“Unapologetically bold”, Cleaver is anything but your average gastropub.

Tucked within 17th Ave, a step inside Cleaver proves to be an unforgettable experience.

Cleaver is the brain child of Barbara Spain and Alex Rivera, who were drawn to Calgary from Dublin and felt that the concept of Cleaver would perfectly compliment the rising culinary scene in our booming city. We’re happy they decided to land in the YYC, as they offer something completely unique to The Red Mile.

The food at Cleaver is described as “modern Irish”  with small tapas, share plates or larger meat platters designed to share. The cocktail list will blow you away, and the craftsmanship behind their cocktail creations is next level. Cleaver also serves up a legendary brunch.

The brunch date is hot in Calgary. Take a drive down 4th street or through Bridgeland on any given weekend and witness lineups of brave Calgarians waiting anxiously for some eggs, despite the sub zero temperatures.

Brunch at Cleaver starts with a reservation. Amen.

The menu is stacked with elevated takes on brunch favourites and everything is made in house, from scratch, even the “brown nutty”: a hearty traditional Irish bread. Go “Full Irish” and you’ll be served up eggs, sausage, bacon, black and white pudding with tomato, mushroom and brown nutty- yes, all on one plate.

The duck waffle with a hen egg is a posh version of chicken and waffles and if you have a sweet tooth we highly recommend  the french toast. The thick sliced Challah bread, similar to a brioche, is garnished with poached pears a house made ricotta and brandy soaked cherries.

If you’re slow to decide, start your brunch date with double dipped duck fat fries, you can add gravy, cheese and curds (posh poutine ), or top with parmesan and truffle oil. Really, the best way to start your day.

What’s brunch without orange juice? Best served with bubbles, the OJ is freshly squeezed and a few mimosas will help ease you into your weekend. After all, brunch without booze is just a sad late breakfast. If you are a caesar connoisseur, you’re in luck. The Cleaver Caesar is carefully crafted and garnished with a quail egg, cherry tomato a baby potato and a cube of pork belly, an appetizer in itself. (And the cure to whatever you did to yourself the night before…)

Don’t forget dessert! Irish “pudding”- salted caramel fondue with marshmallow doughnuts. At Cleaver, they nail the details- from the moment your coat is taken at the door, you know they’re here to do things differently.

You worked hard all week. Relax and enjoy- it’s what weekends are for!

524 17th Ave SW