The Garage Sports Bar is the sort of places guys sneak off to: a hip refuge of pool tables, satellite TV-fed sports and video games. Tucked into a corner of the downtown Eau Claire Market, the focus here is on shooting pool and the breeze over a few drinks and finger food. There are numerous bar-sized playing tables, all rented on a clock. Some fourteen televisions blast the latest hockey and football games, and a DJ has music constantly playing. Though it's billed as a restaurant, this is not a true sit-down experience, with a menu that tilts toward Italian Panini sandwiches and chicken wings.
Known literally for its bar made of mahogany wood, Murrieta's Bar and Grill serves up good food alongside a wide choice of alcohol. It is a regular nightly haunt for the executives who drop by here from nearby downtown after work. The service is pretty decent and informal; only a really fussy customer might come up with a complaint. The live piano music at dinner time complements the setting of the restaurant perfectly. Don't expect noisy children here, since businessmen and other corporate types set the overall mood of the place.
One of the first attempts at capturing the look, feel and sensibilities of a small village country pub in the UK, this stop has remained popular for more than 15 years. Located just a few blocks south of downtown in a rambling old building (legend has it as a former funeral home), there are three distinct bar areas with booths and tables. There are also comfy couches, some near fireplaces. Come summer, there's also a heated patio area. There are some 30 beers, many of them imported. The menu tilts towards finger foods, burgers and sandwiches.
Located on the 4th Street, The Joyce on 4th is a cozy Irish pub with a distinct old-world charm and a welcoming atmosphere. The beautiful pub interiors feature rich use of woods right from the floor and wall panels to the bar. Ornate lanterns and light fixtures add to the charm while the excellent Irish artifacts adorning the walls complete the look. Apart from the Guinness, the pub has an excellent selection of custom-made Gas Lamp craft beers and other spirits to keep the conversations flowing. Food menu has an outstanding selection of pub food from salads and burgers to pizzas as well as pub meals; a satisfying affair. There are no less than 11 high definition screens strewn across the room, so catching an game is an absolute pleasure. The popular outdoor patio is great for people-watching. Daily food and drink promotions make this a great bet to hang out with friends and down a few drinks.
With its central location along 16th Avenue Northwest, Tipperary's Pub is just a stone's throw away from the campuses of the SAIT Polytechnic and the University of Calgary. Loyal patrons can catch a game on any of their televisions, play darts or pool, or be entertained with live band music on select days. The menu is hearty pub fare, with wings, pizza, nachos as well as sandwiches and pasta served with a selection of draft beers, coolers, wines and coffees. A must-try is their famously affordable Sunday breakfast.
There's something always happening at this lively pub located off the 17th Avenue. Attracting a mixed crowd of the young, old and everybody in between, Shillelagh's is the perfect place to grab a few drinks with friends and have a good time. The pub has two large very popular patios that offer great city views. Entertainment is in the form of regular live music sessions as well as a karaoke night for the fun factor. The menu features an excellent range of beers along with other spirits. Food deserves a special mention with a fairly extensive menu of pub favorites made to perfection. Daily happy hours and food and drink specials promise great deals. The space is also available for large groups and private functions. Check website for more information.
Swigs Pub and Grill is well known for the its American quick bites and a wide range of refreshing cocktails. Also, a variety of draught beers and bottled beers are available to choose from. The service here is good, especially bartenders who are very friendly yet professional. Live music is also a popular feature of this pub with Canadian bands dropping by to set the mood. Call ahead for more details.