Milk Tiger Lounge is a great place in downtown Calgary if you want to spend the evening with friends over cool libations and good music. The chic lounge whips up some of the meanest and most original cocktails that you won't find anywhere else in town. The vibe is funky and reminiscent of urban New York bars. Also they have an excellent choice of food items on the menu. The crowd is very diverse so you won't feel out of place.
Pigeonhole’s cozy seating arrangement, warm staff and open kitchen makes you feel welcome the minute you are seated on your table. The bar's décor and chinaware takes you back in time to the Victorian era. The small tapas style plates are ideal for sharing the food with your companions. The menu has a variety of wines and cocktails. The rich blend of flavors and the exquisite preparation adds Pigeonhole on every food lover’s list.
Situated on the outer rim of downtown, this chophouse is removed from most of the bustle of downtown, and has a reputation for a great selection of steaks and burgers, and a laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere. Buchanan's offers a good business or after-work setting, with upscale wood and brass finishing at booths and open tables. There is also a lot of top-grade Alberta beef on the menu, including a 10-ounce, hot-rubbed rib eye steak in wild mushroom sauce. The award-winning whisky bar has its own loyal following and a reputation for one of the best Scotch collections in the city.
Enter the chic Vin Room for an unforgettable wine and tapas experience. With a selection of over 100 different wines, they offer sampling by the ounce and also serve by the glass. Apart from their huge wine selection, their menu lists delicious tapas which go well with the wines. The tapas menu includes cheeses, meats and sides; each portioned to thirty grams. They organize private events for twenty to eighty guests at their private function room with access to the rooftop patio.
Wanting more of a variety in his beer choices, Ed McNally set up shop and started crafting his own brews in 1985. Today, over a dozen types of beer are brewed at Big Rock Brewery, to perfection without compromise, with only the finest ingredients available. The brewery is open for tours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 1:30p as well as evening tours on Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:30p. Located at the brewery is Big Rock Grill, the onsite restaurant that offers North American and European cuisine that pairs excellently with the handcrafted brews.
A little respite from the biting winds of Calgary winters can be found inside the cozy crannies of this pub. Built on three levels with a dining area, bar and loft, there's plenty of choice in seating arrangements and noise levels. Traditionalists' dreams come true with this homey establishment's exposed beams set in white plastered walls and sturdy oaken furniture, along with its selection of 10 specialty beers and ales. The air is relatively smoke-free, without the choking cloud often present in busy pubs. According to the staff, the sliced beef sandwich is the best in Calgary, although the fish and chips are a contender, too. Whether you're looking for a satisfying lunch or a night of conversation, this little pub is certain to please.