The shows here are really good, the actors/actresses are really good looking and super convincing. The performers are so good at what they do and can do really impressive tricks. It sucks that they only sell drinks. I wanted food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 4
James Windsor
I started going to Twisted when I was 18—that was 18 years ago. From the moment I walked in, I was drawn to the welcoming faces, the sense of community, and the excitement of knowing I’d run into friends or meet someone new. Weekend after weekend, I kept coming back. And one major reason was simple: no cover charge.
When Twisted introduced cover, it wasn’t just an extra cost—it changed the experience. A casual night out became a financial decision. That $10 drink now cost $20, making it harder to justify just stopping in to see who was around. Instead of spontaneity, the mindset became: "If I’m paying cover, it better be worth it."
But it wasn’t just about money—it was about how it felt. I wasn’t just a casual visitor; I was a regular, someone who never paid cover even on special event nights. That made me feel valued, like I was part of the Twisted family. Then suddenly, that changed. Now, cover was charged every time, even when nothing special was happening, and it sent a message: "You’re just another customer now."
One of the things that made Twisted great was its diversity. It was full of all sorts of queer, gay, bi, young, old, whatever! Anyone and everyone had a place. The mix of people gave it energy, made it exciting, and made it feel like home for the whole LGBTQ+ community.
And let’s talk about something else that’s gone—the lines. Twisted used to have lines out the door every night. If you were young and cute, bouncers would pull you out of line and get you in ahead of everyone else. That VIP energy was awesome!
Now? No more lines. No more excitement. And that’s not because the community changed—it’s because management stopped making people feel special.
The real issue: management decisions.
Twisted isn’t just a bar—it’s the only gay club in the city. It should be thriving. It should be a place where people feel welcome, where regulars feel appreciated, and where new visitors are drawn in by the energy of a packed crowd.
Another thing worth questioning is the ID scanners. Are they really necessary? A lot of LGBTQ+ people value their privacy due to past trauma. For some, handing over personal information just to enter a gay bar feels intrusive. Sure make sure I'm 18 but that's it.
How to fix it?
Stop charging cover to regulars. They’re the ones who built the community.
Make the space inviting. A broom and dustpan shouldn’t be mounted at eye level beside the back bar like it’s part of the decor.
Fix the lighting. Bathrooms should feel warm and flattering, not lit with harsh, clinical daylight bulbs.
Find a better spot for that ice machine at the front bar. Yes, the fine details do matter!
Maintain the basics. Broken washroom stalls, sticky floors, and general neglect don’t exactly scream great night out.
Reconsider the ID scanners. If they’re making people uncomfortable, are they really needed?
The easiest solution? Get the right person in charge.
Twisted doesn’t just need to drop cover for the right people—it needs someone who actually knows who the right people are. Someone who’s been around. Someone who knows who should and shouldn’t pay cover and how to make the space feel alive again.
If they’re serious about turning things around, they should find someone from the community, someone with history, to rebuild that connection. That person could reach out and say, "Come back. No cover for you. We want you here."
And just like that, the energy would return.
Can Twisted make a comeback?
Twisted lost what made it special—not because the community changed, but because the experience did. People don’t just go out for drinks; they go out for an environment that makes them feel welcome.
Jellybean Hutchison
I didn’t try any food there so I cannot vote on the food, but oh my God it was a great time the queens that were there were a fun bit to start the night
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Marty Milne
Great time but whatever juices you are using for your dog machine stinks. I have one at home. It doesn't need to smell like thG
Selia kh
Old facility but the hypes are great there... enjoyed my night but they need to do a lot of fixing for floor and furniture
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Isidro Gonzalez
I have been coming to this bar for more than ten years, and the las time there (on New Year’s night) I had my very first two bad experiences there. 1- when me and my partner went to the stage area to dance (because it was less crowded there) we both were assaulted by a drunk guy who was with a girl. When my partner was asked to be blown right there by that guy and he refused, the guy proceeded to push him away with force and signaled to get out of there. I pushed the guy back. We went to complain with a person two different people working there (a guy picking the empty bottles and glasses and guy at the entrance) but nothing was done about it. Then we tried to get out, it my partners jacket was in the coat check area. There was sooo many people, the line was so long, we waited almost an hour and it wasn’t getting any shorter. I went to the front desk and asked the lonely person getting the coats, asked him if it was ok to leave the jacket there and coming to get it the next day , and the guy yelled at me to go to end of the line! My partner’s jacket is still there. They should have security people, I was thinking about calling the police. Thumbs down 👎🏽
Wheelchair accessibility: No wheelchair accessible.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
Abdul Akkad
We were having a stressful week so we decided to go to the club and have a bit of fun and we really liked the vibe
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Francisca Garcia
Horrible service, Left our belongings inside and the front man checking ID put his hands on us.
Robin Skare
30 mim coat check line & sticky floor :|
Correction: 50 mins coat check line, actually ridiculous
I've been a patron of this bar since turning 18 and met my husband of 10+ years here. I will always have those memories, however, as of recently this place has gone downhill; like after 2023/2024 onward. I loved the basement bar and the seating area that was there. When that turned into Twisted Underground, I liked that there was at least a place to dance to some good house music. That has not been present in recent times. The DJ upstairs is absolutely terrible and has no business calling themselves a DJ. Get someone who's actually in touch with modern pop culture. Let's play songs with different tempos and no smooth transitions. It's jarring going from one song to another when they sound completely different. Kills the mood. And let's have it all be from the 70s-90s. Earth Wind and Fire? Men Without Hats? Where's the new and upbeat? I thought this was a club to dance, I can't dance to what is being spun. No more old music or top 40; if it's going to be top 40, give us something to move to. The bad music has me going outside to the smokers area and debating coming back in. I've also found there have been less drag events, which was another factor that brought me out. I will always support local but the fact there haven't been any special guests for Pride, New Years, Halloween, etc. the last 2 years is telling. When there have been events, Mac Jeffries was a great meet and greet photographer and I'm bummed she's no longer there. Whoever is doing the photos now need to STOP PHOTOGRAPHING FROM BELOW. I know I have 1 chin but photographing from below adds extra and we don't need that kind of negativity for something we paid for. I try to pregame drinks before I come out, although I do enjoy Kirk. I want to support this place because of what it means to me. I'm hoping the bar can become what it was because what it is now is just not it. This place used to feel inclusive and welcoming to all. In recent times, it just feels geared to gay men looking to hook up; if that's your thing, no judgement but it definitely excludes the LBT. I remember money was being raised to make the place more accessible for anyone with mobility restrictions, but I don't know what happened with that. This was the place to watch drag, and dance until I lost track of time. Maybe it's the nostalgia that keeps me coming back.
Andrew Nadrofsky
Had a great time, love the couches in front of the fireplace upstairs... and the winged pic op down...
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Mitchell Hall
Had an incredible night at Twisted Element! The energy, the music, and the vibe were all spot-on. The DJ kept the floor alive, especially with that Hottogo/YMCA mashup – pure bliss! The staff was friendly and kept everything moving smoothly. Just wish the night didn’t have to end.
On a side note, I want to shout out to a couple of stars who made the night even better. Gerardo (dressed all in black with a love of tequila and a great beat), your Latin energy and hypnotic dance moves were magnetic! And Aaron (orange shirt and black folding fan), you were the ultimate wingman with that cooling fan – an absolute lifesaver on the dance floor. To both of you, thanks for making it an unforgettable night. Can’t wait to do it again!
Highly recommend checking this place out the next time you're in YYC!
The shows here are really good, the actors/actresses are really good looking and super convincing. The performers are so good at what they do and can do really impressive tricks. It sucks that they only sell drinks. I wanted food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 4
I started going to Twisted when I was 18—that was 18 years ago. From the moment I walked in, I was drawn to the welcoming faces, the sense of community, and the excitement of knowing I’d run into friends or meet someone new. Weekend after weekend, I kept coming back. And one major reason was simple: no cover charge.
When Twisted introduced cover, it wasn’t just an extra cost—it changed the experience. A casual night out became a financial decision. That $10 drink now cost $20, making it harder to justify just stopping in to see who was around. Instead of spontaneity, the mindset became: "If I’m paying cover, it better be worth it."
But it wasn’t just about money—it was about how it felt. I wasn’t just a casual visitor; I was a regular, someone who never paid cover even on special event nights. That made me feel valued, like I was part of the Twisted family. Then suddenly, that changed. Now, cover was charged every time, even when nothing special was happening, and it sent a message: "You’re just another customer now."
One of the things that made Twisted great was its diversity. It was full of all sorts of queer, gay, bi, young, old, whatever! Anyone and everyone had a place. The mix of people gave it energy, made it exciting, and made it feel like home for the whole LGBTQ+ community.
And let’s talk about something else that’s gone—the lines. Twisted used to have lines out the door every night. If you were young and cute, bouncers would pull you out of line and get you in ahead of everyone else. That VIP energy was awesome!
Now? No more lines. No more excitement. And that’s not because the community changed—it’s because management stopped making people feel special.
The real issue: management decisions.
Twisted isn’t just a bar—it’s the only gay club in the city. It should be thriving. It should be a place where people feel welcome, where regulars feel appreciated, and where new visitors are drawn in by the energy of a packed crowd.
Another thing worth questioning is the ID scanners. Are they really necessary? A lot of LGBTQ+ people value their privacy due to past trauma. For some, handing over personal information just to enter a gay bar feels intrusive. Sure make sure I'm 18 but that's it.
How to fix it?
Stop charging cover to regulars. They’re the ones who built the community.
Make the space inviting. A broom and dustpan shouldn’t be mounted at eye level beside the back bar like it’s part of the decor.
Fix the lighting. Bathrooms should feel warm and flattering, not lit with harsh, clinical daylight bulbs.
Find a better spot for that ice machine at the front bar. Yes, the fine details do matter!
Maintain the basics. Broken washroom stalls, sticky floors, and general neglect don’t exactly scream great night out.
Reconsider the ID scanners. If they’re making people uncomfortable, are they really needed?
The easiest solution? Get the right person in charge.
Twisted doesn’t just need to drop cover for the right people—it needs someone who actually knows who the right people are. Someone who’s been around. Someone who knows who should and shouldn’t pay cover and how to make the space feel alive again.
If they’re serious about turning things around, they should find someone from the community, someone with history, to rebuild that connection. That person could reach out and say, "Come back. No cover for you. We want you here."
And just like that, the energy would return.
Can Twisted make a comeback?
Twisted lost what made it special—not because the community changed, but because the experience did. People don’t just go out for drinks; they go out for an environment that makes them feel welcome.
I didn’t try any food there so I cannot vote on the food, but oh my God it was a great time the queens that were there were a fun bit to start the night
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Great time but whatever juices you are using for your dog machine stinks. I have one at home. It doesn't need to smell like thG
Old facility but the hypes are great there... enjoyed my night but they need to do a lot of fixing for floor and furniture
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
I have been coming to this bar for more than ten years, and the las time there (on New Year’s night) I had my very first two bad experiences there. 1- when me and my partner went to the stage area to dance (because it was less crowded there) we both were assaulted by a drunk guy who was with a girl. When my partner was asked to be blown right there by that guy and he refused, the guy proceeded to push him away with force and signaled to get out of there. I pushed the guy back. We went to complain with a person two different people working there (a guy picking the empty bottles and glasses and guy at the entrance) but nothing was done about it. Then we tried to get out, it my partners jacket was in the coat check area. There was sooo many people, the line was so long, we waited almost an hour and it wasn’t getting any shorter. I went to the front desk and asked the lonely person getting the coats, asked him if it was ok to leave the jacket there and coming to get it the next day , and the guy yelled at me to go to end of the line! My partner’s jacket is still there. They should have security people, I was thinking about calling the police. Thumbs down 👎🏽
Wheelchair accessibility: No wheelchair accessible.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
We were having a stressful week so we decided to go to the club and have a bit of fun and we really liked the vibe
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Horrible service,
Left our belongings inside and the front man checking ID put his hands on us.
30 mim coat check line & sticky floor :|
Correction: 50 mins coat check line, actually ridiculous
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Awsome place !!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
LOVE LOVE LOVE. Never felt more at home <3
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love twisted, such an amazing safe space!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I've been a patron of this bar since turning 18 and met my husband of 10+ years here. I will always have those memories, however, as of recently this place has gone downhill; like after 2023/2024 onward.
I loved the basement bar and the seating area that was there. When that turned into Twisted Underground, I liked that there was at least a place to dance to some good house music. That has not been present in recent times.
The DJ upstairs is absolutely terrible and has no business calling themselves a DJ. Get someone who's actually in touch with modern pop culture.
Let's play songs with different tempos and no smooth transitions. It's jarring going from one song to another when they sound completely different. Kills the mood. And let's have it all be from the 70s-90s. Earth Wind and Fire? Men Without Hats? Where's the new and upbeat? I thought this was a club to dance, I can't dance to what is being spun. No more old music or top 40; if it's going to be top 40, give us something to move to. The bad music has me going outside to the smokers area and debating coming back in.
I've also found there have been less drag events, which was another factor that brought me out. I will always support local but the fact there haven't been any special guests for Pride, New Years, Halloween, etc. the last 2 years is telling.
When there have been events, Mac Jeffries was a great meet and greet photographer and I'm bummed she's no longer there. Whoever is doing the photos now need to STOP PHOTOGRAPHING FROM BELOW. I know I have 1 chin but photographing from below adds extra and we don't need that kind of negativity for something we paid for.
I try to pregame drinks before I come out, although I do enjoy Kirk.
I want to support this place because of what it means to me. I'm hoping the bar can become what it was because what it is now is just not it. This place used to feel inclusive and welcoming to all. In recent times, it just feels geared to gay men looking to hook up; if that's your thing, no judgement but it definitely excludes the LBT. I remember money was being raised to make the place more accessible for anyone with mobility restrictions, but I don't know what happened with that.
This was the place to watch drag, and dance until I lost track of time. Maybe it's the nostalgia that keeps me coming back.
Had a great time, love the couches in front of the fireplace upstairs... and the winged pic op down...
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Had an incredible night at Twisted Element! The energy, the music, and the vibe were all spot-on. The DJ kept the floor alive, especially with that Hottogo/YMCA mashup – pure bliss! The staff was friendly and kept everything moving smoothly. Just wish the night didn’t have to end.
On a side note, I want to shout out to a couple of stars who made the night even better. Gerardo (dressed all in black with a love of tequila and a great beat), your Latin energy and hypnotic dance moves were magnetic! And Aaron (orange shirt and black folding fan), you were the ultimate wingman with that cooling fan – an absolute lifesaver on the dance floor. To both of you, thanks for making it an unforgettable night. Can’t wait to do it again!
Highly recommend checking this place out the next time you're in YYC!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
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