made the space feel more chaotic than festive. The biggest pain point was the service pace. When we booked for seven (we ended up being six), the manager emphasized we would only have a two-hour dining window. Ironically, the kitchen couldn't even deliver all the dishes within that timeframe. Service was extremely slow, and while we understand the challenges of being understaffed during the season, the lag really impacted the overall experience. Communication leading up to the reservation was also slow, and nothing about the evening felt aligned with the “award-winning” positioning they promote. It wasn't terrible, but it definitely wasn't upscale. Thankfully, our group still enjoyed the night because we had time to talk—mostly because we were waiting so long. Overall, it was an okay visit, but not memorable enough for us to return. Maybe it's better outside the holiday rush, but based on this visit, it missed the mark.
Service was extremely slow. The beef carpaccio took an hour to arrive at your table. Thankfully, it was delicious
This was, unfortunately, one of the most disappointing dining experiences I’ve had in quite some time. Service was consistently slow, drinks took an excessive amount of time to arrive, and it was a long wait before anyone came to take our food order. When the food finally did come, no plates or utensils were provided, and we had to request them separately.
Our server and the busser were clearly working very hard under difficult circumstances, but it was evident they were unsupported. While they were doing everything they could to keep the evening moving, several staff members, including the owner, were standing near the back office and bar area talking rather than stepping in to assist. Watching the owner remain disengaged while his team struggled was extremely disappointing and set the tone for the entire experience.
As for the menu, the eggnog cocktail was the only standout. The remaining drinks were average at best. The food, unfortunately, missed the mark entirely. Everything was overly salty, to the point where the Hawai‘i bao buns were nearly inedible. The saltiness overwhelmed any other flavours, including the pineapple.
Considering the long wait to be seated and the delays in receiving both drinks and food, nothing about the experience justified the time spent. Overall, this visit was a major letdown and not something I would recommend based on the service, quality, and lack of leadership observed.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
This was, unfortunately, one of the most disappointing dining experiences I've had in quite some time. Service was consistently slow, drinks took an excessive amount of time to arrive, and it was a long wait before anyone came to take our food order. When the food finally did come, no plates or utensils were provided, and we had to request them separately. Our server and the busser were clearly working very hard under difficult circumstances, but it was evident they were unsupported. While they were doing everything they could to keep the evening moving, several staff members, including the owner, were standing near the back office and bar area talking rather than stepping in to assist. Watching the owner remain disengaged while his team struggled was extremely disappointing and set the tone for the entire experience. As for the menu, the eggnog cocktail was the only standout. The remaining drinks were average at best. The food, unfortunately, missed the mark entirely. Everything was overly salty, to the point where the Hawai‘i bao buns were nearly inedible. The saltiness overwhelmed any other flavours, including the pineapple. Considering the long wait to be seated and the delays in receiving both drinks and food, nothing about the experience justified the time spent. Overall, this visit was a major letdown and not something I would recommend based on the service, quality, and lack of leadership observed.
Christmas theme is well underway here. The Christmaspolitan drink was extremely good. Attentive bar staff made for a great date night. A little cramped seating at the bar but overall a worthwhile place to feel fabulous.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Had a reservation that they had no idea we had made. Server was rude and couldn’t poor water without missing the glass. Christmas cocktails were all terrible and not worth the price. Will not go back or suggest anyone to go there
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Cool bar! They were decorated to the hilt for Christmas. It is smaller and you may need a reservation. Check it out.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
It was just what we were looking for. We went for happy hour before the flames game. Enjoyed some cocktails and bao buns which were fantastic. The place isn't that big but the ambiance and atmosphere was romantic with candles on each table. I would recommend getting a reservation if you're planing to go before a flames game between 4-7.
Back in town for a short visit. Decided to make a pre-dinner reservation to try Proof out. Nice little spot, quite small seating area but still comfortable. I think the lower tables would be better suited for food orders and a longer stay. Service was excellent. Cocktail menu is beyond creative. Food was very good, we wanted to order more but had dinner reservations so had to refrain. Old fashioned was pretty much the standard you get, it was on their Happy Hour Menu Tried another Tequila based drink with lime leaf. Came completely clear, and it was so different from anything I've ever had. Very nice. Will definitely be back for more visits. Thanks!
Allie is awesome
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Phenomenal service! Ali was the best server I’ve had in a while.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
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