Two more of Calgary’s newer restaurants have shut down permanently

Well, folks, it looks like the COVID-season curse has struck again. Today in ‘the restaurant industry and it’s foodie followers just can’t catch a freaking break’ – both Mister Chen’s on 4th Street SW and Uncommon by Leela on 17th Avenue, have been shut down.

Mister Chen’s 

Mister Chen’s was a beloved lounge and eatery serving contemporary Asian cuisine. With incredible specials like their ‘all you can eat bao‘ Mondays, this ambient spot had an innovative menu and killer decor, in fact, it was actually featured in our ‘9 most beautiful restaurants‘ guide.  Chen’s only opened in 2018 and in our opinion, was pretty underrated.

If you never got the chance to check it out, count your lucky stars that you don’t know what you’ll be missing.

Where: 2020 4 St SW, Calgary

Uncommon By Leela

This bar-spa hybrid was a 17th Avenue gem. The spot itself was incredibly chic, their signature cocktails were on point and with an incredible location on their side, their future looked pretty bright. Unfortunately, not many got the chance to enjoy it. Uncommon’s cocktail lounge actually opened in March only weeks before the world practically shut down.

Although it’s super sad that Calgary won’t be able to hit them up for a drink or two after work, no tears were shed in the writing of this article. You see, the bar may have been cleared of its top-shelf liquor, but their massage and aesthetic services will live on in the very same location! It will be a while until things are up and running again, but they will be back! Until then, feel free to check out their 5th Avenue sister spa!

Where: 927 17 Ave SW, Calgary

These are cruddy times, folks and we’ll miss both Uncommon and Mister Chen’s – But we have hope that things will snap back! Calgary nightlife just hasn’t been the same, but times change and there’s no doubt in our minds that it will happen again soon, this time for the better! Stay safe, stay smart, and support local, folks! We’ll get through this!