The culinary landscape in Calgary's Marda Loop neighbourhood has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a construction-heavy zone into one of the city's most vibrant restaurant destinations. The latest establishment to join this thriving corridor is Penny Crown, a New York-inspired tavern that promises to solidify the area's reputation as a must-visit hub for food enthusiasts.
From Construction Zone to Culinary Hotspot
Over the past year, Marda Loop has shed its reputation for disruptive construction, emerging as a premier dining district stretching from the Crowchild Trail and 33rd Avenue S.W. junction to 14th Street. A diverse array of restaurants, offering everything from French cuisine to tacos, has opened at a rapid pace. Penny Crown, which debuted in late 2025, is the newest gem in this culinary crown, introducing an upscale tavern culture reminiscent of New York City.
The Team Behind the Concept
Penny Crown is the latest venture from restaurateur Tony Migliarese, who has already found significant success in the neighbourhood with popular spots like DOPO, Bar Rocca, and La Hacienda, all located on the same block of 34th Avenue. The opportunity for expansion came from developer Rod Leonard, who offered Migliarese a new space across the street and slightly up the block from DOPO.
Recognizing that his team was ready for a new challenge, Migliarese, alongside executive chef David Leeder and beverage director Derek Grandpre, set out to create a concept that would complement their existing offerings without direct competition. The inspiration struck during a trip to New York, where Leeder's previous experience as executive sous chef at Thomas Keller's famed Per Se restaurant deepened his appreciation for the city's refined taverns.
A Love Letter to New York's Upscale Taverns
"After living in New York, my heart was set on the idea of doing a New York-style tavern like Minetta or Red Hook as a love letter to these great restaurants," Leeder explained. The goal was to fill a gap in Calgary's market by blending the unfussy, expertly executed food philosophy of DOPO with the casual yet sophisticated atmosphere of a classic NYC tavern, which often merges French influences with American comfort classics.
Located slightly underground in a building just off Marda Loop's main artery, Penny Crown's interior is designed to transport guests. With a cozy, warren-like layout featuring a pressed tin ceiling, a luxurious curved bar, and exposed brick, the space feels timeless, as if it has been a neighbourhood staple for decades rather than a new build. The approximately 70-seat restaurant, which includes a covered veranda for walk-ins, creates an ambiance that could belong to New York, London, Paris, or Calgary itself.
The opening of Penny Crown on November 27, 2025, marks another significant step in Marda Loop's culinary evolution, proving that the area is now a definitive destination for those seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience with a distinct metropolitan flair.
