algary’s noted go-to theatre bar, The Auburn Saloon, has had an arduous history. The bar was a thriving mecca for creativity in its first location in the same building as Teatro. Since then, at the hands of a lease renewal refusal, The Auburn had to move on, though they refused to move very far. Setting up shop kitty-corner to the old locale stands the new Auburn in all its glory. The space can hold twice as many people, which is a good thing, but there were serious doubts about the ability of the owners to transfer the old spot’s vibe across the street.

Much to all the theatre freaks’ delight, owner Jesse Glasnovic has done just that. It started with the complete deconstruction of the old bar by stage hands and actors alike who then reused the materials to reconstruct The Auburn adjacent. The token steel-welded tree, the stained red tables and the cozy sunken couches made the move safe and sound which did wonders in reincarnating the cultural birthing ground. And the food isn’t too shabby either.

Chef Arlene Zevnik has made up a fusion menu, to put it lightly. There are flavours from Mexico, Asia, Italy, France and Canada on the convoluted menu. The seemingly awkward melange comes together with the across-the-board high quality and Zevnik’s plating artistry. Try the Chinese dumplings ($8), the chicken quesadillas with guacamole ($8.50) or the Mexican five layer bean dip ($8) for a tasty starter. For something a little lighter, the brandied pumpkin soup with Italian cured ham and three cheeses ($4.50) is an interesting choice. The mains are made up of pizzas, hotpots and sandwiches, the most notable being the Auburn sushi wrap ($9.50). Inside you’ll find crab morsels, sticky rice, nori, wasabi paste, mayo, pickled ginger, sesame seeds, cucumber and soy sauce. Delish.

The Auburn does still host theatre events, gallery viewings, readings, spontaneous music jams and the occasional fund-raiser. The tavern has been so influential in the world of Calgary theatre that it was awarded the Betty Mitchell Award for outstanding contribution to theatre. When was the last time you heard of a bar winning such an esteemed prize? I’m guessing never, which is just another reason to go check The Auburn out.