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| - I think it's hilarious that Trolley 5 Restaurant & Brewery isn't officially open yet and there are 4 (soon to be 5) reviews up on Yelp.
Trolley 5 is a gargantuan addition to the 17th ave scene. The three floors of space mean that there's plenty of space to meet with friends or go for dinner with the family (kids are welcome until 9 pm as per AGLC regulations). While each floor has large bar area with plenty of taps for 'beers to come', each differs in style.
The first thing you notice when you walk in the main level front door is the super cool, mesmerizing overhead conveyor belt upon which empty growlers weave their way throughout the main floor seating area before disappearing to the basement level where all the cool kids go (because there's a hot bartender...I'm looking at you beardy man!). The main bar is situated along the far wall and the seating is comfortable and not too packed together. The street level patio area will be the perfect spot to sip beer while people watching.
Downstairs, there's a large U shaped bar with seating and the surrounding tables. It's dark, it's a bit quieter, and it has peek a boo windows into the ladies toilets. Don't worry, you're not exposed...but you do have a view of the brewing tanks!
The very top floor is more of a 'dining area' with large yellow padded booths and a gorgeous bar-style seating area overlooking the avenue. It's the perfect place for people watching without having to inhale the smoke from ground floor level sidewalk smokers.
I'm not going to comment on the menu, so far as to say it is quite extensive with the most expected gastropub dishes available (burgers, pizza, poutine). I am predicting that the house favourites will be the more meaty smoke house options like the 12 hour brisket and wonderful pulled pork. I like that Alberta grown/produced items are marked as 'AB' on the menu and that they already have two mealshare items.
Last, but certainly not least, let's talk beer. There is currently no beer brewing at T5 but the owners, PJ Hereaux L'Heureux, Ernie Tsu, and Wayne Leong were able to rent brewing space at Tool Shed Brewery in order to brew Trolley 5's very first beers; the Derailed Pale Ale, and First Crush IPA. They were also able to collaborate with Parallel 49 to create Cowboy Crusher (It's a Stampede thing) and local brewers Last Best Brewing to create the Downtown Dunkel Dunkelweizen. So far I've liked what I've seen and consumed at Trolley 5 and I can't wait to visit again.
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