Dickens - Calgary, Alberta

Brian G.

Haven't been in a while. Used to have very good lunch deals and food items had a good home-cooked type of vibe. Atmosphere for a weekday lunch might not be quite what most people are looking for and could be described as a sort of "charming dive bar". The atmosphere makes more sense when you go for one of the frequent and varied live music shows they get. Almost always a good crowd and good time.

k G.

I really enjoy the Down With The Thickness event that takes place here, but the last two times I've been, two different servers have been rude to me for no discernable reason. Maybe because I asked a question about the menu or because it was loud, so I was having a hard time hearing them, but who knows. I was with the same friend each time, and it has become a running joke that the server will be short with me.

The food was sort of just unremarkable pub food. Nothing to really write home about. It's fine. It does smell good, though. Lots of dill.

I love this event, but I pretty much expect the staff to be rude to me without reason. I swear I wasn't being difficult or taking up a lot of their time.

Update:

I went to the latest Down With The Thickness event. I arrived early to get a good seat, and after waiting about fifteen minutes, the server still hadn't come by, so I ordered a drink at the bar. The bartender was friendly and helpful. It wasn't busy yet, but the server didn't come by for the first time until my friend arrived about fifteen minutes after I'd ordered at the bar.

She checked in with them a few times after they ordered a drink. My friend left after about an hour, and I stayed for the remainder of the show, but the server didn't check in with me or bus the table at all during the second half of the show. I left cash for my friend's drink on the table before they even left, but the server never came by again for the last hour, so I guess she didn't see it. When I left, she followed me out and heading up the stairs to leave because she, I guess, thought the bill for my friend's soda was being walked out on. I let her know that they'd left an hour ago and that I had left her money on the table.

I don't really want to go back to Dickens again, even for this event. I don't know why the servers are rude to me or just flat out ignore me. I don't feel welcome here.

Nicole M.

My friend , service dog and I attended Bif Naked here and it was truly one of the most normal and best experiences I have had with him in the 6 years he’s been working . The staff had been made aware prior to us coming and we had no issues what so ever . Every single staff member was respectful but also helped watch out if we needed to let someone know he was there so he wasn’t stepped on .

Between the crowd and staff this was the best outing we have had and most “ normal / invisible “ I ever felt in a public outing. Thank you for the great night 10/10 would attend other events .

Sze-Shan Y.

First time I visited Dickens was in 2009 for Sunday boardgames when I was new to Calgary. Later I picked up photography and got onto guest list of local musicians a few times. This Halloween 2024 I moved into a condo in DT, with all my friends are either married or moved on from music, I visited again Dickens alone. The demographics hasn't changed change; the venue hasn't changed - there are geeks there are music lovers there are dorks. The LGBT friendliness is to a point that no one cares what and who you are. This place really has nothing special at all. It's always the people who make this place worth a visit even for a stranger.

Mike L.

I really like this venue. Its relative small, great for underground music! The stage is on the smaller size and so is the area around it but that never stopped people from having hell of time moshing :-).
Staff is great and friendly. Sound can be hit/miss so bring earplugs. Parking is just around the corner. The one across the 9th ave is under construction so be aware.
Bathrooms could be bigger, but i never had to wait.
Its a great plays to come and enjoy some great metal shows.
Never tried the food but the drinks are reasonably priced and the bartenders are fast and always friendly.
Come and support some local and not so local bands. You'll have a great time!

Melissa B.

I’m currently at the “Chappell Roan” night and there is no Chappell Roan being played. I paid $40 to be here - I am quite unhappy with the music selection. Please advise.

Jay B.

Nice people but that's not enough.

Food was tolerable but not value for what it was worth. Generally prices were higher than they should be for the quality they were.

Seating and ambience was that of a dungeon.

Place was cold and inhospitable, much like an Orc with irritable bowel syndrome.

If you're here it's an accident, even if you came on purpose. Just like after prom.

Lisataime P.

Always a great night. Best shows, or HtDJ, or Halloween, doesn't matter.
And they have Fallen timber on tap🖤