Pig & Duke

Went for a friends birthday on a fight night. Table was booked for 6pm and think by 7:30pm the whole place was packed. Assuming this is a regular occurrence.
Good selection of draft beers and had Granville Island Winterale on tap — winning! Food wise we shared a bunch of the snacks.
Calamari with bacon bits (bacon in everything), was a good size portion but was left in the fryer just a touch too long. Started getting a little chewy.
Pork gyoza came with about 6 or more tot he portion. Good thicker soy dipping sauce. Large size gyoza’s. Quite tasty.
Biscuits and pig sauce (thick gravy) came with 3 large buiscuits to the portion. Little harder round the edges. Felt they may have sat under the heat lamp a little too long. Gravy was 100% fantastic. Thick and flavourful and a good size portion to go with the buiscuits.
Wild boar taquitos are amaing! 4 to a plate with sour cream and guacamole on the side. Soft one the outside and packed with ground boar on the inside. These were a clear winner with everyone.
Friend had the mac and cheese. Enjoyed it but said it was also a little dry — pretty sure it was the heat lamp again.
Looked like they were hosting a christmas party in the back section with buffet service from a hatch area down the end of the bar. The food one the buffet looked quite good when I walked past and nice that they had a little curtain up to make the area a little more private.
Feel the aspects of the food that we didn’t like were down to the waitresses being so busy running drinks that food sat for a little while. They could do will getting a food runner in for the game/​fight nights maybe. Lots of specials everyday. Would like to see how the brunch is. Or just be back on a Monday where the wild boar taquitos are $ 2 each…

Short trip. 2 beers, great service, nice atmosphere. I felt like bacon. Ordered a side. 2 slices cost FOUR DOLLARS. What the hell? $ 5 for terrific local beer, $ 4 for 2 slices of bacon when I could have bought a pound for that price. Crazy. Fix your pricing.

Went for breakfast at 1:30 pm, just missed it. I’m picky and they screwed up my order, but remade it. This made the wait and extra 15 minutes. Had the Breakfast Sandwich because it was breakfasty. Got the salad with it to be healthy and fend off guilt. The Misses got a the Cobb salad and was thoroughly disappointed. She complained and it was off the bill. My food turned out to be solid! The waitress was understanding and only one working. Food was good, staff was helpful. Good experience!

Yes there’s the usual pool tables, wide screen TVs, mini skirts, etc. But this pub actually puts an effort into their food. Prices are a bit higher but you get what you pay for.
I had the pig knuckles (dry rub) and the trio of spud which were both delicious with tons of flavor.
If you’re looking for a free meal you could attempt The Pig (a 16oz. Burger) in under 40 mins :)

I love this local pub for its delicious frog leg nights, its unpretentiousness, its range of beer on tap, and its friendly servers. They have daily specials (many of the food ones include pork, hence the name) and decent prices for local beers. The ambience is chilled-​out and inviting with lots of wood and various televisions, as well as a pool table. I’ve come for brunch and I would not recommend it, but their dinner food and appetizers are great. The summer patio is also nice, and there is free parking in the building if you look for it. A great addition to the neighbourhood.

Came with work colleagues for lunch, six of us. My Caesar Salad had some huge pieces of rotten lettuce in it. Everyone else’s food was mediocre, plus one person’s chicken wrap was missed and got his lunch 10 minutes after ours. The music was much to loud for a lunch crowd, couldn’t hear each other talk. Paid the bill and we tipped according to service (poor), food (mediocre) and ambiance (loud music), the Waitress (Rochelle) questioned why she was getting such a poor tip, «What? I’m only getting a $ 6 tip?» were her exact words, I can’t believe she had balls to say that to us. Our company will not be coming back.

This is a fun pub with surprisingly good food. I went for the first time during the Stanley Cup playoffs and had a great time. It was extremely busy so service was slow but not extraordinary. The Parmesan chips/​fries I had as a side were *out of this world*. The friends I was with are regulars who recommended just about every item on the menu and everyone was happy with their meal and all the food looked and smelled fantastic. I look forward to coming here again and trying something else… And very likely, again, with the Parmesan chips on the side.

Amazing food, and a fun atmosphere. I have tried almost everything and can’t complain! Never overly busy so you rarely have to wait to get a table which is nice. Perfect neighbourhood pub. Wouldn’t be my favourite place for level of service but isn’t the worst.

SUPER OVER HYPED place. Food quality was mediocre.
Service was sub-​par with a waitress who thought she was hot shit, and acted like she thought that she was better than me.
AND — it was WAY TOO expensive.
We went for «wing wednesday» and they don’t actually have a wing special. Their «wing special» is like the same price as most other places’ full price.
Got the frogs legs and chicken wings. Wings were ok. Frogs legs were not nearly hot enough and tasted fishy.
The hipsters all around me seemed to really enjoy it though.
Blech this place is not for me.
I won’t be going back if I can help it.

Although my most recent visit to the Pig & Duke was also my first, I was there with a booked reservation and clear intention. The intention… Complete diet debauchery! Let me introduce you to «The Pig»… to quote the menu: «THINK YOU’RE A CHAMP? YOU TAKE IT DOWN IN 40 MINUTES & IT’S ON US: 16oz beef patty, lto, pulled pork, guacamole, smoked bacon, cheddar, Canadian bacon, grubec, onion rings $ 29».
Why on earth would I attempt this you might ask? Earlier this day I had just competed in my first fitness competition, the kind where you’re on stage in front of 100s of people in nothing but a pair of posing trunks flexing your muscles, yup that kind of show! Getting to the level of fitness where I was proud to show off my physique was no easy task, in fact it took 4 months of strict flexible dieting and training to get there and I started out in good shape! I had to say «no» to so many decadent and savoury meals on my road to getting stage ready. So now that I was done I was ready to give the ultimate middle finger to dieting; what better way than eating the biggest burger I could find!
I heard about the burger through social media and found some more information on it through the Pig & Duke’s website and «Food​Chal​lenges​.com». There was also another burger «Canadian Brewhouse’s Rita Burger Challenge» that I strongly considered, it was a harder challenge according to «FoodChallenges» but the pictures didn’t seem to have the same WOW effect that «The Pig» provided. So post-​competition I booked a reservation at Pig & Duke and the ordeal was on!
We came in and my fiancée ordered something normal and I went with «The Pig» as planned with a side of fries; I wasn’t going to wuss out with a side salad after I came this far! Prior to bringing it out they bring out this massive timer which is fitting considering the size of the burger lol. Then came the burger… the pictures really did not do this monstrosity justice, it’s HUGE! I hope my pictures do a better job showing this! Right away I thought «you got to be kidding me…» lol. FoodChallenges says this is a 3.5lb burger, it’s definitely more, the small descriptor in the menu also failed to mention a couple points. Yes there’s a 16oz beef patty, lto, pulled pork, guacamole, bacon and onion rings, but some things were different which caught me off guard. First off the lettuce is basically a third of an ice berg lettuce, basically just un-​enjoyable filler. Secondly there’s a massive slice of fatty ham on the top half of the bun that isn’t mentioned anywhere and the bacon is peameal bacon, not the smoked or Canadian bacon that was described in the menu; guessing the ham is supposed to be one of these? I didn’t detect the grubec but it may have been lost in the mess, also it’s good to note it comes Big Mac style with a third middle bun. There’s really no right way to try and eat The Pig, just go at it! Since you’re probably gonna fail (only 8 have completed it thus far) I’d eat the parts you’re going to enjoy the most. I had the beef patty, the cheese, the onion rings, the bacon and most of the ham and pulled pork. I disregarded most of the bun and lettuce. I also did manage to finish the fries which were quite good as a side. I’d say I ate about 40−45% (see pictures), basically it kicked my ass haha!
As for the restaurant: it was quiet, there was ample parking (street and private lot), pool, darts, TVs and a pretty good open feel. The décor was nothing special but it went with the low key pub with Celtic flair look that they’re going for. The food menu had a solid selection of Canadian pub favorites along with some Celtic items as well. I was actually quite impressed with the drink men; great selection of beers on draft/​bottle and solid daily specials as well. Prices are very fair here. Our server Lydia was awesome as well, very on point and accommodating with my burger antics lol. I’ll definitely come back for a «normal» dining experience haha! Thanks for the welcome back to big eats: D.

The Pig & Duke not surprisingly features a lot of pork, and no one over here is complaining! The menu is a mixed bag of slightly upscale pub fare like pork tacos, garlic fries, charcuterie boards, plus a few mains, all of which have been well executed when I’ve been. There is a daily drink and a daily food special, which are really good deals, not token discounts. This is what gets them 4 stars.
Inside is fairly dark and woody in the English style, but there are a few rather large tables in the street side South-​facing patio. Most people don’t mind sharing if you ask nicely. There is also plenty of designated spots in the parade next to the building, a nice extra! If you’re into sports, all the major events are on here (hockey, boxing, etc.), with a notable focus on English foot ball.

I like to come here when I’m hungover on Sundays. In the fall/​winter they do a great breakfast buffet. In the spring (now) they have Canadian Breakfast specials including Toolshed infused syrup and pancakes. Beer breakfast? I think so!
A great sports bar that shows a lot of soccer and UFC but will put the TV on any sports you want. Love going here for Flames games.

I am really happy that the Pig & Duke seems to be doing well in this location. I’ve lived in the area for years, and it’s nice to see something that fits the area (not dive-​y, but not like the previous restaurant/​martini bar, crush, that was there).
The ambiance is nice for a neighbourhood pub — laid back, dark, and comfortable. And the food is really great! I especially enjoy the Mac & Cheese or the Grilled Cheese. It seems that in addition to all things pork, they have a great way with cheese too.
The brunch is OK, but you really can’t go wrong for all you can eat for $ 10. It’s great if you’re hungry for something quick — and they have a great selection of decent food, from mini corn dogs, to eggs benny, to meats and cheeses. But best to get there a couple hours before it shuts down so you have a good selection!

I came to this bar when it first opened and I’m not sure I’ve ever actually left. Food is awesome, if you’re a carnivore. Beer is great with a wider selection than just about any other smaller pub. I recommend this place to everyone.

I finally tried Pig and Duke. It’s a 3 minute walk from by bf’s house, but we’ve never thought to visit until last night.
It was crazy busy and loud since the hockey game was on. TV’s are all over the place, I mean, every angle your eyes turn, you’ll catch a glimpse of some sport or other.
Anywho, despite the huge crowds of people all over the place, it didn’t take long to have our server offer us menus and something to drink. The menu is mostly standard pub fare, heavy on the pork products, but does have a few vegetarian options as well as gluten free buns.
I ordered a cider and the veggie burger /​salad.
My bf had a couple ales and the beef burger/​mash potato.
Our food was good, on par with The Ship’s food but at a higher price point, and throughout our server kept checking in. All in all a pretty decent first experience.
They have specials on every day as well as pool tables and support Arsenal for those who watch soccer when World Cup isn’t on.

I will visit this place one more time, and may give them a better review on the next visit.
Just because one rude waitress should not trash the reputation of a pub.
But for now… Meh! I’ve experienced better.

So I reviewed this place a month er two ago and when I said it had the best poutine– I wasn’t kidding. We went out of our way to eat here again!
I don’t know if it was the reviews that did it or maybe the waitress — who by the way was the same one from our last girl trip — was having a better day but she was much more attentive and even came back to ask how our food was! Five stars definitely this time! You better believe pig & duke we will be back on our next trip to eat here again!

Well colour me surprised, Pig & Duke, I had no idea how delicious you are!
Pig and Duke is a really unassuming pub with a really unassuming name pub name. When you walk in, you’ll see exactly what you expect to see — pub bar, pub booths, a few TV’s and some servers wearing plaid skirts as is familiar in the hundreds of typical neighbourhood «sports pubs» throughout Calgary. «I know the place» you’ll think to yourself as you sit down at a pub table and open the pub beer list expecting to find the same ol’ pub domestic brews. As you read through the list, your eyes widen as you realize — you were so wrong!
They have 24 taps in this place and they’re loaded with the beers (very wobbly) dreams are made of! Other than the monstrous Calgary beer halls, this is the only place I know that carries Dale’s Pale Ale from Osker Blues and tap. While, yes I may be swayed by the name of the beer, its one of my favourites and I hope you buy it so they can continue to stock it and I can keep drinking it! Seriously though, so good.
Next you’ll open the food menu and while they have the pub fare you’d expect they also have some really interesting variations on the theme.
Enter The Hammer, my meal for the evening — a kielbasa sausage stuffed with black truffle cheddar, wrapped in smoked bacon. Wrapped. In Bacon. Wrap your head around that for a second.
Looking for a meal that doubles as medal of caveman honour? Feast your eyes on the «The Pig»! This thing is 1 POUND of beef burger with pulled pork, smoked bacon, Canadian bacon, avocado, onion rings, cheddar & grubec swiss cheese. You didn’t miscount, they have 2 kinds of bacon on one scary huge burger. 2, my friend. 2.
Don’t be like me. I made the mistake of never going to the Pig & Duke for the last few years because it looks very ordinary. As it turns out, the reason I avoided to begin with is the reason I will keep coming back. They’ve got all the food and drinks of Calgary’s top beer halls and gastropubs, with a vibe that is unmistakably «neighbourhood pub.»
That’ll do, Pig. That’ll do.

I like brunch. But I hate waiting for a table. And I hate squeezing into tables at brunch restaurants since they’re so full. And I hate paying $ 19 for eggs benny.
At Pig & Duke, the hate no longer flows through me like the angry and tumultuous waters of the Amazon in the middle of rainy season. And that’s because I can’t recall when I last came across a joint that offered such incredible brunch value.
Here’s the straight goods: I paid $ 10 for all-​you-​can-​eat brunch that offered: eggs cooked in ham cups; Eggs Benedict; taters; cheese perogies; spring rolls; waffles; all kinds of cut fruit; deli meats of all varieties; cheese platter (including Guinness cheddar!); a selection of vegetables (which I would normally try, but didn’t); piles of bacon and sausage. And more.
For ten bucks. Are you kidding me? Caesars are $ 5. As much coffee as I can drink for $ 3.
I stuffed myself with excellent food, added in coffee and a Caesar, and my bill came in at under $ 20. Whaaaat? No, it’s true. Why would I make that up. I mean, I make things up sometimes. This is not one of those things. Trust me. I don’t know if you’re going to trust a guy who says he makes things up, but in this case, it’s in your best interest to do so.
I don’t know about the whole rest of the week or anything else on the menu. But on Saturday and Sunday morn, you really oughtta go here.

I’m really torn about the number of stars to give this pub so I guess I’ll just tell you the good and bad stuff and you can decide what’s important to you.
First, the good:
The food is really tasty. This place has the biggest chicken wings I’ve ever seen but go on wing night as they’re pricey. It’s also not a place that you go for health food. I don’t think that they even do vegetables, but they are good with the meat and the fryer.
The not so good:
The service is inconsistent, but usually pretty awful. Staff does not know the menu, don’t seem to be motivated to check on you that often, and aren’t all that pleasant. Except for Vanessa. If you manage to sit in her section you will have a great experience, so tip her well.
Oh, be careful of surprises. When I order a side of gravy I expect it to be a few bucks. Not $ 4. I get that they are trying to increase margin but for that amount I’d rather order another beer and dip my fries in that.
Bottom line — could be great. Not there yet.