Despite the economic downturn and temporary closure of many local businesses that occurred in the last year, 2021 seems to be offering much more to look forward to than its predecessor. The Red Mile is now home to several new dining spots ranging from globally influenced tapas to made-in-house pasta, Korean hot dogs and more. Take advantage of this warm weather we’re having and bring your cohort, your mask, and check out these new restaurants on 17th Ave.
Chakalaka
After months of takeout and nights in on the couch, Chakalaka is the perfect way to end your quarantine slump with their inimitable and modern tapas menu and globally-inspired cocktails. Experience a variety of different cuisine and styles of cooking such as the traditional Japanese cooking method using Binchotan charcoal, or hot stone cooking where you can experience exotic delicacies such as kangaroo or frog legs. Don’t forget to take advantage of this spring weather and check out their 17th Ave rooftop patio.
1410 17th Ave, SW, chakalaka.ca
Hankki
Much to our delight, the wildly popular Korean Street Food joint, Hankki, has opened up its second location on 17th Ave. Hankki, which means ‘one meal’ in Korean, is dishing up street food favourites like cupbop, which is served with rice, a fried egg, veggie dumplings, lettuce, pickled carrots, sesame seeds and special sauce, and you can choose between different flavours such as Korean BBQ, complete with savory grilled pork tenderloin or chee bop, which includes Korean style crispy fried chicken. We also recommend trying their Korean style hotdogs, made in flavour and sauce combinations like cheddar cheese, cheese mustard and sprinkles.
1058 17Ave SW, 403-475-2218
Jia Jia Bar
The wait is finally over and 17th Ave’s newest and highly anticipated Asian street food restaurant and bar is finally open for dine in, delivery and takeout. Jia Jia Bar’s menu includes a long list of snacks to share like Taiwanese popcorn chicken and Peking duck poutine, which is then followed up with tons of different soup, salad and bowl options, as well as Asian Street Food favourites like Korean BBQ short ribs and Szechuan Spicy Chicken. Their vast drink menu includes unique and colourful signature cocktails as well as shooters, beer, soju, martinis and their signature bubble teas in flavours like jade lemonade and strawberry fresh milk.
1033 17 Ave SW, jiajiabar.ca
Citrus Lounge
Citrus Lounge opened up on 17th Ave at the end of February, and is sure to quickly become your new favourite spot for premium hookah, tasty eats and relaxed vibes. Their menu features a variety of sandwiches and burgers, along with meals like Cordon Blue.
1131 17 Ave SW, 587-391-7257
YYC Pasta Bar
As Calgary’s first designated Pasta Bar, this new 17th Ave restaurant is a must-try. Now open for dine-in, pickup and delivery, you can indulge on YYC Pasta Bar’s fresh pasta and traditional Italian meals Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (this varies based on the day of the week, so make sure you double check if you’re dining late). Some immediate highlights from this carb lover’s paradise is their literal wall of wine, which is home to 264 bottles, as well as the build-your-own-pasta portion of their menu. Have no fear, you can also still find classic Italian favourites such Penne Arrabiata, Mushroom Risotto and made-in-house Tiramisu.
1322A 17 Ave SW, yycpastabar.ca
King of Donair
King of Donair was the first donair shop to ever come to Canada when they opened their first location in Halifax, Nova Scotia more than 40 years ago. Since then, they’ve been serving up their unique and revered combination of spicy donair meat alongside owner and founder Peter Gamoulakos’s sweet donair sauce creation. Their newest location can be found on 17th Ave, where you can enjoy classic donairs, specialty pizzas and more!
503 17th Ave SW, kingofdonair.ca
The Halal Guys
We are eagerly awaiting the opening of 17th Ave’s newest food joint, The Halal Guys, who will be bringing their first Calgary location to 17th Ave soon. This storied franchise began in New York in the 1990’s when its three Egyptian founders transitioned from selling hot dogs at their street stand to selling authentic halal food after noticing a gap in the market. Fast forward thirty years, and people around the United States, as well as several locations around the globe are now enjoying The Halal Guys famous platters of chicken, gyros and falafel. Follow their Instagram at @thehalalguyscalgary to keep up with opening news.
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