Winner
Chairman’s Steakhouse
Located in the southeast lake community of Mahogany, Chairman’s Steakhouse, part of the Vintage Group of restaurants, is known for its high-quality steak program, top-notch service and exceptional wine list. However, it’s the thoughtful consideration of universal design and attention to detail that earned Chairman’s the top spot as our Best Accessible Restaurant for 2024.
The benefits to choosing Chairman’s start before you even enter the room: a heated underground parkade allows for ease in dropping guests off, while an elevator up to the dining room means all members of a party can arrive together from the same point. The range of options among the 192 seats in the dining room, lounge and private dining room accommodate various sizes and heights of mechanical and manual wheelchairs. Those requiring the use of mobility aids can traverse the generously spaced layout with relative ease, while reserve seating in the private dining room can accommodate those who seek a quieter sensory experience. There are also two patios, one overlooking Mahogany Lake, the other set amidst a water feature garden.
Other points of accessibility at Chairman’s include backlit menus for ease of reading if one is sight-impaired, plus spacious, well-appointed washrooms and attentive staff.
Of course, a great accessible restaurant needs to serve great food and Chairman’s delivers, offering a range of prime cuts to be paired with sides in true steak-house style. Diners can request their food pre-cut for ease of sharing or ease of eating. In the lounge, peruse the 4,000-bottle wine list or try one of the Golden Age-inspired cocktails, like the Lambrusco Sour or YYC Avion.
Whether it’s a special occasion dinner or impromptu treat, Chairman’s is universally designed to please.
2251 Mahogany Blvd. S.E., chairmans.ca, @chairmansyyc
Runners-up
The Wilde on 27
Bougie and boozy, The Wilde is a glamorous downtown room and patio on the 27th floor of The Dorian, Autograph Collection Hotel. The hotel setting provides accessibility-enhancing features such as valet parking and wide automatic doors that lead into the foyer area and concierge desk. The concierges can aid diners in wayfinding to the restaurant as well as acquiring ride services — and guiding guests to their ride — when they’re departing. Along with the concierge amenity, judges lauded the spaces between restaurant tables, which can be moved for ease of access, the separate lounge area on the north-facing side with alternative seating styles (couches, benches, chairs and bar stools) and the heated patio with fantastic city views accessed by a stair-free entrance with automatic sliding doors.
525 5 Ave. S.W., thewilderooftop.com, @thewilderooftop
Donna Mac
This cool and cozy Beltline neighbourhood restaurant is known for its Canadian-fusion comfort foods, creative brunch dishes and eclectic cocktail program. Large, open and bright, there’s plenty of room to move around when navigating the space, as well as a wide sidewalk area outside that allows for ease of entrance. Neurodivergent diners or those seeking a calmer sensory experience can consider dining in the private dining room, where the music volume can be controlled separately from the rest of the restaurant.
1002 9 St. S.W., donnamacyyc.ca, @donnamacyyc
Earls Southcentre
Opened this past fall, Calgary’s newest Earls incorporates a range of universal design elements in its dining room and three-season, glass-covered patio. Seating options, including low, high and booth seating, accommodate various wheelchair styles, while the kitchen will cater to dietary restrictions. In addition to the great food and lively ambiance, judges praised the accessible parking and the well-informed, helpful staff.
355, 100 Anderson Rd. S.E., earls.ca, @earlsrestaurant
