Best Bars in the Beltline
The Beltline is one of Calgary’s most densely populated neighbourhoods, filled with entrepreneurs, young professional, and artists, many of whom like to play just as hard as they work. This has resulted in an amazing bar scene with plenty of options for whatever mood you are in.
Bars with rooftop patios:
Where: 345 10 Ave SW
The bar with the ultimate craft beer selection also serves up the ultimate patio experience. Catch all those summer vibes you’ve been looking for while enjoying the backdrop of Calgary’s towering skyline. The patio serves a full menu with daily specials of wine-on-tap, summer cocktails and local beer, providing endless options to quench your thirst. The patio also features an authentic 1967 Volkswagen van turned DJ booth where the summer vibes are kept alive late into the night. Your patio season won’t be complete without a visit to CRAFT.
Bars with games:
Where: 1207 1 St SW
Tucked in the Beltline’s trendy 1st SW is a true dual threat. On the main floor, Home & Away delivers the perfect sports bar experience, with TV screens, great local beer selection and avid fans of both the Calgary Flames and the Toronto Raptors. Expect to find watch parties popping up for every big game and playoff run. The bar also has basketball games and skee-ball to keep you entertained between periods.
Downstairs on Friday and Saturday, Shuffle Club throws it old-school with a groovy space equipped with a disco ball, giant shuffleboards, tropical décor and drinks to match. The bar has even started its own shuffleboard league, so you have all the excuses you need to spend hours honing your slide.
Where: 213 10 Ave SW
Everyone has a little nostalgia for spending an evening playing arcade games with friends while old rock n’ roll plays in the background. Break out your inner kid at this two-story game bar that features over 50 vintage and new games. Most games even have built in cup holders so you can enjoy a beverage while playing. The setting is the perfect place for a date night and even has a classic photobooth to make the memories last forever. Hungry? Greta Bar serves street food out of a food truck with international favourites in the back. Travel around the world with ginger beef boa buns, Korean noodle boxes, Montreal hot dogs and Nashville chicken sandwiches.
Bars with live entertainment:
Where: 1006 11 Ave SW
Calgary's premier LGBTQ2+ venue is one of the liveliest spots for a night out in the city. Presenting themed drag and burlesque shows, regular DJ dance nights, and hosting famous performers from RuPaul's Drag Race and Canada's Drag Race. Every Wednesday, Twisted‘s Got Talent presents an open stage for local drag performers to showcase their skills and check out Twisted's calendar for more regular & upcoming special LGBTQ2+ events.
Where: 1011 1 St SW
Koi is one of Calgary’s bests venues for local musicians to show off their talents. Check out Koi's event calendar to catch amazing performances from up-and-coming bands, local favourites, and even artists getting on stage for the first time. Tuesday open mic nights feature live jams as artists from different genres team up for original performances. Koi’s pan-Asian menu offers tasty gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options and pairs nicely with a side of warm sake or local beer.
Bars with craft beer:
Classic pub food and craft beer on tap make National on 10th a neighbourhood favourite. With over 60 beers on tap from great local craft brewers, it’s the perfect place for a pint. They even have a bowling alley if you want to kick off your meal with a few frames.
Where: 820 11 Ave SW
Inner City Brewing produces their beer in house with small batch brews and twenty different taps ready to pour. Their unique fusion system lets you experiment with flavour combinations you won’t find anywhere else. Remember to bring an empty growler!
Where: 607 11 Ave SW
Well craft beer, spirits, and Alberta-inspired cuisine come together at Last Best Brewing & Distilling. They brew their own beer in house and leave guest taps open so you can get a taste of other local breweries. Lock your bike up outside and get ready for an authentic Alberta experience.