For nearly two decades, Toad’ n’ Turtle Pubhouse & Grill stood as one of Alberta’s most beloved sports pubs. From its first location in Red Deer to its expansion into Calgary and Airdrie, this pub became synonymous with game nights, great food, and cold beer.
Known as “Daycare for Adults” in Red Deer, Toad’ n’ Turtle created a unique blend of casual dining, sports entertainment, and community spirit. With 37 wing flavours, an extensive craft beer selection, and constant sports programming, it drew both die-hard sports fans and casual diners looking for good food in a welcoming atmosphere. But for many visitors, the excitement wasn’t just about watching the game – it was also about placing bets and playing online casino games while enjoying the atmosphere.
Toad ‘n’ Turtle’s Sports Fans and Their Love for Gambling
With multiple screens showing NHL, NFL, and UFC games, many visitors placed live bets on their phones while enjoying the action. The pub’s lively atmosphere, beer specials, and friendly competition mirrored the excitement of spinning reels, bluffing opponents, or hitting 21 from a mobile device. Visitors who love the thrill of sports betting and casino vibes can explore the best Ontario online casinos through a vibrant hub at this quick look at best finds tailored for local enthusiasts. This site offers detailed insights into the legal status of online casinos in Ontario and how they compare. Players can also discover the top casino apps, ensuring a seamless gaming experience on the go.
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Here’s a quick look at what makes such spots a hit for betting and casino lovers:
| Feature | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Live Sports Screens | Keeps the energy high with real-time action |
| Mobile Betting Access | Bet or play anywhere in the pub |
| Social Vibe | Friendly rivalry fuels the fun |
| Drink Specials | Pairs perfectly with a night of gaming |
Whether you’re cheering a goal or chasing a jackpot, it’s all about that seamless mix of excitement. The pub’s culture of competition, entertainment, and community made it a natural fit for fans of online gambling. As sports and gaming evolved, many visitors turned to trusted online casinos to keep the excitement going beyond game nights at the pub. This passion for competition and gaming all started with Toad ‘n’ Turtle’s origins as a gathering place for sports lovers – which leads us to how it all began.
The Story Behind Toad’ n’ Turtle Pubhouse & Grill
On January 26, 2005, Toad and Turtle opened its doors in Red Deer, Alberta. The concept was simple: create a pub where people could enjoy quality food, watch sports, and feel at home. This vision resonated with locals, leading to expansion into Calgary and Airdrie.
The pub built its reputation on several key elements:
- Red Seal chefs preparing elevated pub fare
- 22 beers on tap, including local craft options
- Regular sports events with full sound and multiple screens
- Community involvement through local team partnerships
Toad ‘n’ Turtle Red Deer
The Red Deer location set the standard for what Toad’ n’ Turtle would become. Located in Southpointe Common, it featured:
- One of Red Deer’s largest patios with a rooftop section
- Separate bar and kitchen on the rooftop level
- 20+ single malt scotch selections
- VLTs for entertainment (adults only)
The pub formed strong ties with local sports teams, notably offering 15% discounts for Red Deer Rebels ticket holders. Its proximity to the arena (“one block away”) made it the go-to spot for pre and post-game gatherings.
Toad ‘n’ Turtle Calgary
The Calgary Shepard location operated for 10 years, bringing the successful formula to the city’s southeast. This location welcomed families until 8:00 PM, making it a neighbourhood favourite for both casual dining and sports viewing.
Toad ‘n’ Turtle Airdrie
The Airdrie location at Kingsview Market maintained the brand’s commitment to sports and community events. It participated in major promotions like the Las Vegas trip giveaway and NFL season specials.
Food, Drinks & Game Daily Specials – Toad’ n’ Turtle Menu
The menu at Toad and Turtle combined classic pub fare with house specialties. Red Seal Chefs prepared dishes from scratch daily, including their popular house-made pizza dough and sauce. Their famous wings with 37 flavours brought people back regularly, especially on half-price Wing Wednesdays.
Menu highlights included:
- 37 wing flavours ranging from mild to “Don’t Fear the Reaper”
- House favourites like Brisket Yorkies and Maui Wowee Ribs
- House-made pizza dough and sauce
- Extensive selection of local craft beers
Notable beer offerings:
- Knights Ale exclusive brews (Red Friar and White Knight)
- Alberta rotating taps featuring local breweries
- International imports from Germany, Ireland, and beyond
Turtle Time: The Best Happy Hour Deals in Town
“Turtle Time” became a daily highlight at Toad’ n’ Turtle, offering great deals on both drinks and food. Running Monday through Friday from 2-5 PM and all day Sunday, these specials made the pub a popular spot for after-work drinks and weekend gatherings.
Turtle Time offered significant value Monday-Friday, 2PM-5PM:
- $5.25 house wine (6 oz)
- $5.25 domestic draught (12 oz)
- $5.25 house highballs
- $4.75 Parallel 49 Craft Lager
- $5.50 food items, including pot stickers and pulled pork sliders
The Ultimate Sports Bar Experience
Toad ‘n’ Turtle created complete game-day experiences with multiple screens, quality sound systems, and dedicated viewing areas. During major events, they offered special menus and ran contests to enhance the atmosphere.
Sports programming included:
- NFL Sundays with pick ’em contests
- NHL games with sound
- World Cup matches with early opening hours
- Red Deer Rebels hockey with special promotions
More Than Just a Pub: Hosting Local Events
Beyond sports, Toad’ n’ Turtle served as a community hub, hosting various events throughout the year. They maintained strong connections with local organizations and sports teams, particularly in Red Deer.
Regular events included:
- Festival of Wines
- Wing Wednesdays with half-price wings
- Shock ‘n’ Roll Saturdays featuring beer specials
- NFL pools and sports trip giveaways
Why the Locations Shut Down
The closure of all Toad’ n’ Turtle locations in early 2024 marked the end of an era in Alberta’s pub scene. The Calgary location announced its closure first in January 2024, followed by Red Deer. While specific reasons weren’t publicly shared, the closures followed industry-wide challenges facing many restaurants and pubs.
What made Toad’ n’ Turtle Pubhouse & Grill special wasn’t just its wings or beer selection – it was the atmosphere they created. For nearly two decades, they provided a place where sports fans could gather, friends could meet, and communities could come together. Their 4.2-star rating from over 1,000 Google reviews stands as a testament to the mark they left on Alberta’s hospitality scene.
Where to Go Now: Similar Sports Pubs in Alberta
For those missing Toad’ n’ Turtle’s atmosphere, several alternatives in Red Deer and Calgary offer similar experiences:
Red Deer Options:
- Bo’s Bar & Stage: Known for excellent beer selection and live entertainment (4.5/5 from 1,800+ reviews)
- JD’s Bar & Grill: Popular for wings and sports viewing (4.5/5 from 450+ reviews)
- 50 North Pub & Eatery: Casual atmosphere with good food and drinks (4.5/5 from 130+ reviews)
Calgary Alternatives:
- Side Street Pub & Grill: Sports bar with great food selection (4.5/5 from 1,600+ reviews)
- Newcastle Pub: Neighborhood pub with reasonable prices (4.3/5 from 1,100+ reviews)
- Big Al’s Bar & Grill: Casual sports bar atmosphere (4.3/5 from 1,200+ reviews)
- Richmond’s Pub: Quality pub fare and sports viewing (4.2/5 from 1,300+ reviews)
These establishments share similar qualities with Toad’ n’ Turtle: good food, sports viewing, and welcoming atmospheres, typically in the $20-30 per person price range.