First Avenue Corner Store

4.5 overall Small space but worthwhile to try to get a spot. It's unique with a fun atmosphere , low key vibes and good unique offerings (Japanese inspired food). Highly recommend the sandwiches. Does come piping hot, juicy and flavour filled. The fries were the only one I was mediocre on based on the texture of the fries - got the curry poutine.

Their curry buns are amazing!! Only available on Fridays and Saturdays but worth the wait. A rich Japanese beef curry is encased in a soft bread dough that’s covered in panko crumbs and deep fried to order. Warm, crunchy, and satisfying. They also offer a variety of sandos (Japanese sandwiches on the softest white bread) with fillings like katsu pork or chicken. Once upon a time, they had an egg sandwich that was my favourite. Very reminiscent of Japan tamago sandos. They also have katsu curry. I find their beef curry a bit richer than other curries in the city (a good thing in my books). We recently got their curry udon. So good. The handmade udon noodles were chewy and the perfect vessel to the curry sauce. On Fridays, they also serve matcha drinks through the Matcha Way pop-up. Love the strawberry matcha. Very refreshing and the matcha isn’t bitter at all. Seating is limited. Three tables and a handful of counter spots. Parking is atrocious. But I would do anything for those curry buns!

The curry bun hype is real. They are so incredibly good. Truly the best in Calgary if you are craving a Japanese curry bun

*The door is around the back* This place is amazing, I truly wasn’t sure what to expect but we were blown away. Super chill place with a wicked atmosphere. We had our karaage chicken with all the s’amuse on the side, the chicken pieces were generous in size and so moist. We had a side of curry and we bathed our chicken in it, the curry was EXCELLENT! We shared the pork and cheese sando… the cheese pull was epic. The meat was so good, the bread was soft and we dipped it in the curry. Everything was effing amazing. Can’t wait to go back for the katsu curry!!

The 1st Avenue Cornerstore in Calgary is an absolute delight! Their curry sauce is a flavor explosion, perfectly balanced and irresistible. The service is friendly and attentive, with a knowledgeable staff that goes above and beyond. The sandwiches are mouthwatering, crafted with fresh ingredients and unforgettable flavors. And to top it off, they were playing MF Doom, adding a cool vibe to the atmosphere. Don't miss this hidden gem for an amazing culinary experience!

OG Katsu Sando - Delicious! Great flavour, bread was soft, chewy and thick. Slaw was great and the flaming hot Cheetos was a nice side! Chicken Karaage - Honestly the best we have had in the city. We were really impressed with it. Chicken thighs were juicy, mayo had some great flavour and the breading was perfect. Japanese Curry Poutine - I prefer original poutine over this but great try at doing something unique. I think the fries could have been better, they remind me of your typical concession style fries. The curry was great, but nothing too special. Ambiance - We opted to do take-out and enjoy Bridgeland Park. The punk music was too loud in such a small space. I definitely like the hip-hop vibe in Shiki Menya over the punk. But hey, maybe punks like sandos more, who knows. Next time - Definitely will try another sando, likey the egg and chicken katsu. Also, will probably have the karaage again because they were awesome!

The deep fried curry buns (カレーパン, kare pan) are only available on Fridays and Saturdays, and they sell out for a reason. Those things are amazing! The "spicy" one was not spicy, but was definitely delicious. The Roko Moko donburi is also awesome! Right next door to Shikimenya, with a staff door between the kitchens (they are sister restaurants!) if you want ramen or other food.

I must say, both of the katsu sandos were AMAZING! We ordered the cheese pork katsu, the chicken katsu, and a side of curry dip. The katsus both came with a side of flaming Cheetos (which was a nice change to the typical sides we are all used to!). The chicken katsu was oh-so juicy and definitely my favourite out of the two. The cheese pork katsu had a lot less cheese than I had hoped but it was still pretty good. Do expect the katsu to be on the slightly sour side due to the sauce in the sandwich. The service was bare minimal but that won’t stop me from coming back to try more things!