Smuggler's Inn - Calgary

It isn't the Smugglers of ole. The restaurant seems to be divided into two different restaurants. One side is the old deep, dark wood, cosy atmosphere of the old smugglers. The other side is super bright under thousand watt light bulbs, plastic furniture, modern-ish open style restaurant that reminds me a lot of a food court setting. The restaurant needs to figure out what it is, instead of trying to trade off of the reputation of the old smugglers. The food was good. The service was mediocre. Overall, it was very disappointing because we paid good money and got mediocre service in a food court setting.

Its not the Smugglers of old. They have tried to modernize the restaurant and kept the Prime Rib which is just as good as its always been but the prices here have gone up drastically and its no longer an affortable option for the family like it used to be. Should be visited only on special occations now. Somehow its lost its charm.

Three of us ordered prime rib dinner. Would give the meal and experience a 3 rating overall. When we first arrived the service was attentive, but music really loud. Once the restaurant started filling up the music was overridden by the level of conversation and buzz in the restaurant, which was a relief. Prime rib was just ok. Lots of fat but not as tender or flavourful as we had hoped. Needed lots of horseradish. I found the yorkshire to be tough. Mashed potatoes, veggies and au juice were good. Banana split dessert was delicious. Service was great when they were attentive, but it was a busy night.

My husband and I enjoy dinner at Smuggler's every 2-3 weeks since they reopened. The prime rib and calamansie pie are what bring us back and for the most part, the service we've had in the past has been good. Love the ambiance with the fireplace going etc... Our last visit was less than average though. Reservations were made for 4pm, so a little before what is considered the busy dinner hour... we were the only customers in the entire place. In my reservation request, I asked for the restaurant side; we got seated in the bar area right next to the bar. That's ok, not too big of a deal I guess, but there is zero comfort and ambiance at the bar end this night. Tea light thrown on the table, and let's call it ready for guests, lol. Our problem was when we were waiting and waiting for service once we were done eating. No one came by for a water refill, to offer a dessert menu, to clear our plates. There were 5 servers/bar personnel chatting, having a great laugh and visit at the bar. After over 20 minutes, I had to make an obvious gesture to catch anyones eye... that seemed to work. Overall, maybe not a huge deal to most, I think for the price point though, service should be better.

The food was excellent. Miss the salad and soup bar. Large group on a Monday evening service was weak. Had to remind the waiter for the drinks we ordered. One was forgotten yet still charged at the end of the night. Prices are high in comparison to the old menu. What used to be one of our favourite places to go is now questionable.