We've rounded up the best Cocktail Bars & Lounges For You

🏛️ Vibe: Traditional, Big Luxury Hotel

📍 Location: Downtown

💎 Fanciness Factor: 5/5

If you're aiming to sweep your date off their feet or indulge in a timeless evening out, look no further than The Hawthorn Dining Room. This enchanting establishment transports you to an era of unparalleled sophistication, where they truly know how to put on a show that would even impress The Ritz themselves!

And here's a little trivia for you: 

The Hawthorn Dining Room has even earned a coveted spot on the list of Canada's top 5 most exquisite restrooms! Yes, you read that right. So, if you needed one more reason to experience this gem, just remember it's nestled within the opulent Fairmont Palliser. Make your reservations, and let the grandeur of The Hawthorn Dining Room whisk you away.

🥃 Vibe: Custom Whisky Drinks Made Tableside

📍 Location: Downtown

💎 Fanciness Factor: 3/5

Prepare to embark on a whiskey-lover's dream at ONE18 EMPIRE, where they've taken the art of whiskey to a whole new level. Steeped in the rich history of Calgary, this gem seamlessly blends the city's heritage with a dash of modern-day charm.

With an impressive arsenal of over 300 whisk(e)ys, ryes, bourbons, and scotches, 

ONE18 EMPIRE offers a true haven for spirits connoisseurs. The bartenders here are true craftsmen, each sip they pour is a masterpiece in itself, making your visit an experience to remember.

🍇 Vibe: Modern Vintage Luxury

📍 Location: Downtown

💎 Fanciness Factor: 3/5

Fleetwood is the epitome of sophistication, a top-notch lounge where you can savor timeless cocktails and savor a delectable, shareable menu. Embrace the art of mingling and relaxation in Fleetwood's refined yet laid-back ambiance, adorned with chic vintage decor that draws inspiration from the one-of-a-kind 1933 Cadillac Fleetwood showcased for all to admire.

🌴 Vibe: Tropical Getaway

📍 Location: Downtown

💎 Fanciness Factor: 1/5

Step into Ricardo's Hideaway, a charming oasis open exclusively on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Seating yourself in this cozy establishment is like embarking on a brief escape from reality. Transported to a tropical paradise, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of rum-infused delights, reminiscent of Hemingway's adventures.

🕺 Vibe: 70's Dance Club

📍 Location: Downtown

💎 Fanciness Factor: 3/5

Sweet Loretta offers a wildly entertaining experience from start to finish. Upstairs, you'll discover Calgary's leading inclusive disco bar and a chic lounge that specializes in well-crafted, spirit-forward cocktails and expertly prepared shareable dishes. If you're seeking a truly immersive cocktail adventure, venture downstairs to Otto, the hidden tiki bar within Sweet Loretta, where you'll find an array of exotic beverages and a vibrant Hawaiian atmosphere.

🛢️ Vibe: Country, Modern, Oil Money

📍 Location: Downtown

💎 Fanciness Factor: 3/5

At The Derrick, a Downtown bar known for its smoked meat, local charm, and a relaxed Western ambiance, Gin takes center stage. The bar boasts an impressive collection of almost 100 different gins, making martinis, negronis, and G&Ts the stars of the show. However, the menu doesn't stop there, as it features an extensive array of inventive cocktails. Gin plays a prominent role in this cocktail selection, but fear not if gin isn't your preference; there are plenty of options to cater to every palate.

 The menu also showcases unexpected infusions, syrups, bitters, and unique ingredients such as truffle oil and carrot cake water.

🍂 Vibe: 70's Casual

📍 Location: Marda Loop

💎 Fanciness Factor: 2/5

The idea behind the aesthetic space, adorned with sofas and a groovy carpet, exudes a vintage mid-century modern ambience, accompanied by a food menu that elevates classic comfort dishes to a whole new level.

When it comes to beverages, you'll find a thoughtfully selected wine list, an array of craft beers, an impressive selection of classic cocktails, and some unique creations. One example is the Merry Levov, crafted from bourbon, vermouth, benedictine, cardamom, and yogurt soju.

🍁 Vibe: Simplistic Upscale Canadian

📍 Location: Downtown

💎 Fanciness Factor: 3/5

In Calgary's vibrant cocktail scene, Christina Mah stands out as a celebrated figure, and her talents shine at her independent establishment, Klein / Harris. The cocktail menu is thoughtfully organized into multiple sections, but I highly recommend starting with the "True North" category. This particular collection spotlights stunning concoctions made with locally sourced ingredients from renowned producers like Eau Claire Distillery, Alberta Premium, and even unexpected ingredients like Highwood Crossing oats – yes, they're included in some of the drinks.

🥖 Vibe: Tiny, French, Rustic

📍 Location: Marda Loop

💎 Fanciness Factor: 2/5

This little spot in Marda Loop has been incredibly popular since the day it opened.  Oddly, they don't have a menu, instead you inform the staff on what kind of wine variety you like and they'll choose one accordingly.  Personally, this makes me a little nervous (how do I know they aren't picking the extra EXTRA expensive wine because of something I indicated?!) But when I had a few glasses there I believe each was about $15, so perhaps they keep it within a price range? 

🥖 Vibe: Tiny, Casual

📍 Location: Marda Loop

💎 Fanciness Factor: 3/5

This intimate spot seats 12 comfortably, creating the perfect atmosphere for a special night out centered around great conversation. The wine list is exceptional, sure to impress any aspiring sommelier, and the simple yet carefully crafted cocktails are well-priced, offering all the classics with a unique charm. It’s an ideal place to start the evening before heading off to your next adventure.

🥖 Vibe: The Shining

📍 Location: Stephen Avenue

💎 Fanciness Factor: 5/5

When Baden, one of our team members, takes someone on a first date, it’s often to this distinctive gem on Stephen Avenue. Perhaps it’s the allure of its downtown location, or perhaps it's the spellbinding ambiance in the basement—a setting inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, with its highly recognisable carpet and eerie décor. The cocktail list here is both plentiful and experimental, with bartenders known to craft unique creations on the spot if you’re especially lucky. The atmosphere feels like a page from a spy novel, evoking a cinematic flair reminiscent of Three Days of the Condor.

🥖 Vibe: Moody, New York

📍 Location: Mission

💎 Fanciness Factor: 5/5

Tucked away in the basement of Southblock is one of the most intriguing lounges in Calgary. Stepping inside feels like descending into a refined, underground hideaway with polished hardwood floors and rich, inky lighting. The atmosphere evokes the intensity of a private club, with an air of exclusivity and sleek sophistication, as if you’re entering a clandestine sanctuary designed for powerful, influential players. It’s the kind of place where secrets are kept, conversations are low, and the ambiance whispers sophistication and mystery. It's upscale and much needed in the city. 

🥖 Vibe: New York, Fresh, Vibrant

📍 Location: Stephen Avenue

💎 Fanciness Factor: 4/5

I can’t believe I hadn’t uncovered this gem until recently. Once home to the iconic Divino Wine and Cheese Bistro and even the historic *Calgary Herald* headquarters, the space has a character all it's own. It’s bright, inviting, and buzzing with a casual charm that makes you want to sit back and stay awhile. The menu offers unique touches like Honey Toast with melted brie and vibrant crushed pistachios, perfectly paired with a reasonably priced cocktail or, if you’re feeling indulgent, a bottle of red up to $1,300. It’s more than just a downtown spot—definitely worth a visit.

🥖 Vibe: Tight Quarters, Vintage

📍 Location: Crescent Heights

💎 Fanciness Factor: 5/5

This spot, once known as Halibut House, apologizes for no longer serving fish & chips, but it’s found a unique charm all its own. With cozy, intimate spaces and a menu crafted to impress, Bar Gigi quickly made a name for itself. Their standout cocktail list has put them on the map, even earning them a spot on the shortlist for Canada’s Top New Restaurants this year, and you'll love just spending time there and be sure to make a reservation, it's a tight ship.