22 notable restaurant and bar closures in Calgary this year
The restaurant industry is notoriously a fickle one, and occasionally, that leads to some unfortunate losses to the city’s dining scene.
Over the course of 2024, there were quite a few restaurant closings in Calgary, and while some of these spots plan to be revived with a new concept, others have closed for good.
Here are some of the most notable restaurants and bars that closed their doors in Calgary in 2024.
The Blues Can
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The Blues Can, one of Calgary’s most legendary live music venues and bars, will officially be closing its doors at the end of December.
“If you want to see the old place one more time you better get here before the end of the year ’cause we won’t be here as of January 1st 2025,” the team said in an update on its website.
However, the spot is slated to reopen at a new location at 2002 16th Avenue NW.
Address: 1429 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
Roy’s Korean Kitchen – Mission
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In November, Chef Roy Oh confirmed “with mixed emotions” that Roy’s Korean Kitchen’s Mission outpost would close after three years of operation.
While the Mission space is no more, Oh will still be serving dishes such as the fried Brussels sprouts and grilled shortribs from its food hall outpost at The District and The Lounge.
Address: 2024 4th Street SW, Calgary
Gringo Street
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Gringo Street, a well-known spot for tacos and Latin American fare in Calgary, also closed its doors.
In an Instagram post, the restaurant said it would be closing its location at #101 524 17th Avenue SW “until further notice.”
“These past five years have been filled with unforgettable memories, and we are endlessly grateful for your love and support,” the post read.
Address: #101 524 17th Avenue SW, Calgary
Diner Deluxe – Bridgeland
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Diner Deluxe, a Calgary brunch institution, closed its Edmonton Trail location in November after it decided not to renew its lease.
The location has been open for a whopping 25 years. While it will certainly be missed, Diner Deluxe hinted at a possible new location and added it was looking into alternative leasing options.
Address: 804 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary
1600 World Bier Haus
World Bier Haus announced it would cease operations at its Glenmore Landing outpost at the beginning of December. The spot was known for its extensive beer menu, which included both local and imported brews, as well as bar food.
Address: 1600 90th Avenue SW #100A, Calgary
D.O.P.
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Popular Italian joint D.O.P. said goodbye to its first home on 1st Street SW in August, as the building was scheduled to be demolished.
The acclaimed restaurant wasn’t down for too long, as a new reimagined concept DOPO has since opened in Marda Loop.
Address: 1005A 1st Street SW, Calgary
Scuba Jay’s Bar
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Kensington’s upscale dive bar concept Scuba Jay’s announced it would be closing in September.
The spot was known for its selection of local craft beers and classic bar food, including snacks, poutine, handhelds, and brunch.
Address: 302 10th Street NW, Calgary
Jam’s Diner
Jam’s Diner also announced its closure this summer, but not without some controversy. The spot got some serious heat and was review-bombed after its owner responded to a negative Google Review from a customer.
Address: 1209 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
Vendome
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One of Sunnyside’s most well-loved cafes, Vendome, shuttered in August after 15 years of service.
“For the past 15 years, Vendome Café has been the beloved spot for morning coffee, delicious meals, and warm connections among neighbours. Each chapter of our story has been special, and now it’s time for a new one to begin,” Vendome said in an Instagram post.
The popular spot opened in 2009 in the historic Vendome Block building and served coffee, brunch, salads, and handhelds.
Address: 940 2nd Avenue NW, Calgary
Francine’s
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Francine’s, a French-inspired bar which opened as a pop-up in January, announced it would be winding down operations from its spot inside downtown Calgary’s Meat & Bread.
However, it doesn’t seem to be a full “goodbye” but more of a “see you later,” as the team said it was working on “something bigger and better,” so watch this space!
Address: Meat & Bread – 821 1st Street SW, Calgary
The Curryer
The Curryer, a Pakistani restaurant in Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood, has closed its doors due to operational costs.
The spot, which was known for its wide selection of Pakistani curries and naanwiches, opened its first brick-and-mortar location in 2021 after previously operating as a food truck at events around the city.
Address: #105, 550 11th Avenue SW, Calgary
Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Co
Ol’ Beautiful, one of Calgary’s most popular taprooms, was forced to close due to a fire this summer. Luckily, no one was hurt, but the taproom will be closed for the foreseeable future.
“We want to extend sincere gratitude to our community for the continued support as we navigate next steps following this devastating loss,” the team said in an Instagram post.
For those who miss the spot, Ol’ Beautiful recently opened its new Sound Room concept.
Address: 1103 12th Street SE, Calgary
The Backlot
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The Backlot, one of Calgary’s longest-serving queer spaces, shut its doors in July.
The “West Hollywood”-style bar has been a welcoming space for Calgary’s 2SLGBTQIA+ since its opening, hosting karaoke, drag shows and live music for decades.
Address: 209 10th Avenue SW, Calgary
Modern Steak – Kensington
March saw the end of the road for one of Calgary’s most well-known steak houses. Modern Steak closed down its Kensington location after 10 years, as the building is being sold.
Luckily, Modern Steak’s locations on Stephen Avenue and Southport will remain open.
Address: 107 10A Street NW, Calgary
Ponshu
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Japanese izakaya, Ponshu, sadly closed its doors in April after almost four years. The restaurant, which opened in 2020, was known for its wide array of Japanese-inspired dishes, including truffle ramen, yuzu marinated chicken wings, sushi, and sashimi.
Address: 10 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary
The Halal Guys
After the huge fanfare surrounding its opening in 2021, international chain The Halal Guys quietly closed its doors in Calgary. The space on 17th Avenue reopened as Jerusalem Shawara soon after.
Address: 923 17th Avenue SW, Calgary
Free House
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The popular Calgary beer hall Free House closed this spring. The cozy neighbourhood spot has been a staple in the Kensington community since opening in early 2020.
Address: 1153 Kensington Crescent NW, Calgary
Paradise Beverage Co
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Just four months after its huge rebrand, Paradise Beverage Co also seems to have quietly shuttered. The space was a new concept by the team behind Elite Brewing and Cidery.
Address: 1319 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary
V Burger
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V Burger, a 100% plant-based burger joint, closed down its restaurant on 17th Avenue.
It was a challenging year for the restaurant, with construction impacting foot traffic to the store. V Burger is still available through delivery services.
Address: 819 17th Avenue SW, Calgary
Revival Brewcade, one of the city’s most popular spots for beer and pinball, announced it was closing down in January after five years in business. The Inglewood space is now home to the new concept Burn Block Social Club.
Address: 1217B 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
Island Plate
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Hawaiian fusion spot Island Plate will be closing down on January 30. The spot is known for its vast menu of island-inspired dishes, including coconut shrimp, mochiko chicken, and kalua pork.
Address: 20 Crowfoot Crescent NW #410, Calgary
Menyatai Japanese Noodles
Menyatai Japanese Noodles, an incredibly popular spot famous for its ramen in Calgary, closed its doors in February after almost a decade in business.
“As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. While this chapter may be closing, the memories and friendships forged within these walls will forever remain etched in our hearts,” the restaurant said in an Instagram post.
Address: 24 12th Street NW, Calgary
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