Proof Cocktail Bar

Finally, a place in Calgary with mixologists concocting amazing drinks that are so unique and tasty. The staff are so knowledgable and kind. Don’t forget about the food either! It is so incredibly delicious that you’ll come back just for the food. The steamed pork sliders are a must!

Hipster joint all the way: tattoos, beards, and undercuts galore! Lots of unique drinks and too many gins to choose from that my head was spinning. They also apparently have a Tiki Sunday thing where you can get your tropical drink fix.
The bartender was very knowledgable and concocted a very yummy drink with sloe gin and egg white. It was super busy when we were there on a Friday night but they remembered my hubby from a previous visit and helped us get a nice spot at the bar where all the action is.
It’s very refreshing to have a true cocktail bar in Calgary amid all the Irish pubs and craft brewpubs. We will return for sure!

Love love love! Pages of interesting, intriguing cocktails — I’ve sampled quite a few and haven’t found one that I didn’t like. The drinks are unique and crafted with so much attention to detail (it’s very entertaining to sit at the bar and watch the bartenders at work) — this place does not disappoint!

Awesome cocktail bar. We went on a Tuesday evening, and it was very busy. They have a very homely feeling with couches and lamps. Great 2.5oz cocktails at a fairly reasonable price for what you’re getting. Look forward to going back.

This place is pretty good. Service is very friendly and the décor and the place itself is really wonderful. Lots of variety for seats; at the bar, in a comfy arm chair, high tables, low tables, etc.
So many cocktails to choose from. I’ve had a number of the cocktails and there is something for everyone. The Dublin invasion is a favourite and really the perfect night cap and great for winter, it’s a warm cocktail. They even have a few boozy hot chocolates, or wine/​beer if you aren’t feeling cocktails.
The food is pretty great also. The steam buns are my favourite. Cocktail prices are all on par with anywhere else in the city, and food is reasonable. The only thing that seems to be way overpriced is the charcuterie. Everything that comes with the charcuterie is delicious, but for the price I’d say they should put more on the board.

Amazing cocktail selection and great drinks! I tried their Z is for Zillah and though I love gin, that was the best gin cocktail I’ve ever had. What is up with the staff? We came in when the place was half empty and I think the reaction I got from the server was that she wanted to go home (it was only about 9:30pm) and was annoyed that we were coming in. She spilled on us (no apologies). When ordering, my friend pointed out what she’d like to have, and the waitress said, «use your words, I can’t see that far» (that was my first surprise). Lots of server no-no’s. But the worst, for me (because I was hangry, and if I had written this review at the time I probably would have been closer to a one or two star, so I gave myself a few days), was that we ordered with another group of friends, and when the time came (30 minutes later) to bring out the food, she informed us that they were out of the item we ordered. IT got extremely busy about 30 minutes after we came in, and I don’t mind slow service when they get unexpected rushes, but our server really wasn’t even trying… She didn’t even apologize for the food not being on the menu and waiting to tell us as late as she did. When it got a little busier, the bartender started helping out and he was a lot more put together… or at least seemed a little more «with it».
Really cool concept. The other thing that detracts from the experience, though I don’t think it’s something that the restaurant has control over, is a note about the crowd here. One of the bathroom stalls had a ledge on it and it had obvious remnants of cocaine still all over it. Listening to conversations around us it sounded like we had walked into a drug dealers convention. It’s an awesome bar, awesome drinks, a little pricey (which might go hand in hand with the type of crowd), and cool ambiance, but it’s just a warning about the type of people that you might expect to find here later at night.
Cocktail menu and cocktails are amazing. But to evaluate the overall experience means multiple other things. The service was terrible and disappointing (someone mentioned that the server seemed to be on meth so that might explain a few things) and seems to be the new hangout for Calgary drug dealers — which I guess comes with the territory for an awesome place with cool cocktails.

This is a truly great cocktail bar. It has class, sophistication, and the drinks are amazing. I really recommend this place.

Like everyone, I enjoy a nice glass of sugar and alcohol with appropriate garnishes. All to make the $ 12-​$ 15 worthwhile. This place does especially nice glasses of sugar and alcohol. There are a lot of cool people here, and it was pretty loud with the sounds of their laughter. The waitresses were also attractive, and that was important because it made me feel loved and cared for as a guest.
I had too many glasses of sugar and alcohol, and I know that my table ordered food but alcohol tends to make a man push food much more quickly past his tongue and into his stomach, thus, I can’t remember if it was good. I do remember it was the meat and cheese tray (or charcuterie for the fancy people here). It was around $ 30 for the tray, and that seems like par for the course in Calgary for fancy crackers and small triangles of cheese.
Seriously, I am so torn about the recent surfeit of fancy cocktail bars in the city. On the one hand, they are excellent alternatives to the grubby corporate pub. I am glad that they have lots of good stuff that I can buy, and that they keep themselves clean, and that they don’t have teevees. But, on the other hand, they are all basically the same, and they are all way too expensive, and honestly, if you really boil it down, I can’t tell them apart. Am I a Philistine? Yes. Probably, but I still go, so I am a hypocrite too. I like sugar and alcohol, like every human being, and Proof, is a good place to go to imbibe.

Proof is such a great cocktail bar. Great to have a bar like this in Calgary!

It was by mistake that I got to try out Proof — which turned out to be a very happy one! On our way for a drink after dinner at Beer Rev (TRY THE PIZZA it has PIZZAZZ!), I was convinced we were walking in the right direction to another place and got us (well…me, lost)
However all was not, because once we reached this cute little venue, I think my opinionated «you’re going the wrong way» speech was forgiven.
What I noticed right away was the ambience and décor, it is very pleasant to the senses. I really liked the lighting and the small details (including the awesome booth/​couches they have by the windows)
The drink menu is interesting and extensive, I didn’t really take a look at the food. Our server was attentive but not abrasive and they were even playing «The Very Best of Otis Redding» tracks. *swoon*
I defiantly want to come back and try more of what they have to offer — on purpose this time.

THIS PLACE IS AMAZING. It’s been a really long time that I have been impressed with a new restaurant/​bar in Calgary. This place «gets it»
The décor is incredible. It’s super vintage chic and everything from the comfy leather couches to the styles of glasses they use to serve their drinks. Nailed it.
The snacks/​appetizers are impressive quality. We ordered the picked shrimp, pork buns, small charcuterie board, and eggplant spread with toasts. Everything was delicious. The flavors were innovative and different, the presentation of the food was simple and clean (little jars for the spreads, charcuterie board neatly arranged according to flavors, etc). The pork buns were the best (with kimchi and cucumbers with a mayo spread). Our drinks were delicious. The acoustics were great. It was loud and busy but you could still hear the person sitting in front of you perfectly. The service was great, the drinks took a while to make but they really craft your order well, so it takes a while when it is busy.
We dropped $ 100 here and would easily do it again. Super great environment. Love it.

If the folks at Proof have any plans on making changes or adjustments, I say DON’T. Everything works.
The cocktail prices are a little high to what’s average around the city (still cheap compared to last year). BUT I think it’s fair given the attention given to each drink alone. I’m happy that the drink menu changes up to, which gives me reason to come
back over and over again. But I’m not complaining because the food is stellar both in taste and price. We were hungry and filled up our bellies with terrines, pates, and rilettes with each dish at just $ 8 a plate. Which was perfect because a carb/​fat heavy stomach lays the grounds for more cocktails!
The service was great. I realize there is an inconvinience caused by making the place free
of reservations but I get it, people flake out and establishments loose business. Lucky for proof, they were situated in a neighborhood where a 45 minute wait wasn’t so bad, that’s a drink at the nearby pub or a pizza at awesome kitchen. When we walked in, there was some mixup with our table being given away but the host made up for it by handing us a glass
of wine each!
Overall great experience, it’s situated in one of my fav drinking streets in Calgary (close to the Drunkey, Hop in Brew, Awesome Kitchen). I’m already raving about Proof to anyone who hasn’t gone… because you know… #foodieelitist
«Have you been to Proof!?»
«PHILISTINE»
“what did you say?”
«Nothing, it’s great, go check it out.»

Hands down the best cocktail lounge in the city in terms of offerings. Page after page of drinks new and old that sound delicious. The three we had on our visit we’re all finely crafted and balanced with tart, sweetness and herbs… these are cocktails to slowly sip and savour. Each one has an extensive list of ingredients, many of which will sound like gobbledygook to all but the most seasoned mixologist.
The small snacks on offer were equally tasty, with both the homemade blood sausage and rillettes nicely presented and a salty contrast to the drinks. Go here and you can’t go wrong!

Terrific new cocktail bar!
I am picky about cocktail places. I like the cool dark ambiance of places like Milk Tiger, but prefer the cocktails at Raw Bar where they incorporate unique fresh ingredients. I like my drinks refreshing, tasty and not so boozy that it overpowers all the other flavours.
Proof nails it. The cocktail menu is AMAZING. It has a good 7 or 8 pages, and every page had a bunch of drinks I was tempted to order. They incorporate unusual liqueurs and ingredients such as fresh herbs. For example, did you ever have a cocktail with fresh basil leaves, dash of olive oil and a WHOLE EGG? Yup, Proof has that on their menu. I tried it and really enjoyed it.
The bar itself is really sexy looking. They have bar seating, tables for groups, lots of windows for people watching in case your date is boring and just an amazing ambiance.
I didn’t try their food but their cheese board looked fantastic.
I can’t wait to go back and try the other cocktails on the menu!

Incredible mixology bar, fun friendly staff!
My wife’s favorite drink was the Corpse Reviver #2
She says it is the best drink ever!
I really liked the chancellor, expertly mixed!
And a bonus was the friendly people at the bar. Good to talk to, and good to hang with!
Plus some of the owners were there mixing drinks and making sure the customers are happy!

Best bar in Calgary. Incredible details and very artisanal. The food is excellent food. I am a vegetarian and there was more than enough to keep me happy, But there are selections from the Dirty South, Other Whiskeys, Mother’s Gin, Agave Spirits, Splice the Rum, The Wrath of Grapes (Brandy), Bitters & Boom Ends and lots of small plate bar snacks. You will love it.

Great selection on the menu, and clever creative bartenders willing to make anything that is not. Full marks there, and lots of great ingredients on hand. Calgary needs more cocktail dedication than it currently has and this is a welcome addition. I hope they draw crowds consistently.
However– minimalist space wouldn’t be out of place in your average mall. Exposed concrete everything, grey painted exposed utilities, all makes for a slightly prison-​esque vibe that is REALLY LOUD. Leather barstool and couches soften things up some, but not enough to say cozy.
Enjoyed our visit but will keep looking for the next great cocktail bar, that has the ambience to match the horsepower behind the bar.

When the bar has a funtional slide-​across-​the-​room, Beauty And The Beast style library ladder just so the bartenders can get access to the full booze inventory, you’re gonna be in for a good time!
Surrounded completely by windows on two full sides, unlike most cocktail bars, Proof receives a lot of natural light, making it a nice place to hang out after a day of being inside at the office. They have high top table seating, very comfortable bar seats that even have back to them (– other cocktail joints of the world take note) and even couches to hang out on. They also accept debit and credit. (–Keep taking notes.)
It’s a relaxed environment that would be a great place to do afterwork drinks, before dinner date drinks, after dinner drinks… Are you seeing a theme here? I am.
Some bars are good for people watching, this one is good for cocktail watching. Do yourself a solid and grab a seat at the bar, and watch these mix masters work their magic. I watched our bartender adjust a mint sprig garnish so that it rested perfectly along the side and then carefully place two straws next to it. The level of attention and detail is unbelievable — each drink is it’s own one-​of-​a-​kind, individually prepared dish, like a high-​end restaurant entrée.
Understandably though, you’ve got to pay for it. Coming in at $ 11-​$ 15 a drink its pretty simple to go on a spending spree. Especially since you’re also going to want to tip a bunch as the service is so spectacular.
If you’re into it, they’re happy to chat with you about the drinks they’re making. If you’re not, they’re happy to just let you enjoy. It seems like a lot of money, heck, it is a lot of money, but when you break it down you’re getting is a tonne of value here.
Each drink has 2 — 2.5 oz of high quality booze. This alone can easily land you in the $ 11 — $ 15 range at even the most commonplace pub. And we’re talking booze like, for example, drink number one was a Pierde Almas Mezcal with Ardbeg 10 Scotch floated on top of it. They do not mess around.
Drinks drank:
(Note — Proof originals are marked on the menu by a «%» next to the name.)
1.) %Fire In The Pharmacy — Pierde Almas Puritida Verda Mezcal, Dinger Syrup, Honey Syrup, Lemo Juice, Ardbeg 10 Scotch float.
2.) Remember The Maine — Bulleit small batch rye, Vya sweet vermouth, Cherry Heering, Absinthe wash.
See you soon, Pr%f!

I cannot stop raving about Proof! I am so happy to finally see a new bar that is dedicated solely to cocktails! I highly recommend sitting at the bar, where you can interact with the bartender and ask him to whip you up an «off-​the-​menu» drink based on your poison and flavour profile.
Each cocktail is 2oz and costs on average $ 11-​$ 15 from what I remember. It may sound a little pricey, but the quality and creativity that goes into the drinks makes it worth it. The menu is split up based on a liquor base (rum, whiskey, vodka, gin, etc), as well you can ask to use a different brand of liquor for a particular drink. Wine and beer is also offered.
My favourite drink that I recommend to get is the «Dreaming of Magritte» with vodka, black pepper honey syrup, basil, and bittered orange and juniper bitters. It is light and refreshing with a small bite/​kick from the black pepper. Keeping in mind their drink/​food menu changes frequently to provide customers with the best ingredients.
Don’t expect to have a full meal here. The food menu consists of bar snacks, small plates and spreads to share such as house-​made pickled eggs (yum!), pork belly & kimchi steamed buns, house-​made terrine, black pudding, and a delicious roasted eggplant spread. The portions are small (good for two people).
Proof has a casual, trendy and fun vibe; not overly hipster or pretentious. Although the bar is not very big (seats about 60), the ceiling-​high windows opens the space up. The main focus and highlight of Proof is the back bar with about 5 levels of beautiful bottles.
Overall, this is a fantastic place to drop by for a drink. or two. It is the perfect setting for a date or to catch up with old friends. What a great addition to the Calgary bar/​restaurant scene. I will definitely go back! =)

Fantastic ambience and cocktail menu. The service is friendly and the people hanging out having fun make it a great place for a drink or a drink and a few snacks. Love, love, love this place.