Michael T.
Yelp
Canada is almost batting a perfect average on food and drink experiences, and Banff Ave. Brewing is adding another 5 stars to it!
I'm guessing the overall rating of 3.5 is a mashup of temperamental tourists, some off nights, and people who just don't wanna get down with what Banff Ave. is doing in this world-class destination.
THIS PLACE IS LEGIT AND ALL OF YOU HAVE BEEN PUT ON NOTICE!
For starters, be impressed by the fact they have a HUGE tap list comprised of mostly their own brews, along with a couple of guest handles too. They're cranking all of it out of a 15 Barrel system in one of the smallest and tightest spaces I've ever seen, and we're not talking one or two styles either. The list covers every style imaginable, and even includes some unexpected combos. Beers are offered in 12oz, 20oz, and even 32oz sizes!
But Michael, what if you don't drink beer?
I'm so glad you asked Michael! I actually don't drink beer anymore (health reasons) so I was really stoked when I discovered the spirit flights (rum, gin, scotch, etc.) including a rather impressive round of 6 scotches, served in 0.5 oz pours. We're not talking garden variety either. $22 CAD may seem steep, but it's totally worth every twoney!
Now that you're boozed up, let's talk food! This place has some AMAZING bar food! On Fridays they do a food happy hour with half priced "appies" as Canadians call them. The chicken wings are an absolute must! I was skeptical because they said they were breaded, but holy wow, this is the lightest, thinnest, crunchiest, crispest "breading" I'd ever tried. It's likely a light dusting of flour and cornstarch to be honest, but I'll simply refer to it as magic. We ordered the Korean BBQ, unmistakably made from a base of spicy fermented soybean paste called gochujang, AND the Soy Lemongrass, which was so freaking tasty!
In addition, we nabbed the fried pickles which were, again, impressively fried in a cracker like batter that added both texture and flavor to it. The pickles were crisp and tangy, and the garlic aioli dip was the perfect compliment.
Really the only miss were the "buttered" pretzels. Buttered is in quotes because that's the only reason these weren't great. The stout beer cheese and whole grain mustard dips were delicious. The pretzels were soft, chewy, and salty, but the butter just added an unnecessary greasy element.
I glanced at the rest of the menu and it all looked delicious. Sandwiches and burgers came out of the kitchen and I wanted every one of them, but was so full from all these goodies I had to pass.
SO, NOW DO YOU SEE WHY BANFF AVE BREWING IS A FIVE STAR SPOT?
If you don't, you just might be blind.