Best bar in town, if you like that lived-in feel (like I do). Great music, colourful locals and very decent menu with prices no one can argue about. Try the made in-house veggie burger. Add cheese and bacon for bonus points.

Patio always fills up fast in nice weather so be sure to get there early!

They took the cauliflower wings off of the happy hour menu which kind of sucks. Breakfast is still good. OK veggie burger. Only really came here for the happy hour wings though.

This is my favourite pub in Calgary. Friendly service and excellent food. They always have fun things happening. The atmosphere is kind of back alley but it makes me comfortable in some strange way.
If I have anything bad to say it's that they don't take debit. I just feel like businesses that don't take all forms of payment are lying in the books.
If you're like me and you like to people... more

Every few weeks my Dad wants to have lunch downtown when I'm working but he graciously leaves the selection of venue up to me. Truth be told, nothing strikes anxiety into my heart more than choosing a restaurant, especially when dining with someone who is my culinary opposite.

Today, on a whim, I selected Broken City. Which I knew had "food" but I had no real idea what that entailed. Broken... more

Came here for a comedy night and thought this place was interesting. I feel like they could probably have a better layout for everyone to sit because it definitely felt crowded and some of the tables didn't allow you to see the comedians. They had a pretty decent line up of performers, some I didn't find entertaining but I know a lot for a lot of them it was there first time. The drinks were... more

I think any place that keeps the local comedy scene alive should be commended, but this place does that and so much more. Plus, they even have great happy hour food that is vegan/veg friendly and good drink specials. The wait staff is friendly and helpful and even when they are busy you get wonderful service (especially for a bar).

This is definitely a great local bar. It does all of the bar-y... more

So, Ive been here for comedy night on Monday and Karaoke night on Sunday. Comedy night was a swirling nightmare of regular hobbyist comedians and a great headliner. I went through moments of horror, boredom and embarrassment, it was great! Karaoke night featured a smattering of individuals crawling out of the woodwork, belting out some pretty great tunes. There is a great rooftop bar, with lots... more

I have lived in Calgary for almost 30 years and love music... and somehow this venue has eluded me.

Stopped by for a quick bevy after and event a few years ago - and for no real reason, just never returned.

Recently joined a Yelp Elite party - Bingo and Punk Music. I will admit that I thought BINGO was an ackranom for something - was quite surprised to find out it was in fact BINGO! Last time... more

I went to Broken City Club on CMYE by Yelp. Lots of variety of food and drinks. I will be back again for Bingo Wednesday.

One of the best venues in the city.

I have never tried Broken City's food, but I do go there a lot for the music. Broken City hosts lots of great bands and djs from all over. They also still offer great deals on drinks during these events while being fairly close to the CTrain and other places to drink. Overall one of my most common Friday or Saturday night locations.

Come for the music and... more

Great live music, Punk Rock Bingo nights (Punk Rock Bingo has recently changed to Trivia), comedy, killer retro DJ's and...Magic The Gathering? You know what, I'm not even surprised! Just like Napoleon Dynamite, Broken City does whatever they feel like they want to do. GOSH!

Worn wood floors and tables and lots of pub style character - Broken City doesn't dress to impress, and they don't... more

Aside from The Coup, it is very difficult to find good vegetarian/vegan food in this city. Sure, there are always things like stir fries, Big Salads, and pasta entrees available at most restaurants, but it is a rare treat to find other choices (ie- not just rabbit food!). Sometimes even vegetarians want some good ol' delicious pub grub too!

Anyway, I've been to Broken City a few times and am... more

Always a blast, good food and comedy monday night can't be beat.

This place TOTALLY revitalized the Calgary live music scene. It's already an institution. I don't really expect much in the way of service in a bar like this but everything's pretty much A-OK topped off with some excellent shows.

Wow, not a normal place you would think of to look for me but for this venue last night it was perfect! I had the privilege to attend a wonderful charity event (thank you Tara for thinking of me and we were happy to help out with donations!) and I was looking forward to seeing yet another small piece of Calgary. The space was perfect. It was celler-ish, dark and moody but also very clean and... more

Deep dark dank. This place has black ceilings, red walls, is long dark with booths and tables. Definitely has character. Reminds me of the Blackdog Freehouse in Edmonton. Full 20oz pints are $6.5 with daily specials. Regular pub food, nothing special. Saturday afternoon jazz jam includes a vibraphone! No cover. No TV screens, casual crowd. Great place to chill or listen to live music. Great... more

I've got such a storied history with Broken City.

It's the only bar I've ever had staff threaten to throw me out of ... for sleeping. Turns out the staff mistook my exhaustion for drunkenness and decided that the best thing to do to a man catching Z's would be to toss him outside in the cold. I don't hold it against them though, you can't have people violently occupying back corners of your... more

My favorite patio in the city, and its a rooftop so that's a bonus.

They play music I like, its an awesome venue for live shows, and it isn't top 40.

In the warmer months, the rooftop has a separate DJ. So you can lounge around upstairs if you aren't in the mood to fight the crowds inside.

This and the District are some of my favorite after-work meet up places. Both conveniently stumbling... more

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Broken City. It has live shows, and dj's that play all types of music. They hold different art events and have a stand up comedy night. BC has it all.
I'd compare it to the infamous Ship and Anchor. Generally full of "hipsters", but anyone who doesnt fit into that category will still feel welcomed.
They are so great for supporting local artists. Went to a friend's show last... more

You know, I never really thought I'd like Broken City. I would always avoid it, even when pretty solid shows were going on there. It just seemed to me kind of like hipster central, and not really the kind of place I wanted to hang out.
However, when Tiffany suggested we go at 6 pm on a week day, I decided it would be a good time to test the waters. When we turned up, it was pretty well dead.... more

Broken City recently updated their menu again, and while I'm sad that the vegan poutine is off the menu for good (especially since I never seemed to be able to try it! :'(), they DO have a delicious Vegan Burger now! No dry, microwaved to the point of sad, hockey puck. And their chickpea fries are tasty goodness.

And thanks to the staff for finding my phone, and putting it safely behind the... more

I've seen a quite few shows here and eaten here a few times too.

Going to small venues like this turned me off of seeing big shows.

My friends introduced me to this place, and I've since brought many other friends.

If you look up to the cast of Jersey Shore or you have no plaid in your wardrobe, you're most likely not going to fit in here. It's more of an indie alternative bar.

Go

Jam packed with scenester type losers. Rude bar staff and cliques of douches who look at you like you're invading their territory or something.

Restaurant three in my attempt to visit as many patios in the city before the summer ends found me at BCSC catching up with fellow yelpers. I had the Chicken Penne. As far as service goes I would have to say excellent. The waitress went beyond and above, even contributing her experiences with yoga as this was the topic of conversation.

The food was ok. I kind of felt like my penne was slightly... more

It's hard to write a review for Broken City right now, because as of the moment this review is being written, Broken City is going through some seemingly major changes.

It has been one of my favourite (if not favourite) live music venues in the city. I have seen many shows here and eaten many a burger.

Speaking of burgers, in the past this was my number 1 burger stop in the city. Easily the... more

I really hate to have to amend my review of Broken City, but this place has sadly taken a negative turn as of late, and I no longer feel comfortable using lines like "I have nothing bad to say about this place".

First, the good. The atmosphere is still awesome, the menu prices are still quite reasonable, and the location is still great. I still very much appreciate the cool, edgy, indy... more

I have been here a number of times now, but usually I come more so for the live music rather than the grub and drinks. The drinks I can't really comment on, but the few times I have had food (usually nachos, and one time lemon pepper chicken strips), it has been excellent. The service is also exceptional considering the usual crowds and noise level must make the servers jobs a pain. Drinks are... more

What can be said about Broken City that hasn't been said by the 24 reviews below? A place near and dear to my heart, it is unpretentious (or, if you are a lead-eyed cynic, utterly drenched in cynical aspirations otherwise), a dyed-in-the-wool dive bar with ramshackle seating, a stage meant to hold a drum kit and little else, and a menu that can fit on a coaster.

What they do well is live... more

I am not going talk about the bar itself in this review; instead I am going to review Tuesday Wingo Nights at Broken City.

If I were to pick a single word from the entirety of the English language to describe this night it would be "tubular".

Wingo night is Wednesday wing night (pretty yawn) mixed with crazy punk music BINGO!

I must say, when I think of Bingo, I think of those old smoky... more

Why am I fan of Broken City? Mostly for its quirkiness. Over the years I've been here for open mic nights, concerts, and more recently, the most random show I've yet seen... Talk Show Thursdays.

The setup of Broken City isn't always ideal, if you end up with a booth in the back, and you're sitting facing opposite the stage, it's awkward to turn around to see what's going on. Make sure you've... more

I have to admit that the first time I visited Broken City, it was during my hardcore asian, Mexx wearing, spiky haired days. I just turned 18 and didn't think much of this place, my naive outlook prevented me from really enjoying the down to earth open feel of this pub.

Over the years I found myself in Broken City catching local and national performances. Recently it's where the Outlaws of... more

Broken City is one of the great live music venues in Calgary. I have seen some truly great shows here and I always love to come watch a sweet band play in the more intimate setting that Broken City offers.

The staff here are always very nice and helpful. The food?? well I am pleased to say that all my food experiences here have been excellent!
The broken city burger always satisfies me and... more

Fiiiine...my review might be a little jaded since I wasn't drunk when we went here one saturday night about weeks ago.

I liked this little place, the tacky lights, and the grunginess. It works for it. The DJ was doin pretty well -- not enough funk, old school or hip hop thats for sure, and at times it didn't flow very well -- but this easily could have been resolved with a little more booze in... more

I can't speak on the entertainment or social aspects as I've only been a few times and usually never when there's anything on stage (although they do have live jazz every Saturday, and it sounded great the one time I managed to catch it), but I *can* speak on the food and the burgers here are excellent!

They have many types in different styles, and is one of the few places I've managed to find... more

We need more venues like Broken City. The fostering of the arts scene is definitely first and foremost. I have never had a bad time, in fact I would say that I haven't had any less than a great time here. Go have a drink, listen to some indie band that you haven't heard of but will love. Take a damn chance, cant we all just get along.

This is a top notch indie music venue in Calgary. A favourite among hipsters, but is never pretentious. Staff are super friendly and good at remembering what you're drinking. The venue itself is sort of small, which makes going to shows pretty intimate, which I like. Plus you usually get to talk to the bands afterward. :). The food is really good, and they have daily beer specials. Overall,... more

I haven't been to a show here yet, but my dinning experience was rustic, nutritious, and delicious. Not glamorous or flashy. Just quality. One of the few places in the city with good, not over prices veg and vegan food.

I had only ever been to the patio at Broken City, which in the summer is one of the best in the city! It is a must go to on a nice day! I had also seen some of my favorite local bands play here. My recent jaunt brought me inside and to a big table at the back.

There isn't a cover charge here until around 10:30 or so and it is only $5 after that. Usually they have indie bands playing on the... more

because i have nothing nice to say about this place, i may as well entertain you.

i like music but i cannot stand being around a bunch of counter-culture 'individualists' who define themselves through group-identity. but i was told to have an open mind, so i went. there was a really good band playing, although i have no idea who they were. the pa was top notch, by far the best i've ever heard... more

Recently Broken city has become less cutting edge and more overflow from the Amsterdam Rhino and the music choices reflect this. Instead of spinning their usual heady mix of indie pop and retro the DJ's spend Saturday night mixing the standard club mix of hip hop and top 40. They are still a great pub during the day and while their live music selections seem to have stagnated a little you can,... more

I could live in Broken City on a Thursday or Friday night. Great venue for live music, a real cornerstone of the indie music scene.

I've got mixed feelings about Broken City. One the one hand, It has had some of the best bands in the city play its hallowed halls and always has a fairly large and diverse crowd most nights of the week.
On the other, the service is touch and go - for a while I think they had problems with staff turnover which did nothing to help. And as one of Calgary's premier venues for live music, the... more

What can be said about Broken City Social Club? Aside from its extremely small welcoming signage and rather plain exterior, I have no qualms with the place. Keeping in mind its central downtown location and obviously trendy crowd of veterans, the place has a reputation for late nights, bumping parties and a collection of great people.

Whether you're looking to have a quiet drink in their... more