Calgary restaurant on Simmons Building rooftop offering wood-fired cuisine, house-made charcuterie, and Argentine flavors. Great river views and cocktails.
Charbar occupies the upper level of the Simmons Building on Confluence Way SE in Calgary's East Village neighbourhood, a post-industrial redevelopment district at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. The restaurant opened in 2014 as one of the anchor tenants of the Simmons Building's revitalisation and quickly established itself as one of Calgary's most appealing mid-range dining destinations. The kitchen centres on wood-fired cooking and Argentine-inspired techniques: meats cooked over the live wood grill, house-made charcuterie and empanadas, and a menu that acknowledges Argentina's cattle ranching traditions while drawing primarily on premium Alberta beef. The rooftop patio — one of Calgary's most sought-after warm-weather dining spots — commands views over the Bow River and the downtown skyline. Inside, the Simmons Building's industrial heritage is preserved through exposed brick, high ceilings, and large windows. The cocktail programme is strong and the wine list emphasises Argentine and South American labels alongside Californian and Canadian choices. Brunch service on weekends has developed its own devoted following.
Signature dishes
- Alberta Beef Asado — $38
- Wood-Fired Pizza — $16
Good to know
- Hours
- 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
- Reservations
- Recommended
Location
618 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0G1
51.0385, -114.0476 View on map
Highlights
- Rooftop patio with views over the Bow River and Calgary's downtown skyline
- Wood-fired cooking with Argentine-inspired techniques and premium Alberta beef
- Historic Simmons Building setting in Calgary's East Village redevelopment district
- House-made charcuterie and empanadas alongside the live-fire menu
- Weekend brunch with a devoted local following
Tips for visiting
- The rooftop patio is the most desirable spot in warm weather — request it when booking
- Alberta beef asado is the flagship dish — the woodfire preparation showcases the quality of the local beef
- Weekend brunch reservations should be made several days in advance
- The cocktail programme is strong — the Argentine-inspired list is worth exploring
- East Village is walkable from downtown Calgary via the Riverwalk pathway system
Accessibility
The Simmons Building has elevator access to the upper level where Charbar is located. The restaurant interior is accessible. The rooftop patio may have limited accessibility depending on configuration in any given season — confirm with the restaurant when booking.
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Frequently asked questions
What type of food does Charbar serve?
Charbar serves Argentine-inspired cuisine focused on wood-fired cooking, premium Alberta beef, house-made charcuterie, and empanadas. The menu blends South American techniques with local Canadian ingredients.
Is the rooftop patio open year-round?
The rooftop patio is a seasonal offering available during Calgary's warmer months. The indoor dining room operates year-round.
Where is the Simmons Building?
The Simmons Building is at 618 Confluence Way SE in Calgary's East Village neighbourhood, on the bank of the Bow River close to the confluence with the Elbow River.
Is brunch available at Charbar?
Yes, Charbar serves weekend brunch. The brunch menu has developed a strong local reputation and reservations are advisable.
Does Charbar take reservations?
Yes. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dinner and brunch. The rooftop patio is particularly popular in summer.