A few week ago, after hearing of a new ‘secret’ lounge in Calgary, I dialed up the squad and planned a night out. Never wanting to be left out, the posse agreed to take Sub Rosa by storm!
Hidden beneath the heritage building at the corner of 8th Avenue & 1st Street, the only way you’d notice the entrance is by finding the illuminated neon triangle above the door.
Open to the public only on Thursdays and Fridays from 7pm till ‘late’, we decided to arrive post dinner and stay as long as we were welcome.
After we passed by a doorman and Sub Rosa’s ‘dress to impress‘ dress code, we were ushered into an elevator and sent downwards.
When we reached our ‘sub’ destination, we entered into a unique and extraordinary space.
Dramatic drapes hung from the towering ceiling and curious artwork immediately caught our attention on the left.
And on the right, the brick wall had us feeling we were on a visit to the Tunnels of Al Capone.
Throughout Sub Rosa rich brown leather couches and large over sized chairs filled the space, inviting us to stay… So we did!
Then it was on to the drinks! (Which on Thursdays are ‘Make it a Double’, for the price of a single)
And these 2 cocktails may have been 2 of the best I have ever indulged in, in Calgary!
The Wild Rose:
Beefeater 24 Gin, St-Germain elderflower, prosecco, rose syrup, cucumber and lemon.
Bee’s Knees:
Sub Rosa Gin (they have a private contract and have their own gin produced), honey, lemon, cranberry bitters and flaming rosemary!
Both cocktails are a perfect balance between sour & sweet!
As the night progressed… A DJ kicked in, the cocktails continued to flow and the bathroom selfies were out in full force!
Which brings me to another favourite feature of Sub Rosa…. communal bathrooms!
You’ll never have to pause the party!
Sub Rosa is not only a very unique space in Calgary, it’s a whole other world of fun!
Can’t wait to go back!
Mr. Fab rosa
What an interesting place! I’ll know where to go next time I’m in Calgary! 😉
What is the dress code?! Aka what should we wear to meet the dress code!! Drinks look and sound so good!