Deanne on 
Paul Dicken on 
Madeleine Boivin on 
Brian on 
Naomi Wilton on 
Michael on 
Ameena Sethi on 
Sh Saqi on 
Lineups are the bane of weekend brunchers in Calgary. It’s always a pleasant surprise when you don’t have to stand in line for at least 15 minutes, perhaps cupping a precious cup of coffee while craning your neck to see how far down your name is on the waiting list.
The Bistro at Art Central is a quiet — very quiet — downtown spot where you can waltz right in for weekend brunch. There were five of us for brunch — can you imagine trying to nab a table at any of the smaller diners?
The Bistro at Art Central is decked out like an art deco/French bistro but the brunch menu is standard North American.
My vegetarian benedict ($11) was not bad; the hollandaise was decent, given a nice boost by melted provolone under tomato and grilled zucchini slices.
Jaela and Niki reported they liked their thick slices of French toast ($10) of cinnamon raisin bread and real maple syrup. Props to the side of proper fruit salad (fresh blackberries, melon, strawberries) that didn’t come out of a plastic bucket.
But I think the big winner at the table was Michelle’s Bistro burger ($12), just a solid 6-oz. patty with butter lettuce, tomato, onion and cheese.
For hash brown lovers, sorry this isn’t where you’ll find standout potatoes. They weren’t crisp or hot enough. And coffee lovers, forget it. I had one of the worst cappuccinos ever here. So you win some, you lose some.
But here’s a bonus, after brunch, you can always stroll around the cool stores in Art Central and pick up some unique jewelry, prints or gifts or good coffee.
The Bistro at Art Central, 100-7th Ave. SW, Calgary, (403) 262-0282. Weekend brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
I went there with a friend back in the fall when they were doing specials (similar to Dine Out Calgary) during the Grey Cup – it was probably because we arrived there “late” (I think they close at 9 PM on weekdays) but the service was pretty spotty and we didn’t end up getting the special because it didn’t sound like anything out of the ordinary… We had to let ourselves out at the end of the meal
Based on your review I’m not sure if we’d go there for brunch – B. is totally a hash brown person
That burger looks superb- the fries too! Incidentally you know who has killer fries? Catch Oyster Bar.
We have been 3 times with my girlfriends. First time we really liked it as we had very nice special meals with marvelous dessert for only $25. Service was also very nice but not importunate. So, we came again in little while: it was OK, good food – maple salmon and risotto, beautiful crème brulée. However, service was not extraordinary, our waiter suddenly started flirting with my friend, and did not stop even after she let him know that she did not like it. We were slightly disappointed but decided not to give up and try this place again because we liked that it’s close to our office and not crowded. But after the third time I think I know WHY it’s always empty. We were met by the same naughty waiter (Jake) who was chewing something and all his attitude was about being interrupted. We’ve chosen beet salad, grilled halibut (that was overcooked) with couscous and asparagus (that was burned). When we asked if they have some bread, he immediately answered that it cost additional $4, but could not explain what size this bread is. During the dinner we felt his irreverent attitude and finally decided that we don’t deserve this kind of “service” as well as he doesn’t deserve his tips for it. The real shock was when we were near the door to go out, he said: ” Never come again as nobody is going to serve you!” Never anybody was so rude with us in any restaurants not only in Calgary, but around the world! I won’t be surprised at all if they loose their business because of this guy.