Bear's Den Restaurant
• 254028 Bearspaw Road NW | Calgary, AB | T3L 2P7
Average User Rating:
8.72/10
8.72/10
Recommended by:
83%
83%
Sort Reviews by:
"But SOO Expensive "
Mary
March 2012 — "For a special occasion, I made reservations at the Bear's Den, just right outside of Calgary. When we came up to this hidden restaurant, I was skeptical, but everything gave a look of Grande -ness. Well, everything but the outside sign of the restaurant, which too a little away from the classy-ness. Anyway, we were greeted at the door almost immediately after arriving and seated to our table, which was off to the side and very cozy. Anyway, we ordered two starters, which were really yummy - tuna cannoloni and saffron soup based mussels. We even started with a very deliciously light crab amuse bouche. I don't usually grab for the bread, but they had a trio of butters that were favored that left more more than intrigued. I spread some on my butter and it was perfect. The starters were pretty good. The presentation was nice and the mussels were different from your general white wine. For the main, we had their special, veal and I had the rack of lamb. Very tasty and cooked to perfection. Not too cooked and not too rare. Just right and the sides that came along with it included the broccolini, some asparagus, beets. It was just an art photo in front of me. They always say that you eat with your eyes and I sure did. I couldn't stop! We ended the dinner with some dessert, which quite hefty in price if you ask me. Every dish was at least $10 for dessert. Even the assortment of sorbet! Anyway, I ordered their lemon mascarpone crepe with sorbet, which I substituted for lemon instead of berries. Oh, the sorbet was just perfect. So refreshing and not just sugar to counter balance the acidity. I was pretty impressed although the mascarpone was not my thing. For $10, I expected more. All in all, it was a very enjoyable meal. It left a dent in my pocket, but it was very nice and delectable. "
User Rating
7.50/10
7.50/10
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"Worth a try"
Jenny
May 2010 — "On the list of restaurants to try, I finally got the opportunity to pay a visit for dinner this month. My first impression of the restaurant from the outside was that it seemed cozy and casual. Upon entering it was immediately evident that in addition, this restaurant was also very grand and elegant. We were seated and tended to immediately. The gentlemen ordered and tried the green apple beer to which I immediately ordered after trying myself. For appetizer, my table and I ordered the bear's den delicacy which showcased seafood and game meat. I've had something similar before but the variety and quality of bear's den definitely set the bar. I ordered the Filet Mignon petite cut for my entree with the bearnaise sauce although the sauce was a little too heavy and rich for me overall it was pretty tender and flavourful cut. I followed this with dessert, a classic favorite, the creme brulee which definitely did not disappoint! This whole experience was fantastic and I can't help but say that our server really earned his tip, effortlessly, I might add."
User Rating
10/10
10/10
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"Above Average Steakhouse"Tony
May 2010 — "Our friend had chosen this steakhouse/restaurant as a destination for a birthday party for his girlfriend. As a lover of steak I was excited to see how Bears Den would compare to some of the other top notch places in Calgary.
The restaurant was very unique with it's large rooms containing huge decorations of animals on every wall such as buffalo and elk native to Canadian culture. The lighting was very dim but suitable for such a beautiful restaurant.
Our service that night was wonderful with our waiter tending to our every need very quickly and efficiently. I had ordered a 10 oz filet mignon as it is one of my favorite cuts. Our group all received our food within sequence of ordering which is rare to find these days. The filet mignon here was great but I have had a more tender cut in the past. However, it was extremely flavorful along with the bearnaise I ordered. It was also cooked perfectly to my liking (rare) which is also surprising as I usually find my pieces either over or undercooked most of the time.
What I liked best about Bears Den is it's sensual mood, terrific service, and above average food. Of course the bill at the end is not very likable but on special occasions it is very worth it.
I would of liked the portions of sides to be a bit bigger as you really only get a few potatoes and a handful of vegetables.
Overall I would recommend this place as one of my top personal favorites within Calgary. "
User Rating
9.17/10
9.17/10
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"very diappointed"
Gary
May 2010 — "Have had excellent experiences at this location previously. This night we were very disappointed. We had expected the excellent service we had in the past plus we had told our out of town guest how impressive this restaurant was.
As soon as the server approached it was all down hill. He appeared little interested in ensuring we had a great night. When he returned with our drink order my wife discovered that her glass was dirty. When the server returned and my wife informed him he was not very responsive. He took the drink and we couldn't believe our eyes when we observed him at the bar pouring the drink into another glass. Talk about cross contamination. Appears neither him or the bartender have taken food service training. When he returned my wife asked if he he just poured the drink into another glass and she told him if the glass is dirty on the outside you must assume the inside was the same. He appeared non-interested in her comment. We asked for another server and he told us that would happen after our order was taken. Never happend and although the food was "okay" the service continued to go down the tubes after that. Our expectations were not satisfied and our night was dampened. My wife discussed her concerns with the general manager as we left and he was not interested. Something has happened to this restaurant as the "classyness" has gone. We would not go back."
User Rating
6/10
6/10
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"Unique Food and Decor"
Ricky
April 2010 — "We've been to this steakhouse once before with a bunch of friends and we decided to go as a couple and try them out again. They have a very unique environment of animal head on the wall and very good low lighting romantic mood. Their location is just by Cochrance and we've always like the nice drive for some ice-cream in Cochrance after dinner. Everything about this restaurant suggest romance and high end, especially the prices. Their selection isn't huge but enough to have something for every one. Beside the regular steaks and seafood you can also try some duck or bison. Overall the service was good and the food comes out just as your ordered them. If you want a nice place for a first date, anniversary or birthday this place will surely not disappoint. Just be prepare to drop about $60 per person if you want a full course meal. "
User Rating
9.67/10
9.67/10
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"Night of enchanting service and cuisine"
Lisa
July 2007 — "This was a night to remember. I enjoyed the atmosphere almost as much as I enjoyed the cuisine! Warm and inviting, creativly decorated, A wonderfull live jazz performence on the tucked away corner stage, warm lighting, and exceptional service.
Our meal began with a wonderfull introduction to the restaurant by our waiter. The menu was very creative and there were lots of local and reginol cuisine to choose from. I had the blue mussels and my table mates had ordered the baked brie and the calamari. My mussels were swimming in a lovely fennel infused white wine cream broth that was intense as well as delicate in flavor. The baked brie was fantastic in that it was exactly it should be, simple and subtle flavors to compliment the cheese. Calamari ringlets were cooked to perfection, very soft and tender, great dipping sauce provided to enhanse the flavors.
We were served a complimentry pallet cleanser after our appetizers which was a unique blend of flavors to clean the pallet and get you ready for your entree.
We all ordered something a little different for our main course, so we could enjoy tasting as much of what the Bears Den had to offer. We ordred the fettucini with porchini mushoom cream sauce and roasted cherry tomatos , the game trio, which consisting of elk, bison, and venison tenderloin, and the sea bass.
All three dishes tasted as wonderfull as the menu discribed.
The Elk, bison, and venison melted in your mouth like butter, You could have used your fork too cut into it. The sea bass was my favorite. Never tasted such a light, and delicate fish befor, the fettucini was so rich and creamy one of the best pasta dishs I have tried in a long time.
We were served a complimentry maple whiskey after our main course and then moved onto dessert. Well we were all quiet full by this time so we decided to have a few more beverages and coffee for after the meal. The exespresso wasnt on there menu but they were happy to serve it, and the selection of fine wines and beers made our evening even better. Our waiter was the best We have ever had, from his culinary knowledge to his warm and welcoming attitude. We had spent over 4 hours enjoying our meal and cocktails when it was time to leave, it was hard to say goodbye.
I only have one suggestion for the Bears Den, A cheese tasting plate on the desert menu would be well received.
"
User Rating
10/10
10/10
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DescriptionA traditional fine-dining experience with a contemporary edge, Bear's Den serves very high quality regional cuisine, one of only four restaurants nationwide to serve AAAA graded Alberta Prime Steaks. A weekly fresh sheet is offered in addition to a regular complete menu.
Location Information254028 Bearspaw Road NW
Calgary
AB
T3L 2P7
