10 Best Bars In Calgary

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

The first time I set foot in Calgary, I knew it was a city that takes its nightlife as seriously as its hockey. The air was vibrant with energy and the streets sparkled with an array of bars that promised an unforgettable night out. From luxurious lounges to rustic brewpubs, the best bars in Calgary offer more than just drinks - they offer experiences.

This article is your guide to the best Calgary bars this dynamic city has to offer, places where you can toast to good times and create memories that will last long after your glass is empty. 

1. Greta Bar

Greta Bar is a popular spot in Calgary that offers a unique combination of arcade games, street food, and craft cocktails. The industrial-style ambiance of the place is perfect for a night out with friends or a date night.

One of the things that sets Greta Bar apart from other Calgary bars is their excellent selection of artisanal mixed drinks. Their skilled bartenders use local spirits and fine spirits from around the world to create unique cocktails that are sure to impress. The gin and tonic is a must-try for any gin lover.

Bar Greta also offers a great selection of beers, wines, and spirits. They have a rotating selection of craft beers on tap, and their wine list features some great options from around the world. If you're in the mood for something stronger, their selection of fine spirits is sure to satisfy.

If you're looking for some great food to go with your drinks, Greta Bar has you covered. Their street food menu features a variety of tasty options, including pizzas, tapas, and cheese plates. The daily specials are made with locally sourced ingredients and are always fresh and full of flavour.

Greta’s is also known for their DJ nights. They regularly host local artists and bands, and their dance floor is always packed. If you're in the mood for some karaoke, they have that too.

Contact:

Address: 213 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0A4, Canada

Phone: +1 403-984-6405

2. Betty Lou’s Library

One of my favourite places to go in Calgary is Betty Lou’s Library. It is a speakeasy style cocktail lounge located in the heart of the city. The ambiance is perfect for a night out and catch up with friends or a romantic evening with a loved one.

The bar has a wide variety of cocktails, including gin and tonics and artisanal mixed drinks. They also have a good selection of wine and craft beer. The mixologists are knowledgeable and provide excellent service.

The bar offers a small menu of tapas and charcuterie, which pair well with their beverages. The cheese board is a must-try for cheese lovers.

Betty Lou’s Library has a cozy atmosphere with vintage chandeliers and furniture. It is the perfect place to unwind after a long day at work or to celebrate a special occasion. They also have live music, DJs, and burlesque shows on occasion.

The entrance to the bar is hidden behind a bookcase, adding to the prohibition-era ambiance. The bar is situated in Inglewood, a trendy neighborhood in Calgary.

Contact:

Address: The Devenish Building, 908 17 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB T2T 0A3, Canada

Phone: +1 403-454-4774

3. Lulu Bar

Lulu Bar is a chef-driven bar located in the center of Calgary's 17th Avenue. This bar offers a Pacific-inspired menu and creative cocktail offerings that make it one of the best pubs in Calgary. Bar Lulu is a relatively new concept that opened its doors in 2019 and has already received high ratings and reviews from its customers.

The bar's menu features a variety of cocktails, wines, beers, and spirits, including artisanal mixed drinks made with local spirits. The bar also offers a happy hour from Monday to Friday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, where customers can enjoy discounted drinks and food. Lulu Bar's excellent service and ambiance make it a perfect spot for both business and pleasure.

Lulu Bar's food and drink menu also includes the best tacos, pizzas, and charcuterie, making it an ideal place to enjoy a quick bite or a full meal. The bar's cheese selection is also noteworthy, with a variety of cheeses from different regions of the world, including Italy.

The bar's décor is inspired by Asia, specifically Vietnam, with paper lanterns and other Asian-inspired décor elements. The bar also features live shows by local musicians and DJs, adding to the overall ambiance of the place.

Contact:

Address: 510 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B1, Canada

Phone: +1 403-930-5707

4. Milk Tiger Lounge

Milk Tiger Lounge is a renowned bar in Calgary that has been a game-changer since its inception in 2008. Located at 1410 4th Street SW, it is a casual hole-in-the-wall that has a deep back bar and offers a unique ambiance that is perfect for business and a fun time.

The bar is famous for its artisanal mixed drinks and excellent service. The cocktails are made with fine spirits, and the bartenders have a wealth of knowledge about the beverages they serve. The Compadre is a favorite among patrons, and it is a must-try when you visit the bar.

Milk Tiger Lounge also has a full menu and restaurant seating. They serve a variety of dishes, including appetizers, charcuterie and cheese boards, tapas, pizzas, and more. The bar has a happy hour that runs from 4-6 pm every day, and it is an excellent time to try out some of their signature drinks and dishes.

The ambiance at the Milk Tiger Lounge is perfect for a night out with friends or a date. The bar has an industrial feel to it, with exposed brick walls and dim lighting. They also have a DJ or live band playing on most nights, which adds to the overall experience.

Contact:

Address: 2004 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1W3, Canada

5. Bridgette Bar

As a place that offers best of both worlds, Bridgette Bar is located in the heart of Calgary's Design District. The bar features a mid-century modern setting and is open Monday to Sunday. They offer lunch, happy hour, dinner and late-night menus.

The menu at bar Bridgette is ambitious, with Chef JP Pedhirney leading the culinary team. They offer American cuisine with a twist, and the menu changes seasonally. The prices are reasonable, with most dishes priced under $30.

One of the unique features of the Bridgette Bar is the Matinée menu available from Monday to Sunday between 2 pm and 5 pm. During this time, they offer a snack menu, and minors are permitted in the main dining room until 9:30 pm.

Bridgette Bar is also one of the best restaurants in Calgary, and reservations are highly recommended. They have a loyal clientele, and the three seats at the kitchen bar are always in high demand. If you want an up-close-and-personal experience with the culinary team, make sure to book these seats in advance.

Contact:

Address: 739 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0B3, Canada

Phone: +1 587-319-6827

6. Frenchie Wine Bar

I recently visited Frenchie Wine Bar, and was impressed by the intimate and cozy atmosphere. With only 38 places to sit, Frenchie offers a unique and exclusive experience for patrons looking for a night out.

The wine and cocktail menu at Frenchie is impressive, with a focus on local and small producers. The knowledgeable staff is happy to make recommendations and provide insight into the different options available. The service was quick and efficient, and the prices are reasonable, with many options under $30.

One thing to note is that Frenchie is located right next door to its sister restaurant, UNA Pizza + Wine. While Frenchie does offer a small selection of food items, it is primarily a wine and cocktail bar. However, guests are welcome to order food from UNA Pizza + Wine and have it brought over to enjoy with their drinks.

Contact:

Address: 616 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B4, Canada

Phone: +1 403-476-3615

7. Bar Annabelle

Bar Annabelle in Calgary, Alberta has a cozy and intimate atmosphere with only 22 seats and is just over 700-square-feet.

One thing that stood out to me was their imaginative wine and cocktail list, which includes fine Japanese whiskey, scotch, and gin. The concise yet delicious tapas menu at this local public eatery was also a highlight, with options such as smoked duck breast and Spanish octopus.

If you're looking to host a private event, the Annabelle bar is available for booking inquiries. Overall, I would highly recommend Bar Annabelle for anyone looking for an intimate bar experience with unique cocktails and delicious food.

Contact:

Address: 109a, 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B4, Canada

Phone: +1 403-457-9884

8. Kensington Pub

The Kensington Pub is a quaint and cozy spot located in the heart of Kensington, Calgary. As I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere, with dim lighting and a rustic decor. The pub has a great selection of beers on tap, and their food menu offers a variety of pub classics, such as burgers, fish and chips, and wings.

One of the standout features of the Kensington Pub is its friendly and attentive staff. From the moment I walked in, the servers made me feel right at home, and were always available to answer any questions I had about the drink menu or the pub's history.

The pub also offers a variety of events throughout the week, such as trivia nights and live musical performances, which makes it a great place to spend time. During my visit, I was lucky enough to catch a local band playing some great tunes, which really added to the overall experience.

Contact:

Address: 207 10A St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1W7, Canada

Phone: +1 403-270-4505

9. Cowboys Dance Hall

I have to say, if you are looking for a night of dancing and fun in Calgary, the Cowboys Dance Hall is definitely a must-visit. Located in Cowboys Casino, this world-famous nightclub is Calgary's biggest and most popular country-western bar.

Cowboys Dance Hall has a huge dance floor, perfect for line dancing, two-stepping, and swing dancing. The DJs play a mix of country and top 40 hits, so there's something for everyone. If you're not much of a dancer, there are plenty of tables and booths to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

The venue also hosts weekly events and music performances, so there's always something going on. During the Calgary Stampede, Cowboys Dance Hall is one of the hottest spots in town, with a large tent set up outside for even more country-western fun.

Contact:

Address: 421 12 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1A5, Canada

Phone: +1 800-282-1376

10. The Ship and Anchor

The Ship and Anchor is a legendary pub located in the Beltline neighborhood of Calgary. As one of Calgary's oldest pubs, it has been a popular spot for locals and tourists to have a drink in Calgary for over 30 years. The pub has a unique and charming atmosphere that makes it feel like a home away from home.

One of the Ship and Anchor's most notable features is its welcoming patio. This outdoor space is perfect to enjoy a cold beer on a sunny day or a warm evening. The patio is also a great spot for people-watching, as it offers a prime view of the bustling 17th Avenue.

The pub is known for its casual bar fare, which includes classic pub dishes like fish and chips, lamb shank, and burgers. They also have a breakfast poutine that is a must-try for anyone looking for a hearty breakfast.

The Ship and Anchor pub in Calgary is a popular spot for live music, with occasional performances by local artists. They also have live sports on TV, making it a great spot to catch a game with friends.

Contact:

Address: 534 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B1, Canada

Phone: +1 403-245-3333