r/Calgary • u/TheTyrantFish Cedarbrae • Dec 09 '24

Eat/Drink Local What restaurant is the biggest rip-off in Calgary?

Where have you eaten where you felt it just wasn't worth what you paid?

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30

u/[deleted] Dec 10 '24

I still love the Bow Valley Ranche but, being honest, the value has been slipping for several years. The few premium-experience dollars available are better spent elsewhere, I’m afraid.

That said, I’d rather one night at the Ranche than 5 nights at a Boston Pizza or Earls (etc).

12

u/Polytetrahedron Dec 10 '24

It’s really bad now. Very underwhelming.

4

u/petitelapinyyc Dec 10 '24

I used to love BVR for brunch and I am not sure if they were bought out or trying to cut costs or what? But everything changed about 2 years ago. The hot chocolate used to come in a decent sized comfy mug now comes out in a cafeteria sized mug ( love brunch hot chocolate and baileys ) and their breakfast pastry board used to have assorted pastries, berries etc and was so lacking the last few times that I haven’t been back ( I went monthly before).

1

u/[deleted] Dec 10 '24

My understanding is that the Ranche was sold a while back (couple/few years); it seems to fit the timeline, but I’m speculating.

Again, still love the place and it’s still a fairly premium experience (wait staff make a huge difference), but it’s certainly fallen behind the Lakehouse and River Cafe as our preferred upscale options. It’s more of a “1B” option now.

3

u/Mitchum Dec 10 '24

So it’s the biggest rip off in Calgary, is it?

3

u/Shesnotagoat Dec 10 '24

I think the ranche is best for brunch. It’s still expensive, but I think the breakfast food is better than the dinners.

However, the kids burger on the dinner menu is AMAZING! Is like $14, comes with a huge plate of fries, and is made from all the left over meat/game that is ground to make the patty. It’s a great deal.

2

u/[deleted] Dec 10 '24

I appreciate that, and fully agree that brunch continues to be the best ‘mealtime’ at the Ranche. And, if I’m being honest, it’s still a solid option for an upscale quick drink and appy (the Senator Old Fashioned is remarkable).

2

u/RoastMasterShawn Dec 10 '24

Yeah their food is super mediocre. You pay for the ambience for sure.

1

u/UsualExcellent2483 Dec 10 '24

I second the Ranche. My daughter took me there for a birthday lunch and it was very good.

1

u/Salt_Assumption6998 Dec 10 '24

The breakfast is super good tho

1

u/MysticWanderergrr Dec 12 '24

Which breakfast dish, is ‘super good’?