From Humble Beginnings

In 1967 Smugglers began as Bar X Steakhouse. In 1973 the journey began of redeveloping the brand into a new dining concept of casual fine dining and piano bar under the Smuggler’s banner. Smuggler’s has been serving Alberta prime rib to several generations. Always a popular place for Calgarians to gather and celebrate, we are the preferred dining choice for birthdays, anniversaries, milestones or just meeting friends and family.

Our prime rib is the main feature of our diverse menu, available all day, every day any way you like it. From a 9oz. prime rib , all the way up to a 18oz cut, our succulent prime rib is sure to please any appetite. Of course there is a creative selection of steaks, chicken and seafood to satisfy everyone.

NEW BEGINNINGS:

In 2020 Smugglers was purchased by local businessman Tim Down. Full scale renovations started in 2021 and includes a new 200 seat patio with large street side outdoor bar, two new Oyster/Raw Bars, new wine cellar, bakery/pastry kitchen, private dining for up to 60 patrons and a renovated main kitchen.

OUR TEAM

Martin Carrion

General Manager

Martin is the quintessential restauranteur who has opened and managed restaurants for over 25 years. His career in the industry started in Dubrulle French Culinary Institute in Vancouver; so he is no stranger to the kitchen. While food is his passion, he moved to the forefront of operations, training, teaching and gaining note-worthy experience from the Philippines, Singapore, Dubai and Vancouver, to his new home, Calgary. From fast food, casual, and family style to bar, bistro and fine dining, his management style and people skills elevated him to the top of the game making him well known in the restaurant scene. He has collaborated with some of the best in the business, including the new Smuggler’s executive chef, Michel Nop. He looks forward giving you, our valued Smuggler’s guest an exceptional dining experience.

Martin will be leading our restaurant management and staff numbering some 80 people in all. We are very excited to have Martin as the leader of our team and he is looking forward to serving you our valued guest.

Michel Nop

Executive Chef

As a multi-culturally trained Chef, Michel worked his way up in brigades of two and three Michelin stars in Paris, though he has called Calgary home since 2005. Here he has worked in well renowned restaurants in town honing and showcasing his French, Italian, Asian culinary talents. In 2013, working for the post Hotel,  he was the first chef in Calgary (2nd in Alberta )  to earn the well coveted designation as a Relais & Chateaux property.  H was a competitor in Gold Metal Plates, a national culinary competition where he finished third.  Michel also had the great opportunity to work for Michael Bonacini,  host of master chef Canada.  the addition of Chef Nop’s multi-talented skills are the perfect fit for us here at Smuggler’s

Our Chef’s mission is to take you on a culinary journey featuring both our famous slow roasted Certified Angus Prime rib, steaks and chops as well as the Smuggler’s “Spice Route” cuisine, where we feature dishes that offer unique flavors in a contemporary culinary style.

Glenn Monk

Renowned Chef and restaurant entrepreneur Glenn Monk is a self-motivated, high performance Executive with over 25 years of progressive international experience in global hospitality companies. Glenn is a known creator and visionary of unique restaurant operations, but more importantly, mentor and developer of people.  Some of his notable experiences and accomplishments include; Executive Chef of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Food and beverage director at Mundo Imperial Resort and Convention Center in Acapulco, Mexico.  Regional Executive Chef at Aman Resorts Bhutan and Executive Sous Chef at Pan Pacific Hotel Johor Bahru, Malaysia.  Through his vast experiences in the restaurant industry, Glenn has also served as the Personal Chef to the Sultan of Malaysia, as well as the Attending Chef to Prince Charles and Princess Diana.