Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar (Permanently Closed)

 

4.8/54 Reviews

When you walked into Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar Calgary, AB, you immediately felt the buzz of the dining scene. This Mediterranean restaurant in Calgary occupied a historic Legion building on 8th Ave, spreading across three distinct dining rooms adorned with eye-catching murals.

Quick Details

  • Location: 624 8th Ave SW, Calgary
  • Price Range: $31-50 CAD
  • Rating: 4.7/5 from 509 reviews
  • Last Operating: February 2022

Calgary Nightlife and Casinos Near Escoba’s Former Location

Escoba Bistro’s former location on 8th Ave SW was a short distance from some of Calgary’s most popular nightlife spots, including several prominent casinos. For those who enjoyed the bustling vibe of Escoba, local casinos like Cowboys Casino and Pure Casino Calgary offered lively atmospheres with a mix of table games, slots, and evening entertainment, making them ideal spots to extend a night out. However, if you’re in the mood for a quieter session at home, online casinos provide an excellent alternative. With a wide range of games, from slots to live dealer options, online casinos allow you to enjoy the excitement of gaming without stepping outside.

Below, we take a closer look at the unique ambiance that made Escoba a favourite destination for both business lunches and relaxed dinners in the heart of Calgary.

The Space & Vibe

The 158-seat Escoba in Calgary struck that perfect balance between upscale and comfortable. While other Stephen Ave bars focused on the nightlife scene, this bar bistro hours suited both daytime and evening crowds. During lunch, it hummed with business meetings and corporate gatherings. Evenings transformed the space into a more intimate setting, perfect for date nights or catching up with friends. The noise level stayed moderate, making conversation easy without feeling too quiet.

Food & Drink

The bar and bistro menu delivered Mediterranean food in Calgary that kept regulars coming back for 25 years. Their Mediterranean grill offerings, like mushroom soup, earned legendary status, while the seafood paella showcased their talent for blending flavours. This bistro in Calgary catered to everyone, from meat lovers to vegans, without compromising on taste.

For wine enthusiasts, half-price Wine Wednesday deals made it an attractive midweek option. Their global selection started at $40, with $9 glasses during lunch, making it an attractive business lunch option.

Price Point & Value

Most starters ran $14-18, while mains hit the $22-38 range. The portions were generous, making the prices feel reasonable for downtown Calgary. Smart diners took advantage of their half-price appetizer deal on weekday evenings.

Service Worth Noting

The staff knew their stuff without being stuffy. They handled both quick business lunches and leisurely dinners with equal skill, contributing to their consistently high service ratings. Before closing its doors in 2022, Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar stood out as a reliable spot for both special occasions and casual dining. They managed to be upscale without being pretentious, making them a true Calgary dining landmark.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & Sanitising

  • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
  • Common areas deep cleaned daily
  • Contactless payment available
  • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
  • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided

Physical distancing

  • Extra space between tables
  • Limited number of seated diners
  • Distancing maintained in common areas

Protective equipment

  • Waitstaff wear masks
  • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

Screening

  • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
  • Contact tracing information collected
  • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Q Does Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

You can order delivery directly from Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar using the Order Online button. Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar also offers takeaway which you can order by calling the restaurant at (403) 474-4828.

Q Is Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar currently accepting reservations?

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable. Due to local restrictions, this restaurant may not be accepting reservations at the moment.

Q Is Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar currently accepting reservations?

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable. Due to local restrictions, this restaurant may not be accepting reservations at the moment.

Q How is Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar restaurant rated?

Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar is rated 4.8 stars by 417 OpenTable diners.

Q How is Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar restaurant rated?

Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar is rated 4.8 stars by 417 OpenTable diners.

Q Does Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

You can order delivery directly from Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar using the Order Online button. Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar also offers takeaway which you can order by calling the restaurant at (403) 474-4828.

4 Reviews for Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar (Permanently Closed)

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Andy_Sisley 1 Reviews
Great staff, fantastic food and a wonderful atmosphere.
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5.0.0

Great staff, fantastic food and a wonderful atmosphere. Can’t waiting until restrictions are lifted and we can get a group together to go to Escoba Bistro.

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Tonia_Myers 1 Reviews
Escoba's is one of my favorite spots to eat.
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4.0.0

Escoba’s is one of my favorite spots to eat. I always think I am going to try one of the other fantastic dishes but seem to drift back to the salmon dish which is outstanding. My guests are always impressed with the food quality and menu selection. The staff are always friendly and helpful.

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Mike_Gibson 1 Reviews
Great food and service, I will be back
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5.0.0

Great food and service, I will be back

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podemowin1978 1 Reviews
My wife and I had delicious meals at Escoba.
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5.0.0

My wife and I had delicious meals at Escoba. We both had seafood dishes and they were both done perfectly and met our expectations once again. The server was very courteous and timely with topping up our wine. We were not rushed so the meal was also very relaxing.

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