Bagolac Saigon Restaurant, Calgary

[FOOD & VALUE] We don't eat out much, but when we do, "Bagolac" always comes to mind first. We love the freshness and taste of all the dishes we've tried so far (although both of us often revert to our favourite #82 and #96), and we never forget the salad rolls to start. We also appreciate the healthier choice, that we don't feel like gluttons after our meal, and that it doesn't break the bank. [SERVICE] Generally service is efficient, although getting only two of us seated during lunch rush (11:45–12:30) has taken up to half an hour. We're now accustomed to this so usually go around 1:00. This way we don't have to cram into a packed lobby, and have no problem getting one of the plush perimeter booths, which we prefer over the stiff chairs in the centre. [AMBIENCE] The servers are not overly friendly, but I'll take genuine coolness over fake, syrupy friendliness any day. We've always been greeted with a smile at the front desk, and over time we've come to know the faces and atmosphere, so for us there's that comfort of familiarity. I can't comment from an interior designer's perspective, however the dark, rich colours of the earth-toned decor and Asian motifs seem appropriate and not overdone. The only thing I have a personal gripe about is the towel roll in the bathroom -- I just don't like those things anywhere. We've been going to Bagloc for three years now, and hopefully many more. In fact we'll be there tonight!

Awesome food, fantastic prices. But come early - it gets full fast. The Soups are out of this world - well this continent anyhow. #51 or #52 are awesome value, especially for take out. Try a Mango shake as well ...

I love the food. The menu offers numerous choice. The service is good but somewhat cold. It pays off in the great taste and value.

The food was okay. It was lunch, so naturally busy, but it took them nearly an hour to seat 5 people. It would've been sooner, but when they found out that two of our party were at the loo, they gave the table to another party of 5. Completely ridiculous. The prices range from 10-20, so I guess you could call that cheap, but still. The food's not worth it when you have to wait an hour to be seated, and another half to get noticed. As a result, we tipped them poorly and deliberately left quarters and other small change. We hadn't come back since.

The food is good and ready fairly fast. Sometimes it feels like they are trying to get you in and out though. But the food makes up for it!

They cannot claim they serve thai food. I ordered a thai dish and it had nothing to do with it. Service was horrible. I wanted to have some sauce, but the waiter only came back to give me my check.

I used to go here alot. And when i say alot i mean several times a week. Used to have good food and service. But now the food is usually cold when it comes, drinks come after I have already finished my food, your server never comes to check on you and the prices have gone up.

I have been going to Bagolac for about 4 years regularily. There are time to avoid the place, like around lunch or 6-8 on Thursday/Friday evenings... I have had terrible service around those times so I do not go, and wait until later. The place is very clean exception being the washrooms, they are not looked after and the doors pull in so trying to escape without touching the door handle is near impossible...(germ phobia) All dishes are amazing and are always the same... a number 53 four years ago tastes EXACTLY the same as it does today. Hooray for pride in their craftmanship! I recommend this place all the time, just avoid the rush or poor service will follow.

We sat down at 7:00 pm. Our server kept going to the one table beside us, or towards the kitchen, not bothering to look around. Our table was spaced 12" adjacent to theirs. We asked for service twice, once after 15 min, then after 25 when no one came. Staff was busy, just as another server takes out her pen to take our order, our waitress finally comes over. Now most people would be angry after waiting 25 min for their waitress to greet them. We are easygoing people and not rude, but our server was very angry with us when it should have been the other way around! First thing she said was "WHAT DO YOU WANT?" then, "YOU WANT RICE WITH THAT? IN A BOWL? OK!" I was so stunned that I didn't have a chance to respond. She just walked away! The glowing review on the wall raves about the service, and says "you won't want to leave!" But let me just say no one checked on us during the meal, and dirty dishes remained on our table 20 minutes after we were done eating, and were not cleared away until after the bill arrived. Food arrived fairly quickly, and the best thing I can say about the service was the server looking after the tables on the other side of us did her job well.

I've been here several times, and it is always where I take my visitors. I feel it gives a great impression of Calgary's vietnameses cuisine, unlike some of the less-than-stellar vietnamese places I've been in this town! The prices are reasonable and the decor is beautiful. The service is always prompt and the food is always delicious! it's always busy, so I try to go between 2-5pm