Nania's
Naina's
located at 121 17th Ave. SE , Calgary 403-263-6355 http://nainaskitchen.com/
First off, I'm no foodie, although I've been around for many, many years and have eaten more then my fair share of food. I first heard of
Naina's a couple of years ago from one of the past owners of the Riverstone Pub. I think the original spot was located off of Odgen Road somewhere ( near Mug Shotz ? ), but never ventured down there to try it. Its now more conveniently located to me on 17th ave., so decided to give it a go. I don't have my own photos so I linked in their website. Lots of photos there.
Their claim to fame is their stuffed burgers, mac n cheese and poutine's. They also have a deal where if you are heading down to the Saddledome/Stampede Grounds for a game, you can dine there and park for free ( reserve ahead for this ). Being that its two blocks away, it can be a pretty good deal.
Went down Friday night with my wife. She had a daily special which was a creamcheese and sundried tomatoes stuffed burger w/fries ( $16.95 ). I had a bacon stuffed burger, also w/fries ( $15.95 ). Two waters.
Food rating: 4.7/5
First off, these things are huge. My platter arrived with the burger, two small containers of cole slaw and pickled veggies, and a huge pile of very hot fries. I cut my burger in half and noticed it was heavily laden with bacon all the way thru. Every bite had bacon. Burger included mustard, pickles and lettuce. Cooked well, but still a bit juicy, just the way I liked it. Bun was standard issue but was very happy at how it contained its composure till my last bite. Not a easy feat as this thing was almost two inches thick. Arguably, one of the best bought burgers I've had. Period. Not greasy. Not overly done with the condiments to make it a drippy mess. Never fell apart and everything seemed fresh. The fries arrived hot, not greasy and abundant. Cole slaw was a mayo based and made in house. Veggies were a nice surprise. Not sure what spice or herb the put in it, but the were good.
Wife seemed pretty happy with hers as well. For the both of us it turned out to be enough for two meals. The money part of my brain quickly figured this handmade feast was quite the deal.
Ambience: 4/5
Place seems very new and clean. Walls are mostly covered in chalkboard material which makes for some good reading as you are waiting for your food. Only one TV, which for us isn't a problem but its not a sports bar. Also not sure about how the are during the day or other nights, but it was at best only half full. Could of been the crappy weather??
Service: 4.5/5
Reception was fast. We only had water but it was brought quickly and I was very happy to see big glasses. Staff was very attentive and seemed to enjoy their jobs. Also, one of the owners came out to check on how things were going a few times. During our chat we mentioned it was a special day for the wife and I, and she not only thru in a complementary dessert, but because of a allergy she gave us one that isn't even on the menu and it was excellent.
Overall, a homemade locally sourced burger that is easily our only go to place now when the craving strikes. Not only did we have a great meal but with leftovers it was a real bargain. Clearly at the top of my burger place pyramid
. My only regret was not going sooner
.
Cheers.
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Originally Posted by Buster
