Calgary Speakeasies and Cocktail Lounges

You may have visited Two Penny a few years ago, now the same space has become Tea House.  Tea House serves up cocktails and asian-inspired bites.  It's a really cool atmosphere, although they got rid of the best part which was the distinctive tiger wallpaper. :( The new look is okay I guess... I do like their bathrooms a lot. The night to go to Tea House is Thursday because they hold intimate comedy shows that kill every time.

I've only been once and I thought it was pretttty cool. We had to wait a bit because it's small and popular. It's probably easy to go on a weekday though. The drinks are fun with good presentation. The sushi was good, but I think we paid a premium because we're eating in the cool part of the restaurant. (Ajito is a speakeasy within a sushi restaurant called Sho).  I'd probably say fill up on Sushi at Sho and then finish the night with cocktails and dessert at Ajito. Opened in 2020.

I like Paper Lantern a lot. I've been twice and both times the staff (also the owners) have been SO freaking nice. Even when they're busy they really care to make sure you're enjoying yourself. We stayed way late one Saturday, definitely keeping them past when they were to close and they were so chill about it and even sat and chatted with us. The drinks are tropical and come in fun glasses. And the bathrooms have silly exotic wallpaper (like monkeys!). This place is great. Good luck finding it! ;)

Of all Calgary's speakeasy lounges, Betty Lou's is the most true to prohibition era history.  Betty Lou's is legitimately hidden (no signage, no clues) and to enter you require a password.  Don't worry, you don't have to join the mafia to get the code, they email it to you when you make a reservation.  (I'd personally still like to see you try to join the Mafia though.)  Betty Lou's Library is small, dark, intimate and has a luxurious 1920's decor.  Check them out Tuesdays or Thursdays for live Jazz or Wednesdays when they host burlesque! Opened late 2016.

I would describe Shelter's decor as "mildly deranged" and I mean that in the best way possible.  Where this bomb shelter theme came from, will forever keep me up at night (just kidding, I sleep like a baby).  But seriously, the decor includes gas masks and sandbags, making it odd, but at the same time classy and old school.  Note the venue is TINY and the couch seating means you need to be prepared to get cozy with your neighbor.  Hopefully they're attractive?! Opened mid 2017.

This champagne lounge is elegant and pretentious, in a good way,  Hey we need some of that in Cowtown.  For real though.  If you like quiet party vibes. low intimate seating, chandeliers, and lots of opulent gold decor you'll want to visit for some bubbly.  I'm trying to remember what it's like late at night but I'm thinking there's gotta be a DJ.  I am also unsure on dance floor situation. clearly I need to revisit. Opened early 2017.