Calgary’s Guide to Shrimp Cocktail

There’s something timeless about a good shrimp cocktail. Whether you’re starting a steakhouse dinner, celebrating a special occasion or simply craving chilled jumbo shrimp with a zesty cocktail sauce, this classic appetizer remains a winner. From old-school steakhouses to modern wine bars, Calgary has no shortage of places serving beautifully pepared shrimp with a variety of house-made sauces. Read on for some of the best spots in the city to order this perennial favourite.

Rodney’s Oyster House
355 10 Ave. S.W.

While Rodney’s is best known for its oysters, the seafood menu is exceptional across the board. Their Traditional Shrimp Cocktail features wild white shrimp served chilled with a house-made cocktail sauce that’s bright, tangy and lets the quality of the seafood shine.

Bar Rocca
10, 1907 34 Ave. S.W.

Tucked into Marda Loop, Bar Rocca is an intimate wine bar specializing in plates to share and thoughtfully curated wines. Their shrimp cocktail has become a customer favourite, pairing chilled shrimp with house-made cocktail sauce and crisp crudité vegetables. Alongside a glass of wine, it’s the perfect starter.

Modern Steak
10606 Southport Rd. S.W.
100 8 Ave. S.E.

Modern Steak puts its own spin on the classic with a Prawn Cocktail served alongside a spicy cocktail sauce. Like everything on the menu, the presentation is polished, making it an elegant way to begin a steakhouse dinner.

Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
8 Ave. & 1 St. S.W., The CORE Shopping Centre

A Calgary steakhouse institution, Hy’s keeps things classic with its Jumbo Prawn Cocktail. Served with a traditional horseradish cocktail sauce, it’s a timeless appetizer that pairs perfectly with one of their signature steaks.

Vintage Chophouse & Tavern
320 11 Ave. S.W.

Vintage elevates the traditional shrimp cocktail with jumbo shrimp served alongside a Bloody Mary cocktail sauce. The bold, savoury flavours offer a delicious twist on the classic appetizer while maintaining the elegance the restaurant is known for.

Caesar’s Steakhouse
512 4 Ave. S.W.
110, 10816 Macleod Tr. S.W.

A Calgary favourite for decades, Caesar’s serves a classic Shrimp Cocktail featuring jumbo black tiger shrimp with traditional cocktail sauce. Simple, generous and expertly prepared, it’s exactly what steakhouse lovers expect.

Chairman’s Steakhouse
2251 Mahogany Blvd. S.E.

Chairman’s offers one of the city’s most unique shrimp cocktails:  Pacific white prawns are served with three dipping sauces — wasabi cocktail sauce, spicy mayo and dill peppercorn ranch — allowing diners to customize every bite.

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar
320 4 Ave. S.W.
130 Crowfoot Terr. N.W.
7104 Macleod Tr. S.
3625 Shaganappi Tr. N.W.
5562 Signal Hill Centre S.W.
100-4600 130 Ave. S.E.

The Keg serves its chilled jumbo shrimp in a classic martini glass with its signature cocktail sauce, making this familiar favourite feel just a little more special. It’s a great way to start your meal — and don’t forget to finish with their famous Billy Miner Pie.

Wellingtons of Calgary
10325 Bonaventure Dr. S.E.

A longtime Calgary favourite, Wellingtons serves a Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with classic cocktail sauce. It’s a simple, well-executed appetizer that fits perfectly with the restaurant’s traditional steakhouse menu.

Chop Steakhouse
33 Hopewell Way N.E.

Chop’s shrimp cocktail features perfectly poached shrimp served over ice with fresh lemon and a zippy cocktail sauce made with fresh horseradish and a hint of tarragon. The result is a fresh, flavourful take on the steakhouse classic that’s ideal before one of their signature entrées.