Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey

Phenomenal quality meats that are wonderfully tender, with delicious sides. I can recommend going for the half off meat after 10pm. Service was quick and friendly.

Omg incredible food. Kaykay or KK really helped us out with recommendations too! Grateful for a perfect dinner and service.

A lot of lights, amazing whiskey, a great bar and some of the best brisket I've ever had. A really fun night out.

Food was amazing! Not too much smoke flavor that you are tasting it for hours but just enough to flavour it. Tried the pulled pork, brisket, beet salad and watermelon salad. Both salads were amazing and worth trying. Definitely recommended. And atmosphere was fantastic but loud so remember if you’re looking for a quiet dinner maybe ask for a corner seat. Ps live music was incredible.

**Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey: A Culinary Triumph in Calgary**

**Ambience & Atmosphere**

From the moment one steps foot into Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey, the aromatic allure of slow-smoked meats mingles with the rustic charm of the establishment, immediately setting the stage for an exceptional dining experience. With dim lighting, the ambiance of this eatery is intimate, with subtle nods to classic Texan smokehouses. Whether you’re here for a casual evening out or celebrating a special occasion, the ambiance strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and upscale.

**The Culinary Experience**

Hayden Block does not merely serve food; it offers a masterclass in the art of barbecue. The brisket, a standout item, boasts a tantalizing smoky crust outside, giving way to a melt-in-the-mouth, tender inside. It's a testament to the hours spent perfecting the art of smoking meat, and the result? A symphony of flavors.

The chopped pork, another highlight, exudes robust flavors, blending harmoniously with Hayden Block's signature sauces. Complementing the main dishes, their cornbread is moist and crumbly, an embodiment of Southern comfort food. And the BBQ corn wrapped in bacon? It's a sinful dance of sweetness, smokiness, and crunch that leaves one craving for more.

**Drink Selection**

The 'Whiskey' in Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey is not just a namesake; it stands for a meticulously curated list that complements the hearty BBQ fare. Their selection ranges from the smoky peat of Scotch to the caramel notes of a good Bourbon. For those who lean towards brewed refreshments, the array of beers is vast, ensuring that every palate, from the novice drinker to the connoisseur, finds its match.

**Service**

While the food and drinks are the obvious stars, the impeccable service at Hayden Block cannot go unnoticed. The staff demonstrates a harmonious blend of professionalism with a touch of genuine warmth, ensuring that every diner feels valued. Their knowledge about the menu, from the origins of the meats to the perfect whiskey pairing, adds to the overall gastronomic journey.

**Parking**

A minor caveat to this otherwise stellar experience is the street parking. The Kensington area can indeed present a challenge for those driving, especially during peak hours. But as any culinary enthusiast will attest, the finest experiences often require a tad bit of effort. And in the grand scheme of things, a small parking hiccup pales in comparison to the culinary delights that await within.

**Conclusion**

To dine at Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey is to embark on a gastronomic journey that transcends the ordinary. It's a homage to the traditions of barbecue while also bringing a modern flair to each dish. With its perfect melding of food, drink, ambiance, and service, Hayden Block firmly establishes itself as a shining jewel in Calgary's dining scene. And while the Michelin Guide has its criteria, for lovers of authentic BBQ paired with an exceptional drink list, Hayden Block is undoubtedly a star in its own right.

There’s better options for this type of trendy restaurant. The service is hit or miss the food is hit or miss. The prices are…Well…. Pricy. For what you get and the experience.

Atmosphere and food is amazing! Also Connie is an amazing server! Very energetic and good at her job!

Whoa, amazing BBQ and whisky. Best Rye and ginger I ever had. Great service too, we go here every time we are back in Calgary. Espresso barbacue sauce is really good.

Wow what a fantastic selection of whiskey and scotch from around the world. The back patio is ideal and very cosy for date nights. You must try the wings, cornbread, fried pork belly and the beef short rib! The smoke from the food is a match made in heaven with a good scotch. The service is also on point and you won’t be disappointed.

I’ve been here a couple times and the first time the service was great and the food was amazing but this time around I can’t say the same thing. My friend and I ordered whiskey sours and the drink came out warm and the server was making excuses that it was because the glasses were warm and we had to ask for another glass with ice to pour our drinks into because we could not drink it. To top it all off we ordered wings and they were raw and bloody. The server did nothing to rectify the situation, so we were disappointed with the service. Not likely that we will return unfortunately. I think their sister restaurant is much better.

One of the best barbeque joints in the city. The sides are fantastic too, I like the creamy corn! Turkey was a bit dry but, do not let that deter you - they slayy the brisket and pulled pork! Tons of whiskeys to choose from and make a great drink!

Like so many other BBQ places this one failed to impress. Ordered the brisket, pulled pork and spare ribs @ $14 per half pound. The brisket was served dry but had a nice bark, if your going to spend the time to smoke it, then maybe a little love on the backside would be nice, butcher paper can be a friend. The pulled pork had some nice smoke. The rib was amazing, this I would come back for. But here is the deal, I am from Charleston SC and if you charged me $7 a rib bone, well - you would be sent down the Cooper River without a paddle. That dog don't hunt. Lastly service, BBQ is meant to be enjoyed over time - it's rich. If I am going to order a cold beer and this platter below, my bill had better not show up at my table prior to me finishing my beer. Service was rushed, not good at all and the place was empty, no excuses. Keeping it real, I likely wouldn't return for the food.

We love it here! The drinks are amazing and high quality. The food is beyond delicious and the service never disappoints. It's a favorite spot for sure. So glad we can enjoy it again. 'Son of a peach' is my favorite drink from the taste to the presentation. Thanks Hayden Block!

We love getting smoked meats here, especially the brisket. Tried taco Tuesday for the first time and tacos were great also.

We had a little bit of everything. The food was great. The beef rib was our favorite. Mac and cheese had a little bit of a kick to it, so our little guy had trouble finishing it. What he could finish, he liked it. The cornbread (not pictured) were moist and the honey butter was heavenly.

We had the old fashioned, Lynchburg lemonade. The drinks were strong, so I would recommend only 1 if you are starting off your day.

The only thing taking away from the 5 stars was the food came out a little cooler than expected. Otherwise, this place for BBQ lovers.

Wow this place for their amazing, delicious meat and sides! Ordered beef ribs, pulled pork, brisket, corn bread, baled beans, broccoli salad and potato salad. Everything was so worth it. Friendly staff and amazing food. Lemme forget about my diet.they also have great beer and whiskey

This is a great place. I had a Tennessee Mule it waa great. Other friends orders cocktails too and.said they were great. Love the small dishes. We ordered Pulled Pork Tarkos, chicken wings, brisket. Everything was delicious. The chocolate bread pudding was amazing. First time i ever had.

Very friendly and effecient staff

This place has both indoor and outdoor seating. Suitable for groups less than 10

We went tonight and loved the food but hated the loud atmosphere. We had a table by the bar and as well, there was a table nearby that had people who were screaming and we couldn’t hear each other. We asked to be moved but they can’t move tables. We had a lovely waitress, so it’s not her fault, but we will never go back to this establishment.

That Brisket and Corn Bread. I could just have it all day long. So delicious. Amazing flavors and cooked perfectly.great little patio in the back was perfect for a great dinner with some friends. I was overwhelmed by the menu as there were just too many things I wanted to try. Have to come back. Amazing!

Ribs and brisket were very good! Friendly staff and no wait time to get in. Waiter could check in a little more often as we were finished our meal and sat with plates on the table for a while before anyone noticed. Overall good experience tho!

Came in here after a not so pleasant experience at another restaurant. The bartender was SO nice, knowledgeable and friendly to chat with! The food as always was amazing!

Unfortunately I have to amend my 5 star rating from last year. Feels like they're just trying to get you in and out as fast as possible with no regard for customer experience. Yesterday I went for my partner's birthday and we wer e going to be seated inside. I asked if we could potentially wait for a table outside and the manager was extremely rude. He told me it was too windy anyway, that it was going to rain later so we shouldn. 't bother and then just left. I don't think that's a proper way to speak to a customer who was politely inquiring about outdoor seating. Plus, I had checked the forecast right before I left. No rain, and we saw tons of people be seated outside after us, and just like I predicted it didn't rain at all. Food was pretty good, received far less meat than previously despite ordering the same amount as before. Broccoli salad was pretty gross, and I had to ask three separate time for some bread to go with our meal, everything else was alright. Waitress was okay but a little Curt if I'm being honest. Very disappointed because we hadn't been back since before the pandemic and I was excited! I used to love this place! Kensington pub is a different vibe but the staff genuinely cares and are much friendlier

Great little place for a bite. The Texan sandwich was huge on its own. The cornbread was soft yet crunchy, and the butter to die for.
Ceasar was wonderfully flavored. A nice spot for sure. We will be back again.

Best pub in Kensington. Delicious food, great draft beers and deserts. I always go here to watch major UFC fight and hockey games with my homies.

Delicious BBQ and side dishes! My husband and I have ordered from Hayden Block many times and it has always been excellent. Many BBQ places focus primarily on the meat components of the menu and the side dishes are just ok and uninspiring. This isn't the case at Hayden Block. Although their meat selections and quality are wonderful, their side dishes are every bit as amazing. I could eat their beet salad every day, and sometimes order just that if I'm strapped for time at home and need a quick and tasty side dish. Thank you, Hayden Block.see you again soon!