Drink?
Calgary's Best Bars 🏆
Planning a night out? Yaaaah ya are. No matter if you're a group of 2 or 25, I gotchu. 🍻 Check this list for my top places for a night out on the town. I can't wait for how much fun you are going to have. Hey, where's my invite?
Craft Beer Market Downtown
Calgary's original beer hall. They have a massive drink selection, probably the biggest in the city! And a decent food menu. I wouldn't necessarily come here for the food though as it's more of a party vibe.
National Beer Hall
Somewhat weirdly, National has 3 locations downtown alone. (Probably just to confuse newcomers.) National on 10th has bowling and a speakeasy called the Bourbon Room. National on Stephen Ave has a massive rooftop patio and National on 17th Ave, is on busy 17th Ave! All provide good times.
Central Taps
Central Taps
Smaller than Craft or National but similar beerhall vibes. Catch their second happy hour from 10pm-11pm nightly with food and drink deals.
Ship & Anchor⚓
Bottlescrew Bills
Bottlescrew Bills
A quintessential Calgary spot. This low-key pub in the middle of 17th ave is always busy and has a diverse crowd of all age groups and types.
Bottlescrew Bills
Bottlescrew Bills
Bottlescrew Bills
Known for their large international bottled beer selection, this is the place for beer lovers to be. It's always happening but chill vibes at the same time. Their late night pub menu has been a blessing many a time after a night of drinking.
Civic Tavern
Bottlescrew Bills
Civic Tavern
The bar that's in a house that's been a classic Calgary party spot since the beginning of time. (Or at least as far back as I can remember). Expect creaky floorboards, good pizza and friendly vibes.
Leopold's
Unicorn SuperPub
Unicorn SuperPub
There are 4 Leopold's locations in Calgary. This fun pub, that is dive-bar themed, is actually a great restaurant as well as a place to drink. They are known for their many poutine varieties.
Unicorn SuperPub
Unicorn SuperPub
Unicorn SuperPub
The Unicorn on Stephen Ave calls itself a SuperPub and you know what? I think it can. It has 3 levels and each has a different vibe. The basement is a darker space made for music events or live shows, the middle floor is a lively bar, and the top level is for watching sports on their multiple TV screens.
Trolley 5
Unicorn SuperPub
Trolley 5
Trolley 5 Brewpub is a brewery that feels more restaurant than brewery in my mind. They serve up beer and BBQ and have a super popular patio in the middle of 17th ave. Perfect for people watching.
Popular Bars for a Night Out
Greta Bar
Greta is known for it's arcade and bright fun atmosphere. It's a lively place where the tiny dance floor goes crazy in the basement. Get there early!
Banquet
There are 2 Banquet locations in Calgary. These casual beerhall-type places are bigger with lots of tables and the option to duckpin bowl too!
Home & Away
A sports themed bar that includes some fun table games as well. Good place to drink with friends.
The Rooftop YYC
This larger bar is named Rooftop because the atmosphere is designed to be like you're outside - which is amazing during Calgary winters for a mini-escape. I feel like it would be nicer if it were a real open air rooftop patio in the summer, but hey, I'll take what I can get.
King Eddy 🎵
This historic building was actually taken apart, moved, and put back together brick by brick. The main floor features live music regularly (there's sometimes a cover charge). The rooftop patio has unique Calgary views.
Side Street Pub
This low key pub is always bustling. It's a popular spot to watch sports and mingle with other patrons. Lots of patio space in the summer time and good eats.
Schanks
Schanks Sports Grill is a huge bar that seemingly has everything. Big screens to watch sports, slot machines and even mini-golf. If you have a REALLLY big group (like 30+) and want an event space they can accommodate you here and there is no charge or min spend.
🍹More Places to Drink🍻
See these pages for more inspo: