17th Ave has seen some serious action in the last few months with the opening of tons of new businesses on this iconic street. From trendy new brunch spot, Maven, to highly anticipated Japanese and sake joint, Lonely Mouth, here are some of the new spots you can check out on the Red Mile this month.
Maven
Maven’s unique new home incorporates a quaint, on-the-go coffee spot paired with a lush collection of greenery from Plant it Modern in the back half of their space, as well as a newly opened brunch spot located up-front, right on 17th Ave. The restaurant’s inventive menu was inspired by Head Chef Michelle Lee Hobb’s roots — she was brought up by a Singaporean Chinese mother and a German Canadian father, which shines through in her unique dishes where she integrates comfort food favourites with globally inspired eats. Dig into menu items like their signature Kaya Jam French Toast, German Pork Schnitzel, Lanzhao Braised Beef Cheeks or Fry Bread with Cream.
1006 17 Ave SW, instagram.com/maven_yyc
Lonely Mouth
After a highly anticipated wait, Lonely Mouth opened its sleek new 17th Ave restaurant where they are dishing up house made udon noodles, fresh tempura, hand rolls and more, served alongside an extensive list of expertly curated sake. Stop in for lunch, dinner, or some mid-day sake, Tuesday through Sunday.
528 17 Ave SW, lonelymouthbar.com
Mama Africa
This distinctive new restaurant brings a taste of Africa to the Red Mile in their new home (the former Chakalaka space) located at the west end of 17th Ave. Not only will Mama Africa showcase its namesake cuisine but its diverse cultural heritage. Each mouthwatering dish has ties to Africa with ingredients such as boerewors sausage, Chakalaka and Suya, all of which originate from various parts of Africa. Stop in for their variety of sides, apps and salads like jollof rice, cassava chips and suya tacos or go for one of their more decadent mains: Kenyan beef curry, goat stew, or Ghanian Waakye Bowl. Dishes are best paired with their selection of globally inspired cocktails and South African wine.
1410 17 Ave SW, mamaafricayyc.ca
Cinnaholic
Treat yourself to made-from-scratch brownies, edible cookie dough, and of course the famous gourmet cinnamon roll at the neighbourhood’s newest dessert spot, Cinnaholic. These dairy-free, lactose-free, egg and cholesterol-free cinnamon rolls are made-to-order, with decadent ingredients such as fresh fruit, peanut butter cups, marshmallows, cookie dough or classic vanilla frosting. Grab a dozen for your friends and family, or stop in for a single serving treat you don’t have to feel guilty about.
1523 5 Street SW, cinnaholiccalgary.ca
Body by Chai
Brought to you by the ‘bra whisperer,” as she is known by her clients, Body By Chai is an inclusive and welcoming lingerie boutique on 17th Ave, that caters to women and the LGBTQIA2S+ community of every shape and size. In her new Red Mile home, which opened in early Fall of 2021, Chai’s number one focus is creating a positive and safe environment for all that come to her door, while also selling the best lingerie brands on the market. To ensure maximum comfort, visit Chai for a professional bra fitting and style consultation, or book a private event with your crew!
#7, 718 17 Ave SW (2nd Floor), bodybychai.com
Socality House
Socality House is not your average coffee shop. This newly opened hybrid space on 17th Ave may serve up an excellent cup of joe — brought to you by Calgary favourite, Monogram — but their Instagram-worthy location will also be utilized as a community hub, event space, and a way to showcase local artists and retailers.
831 17 Ave SW, socalityhouse.com
Amato Gelato
Amato Gelato has been a Calgary favourite since it first opened its doors in Kensington nearly 20 years ago, and now, they have a brand-new home on 17th Ave! This family-owned eatery has more than 90 years of gelato-making experience, and boasts 72 rotating flavours year-round — yes, they even serve their famous gelato in Calgary’s winter months! In addition to their famous gelato, Amato also serves espresso drinks, cocktails, pizzas, panins and more. They will also be opening a patio this May, said to be the biggest patio yet on 17th Ave!
602 17 Ave SW, amatogelatoalberta.com