Powered By OpenTable: Restaurant Reservations. Right this way.
Restaurant Reservations - Free • Instant • Confirmed

  • Bookers BBQ + Crab Shack

  • Online Reservations

Reserve at Bookers BBQ + Crab Shack

Date

dd/mm/yyyy

Time
Party Size

  • on 1,234 lists
  • Keep track of the places you want to try and share wish lists with friends!
Bookers BBQ + Crab Shack
Bookers BBQ + Crab Shack

Bookers BBQ + Crab Shack Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Dining
  • Website: http://www.bookersbbq.com
  • Email: info@bookersbbq.com
  • Phone: (403) 264-6419
  • Hours of Operation: Mon – Thurs open from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm
    Fri open from 11:30 am to 1:00 am (food served until 10:30 pm)
    Sat open from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am (food served until 10:30 pm)
    Sun open from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Barbecue, Seafood, Southern
  • Executive Chef: Myles Learning
  • Dress Code: Casual Dress
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Bar/Lounge, Beer, Entertainment, Full Bar, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room
  • Catering: Please contact the restaurant directly for more details.
  • Private Party Contact: Katherine Miranda (403) 264-6419
  • Entertainment: Live local bands Friday and Saturday nights starting at 9pm. No cover charge.
  • Special Events & Promotions: Live Music Saturday nights. All-You-Can-Eat Crab on Sunday and Monday evenings. All-you-can-eat ribs Monday evenings.

Getting there

  • Cross Street: 3rd Street SE
  • Parking: Street Parking
A word from Bookers BBQ + Crab Shack
Established in 1998 in a century-old brick warehouse, Bookers is a hidden gem at the gateway to Calgary's East Village. Our seasoned BBQ chefs slow-smoke over 200 lbs of Alberta chicken, beef, and pork every day and serve it up along with fresh seafood, local produce, and original rubs and sauces.… With daily features, weekly specials, and live music on weekends, we offer authentic Southern hospitality and a comfortable, upbeat dining and drinking experience.


Continued
Foodspotting photos
See all photos >
Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerGood for Groups
Diner Reviews
  • "Unexpectedly ended up at Bookers on Mardi Gras night. Service was great. our server was charming! Food, especially the appies was very good. Very busy, very noisey bit lots of fun regardless. Prices are decent, portions are generous, not heavy on the atmospere but not a big deal."
    Dined on 3/1/2014
  • "First time to Booker's my parents joined us and also had a great time. Amazing " southern feel" food, layed back and staff was dressed up for Mardi Gras having a lot of fun. Can't wait to go back with friends"
    Dined on 3/1/2014
  • "This is the best place for all you can eat crab. Go with a hearty appetite or not but you will be sure to enjoy every morsel."
    Dined on 2/23/2014
  • "Went to Bookers for the first time and we will definitely be back. The food was Southern style and very delicious. The servers were awesome and the ambiance was very energetic. The kids loved it too ~"
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "We really enjoyed our evening at Bookers and have raved about it all wknd. Food was delish! Ambiance, music, service were all top notch and perfect for what we're were hoping for. Even enjoyed the colorful characters that came out that night and tore up the dance floor with us. We stayed for almost 5 hrs until they closed. Left when the band closed up. Great night. No complaints."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "Good was great. Atmosphere was great. Service started very good but server disappeared when it was time to get the bill. Other than a long wait for a bill it was a great experience. Loved the all you can eat crab. I would highly recommend bookers to all my friends. I also think the smell inside of the smoked meats is to die for :)"
    Dined on 2/17/2014
  • "We were quite pleased with the restaurant. It was busy, but it was understandable due to the all you can eat promo. I do want to try it again. They could maybe expand on the size of their sides... Guessing the beans was maybe 2 tablespoons worth and the mashed potatoes about the same. That was disappointing."
    Dined on 2/16/2014
  • "I have been to bookers in the past and enjoyed it but this time the food was less than impressive! I had the shrimp poboy and my husband had the catfish both we're lacking flavour. So disappointing don't know if we will go back!"
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "Been here plenty of times and have yet received bad service or bad food which makes me come back. Every time I go I keep recommending to my family and friends to try this hidden gem."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "A place that calls itself a BBQ shack should be able to cook BBQ. The Brisket was overdone to the point breaking apart when the fork hit it. The chower was thin and disappointing, and the mashed potatoes were like glue (seemed to be from a box.) Food was a major disappointment. We won't be back."
    Dined on 2/8/2014
  • "the service was efficient and friendly from the time we entered. We had three appies and four main courses and the only way to describe the food is to say, I want to try everything on the menu, it was that good. The atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable, suitable for families and singles."
    Dined on 2/7/2014
  • "The service was excellent and I really liked the atmosphere. The food seemed to be hit or miss at our table. I ordered fish and chips and it turns out they use a really thick batter. I prefer a thin batter myself but the fish inside was still good and hot. Everyone else at my table generally liked the taste of their food but a couple found that portions of their meal were cold which was disappointing. We ordered dessert after, the banana cornbread (was just okay, I wouldn't order it again) and the mason jar brownie. The brownie was hard as a rock on top and batter on the bottom. Probably I would try this place one more time and otherwise just go at night to have a drink and enjoy the music."
    Dined on 2/7/2014
  • "Had all you can eat crab Monday night and was glad we didn't settle for just the crab dinner --first crab came out cold --there were 3 of us and they only brought out 2 "butter " pots --unfortunately they did not use butter it was margarine . The crab did keep coming and the more they brought the warmer it was . The legs are very small but with the all you can eat you get enough --liked the ambience"
    Dined on 2/3/2014
  • "We've brought 3 different groups for anniversary celebrations here but I was a bit disappointed this last time as we reserved a table 2 weeks in advance for an anniversary to have dinner AND see the band....but were seated in the back and after asking 3 times finally moved to where we could see the band....but only minimally....we were by the door which was drafty & cold...and there wasn't enough wait staff so service was slow...and then they informed us they moved the Band from starting at 9pm to 10pm...we arrived at 6pm so this is WAY TOO LONG to wait to be entertained...and thus my friends were getting tired and bored waiting for the band...so we barely listened to 2 songs then ended up leaving...sadly this visit was a disappointment!!"
    Dined on 2/1/2014
  • "We went for the all you can in crab. When they say all you can eat. Why were we waiting in between buckets. Aren't you suppose to keep that coming till I say stop. There was a point we waited over 45 mins for one bucket to arrive. It's ridiculous. We spent more time waiting for the food then actually eating. If you want to starve and wait all day for your food to come out. Then go to bookers. Our server was horrible to top it off. Not friendly, forgetful, was just useless. We went back cause our first experience was great. Wouldn't be jumping to go back again. Extremely disappointed."
    Dined on 1/26/2014
  • "I don't usually complain but as someone who was visiting Calgary and had done some online checking to decide where to make reservations for something a little different we ended up very disappointed. The ambience was great less the overwhelming smoke factor from the bbq. We could actually see the smoke hoovering under the lighting. Anyone with any type of breathing problems would not be able to handle it and it definitely wrecked my appetite. Dill pickles were exceptional but everything else was just ok."
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "We went there to have crab (of course!) and I was disappointed as it had no taste and they serve it with cheap margarine like substance and not real butter, which really affected the taste. The jumabalaya was good though, and I would return to try the ribs, they smelled delicious in their smoker. The atmosphere was good, lively and fun though a band was supposed to start at nine and we left at nine-thirty and they still hadn't taken the stage. Overall it was an ok experience, the service was great, and the food mediocre."
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "The ribs were fatty and tough. Dinner for 4 had 3 crab clusters and only 2 brisket.......there were enough fries for 6 or 7 people. The beans were dry and every one got a tablespoon. Overall a poor dining experience"
    Dined on 1/17/2014
  • "It has been at least 8 yrs since we were at Bookers last and a lot has changed in that time. Out first waitress was awesome but we changed tables and got a different waitress. We ordered our food, and when we received it, the 2 of us that ordered the crab and shrimp boil didn't get any hot butter until we asked for it about 20 min later. When we got the "hot butter" it had no flavor, and the. I asked about it and they use "Clarified" butter. The crab was cold and when we asked for our bill it was another 20 min before we got it. Sad to say, we won't be going here again, and won't be recommending it to anyone."
    Dined on 1/17/2014
  • "The food is always great at bookers. But we waited a long time in between getting our crab"
    Dined on 1/12/2014
  • "My Husband and I took my parents for all you can eat crab. It was very good and the service is always great."
    Dined on 1/12/2014
  • "I ordered the Brisket and it was extremely dry, I couldn't eat it. Another guest had the ribs and couldn't eat them either because they tasted horrible and were dry as well. The other two had crab and said it was good but definitely didn't fill them up. The waitress was fantastic, she had a great personality and was very upbeat and welcoming."
    Dined on 1/11/2014
  • "My wife and I went for our first time. We tried the deep fried pickles-a definite must and the burnt brisket ends. Our main course was the BBQ, I had the full rack of ribs, too much for me but delicious. My wife had the blackened chicken and crab legs, not enough crab legs for her but overall good.definitely would go back"
    Dined on 1/11/2014
  • "Great, friendly service and good southern BBQ. Try the stuffed Yorkshire pudding and shrimp poboy sandwich."
    Dined on 1/8/2014
  • "Bookers is a fabulous surf and turf restaurant that gives you an experience comparable to what you would find on the Seattle waterfront. The amazing sent of slow-cooked bbq is topped of by a flavor profile you would expect from a classic American BBQ cookout. And to top it off the crab will rock your socks!"
    Dined on 1/8/2014
  • "Love Booker's ! But they changed the way they do they're ribs ..... Instead of ordering and cooking one kind of ribs. They now bing 3 different sauces to your table ..... But they're all refrigerated ! So now you put a cold sauce on your ribs and your food is cold instantly....... Please go back to the old method !"
    Dined on 1/5/2014
  • "Bookers was well worth every penny. Staff is friendly and will keep everyone comfortable. Crab was awesome. Only dow side was the gator sausage was no longer available"
    Dined on 1/5/2014
  • "although the food and service was okay, it's one of the better places to go with friends if looking to get some drinks. we went when there were $5 highballs. the drinks tasted as if it was water downed but most places are the same way. it wasn't that loud and was big inside and spacious, better than most bars or sports pubs."
    Dined on 12/30/2013
  • "We had a great night this New Years Eve. Everything was wonderful. We got the table we wanted and danced the night away. Wish you would play Blues Music on the house music when there is a Blues Band there. The usual music seems to break up the night. I agree there are not many Bluesers their when we go. Too bad - it is a great place to hear the Blues and I will continue to come. Some of my friends find the booze a bit pricey-but no cover. I don't get them. Thanks for everything. Karen"
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "I was disappointed on new years eve at a crab shack their was no King Crab available. In fact they don't carry it. over priced for snow crab."
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "We have celebrated there new year's eve. It was really great. Although the musif was very loud it just created fun atmosphere. The food was tasty and affordable. Cocktail list is a little bit poeor but still has all of the essentials. They have lots of monitors so it will be perfect for sport events for big groups."
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "Best experience yet . I have been coming her for about 2 years . The service was too notch and we never had to wait more than two minutes for a refill. Definitely recommend this place for birthdays/ anniversaries or just a get together ."
    Dined on 12/29/2013
  • "The band delivered for us, which was our main reason for choosing Bookers. Our crab appetizer was delicious (how can you go wrong with that?). However, very disappointed with the ribs which I expected to drop off the bone (150 hours in a smokehouse?) and garlic mashed potatoes were dry. It was boring. I wouldn't return to eat there. Service was very good and we appreciated that."
    Dined on 12/27/2013
  • "First time to visit but definitely not our last. I think I have a new favorite restaurant! Most of us had the crab and shrimp boil (even though it was all you can eat crab night). It was excellent as were the wings and crab cakes. The ribs were a little too dry for us but tasty. We are looking forward to coming for a blues night. Music seemed a bit too loud, interfering in conversation but it was nice to be able to reserve. One sad point was they were all out of dessert! All desserts!! Too bad as it was my birthday dinner and we would have liked to indulge in a sweet. Overall very good and we will return"
    Dined on 12/22/2013
  • "Pub food is a generous description atmosphere might make up for cold food don't have high expectations and you'll enjoy it."
    Dined on 12/22/2013
  • "Being that it's called the crabshack you would think the crab legs would come out to perfection not the case several people in my party felt that they were overcook which was sad to hear when the entrées came out several of them were cold such as the pulled pork and the steak sandwich on a positive the ribs for appetizers were very good on the service side it seem to be very confusing we asked at the beginning that's our bills be split amongst our group as they came out to us there was much confusion with the bills That is the reason that people asked to have split bills not to have the confusion"
    Dined on 12/21/2013
  • "We always enjoy going here. In the past I always walked out smelling like barbeque smoke. However, it was much better this time. I wonder if they changed the ventilation system? Great southern style food, look forward to going again."
    Dined on 12/20/2013
  • "Service is excellent over the lunch hour. Bookers has recognized the we are in a hurry at lunch. Our server was right there when we sat down - drinks came immediately and the food was very fast as well. We had a table of 9 and we made it back to work MUCH faster than I would ever have imagined. Well done!!"
    Dined on 12/17/2013
  • "My wife had the brisket sandwich and found the meat to be dry. Our guest had the pork ribs and found them to be dry as well. I had crab and it was good."
    Dined on 12/15/2013
  • "the food was really good but the service was horrible it took about 10 min to get drinks and 20 min for someone to take our food order after our meal to get the bill was another 20 min and to pay the bill was another 20 minutes had to get the manger over with the debit machine to pay for the meal i left no tip because of the poor service"
    Dined on 12/13/2013
More reviews ›
Larger map ›
Smaller map ›
Diners' Choice Awards
  • Calgary / Southern Alberta Winners
  • Good for Groups
  • Calgary Winners
  • Good for Groups
Learn more ›