The Velvet Olive in Red Deer

4928C 50 St, Red Deer, AB T4N 1X7, Canada

★★★★★
(204 reviews)
Categories: Live music bar Breakfast restaurant Live music venue Lounge

About

Downtown Red Deer’s hidden gem! Offering live music 4 nights a week, monthly featured artists and a welcoming atmosphere.

Website
thevelvetolive.com
Address
4928C 50 St, Red Deer, AB T4N 1X7, Canada
Plus Code
759P+PP Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Time Zone
America/Edmonton

Business Hours

Sunday
Closed
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
4–11 PM
Wednesday
4–11 PM
Thursday
4–11 PM
Friday
4–11 PM
Saturday
4–11 PM

Services

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Great cocktails Live music Live performances
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Food Food at bar Happy-hour food Spirits Wine
Dining options
Seating
Amenities
Bar on site Gender-neutral toilets Restaurant Toilets Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking

Photos

Reviews

4.8
★★★★★
204 reviews

Most Mentioned

gem (12) intimate (10) entertainment (8) menu (8) wall (6) bartender (5) open mic (4) martini (3) chicken and waffles (2) lounge (2)
5 stars
168
4 stars
27
3 stars
6
2 stars
2
1 stars
1
★★★★
November 24, 2024

This place is so stunning inside. The drinks were great as I had a classic espresso martini and they did incredible. Could only have one as they ran out of egg whites, but aside from that was a great place!

★★★★★
November 13, 2024

My friends and I came here to see a band, the drinks were so fun, the food was great, and the environment is gorgeous. Our server and the bartender were both so nice!

★★★★★
February 26, 2024

What a great place! The vibe here is awesome! Had a few drink and some nachos here with the boys. Our server was very friendly and provided quick service. The place is clean and well maintained. The LIVE music was great!! I highly recommend checking this place out!

★★★★★
August 14, 2023

The velvet olive has a fantastic cozy atmosphere to it, with wonderful decor, a beautiful patio, and live music a few nights a week. This would be a great space for a first date, getting to know each other over a couple drinks and some music! I had a great time, and plan to be back very soon.

★★★★★
July 8, 2023

Great place to have a drink and listen to live music. Folks who run the place, love the place, you feel it. Atmosphere is dark and cozy, there is always local art on the walls, available for purchase, beer selection from local breweries and live shows from local musicians. Come, support, enjoy, this is a great place!

★★★★★
November 26, 2022

Love the small live music venue. Kind of upset that some bigger groups were talking over the live music, there are plenty of options downtown for socializing if you aren't interested in live music. The staff was excellent, love the upgrades to the venue. The only thing I don't like is the long table with seats on only one side. Makes the other tables crowded.

★★★★★
March 28, 2021

The Velvet Olive is one of red deers best back alley gems. The cocktails are amazing, and the new extended stage area will be great once live music is allowed again. The waffles we had(the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and the chicken and bacon) were perfectly cooked. Waffles are light and fluffy and everything paired well together. The service has always been excellent. If you have never been or have not been in awhile .....GO!

★★★★
March 12, 2021

Ambiance and service were excellent. Food menu is only breakfast type foods which surprised us a bit. We ordered the gluten free chicken and waffles and it was delicious, even if the presentation was a bit underwhelming. We will go there again for sure!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 15, 2024

Great place to hear music.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 15, 2024

Charming

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

A hidden gem of red deer

★★★★★
September 22, 2024

A gem in RD s evolving downtown area. Excellent music venue, awesome staff and great atmosphere. Do it!

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 22, 2024

Absolutely LOVE the vibe here. Dimly lit, intimate, yet fun. GREAT venue for live music!

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

So atmospheric, beautiful little spot. The first bar I ve visited, it s my 18th birthday and I love it here. The live music is such a wonderful touch :)

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

Such a cool little hole in the wall!! The addition of donuts to the menu is . Will be back!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

I love the new stage, complete with extra room to shake your tail feathers. The margaritas are divine. The ambiance is 10+. Its so lovely to see all walks of life just hanging out and sharing in the good vibes this place brings

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

My favorite spot to relax and listen to some music. Staff has always been nice, the drinks are well made and its more intimate atmosphere makes it a great place to meet new people. Also the spring rolls are awesome

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Beautiful Lounge with great bands that play there and a great atmosphere.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great venue for live music, cozy atmosphere and great conversation

★★★★
December 22, 2023

Cute and quaint

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Amazing drinks and atmosphere for live music entertainment

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Best live music experience !

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Great staff, live music and all around good vibes!!

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Staff were polite and friendly, but made a rude comment behind our back as we were leaving and didnt think wed heard. Venue is not made for music and was hard to have a conversation. The place had a poor smell we noticed immediately. But the drinks were good.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

I love this place, so so much.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Friggin magical spot. Great vibes. Coolest little bar in town.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Quaint , small and intimate and the atmosphere is sooooo quaint

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Love coming here! Its a quaint little place and they have live music on the weekends and delicious crafted cocktails, definitely recommend coming here!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Last night was mine and my husbands first time at Velvet Olive for a live performance. The service was top notch, loved the small but intentional food menu, and the performer was amazing! We are already looking forward to our next visit.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Cool out of the way quaint interesting pub. Highly recommended. Live music. Hole in the way, cool vibe.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Lovely place! Good food, good drinks, good entertainment!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Awesome place.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

A hidden gem! Excellent atmosphere, and great people! You have to check out the open mic jams on Thursdays or any of their musical offerings to really appreciate it!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. Check out all the awesome live music they bring in!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Excellent place for entertainment.Good musician.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

This is an amazing experience. Great bartenders and a cozy atmosphere helps you really enjoy the amazing musical talent that they bring to Red Deer

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Great atmosphere and the staff are excellent!! Love the live music the venue brings in too! I would highly recommend this unique little gem!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

We had the pleasure of doing our Christmas party here in December. The atmosphere was amazing and service was great

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Super great experience and the band As High As We Go was amazing....first time visit and I would go back in a second

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

First time there for an art exhibition! Super cool place and really friendly bartender

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Awesome place for a unclose and personal concert and excellent cocktails

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

We went in late evening and the live band was fantastic. They played a variety of music, some oldies, a little country and some pop rock. Really had a great time and highly recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Fabulous bar!!. Great ambiance & decorations. Friendly & interactive management. Fantastic entertainment tonight, with singer-songwriter Cam White! (24th June 2022) Thorough enjoyed my night out.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Down here at the Velvet Olive listening to Cam White, Journey Thus Far. Great music an eclectic blend of Eastern, Metallica, Dire Straits, Journey and Original! Great music! Absolutely loving it! A great way to de-stress!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great little lounge

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

What a great place! Live music great people!! Dont miss a show here. Have to see place!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Super helpful and knowledgeable bartender. Great guy.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Really cool atmosphere. Great martinis

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Happy Surprise Birthday Party. Great Live Music

December 22, 2022

Completely empty restaurant and patio, manger comes out saying patio is only for their customers rudely told us to leave. Patio has no sign stating its for their lounge. Garbage management makes a garbage lounge! appropriate like an unmarked empty patio?! Maybe take some respect and tact when you interact with the public in a public place. You re rude and disrespectful and a disgrace to an industry I ve been in for 20yrs.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Awesome place for small, intimate concerts.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great little place. Didnt know it existed?

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Kind of a locals spot, (I only say that because a local took me there and the entrance is in an alley) however considering the city in which it resides, this place is cool AF. Live music quite often, nifty decor, friendly wait and bar staff, clean bathrooms....... Next time Im in the Deer, Ill definitely go back for an Earl Grey Martini. (You heard me, and yaaaaas, it tastes just like the tea) (mixed with liquor) Good job to whomever owns/runs it. (Bet my approval totally made your year) (Yer welcome)

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Such a cozy little hole in the wall. Great people. Ill be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great environment and great people

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

What an amazing place and people

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

The Velvet Olive is a gem in downtown Red Deer. Nice selection of beer for varying tastes, cool cocktails and a brunch menu that helps the hangover. This small room has expanded but still maintains a friendly intimate vibe. A great place to check out live music.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

If you want fancy cocktails and something to nibble on this is the place to go. The dark old school bar environment is great for a small group or a couple. Not a place to take a large group and its not for kids. Love this place. Locally owned.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Great place! 1920s speakeasy vibes met with a modern twist. Nearly everything on the menu is dairy and gluten free. Many vegan options as well. Only 4 stars because I think the portions could be bigger. BUT - unless its an all you can eat buffet, there arent many places that I dont feel the same way. Absolutely worth stopping in!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Hands down the best chicken and waffles Ive ever had. We heard there were vintage cartoons on Saturday mornings for brunch but when we were there they did not have any TVs or cartoons playing. Might be something they did in the past?

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Great atmosphere and drinks.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Very nice lounge with great service and good personality I came for a live music show and was very impressed. I had an excellent old fashioned (cw clear ice sphere) and my wife had a shooter that came in a test-tube! I also had a couple local beer which were great, and the music was very good

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

First time here! Very relaxed atmosphere! Great decore. Staff super friendly and have so much knowledge on the building and history so cool. Dave was my server supper friendly and great service. Will be back! Hidden gem

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

This is a fantastic place full of atmosphere, a real gem.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Had a great time here last night with my friend. Lots of laughs and great music!! Thanks to the great bartenders Dave and Luke!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Velvet olive is great. The musician harpdog was way over rated. Seemed pampas and cocky. Ive seen better at a trucker rest stop in between Nashville and Memphis

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

A gem in Red Deer. Great drinks at a fair price. Fun vibe, feels trendy and exclusive while being totally inclusive. A treat for Red Deer.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

A delightfully cozy wine bar, offering an assortment of drinks and tasty appies, plus frequent live music and a beautiful outdoor patio in the Summer months. Highly recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

I love the mixed drinks this place has. The mojito is amazing.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

All are welcome!

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Great cocktails!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Stumbled upon this place. Such a great atmosphere.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Great! Friendly staff / awesome cocktails. Top notch service.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Quiet little bar, but amazing atmosphere and better staff.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

The olive is a hidden gem. A small and intimate love entertainment venue with crafted cocktails and a decent beer selection. Staff are friendly and accommodating. I highly recommend the olive.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

At one point in my history (about 12 years ago), this place was my local watering hole. I went back last night and NOTHING has changed- I love this place so much. Amazing drinks, drink specials, appies and awesome staff and music. WOW

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Friendly., wonderful hidden gem of nest with a surprising energetic and groovy feeling and a matchmaker on sight ...lol Jeff was literally making matchboxes! Ha

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Excellent entertainment

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Good conversation.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Loved it. Good drinks and cute little outta the way spot.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

I have always loved this quaint musical and friendly place!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Amazing, hidden away venue, delicious meticulously made cocktails. Awesome live music! Friendly engaging staff. Got to find your way through the one-way maze in downtown Red Deer. A must-see for locals or an awesome Chill Spot if youre passing through.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Great service. Intimate atmosphere.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

The duck pot pie is one of the best things I have ever eaten in my entire life. Atmosphere is great, drinks are great, staff are THE BEST. I chatted with the chef, Luke, and laughed with our waitress, Stefanie. Im 100% coming back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Very intimate and cozy.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

The best spot for cocktails in the city! Highly recommend

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Beyond delicious. One of the many things I love about this place is amazing personalized service and unique menu selections.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Local and Great service food and drinks

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Great atmosphere, good drinks, live music, intimate setting. After dinner drinks or date night.

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Great Mac and Cheese Flatbread. Worth checking out.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Great space. Intimate and cozy. Tasty selection of appies. Nice wine list. Limited cocktail menu but staff with accomodate suggestions. Live music nights

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Cosy & not too busy Sunday afternoon, perfect for catching up with friends. Great selection of libations & friendly strangers to chat & discuss how to put the world right!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Wonderful atmosphere and friendly staff. Great music and vibe.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Amazing drinks and staff. Great place

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Open Mike Thursdays, live music Fridays @ 8:00, Saturdays @ 9:00 -- no place like it. Red Deers version of Cheers. Nolan has it going, again! In this photo if I figure out how to post it is Madyson Lovelace, a multi-instrumentalist with a powerful voice who absolutely blew us away -- in what she says was her first performance.

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Good service. Good munchies available. Good acoustics for open mic night. Friendly crowd.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Great place to go. Cosy and friendly with great entertainment.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Nice little spot. Enjoyed a night out with some friends from out of town. At first they were a little sceptical about the entrance to the establishment, but after spending a couple of hours we soon learned that the Olive has a very nice atmosphere! People are friendly and we will definitely be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Awesome!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Cool little pub with live music

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Great place for a drink.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Best place in Red Deer for live music

★★★★
December 22, 2019

Small. Cozy. Interesting.

★★★★
December 22, 2019

Great lounge

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Great hidden gem downtown! Really small but great atmosphere and service, not a full food menu but if you re just looking to have some drinks in a warm atmosphere this is the place to go

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Love this little place. We always have such a great time. And always love the chocolate martinis!!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Small, cute and fun. Great staff and good atmosphere. Tasty cocktails at a decent price. Love the live music!

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

A unique little gem in Red Deer! Very obvious the owner puts a lot of blood, sweat, and passion into the venue with all the custom touches on the decor. Bar staff are sweet hearts! 10/10 would Moscow mule again

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Best Place in Town!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Velvet Olive gets a Solid 5 review because of stage performers Like Jessie Roads and Randi Bolton. Definitely check out this place.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Fun staff, and great vibes

★★
December 22, 2019

Wow, the guy there did NOT like me. It wasn t anything he said it was just his tone through out the night I had one beer... which is a shame the atmosphere was really nice is he was really nice to all of the older patrons and like rude to me and my friends (mid 20 s) I think they are going for that though. So if your 40 plus I m sure it s great but I won t be going back.

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

A great intimate atmosphere with outstanding bartenders. Youll never have a better Moscow Mule then at the Velvet Olive! Theres almost always amazing music playing here with the owner being a huge advocate for local music. Could not recommended this gem of Red Deer enough

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Great little place to be with friends. Live music, very good snacks and drinks!

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

This is by far my favorite place in Red Deer. Amazing atmosphere. Service is top notch. Just over all amazing.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Absolute favorite place in Red Deer to catch live music right now. Great outdoor patio with a sweet vibe wall and twinkle lights. Awesome place got a cocktail and live music!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Love the ambience in this tiny lil bar. We saw some live music here and it was very enjoyable. Not too loud for the small space. Sangria was delicious and the Whisky Sour was made beautifully! Didnt try the food but would like to next time!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Wonderful place, great drinks and good music.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Great stuff happens here

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Great little bar to catch some music. Added bonus: no TVs for distraction.

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Awesome place with great vibes totally in love with this place.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Awesome little bar great atmosphere and wonderful people!

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

I love this place, its not my first time. Bring your own vinyl night is great. The Velvet Olive is a comfortable back ally bar. On this night Rith the bartender and Stephanie hostess provided impecable service. It was live music night and Mike Zsabos accomplished vocals kept the bar entertained. This gay friendly bar is a cosy place to while the night away.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

The best little hole in the wall bar in Red Deer. Great for live music and meeting friends you never knew you had.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Very cozy, quaint, and friendly atmosphere. Perfect smaller pub to enjoy the company of friends without dealing with a large crowd. Highly recommend checking it out!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

This is the nicest pub in town. Revamped and back to its old original format. The place to make friends and chat. Excellent drink menu and bery affordable. Great accomodatimg owner that knows what he wants from his establishment. A mist visit. Great staff. The to go place.

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Wow! The new owners have maintained the friendly and trendy atmosphere here. Great place to get your feet wet at open mic too. Staff is fabulous! Cute too! Lol

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

A wonderfully cute hole in the wall. Staff is kind and thoughtful. The addition of live music was welcome and didnt take up the whole space. Bathrooms were amazingly clean. Dont get me started on the surplus of decorations all around to add a sweet aura of tolerance and uniquity.