In February of this year, a refreshing new page was added to Calgary’s food diaries. DJ NEWBOY, also known as Ronnie Mupambwa, opened his globally-inspired restaurant and bar, Chakalaka, that now occupies the former 1410 World Bier Haus building. The restaurant created a lot of buzz at the time, courtesy of its grand opening. A little over 9 months in and the buzz is nowhere near dying. Yes, we are here to tell you why.
Let’s talk ambience first. This gigantic multi-story building with a rooftop patio boasts an upscale interior that’s straight-up Instagrammable. The vibe, surprisingly, is super chill and inviting. It made for a unique fancy-meets-casual experience that works perfectly for just about any occasion and any gathering- be it a family get-together, a cocktail-n-snacks night with the gals, or even an office soiree.
Doing justice to this welcoming interior is the resto-bar’s menu that’s nothing short of a global food tour. So, you’ll find tandoori chicken alongside miso tofu sitting next to jerk chicken and shrimp tacos. The menu is as eclectic as it is elaborate. And if the names are enticing you, wait till you see their artistic, mouth-watering plating.
The menu also has a variety of exotic meats (think kangaroo, ostrich, alligator, and frog legs) that somehow won’t break your wallet. Honest confession: we did not give the exotic meats a try, though these apparently are the crowd-pullers.
With all that amazing food (oh, and also the tableside hot stone cooking) there are also tons of original cocktails and a carefully curated selection of wine and beer. The Kilauea, a Hawaiian cocktail, is definitely going to be on our next order as well.
Now, here comes the best part- they have a happy hour too. You’ll find food on the happy hour menu starting at $8 and cocktails starting at $2.75. Awe-friggin-some, right!
The restaurant sure is living up to its 3-fold motto of being inclusive, bringing people together, and giving them a memorable dining experience. It’s the kind of place that becomes your go-to after a single visit.
We suggest you check out their Insta for a visual teaser of what awaits you. And here is the Chakalaka website, you’ll need this once you’ve seen the tempting AF delights they’ve grammed. You’re welcome!
Chakalaka
Where: 1410 17th Ave. S.W.
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 5PM – 12AM; Friday: 5PM-2AM; Saturday: 3PM-2AM; Sunday: 3PM-12AM
