This popular nightclub and bar hosts the city's up-and-coming bands with live music every night. You can also enjoy great food while you watch the bands performing live; the restaurant opens early to host breakfast and lunch, and is always willing to pour a drink. Choose from an excellent food menu of pub favorites and a spirit list to keep the night rocking. If you're hoping to find the next big band and soak up some local culture at the same time, drop into The Broken City where you're sure to do both.
A visitor walking through the wide front doors of this revived heritage bank building may quickly feel they've died and gone to Ireland. Patrons of the James Joyce Authentic Irish Pub appreciate the brews on tap (Guinness at three different temperatures and many other ales), as well as the acres of dark wood and utter absence of televisions or loud video game machines. The food includes modestly priced pub fare such as soups, stews and carved meats. For a big snack, try their Irish take on nachos.
Consistently voted among the top country clubs in the country, Ranchman's is a south Calgary favorite that has been packing people in for generations, particularly during the wild annual Calgary Stampede. While other clubs purport to be country, this is the real deal, with strapping young men pulling in by truck at night from the ranches that litter the land surrounding Calgary. The rodeo crowd also hangs out here when in town. There's live music in the dance hall section and a DJ in the bar up front, as well as on the outdoor patio. The attached restaurant serves steaks and burgers.
A traditional English pub in the heart of the city, Ship and Anchor attracts a heady mix of clientele from students and professionals to locals and expatriates, and it's not without a good reason. The pub has an excellent roster of live bands, jam sessions, karaoke nights as well as other special events like the Annual Limericks contest and the Music Festival. The amazingly diverse selection of beer including a good number of local brews has something for everyone while the homely food on offer is a satisfying affair. Games are broadcast live on the big screen for sports enthusiasts. For an airier setting, settle down on the breezy patio. Jam sessions draw a host of talent who perform solo or with a backup. Also check out the fun mix of cocktails, hang out and shoot the breeze!
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.
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.
A quaint bar and restaurant nestled amid the exciting environs of Beltline, LuLu is imbued with a sense of nostalgia which stems from its laid-back aura and atmosphere. The interior, which features wooden plank-like walls and comfortable seating, and the subtle and attractive decor accentuate the warmth the space is perpetually suffused in. Lounge out on the patio as you sip tasteful drinks or unwind within the confines of the establishment while you dig into delightful and savory bites like steamed lobster dumplings, Thai sausage, slow roasted lamb, oyster mushroom and chicken satay among others. Munch on flavorsome food as you relish the sophisticated taste of the ingenious beverages in a pleasant and friendly space.
The Coup is a vegetarian restaurant and cocktail bar. The kitchen is famous for its salads like organic rainbow greens and grilled tree house sandwich, made with locally sourced organic ingredients. There is a special brunch menu available for early eaters. The bar is known for its delicious craft cocktails like cucumber collins and burnt orange, that effortlessly accompany the delectable meals. This elegantly done up eatery, reflects a relaxed vibe, making a great evening destination.
A fashionable and modern coffee house, Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar is usually bustling with young people from the office spaces nearby. While rich, smooth and nuanced coffees, delicious baked goods and cheese plates seem to be the specialty here, distinctive craft beers and fragrant wines are also served in its warm and inviting space. Impressive live music acts featuring local talented musicians further add to the charm of the place. Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar is a great place to hang out with friends or enjoy a cup of coffee while you work.
La Luna Rossa's specialty is traditional Italian food painstakingly prepared. They warn you at the outset not to be in a hurry because each order will take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. Dishes are lovingly prepared, beautifully laid out and well worth the wait. The menu selections are extensive, affordable and delicious. There are two separate dining rooms; the ambiance of both rooms is restful and relaxed. In summer, enjoy their patio.
When Captain Richard Deane, the last commanding chief, got this structure built in 1906 for his wife, it was near the barracks of the Fort Calgary. It moved to its current location in 1929 after the Grand Trunk Railroad bought it from Fort Calgary. It is said the Deane House is the lone remnant of all the buildings of NWMP in the region. Nestled by the confluence of the Elbow River and Bow River, this historic building has a long history from being a boarding house to an artist gallery and a restaurant. It was closed for a few years and a found a new lease of life after an extensive renovation. Today, Dean House is a contemporary Canadian restaurant with its own personality. The decor is an ode to Captain Deane and it features many distinct rooms, a patios and gardens. Delight in their delectable seasonal fare as you take in the history of this place through its artifacts and decorative elements. The establishment is also a popular venue for private events and weddings. Reservations are recommended.
A traditional English pub in the heart of the city, Ship and Anchor attracts a heady mix of clientele from students and professionals to locals and expatriates, and it's not without a good reason. The pub has an excellent roster of live bands, jam sessions, karaoke nights as well as other special events like the Annual Limericks contest and the Music Festival. The amazingly diverse selection of beer including a good number of local brews has something for everyone while the homely food on offer is a satisfying affair. Games are broadcast live on the big screen for sports enthusiasts. For an airier setting, settle down on the breezy patio. Jam sessions draw a host of talent who perform solo or with a backup. Also check out the fun mix of cocktails, hang out and shoot the breeze!