Tubby Bar

What goes around comes around and for Calgary’s favourite hot dog joint, a glow-up to a trendy cocktail bar is just that. Tubby Bar is the rebirth of Tubby Dog, whose 17th Ave. location was an iconic destination for Calgary’s alternative music scene, video gamers and anyone who loved a good hot dog. When leasing issues during the pandemic caused a closure of the well-loved location, owner Jon Truch took stock and began to reminisce about his days serving free hot dogs to Night Gallery patrons. And so, Tubby Bar was born.

The team reimagined the former Starbucks location on 12th Ave. and 8th St. S.W. as a chic mid-century modern lounge with a gorgeous bar as the focal point. Patrons can enjoy a fantastic line-up of local beer and a small-but-lovely wine list along with classic cocktail favourites. On the food menu is, of course, hot dogs with some of Tubby Dog’s favourites. We opted for the A-Bomb with mustard, ketchup, mayo, bacon, potato chips and space cheese (a zesty cheese sauce) drizzled on top. Messy, salty, crunchy and chewy, this is everything a hot dog should be and more. Just like the Gen-Xers who made Tubby Dog an icon, this business has grown up (just a little) and added a touch of refinement while maintaining its rock-and-roll attitude. We’ll be back!

Tubby Bar | 100A, 1210 8th St. S.W. | 403.452.1896 | tubbybar.com