Paper Lantern
302 Reviews
- Thursday4–11 pm
- Friday4 pm–1 am
- Saturday4 pm–1 am
- SundayClosed
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- Wednesday4–11 pm
About the Business
Home - Paper Lantern | Underground Tropical Vietnamese cocktail lounge with small bites and house made syrups and libations.
Contacts
Website
Call Us
+14034577765
115 2 Ave SE Basement, Calgary, AB T2G 0B2
Hours
- Thursday4–11 pm
- Friday4 pm–1 am
- Saturday4 pm–1 am
- SundayClosed
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- Wednesday4–11 pm
Features
- Delivery
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Seating
- Washroom
- Casual
- Cozy
- Groups
- Accepts reservations
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Great cocktails
- Gender-neutral washroom
- Food
- Food at bar
Recommended Reviews
Marcus Watson
07.10.2023
Paper Lantern
Amazing Cocktails - Great ambiance & serviceThis place was really fun There’s a very unassuming speak easy doorway to enter and then an exceptionally fun ambiance inside. We had lots of small plates including salmon spring rolls, wings, pork belly banh mi, pineapple stir fry, crispy crepes, dried squid and satay chicken vermicelli. They were all really good and perfect for Vietnamese food lovers. I would highly recommend the spring rolls, banh mi and crispy crepes. These were unique items and were so tasty. The dried squid was a little fishy but authentically Asian - I would stay away from this if you are maybe not used to this kind of dish. The cocktails were on a different level. There’s a huge menu and everything looks amazing. Most cocktails are tiki style and served in fancy glasses. There were plenty of food items on this menu that I wanted to try and I will need to return multiple times to work my way through the huge selection of drinks on the menu. Our server, Tatiana, was very nice and spent a lot of her time at the table giving recommendations and chatting. We really enjoyed the experience here and will absolutely go back. 100% would recommend.
Jessica R
03.10.2023
Paper Lantern
This is a speak easy located in Chinatown and we were excited to see what all the hype was about. Here’s my take on the experience:Pros: their cocktail list is massive - if you don’t want something that’s fruit forward go with a cocktail rather than a tiki cocktail as those have a stronger juice flavour to them. Their food is also pretty good to share with a group, and they’re reasonably priced.Cons: I think overall the dishes were ok. They weren’t the ABSOLUTE best I’ve ever had but they were good. Their pho could have used a side of chili oil or spicy garlic sauce.If I had to choose the best dish, I’d say their pineapple stir fry was probably the most impressive in terms of flavour. Runner up goes to their shrimp crackers, seriously they’re addictive!Overall this is a fun place for drinks and casual small bitesz
Adam Bernard
26.09.2023
Paper Lantern
Paper Lantern is a class act of a cocktail bar. The service is really great; friendly and informative, but also fun and cheerful. I’d say the chemistry between the staff and the patrons is really good; the whole place has a happy feeling.The cocktail list is extensive and features riffs on classics as well as unique items and staple options as well.The food menu is great and reminds me of being back in Vietnam a few years ago. I haven’t had bún xào for a very long time!I will definitely come back.
Jeff Bray
18.09.2023
Paper Lantern
I love this place, the drinks are top notch, they are creative and always coming up with new ideas. The food is unreal, all their dishes are so flavourful and have all the right textures and balance. All the staff are all awesome too, I have never felt neglected there. Part of me wishes I could keep it as my little secret.
Chris Kim
28.08.2023
Paper Lantern
One of the best cocktail bars in Calgary. A lovely selection of classic tiki cocktails with some new riffs sprinkled in. The atmosphere is the standout - a true speakeasy" experience as the bar is hidden behind a nondescript door
Nazneen Ahmed
07.08.2023
Paper Lantern
The ambience was great, perfect spot for date night. I was a bit disappointed with the food, especially the crepes and the salmon spring rolls. These items can use a bit more flavour. The chicken skewers were good.
Carrie
03.08.2023
Paper Lantern
Hidden gem in Chinatown. Nice place to chill and enjoy some great cocktails. The skewers were great but the salmon spring roll could have used some more seasoning. Looking forward to going back to try some other things on the menu. Service was great!
Jamie Fraser
23.07.2023
Paper Lantern
The kind of place you want to keep a secret.The food was phenomenal and I’d love to try some noodles from here. Ambiance is not as private as I’d like a speak easy to be (in terms of table set up), but would be fun with a big group rather than for a date night. Looking forward to coming back and trying more off the menu!
Yasmin Ahhh
21.07.2023
Paper Lantern
Nice but small portions... go for delicious snacks and wonderful cocktails! I had the bun (Vietnamese noodle bowl) it was delicious!The vibe was casual, with slight hints of what I would see as the iconic tv show MASH inspired Vietnam style with paper lanterns and olden day pepper grinders & exotic bottles on the walls in a smaller sized resto/bar setting. We sat at the bar and the bartenders were stylish, friendly, and positive. Every table was full and everyone was having a great time, it seemed!My only recommendations: please put hooks on table for us ladies and our fancy purses ;) and with no coat check the dining chairs were not helpful for hanging winter jackets maybe a few coat racks?
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Map
115 2 Ave SE Basement, Calgary, AB T2G 0B2
Paper Lantern