Hello dear
Welcome To Paper Lantern
Paper Lantern is a hidden gem located at 115 2 Ave SE Basement, Calgary, where the spirit of a vibrant speakeasy meets exquisite Vietnamese cuisine. Guests are treated to a delightful selection of small plates—highlighting salmon spring rolls, pork belly banh mi, and crispy crepes—offset by a unique cocktail menu, rich in tiki-style drinks served in charming glassware. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between cozy and energetic, fostering an inviting atmosphere for casual gatherings. With attentive service and a focus on authentic flavors, Paper Lantern promises an unforgettable culinary experience that encourages repeated visits to explore its diverse offerings.
About
Paper Lantern
Welcome to Paper Lantern, a hidden gem nestled in the basement of Calgary, Alberta. This unforgettable dining experience transports you through an unassuming speakeasy doorway into a vibrant world adorned with a unique ambiance. The perfect blend of casual comfort and energetic nightlife, Paper Lantern promises a memorable evening of delectable dishes and captivating cocktails.
The heart of Paper Lantern lies in its culinary offerings, featuring a delightful array of Vietnamese-inspired small plates. As you peruse the menu, you'll discover flavorful choices that highlight the best of Asian cuisine. Standout dishes, such as the salmon spring rolls, pork belly banh mi, and crispy crepes, have garnered rave reviews from guests who cannot help but recommend them. Each bite brings an authentic taste that transports you straight to the streets of Vietnam. The dried squid, while a unique experience, may be best suited for adventurous eaters familiar with its bold flavors.
The cocktail menu at Paper Lantern is nothing short of impressive. Stepping into their drink selection is like entering a tropical paradise filled with creative tiki-style concoctions served in eye-catching glassware. From robust flavors like the Plum God to a plethora of other imaginative mixes, each sip is an invitation to relax and revel in the delightful ambiance. Guests rave about not just the taste but also the artistry that goes into crafting every cocktail.
Service at Paper Lantern also shines brightly. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, like the standout server Tatiana, provide personalized recommendations and exhibit an eagerness to ensure every guest has an extraordinary dining experience. It’s these thoughtful touches that set Paper Lantern apart from other eateries, creating a warm and inviting environment where you can unwind and savor each moment.
As the music envelops the space, you'll find that Paper Lantern is not merely a bar; it’s a destination for enjoyment, connection, and culinary exploration. Whether you're indulging in the diverse food offerings or sipping on one of their expertly crafted cocktails, this oasis in Calgary promises a fantastic time. So, gather your friends, make a reservation, and immerse yourself in the magic that Paper Lantern has to offer.
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“ Amazing Cocktails - Great ambiance & service This 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. ”
“ very speakeasy vibes. casual affair with decent sitting space. service was excellent and very quick. great food options to choose from. drinks are very unique and tropical forward. ”
“ Ashley was a fantastic server, the ambience is great and the drinks are very well priced for the quality and love they put in. We really appreciated flavors and variety of the dishes. I would say paper lanter is better then 'good thief' in Vancouver, do yourself a favor and check this place out! ”
“ What a find! Good job we could hear the music through the wall after descending the steps, otherwise we would have missed this. Lovely hostess, very impressive cocktails and a tasty menu! ”
“ It was a Friday evening, we visited this bar with a reservation for 5 PM. While it wasn’t crowded when we arrived, the staff later informed us that there were bookings coming up, so I’d definitely recommend making a reservation in advance. The bar is located in a basement, creating a dimly lit, cozy atmosphere perfect for unwinding. The drinks, although served in smaller portions, were flavorful and satisfyingly strong. As someone who loves sour flavors, I particularly enjoyed the Plum God—its tartness was just right for my taste. On the food side, the Beef Carpaccio stood out for me. The tangy-sweet sauce paired beautifully with the tender, juicy slices of raw beef, making it a refreshing and delightful dish. The service was also worth noting. The staff were friendly and attentive, offering helpful suggestions on food and drink pairings. Overall, this bar is an excellent spot for a relaxed evening, whether you’re there for the drinks, the food, or the inviting ambiance. Highly recommend :) ”
“ Drinks and service are really good. Food is good but quite expensive. Nice and fun atmosphere. ”
“ Called Thursday and made reservations for Friday evening. They were very accommodating. Loved that the bar was hidden away in a building where you felt like you were transported. The hostess greeted us immediately and escorted us to our table. The table was set up and ready to go. The menu had many things I wanted to tried. Had the pickled leeks. My sister loved the radishes in it. We both had the two different raw beef dishes and shared. My friend had the Chicken Curry. We all loved the chicken on the stick with peanuts sauce. Was so good. Had non alcoholic options as well which I really appreciated. I had the non alcoholized sparkling rose. The prices was very reasonable and quality of the food was amazing. Definitely recommend and would go back. ”
“ Banana old fashioned, Marinated beef skewers, Banh Xeo. I loved the banana old fashioned!!!! It’s so cool. Honestly the whole holiday menu is really fascinating! I also got to try the pandan painkiller and it’s so well! I 100% am in support of the beef skewers, the marinade is so delicious. Also enjoyed the crispy crepes! Would go again to try the holiday menu! ”