This is not your grandfather's Legion club. In June 2017 the old Kensington Legion -- one of the largest legion clubs in Canada -- moved into a new building directly next to it's old home near the corner of Kensington Road & 19th Street NW. The new location features a restaurant open to the public: the 1918 Tap & Table. Unlike most Legions, there is no membership requirement to visit the downstairs space. (Note: There is also private Legions club on the second floor featuring an outdoor balcony, bar and live music on weekends. However, this club will also be open to non-members for the next several months!). The 1918 focuses on modern pub grub. We had a fantastic burger with seasoned fries served with a garlic aoili dipping sauce and salad. The couple next to us were trying some of the other plates that also looked amazing, like lamb with pasta. The bar focuses on locally-brewed beers from several Calgary breweries including Toolshed and Big Rock Brewery. The staff are very knowledgable on beers and the food. The atmosphere downstairs is a mix of ages from 18 to 80. There is also an outdoor patio for nice weather. The decor is what I would describe as recycled modern. It's a beautiful space with big sunny windows and bright light, literally night and day compared to the old legion that resembled a dark school cafeteria. I had two minor complaints: 1) the bartenders could be more attentive to empty glasses; I had to raise my hand and wave to get attention several times. 2) Compared to a typical Legion where you can get a whole meal for $6-$10 bucks, the prices here are expensive but on par with Calgary gastropub prices. That said, it's now the closest pub to our home so we'll be back! Again and again!
Full disclaimer: my wife and I are both veterans of the *US* Army, but members of US and Canadian armed forces are eligible to join the Legion, and the membership is reciprocal to Legion clubs on both sides of the border.