New Eats: Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey

Meat-lovers, rejoice! There’s a new meat-centric restaurant in town.

The focus at Hayden Block is all about Texas-style BBQ. The meat is smoked daily for up to 16 hours and includes classics like brisket and pulled pork; order it by the half pound or on a sandwich. We were also pleasantly surprised to see turkey breast on the menu—it’s delicious, by the way. The other main draw, as the name suggests, is the extensive whiskey selection: there are more than 100 to choose from. Try a carefully crafted cocktail, like the Whiskey Sour, made with Bulliet Bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white and bitters, that bares no resemblance to that sugary-university go-to drink.

And for those of us lacking outdoor space, there is a super-cool backyard Whiskey Garden that will make you feel right at home.—Sara Samson

Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey, 1136 Kensington Road NW, Calgary, 403-283-3021, www.haydenblockyyc.com