Hayden Block Calgary Restaurant Review

Hayden Block Smokehouse & Whiskey Calgary Restaurant Review

I don’t think there could’ve been a better replacement for the Kensington District’s Yardhouse – may it rest in peace – other than the authentic Central Texas barbecue house called Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey.

This is exactly the kind of food & drink establishment that Calgary needs more of, the likes of which have not broken onto our city’s foodie scene where you can go for an entirely new kind of experience.

We were impressed with Hayden Block’s pick-and-choose style menu emphasising all kinds of barbecued meats as well as its extensive list of drinks ranging from local brews to imported never-heard-of’s.

Here’s Calgaryism’s scores for one of Kensington’s newest and most hype restaurants / pubs – the Hayden Block.

• Atmosphere – 10.0/10.0

• Service – 9.0/10.0

• Food – 8.5/10.0

• Cost – 7.0/10.0

*10 rated as best

Location

[mappress mapid="274"]

Atmosphere & Service

Hayden Block’s interior is completely unrecognizable from that of the former Yardhouse. The central bar – which divided up the space in its predecessor – has been knocked down and replaced by a handful of long communal wooden tables, while the new bar moved to the east wall.

In the back is a 30-seat whiskey garden, out front a refurbished street side patio and the washrooms and ATM still downstairs.

One cool thing was how they had chalk boards hanging on the walls around the main seating area with what’s on the menu and for how much. The menu is what really has this place hitting the top of the charts with locals after all. Also see our Best Calgary Food for Under $10.

But before we get to that we have to say that the service was great for how busy it was. We had a few questions about the menu as it was our first time here and our server was quick to explain each in detail while also being on top of drink refills and what not.

Our Orders

Tipsy Texan - $10.00 – smoked pork, sausages, cabbage, dill on a fresh house-made bun

If you like sandwiches, then the tipsy Texan at Hayden Block is one to try. But beware as its also one of those king sandwiches that’s messy and barely fits into your mouth.

The contrasting textures and tastes of the smoked pork slices and sausages was surprisingly delightful – and filling, I might add – while the cabbage and dill added some crunch that every truly good sandwich needs.

Honestly there were so many things on Hayden Block’s menu that sounded good that it was a hard pick. We will be back for more sometime very soon and most definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a unique barbecue house experience, Texan style!

Hayden Block Smokehouse & Whiskey

Address – 1136 Kensington Road NW
Phone Number – 403-283-3021

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