ONE18 EMPIRE is more than just a whiskey bar – it's a nod to Calgary's past as part of Canada's western frontier. It's operated by storytellers, not servers. They serve locally sourced, Canadian favourites. For all these reasons, it’s easy to see why Calgarians fell in love when ONE18 EMPIRE opened in February 2015. "Of course we are service people, but we like to think that we are more than that," says general manager Kai Hochhausen. "We like to think of ourselves as storytellers. We give guests an experience unlike anywhere else, and a lot of that is through our storytelling."
When a guest sits in the lounge, servers are ready to suggest a whiskey cocktail, a shareable appetizer or a hearty meal. They greet tables with backstories about the whiskey, as well as the location’s history. The Empire Hotel – a watering hole for railway travellers seeking refuge in the early years of the city – once sat in the exact location of ONE18 EMPIRE with the street address 118.
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Located in the heart of downtown, One18 Empire in a whiskey bar and restaurant specializing in locally-inspired cuisine and, of course, whiskey. This year, One18 Empire offers a special Mother’s Day breakfast brunch with all the classic offerings, as well as a carving station and desserts. If mom happens to be a whiskey buff, make sure to take a look at One18’s extensive whiskey menu and try a glass. Brunch admission is $45 per person. Seatings are available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Call 403-269-0299 to make a reservation.
View this Smart ListAnother partner with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, this whisky bar and restaurant in the heart of downtown Calgary offers over 100 ryes, bourbons, Scotches and other whiskies. For whisky beginners, the restaurant offers regular tastings and workshops to help you become more comfortable with the liquor.
View this Smart ListGorgeously appointed, this approachably upscale restaurant and whiskey-themed lounge (the drink menu features 100-plus whiskies, bourbons, scotches and ryes) features a versatile array of bar, banquet and table seating. Serving three squares plus brunch, ONE18’s satisfying fare is best described as uptown-rustic Canadian cuisine. Dinner includes shareables such as bourbon short ribs and Dungeness crab dip as well as mains like cedar plank Skuna Bay salmon and Brant Farms grass-fed beef rib.
View this Smart List