Why Locals Love 1861 Local Bar & Grill
Located in the heart of Airdrie, Alberta, 1861 Local Bar & Grill offers a refreshing take on the classic bar and grill experience. This vibrant venue is much more than just a casual hangout spot—it’s a welcoming community hub where quality food, good drinks, and friendly faces come together to create memorable evenings.
If you're after a place to unwind after a long day or gather with friends to enjoy some spirited competition on the pool table, 1861 Local Bar & Grill delivers with genuine warmth and a laid-back atmosphere. The space strikes the perfect balance between lively and cozy, making it ideal for both watching a game or enjoying a relaxed night out.
The menu showcases an enticing array of house drinks and thoughtful offerings, including a selection of white wines such as Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc, Jacobs Creek Moscato, Oyster Bay Chardonnay, and Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc—each chosen to complement the hearty bar fare. For those steering clear of alcohol, options like pop, zero-percent beer, and Red Bull ensure there’s something for everyone.
The true star here, however, is the food. Reviews from patrons gush about the exceptional quality and flavor, particularly of the signature burgers. Take the 1861 burger, for instance—a sumptuous combination of a premium patty nestled inside a soft potato bun with layers of feta cheese, caramelized onions, bacon jam, mayo, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomato. One guest described it as irresistible, devouring every bite and raving about the rich, perfectly balanced flavors. Another favorite is the Eastside burger, praised for its juicy, generously sized patty topped with crisp vegetables and real cheddar cheese—a simple yet delicious reminder that comfort food done right never goes out of style.
While the menu has evolved—sometimes faster than online listings can keep up to date—the team’s commitment to quality shines through. Even when a sought-after dish like the fish sandwich was temporarily unavailable, the management’s transparency and thoughtful service left a positive impression, showing they genuinely care about the customer experience.
When it comes to service, 1861 Local Bar & Grill excels. Multiple visitors highlight the friendly and attentive staff, noting especially the upbeat demeanor of servers who make everyone feel welcome. This attentive service, combined with great portion sizes and fair pricing, creates undeniable value that keeps patrons returning.
For those seeking a fun, unpretentious environment where the focus remains on good food, good drinks, and good company, 1861 Local Bar & Grill is a standout choice in Airdrie. Whether you’re craving a comforting burger after a long drive, a few rounds of pool with friends, or a casual spot to catch the big game, this local gem delivers with authenticity and heart.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Outdoor seating
- Kerbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Live music
- Live performances
- Quiz night
- Sport
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Food
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Wine
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safe space
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- High chairs
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 15, 2026
What you’re looking at is the first real meal I had all day after a 7.5 hr drive. I got the 1861 burger with clam chowder soup. It was $22.25 before tax and tip. This burger was amazing. The patty was good quality as was the potato bun. This burger consisted of a phenomenal combination of feta cheese, carmelized onions, bacon jam, mayo, lettuce and tomato. When I tell you I was scooping the carmelized onions off my plate, I WAS. Perfection. The bacon jam was prominent and sweet, which mixed extremely well with the creamy feta cheese. The flavour profile on this burger was astounding. The clam chowder wasn’t an extra cost and tasted homemade with real potatoe chunks and bacon chunks. While it didn’t have a strong clam taste, it smelled like it and it honestly just tasted really good. What surprised me most of all was a man walked over and placed a $15 coupon on our table without saying a word. It was extremely appreciative! Never even got to say thankyou. So here is my thank you! I highly recommended this spot. The service was attentive and kind. The vibe is really of a local bar but a step up. Great food and great atmosphere.
- Mar 10, 2026
Visited 1861 for the first time tonight. Greeted immediately by the friendly and bubbly personality of Tammy. I wavered between the 1861 Burger and the Eastside Burger. I went with the Eastside burger and it was awesome! I recommend adding cheese as it's only a $2 add and they put 2 slices of real cheddar on it. Fresh and crisp veg, the patty was juicy and more than covers the surface area and the potato bun was soft but not so soft that it couldn't support the weight of this behemoth. The fries were golden, crispy and well seasoned. My wife had the Vegetarian Flatbread and loved it. Lots of fresh veg on it but baked to perfection so it didn't sog up at all. Whilst spying on other tables, we saw the 1861 Burger, Chicken Tenders, Chicken Club, Fish & Chips and Fettuccine come out and they ALL looked amazing. Prices are more than fair, especially when you see what you're getting for it. My burger was only $15+$2. Decor is simple but unique using repurposed casks for tables. The place is clean and well maintained. Well done 1861....we look forward to coming back!
- Feb 10, 2026
I wanted to eat a good quality fish sandwich. I came across the menu online and also my bestie Heather works here. So I came and ordered a fish sandwich. The manager Caroline said she no longer have it and the menu is old. She has requested to higher up that the old menu be taken off and the new one be put on so there isnt these mistakes. Even though they no longer had it, she didnt want me to leave. So she got it made and thats what makes a place like this feel like your valuable. Highly recommend the fish tacos Highly recommend the fries with gravy Great prices for 2 to eat without paying $100
- Jan 24, 2026
If you’re looking for a place to unwind after work or a casual place to watch a game, this is definitely the place. best service quality and portions of food. Great pricing for this area. Definitely get the value for you’re money Clean and superb atmosphere. Thanks and see ya next time
- Jan 23, 2026
Good spot to go and play a couple rounds of pool and slam a few beers. Stay away from the $5 beer on tap because its horrible and you'll have a jolly old time. Server / barkeep is always a nice lady with a good attitude and service, and the food wasn't bad either when I tried it.
- Jan 22, 2026
One of my favorite bars in town. From live music to karaokee this bar has it all. The food is fresh and consistent and the music is always good. The fish pakora was really tasty and the smash burger is top notch
- Jan 3, 2026
The staff here is amazing food is breathtaking exp the chicken wings and the owner doesn't make you feel like a customer here he makes you feel like your family fully recommended this bar 2 thumbs way up
- Dec 15, 2025
We had our Christmas party at 1861 last night. It was absolutely amazing The staff was so friendly and they were on top of everything We had 39 people and our food all came out quickly and everybody raved about how good the food was It was a great atmosphere We will definitely be back Thank you so much for making our Christmas party such a fantastic night!!!
