Palomino Smokehouse and Social Club
• 109 - 7 Ave SW | Calgary, AB
Average User Rating:
6.58/10
6.58/10
Recommended by:
50%
50%
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"BBQ or Bust"
Tracy
September 2011 — "I decided to go here with a friend for two reasons, 1) lack of other options in the immediate area and 2) I heard it was sort of a Calgary landmark. At first glance, I didn't want to touch anything in the dingy dining room, but then I almost immediately warmed up to its charm. Very "western-rock" is how I can best describe the decor and ambiance. It was a Wednesday evening, which is not much of a happening night in downtown Calgary, so we were one of few tables. We opted to sit on the patio which was enclosed in concrete from the neighbouring buildings, but a nice quiet spot that we weren't expecting.
This is where our experience started to go downhill. I'm a vegetarian and asked for a modification on their wraps which she said they would make with cheese and grilled veggies in it. When they brought it out, not only did it have just lettuce, tomato and cucumber, when asked about it, the server's response was "oh, I guess that's just how they made it". Huh??? The side of corn wrapped in bacon was clearly an error as well, but I got eyes rolling and a very unpleasant comment when I asked for my order to be corrected. My friend was happy with the pulled pork sandwich she ordered with the side of grilled veggies and I'll admit, the garlic fries were amazing and even made with fresh garlic, but the ceasar salad was drenched in dressing and barely edible.
We decided to go up to the bar to pay the bill and the manager happened to be there so we communicated our dissatisfaction with my meal and his response was, "we're not really a vegetarian place."
Clearly this is a place for BBQ, if they even have what you want in stock, but it's not a place where you're going to get any sort of customer service. The food is mediocre, so not even good enough to justify the poor service.
"
User Rating
4.83/10
4.83/10
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"Decent Food, Poor service"Jason
March 2011 — "If you ever wondered what a dirty saloon in the old days looked like, just come take a look at the Palamino. Located along the C-Train tracks along 7th Ave in downtown Calgary is a smoke house that I often see in my daily commute. Finally, one weekend we were walking in downtown and saw a sign outside the door advertising a Sunday breakfast special that sounded pretty good. We sat down and the server, who made it seem like she was doing as a favor came by to greet us. She promptly told us breakfast was not available today, so we had to order off the usual menu. That kind of sucked…at least take down the sign outside so people like us don’t get drawn in for breakfast only to be told it was not available. After looking at the menu, I ordered the pulled pork sandwich and the garlic fries. The sandwich was a little dry but overall not too bad. You also really need to heed the warning on the menu about the garlic fries as it comes very loaded with garlic. The service we received was pretty disappointing though, the restaurant was nearly empty and the waitress did not seem like she wanted to be at work at all, she barely came by to check on us or to offer refills of drinks. When she did come by, she was very short and unpleasant. I’m not looking for her to be my best friend, but some common courtesy would be nice. I guess I didn’t want a refill anyway though, since the original drink came in a glass that was dirty and sticky with fingerprints still visible on it. Maybe that’s part of the dirty saloon vibe that they are going for, but I wasn’t a big fan."
User Rating
3.83/10
3.83/10
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"Good and Dirty"Keith
January 2011 — "There must be a caveat in the Calgary Health Code that allows restaurants to be downright grimy, so long as it categorizes itself as “cowboy dining”, because I honestly don’t know how else Palomino is not shut down for some kind of violation. The irony of course, is that I really hope this is the case, cause after grabbing lunch here not too long ago, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
The fact is this place serves up the best smoked meat in town, and if getting a great pulled pork sandwich with bacon-wrapped corn on the cob means putting up with the sticky menus, foggy glasses and ironically-ill-tempered service, then so be it. Seriously, the pulled-pork sandwich I ordered here was perfectly smoked, and maintained a moistness that is rare to find.
To say the Palomino has a certain charm would be an understatement, and while I probably wouldn’t come dine here after sundown, right now I can’t think of a better lunchtime destination."
User Rating
6.50/10
6.50/10
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"Love the Grub!"
Jenny
September 2010 — "I have been to the Palomino a few times, and recently went for dinner with a friend before we went to see a band.
A word on the decor: it's shabby, some of the chairs are really uncomfortable and a lot of the tables and chairs wobble. It is what it is. If you're looking for a nice ambiance then skip the Palomino. If you want excellent authentic barbeque, it's the place to be.
It was a Saturday night and it wasn't too busy so we grabbed a table at the back and our server was over right away to take our drink orders. We ordered some beers and mulled over the menu. I usually get the same thing when I'm there, but always take a while to decide on my two sides. I decided on the applewood smoked pulled pork sandwich with the garlic fries (always have to get those!) and the bacon wrapped corn on the cob. Our food arrived quickly and that sandwich, as always, was extraordinary. I always put a good dose of extra sauce on it. The garlic fries were covered in garlicky goodness and, let's face it, corn on the cob is great but if you wrap it in bacon it becomes ultimate. We had a couple of more beers and it was a nice, laid back casual dining experience. We both left full and happy. I always enjoy my experiences at the Palomino and will definitely be back."
User Rating
8.17/10
8.17/10
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"Average food, nice drinks"
David
January 2010 — "A group of 7 of us went in for dinner about 6:15 on Saturday night (January 16/10). The atmosphere seems fun - sports, beer, rock music & tough guys.
We were served promptly by a very pleasant server after perusing the menu which included a lot of 'fun' items (if you have a sense of humour!).
A 20-foot TV hangs on the wall, providing sports action to anyone looking in that direction.
A centre bar adds a nice touch to the place, covered in wood & accessories - western, sports, and in-between themes.
Tables & chairs are a mix of hand-made (or made to look hand-made) designs, mismatched, uneven, knotty-holed, but comfortable, as long as you're careful not to put your glass on a knothole!
The server was very quick to mop up, and replace, a glass of wine spilled by one of us, despite being very busy.
I chose the Striploin steak, while my immediate seating neighbours had lasagna, a cheeseburger & a pork dinner.
The steak was a decent size, but a bit tough & fatty.
My colleagues had a similar experience with their food - reasonable, but overpriced for the quality of the food.
I was introduced to Thirsty Beaver beer, though, and that was a pleasant new selection for me.
The music was loud & made it difficult to talk, and the draft from the front door (and large front window) made a couple of us a bit chilly.
The location, on 7th Avenue, is in the area is populated by homeless & drunks, but is also the main transit thoroughfare, with a public transit station on the next block.
I will not repeat a meal there, but would go for a drink with friends.
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User Rating
6/10
6/10
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"Great Food!"
Denny
June 2009 — "I have been to the Palomino on several occasions and have always been impressed with their food. On this particular occasion I visited the restaurant on a weekday during lunch with my wife and a bunch of her coworkers. Everyone raves about the pulled pork sandwich, but I chose to have the pulled pork plate with grits and garlic fries. I wasn't too sure about the idea of grits, but one of my wife's coworkers said they were really good, so I tried them, kind of like boiled corn mush!
The pulled pork was amazing as usual. I devoured mine and some of my wife's and could have eaten more. The service was outstanding and the beer was extremely refreshing. We sat on the patio and it was kind of a chilly day, but it turned out great... it's pretty sheltered so we weren't freezing to death. I was a fan before this experience at the Palomino, and I will definitely remain one. Bring on the pulled pork!"
User Rating
8.50/10
8.50/10
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"Smoking Food and Rocking Tunes"Joanne
October 2008 — "Arriving at the Palomino after work on a Friday, the smoky scent of barbeque filled my nostrils and the rocking sound of the Smoking 45's filled my ears.
Strolling to the back of the joint, past the band and the cluster of regulars crowded around the bar, we were met with a huge poster of Johnny Cash, flipping the bird. Something told me were in the right place for some comfort food.
Our server brought us menus and offered us a beverage in short order. We had just missed happy hour, but noticed the prices were still fair by Calgary standards.
I ordered the cheesesteak sandwich with a side of the infamous garlic fries and bacon-wrapped corn. As I waited for the much needed sustenance, the band rocked up a storm, belting out Johnny Cash cover tunes and working the crowd around the bar into a dancing frenzy.
My meal arrived quickly and my eyes grew wide at the size of the plate and the generous portions. Tucking into the sandwich, I noticed plentiful amounts of cheese and onions mixed in with the smoky and tender beef. The French bread was ideally toasted, not too charred, but just the right amount of crispy. But the star of the meal was definitely the bacon-wrapped corn. The sweetness of the corn on the cob was perfectly complemented by the maple smoked bacon and I devoured both pieces in short order. The garlic fries were also tasty, but I wouldn't order them while on a date or business lunch.
Having frequented the Palomino Social Club downstairs in the past, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and service in the restaurant. Next time, I'll stay later. "
User Rating
8.50/10
8.50/10
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Management Response:
"Thanks Joanne!!!"
"Thanks Joanne!!!"
"Try The Garlic Fries!"Emma
April 2008 — "I've been to the Palomino twice and have thoroughly enjoyed the food. I like the wide range of sides you can pick from. I recommend the garlic fries for a side as well as the Jack Daniel's apples. Both are so good.
My only complaint is that the service is a bit slow, which makes it not the best place to go if you have a short lunch break. Both times I've been to the Palomino there has been a big gap in between the times that the people at my table got their food. "
User Rating
7.83/10
7.83/10
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"Don't go for the food or service"
C
July 2007 — "Our lunch club chose this restaurant after Stampede was over. We arrived before noon and our order was taken promptly, but we were not served until after one o'clock and were all late back to work. They were happy to still charge an 18% gratuity even though we sat there for over an hour before the food came. The prices were shocking and the portions small (the sides were served in ridiculous little cream jugs). I ordered the pulled pork sandwich which eventually was served on a stale, dried out roll. The meat portion was skimpy and there was an errant potato from some other meal hidden inside. One friend ordered a half portion of ribs but couldn't finish them because they were so heavily smoked that it became a bit sickening to continue. If skillfully applied, smoke is an excellent seasoning--pork does have a nice flavour if you let it. If a restaurant can't handle a large group, they should say so when a reservation is attempted. Otherwise, the mandatory 18% gratuity should be earned or waived. The servers were friendly enough and quick with the drinks, so nothing against them. One other thing that I have never ever seen before: There is a narrative box on the menu that says for an extra $20.00 you can buy beers for the kitchen staff. Whaaaa???????? Unreal.
The location of this restaurant is dodgy to say the least. We were all starving and knew it was going to be a hefty bill, so we ate it up. No worries about reapeat business, though. "
User Rating
4/10
4/10
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"Slow Cooked to Perfection"
Sarah
July 2006 — "Initially my purpose for going to this classic-country inspired smokehouse, was to see Ronnie Hayward play his big bull fiddle. I happened to be hungry and although a nice touch, the free peanuts were not enough to satisfy. So I ordered the cheapest item on the menu, garlic fries (they really weren’t all that cheap). The combination of potato with garlic is an obvious match, yet this was the first time that I had seen this version, delightful. After the garlic fries I was hooked and promised to be more adventurous. During my next Palomino visit I order the smoked rubbed ribs as an appetizer and could barely finish them. They were seasoned and cooked to perfection and presented to me in a mount of meat. Meat is the theme at the Palomino even the rustic chef salad includes a healthy helping of smokehouse meats. The prices may seem a bit shocking at first, but once that plate arrives on the table in front of you, it is apparent that the money is well spent. A good solid wine list and lots of beer on tap to choose from help to wash down the meal. Although the seedy downtown location leaves a lot to be desired and parking is limited the live music, friendly atmosphere and pulled pork will definitely lure you back for more. A quick warning though, live music is a staple at the Palomino, so if it is a calm and quiet night out you are looking for, look elsewhere!"
User Rating
7.67/10
7.67/10
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DescriptionLocated downtown near the Hyatt Regency, Palomino offers authentic barbecue cuisine amidst old west decor. A dining experience to be sure, the menu features mouthwatering meats that are slow cooked over wood in a Missouri-made barbecue that can hold 750 pounds of meat.
Location Information109 - 7 Ave SW
Calgary
AB
Old School Festival
TBA
Mob Hit Productions presents the Old School Festival, featuring three main events. Check website for more information.
TBA
Mob Hit Productions presents the Old School Festival, featuring three main events. Check website for more information.
