30 exceptional Calgary bars you need to check out at least once

POV: You’re trying to decide where to drink in Calgary.The city has some pretty exceptional bars, restaurants, and breweries, but narrowing down your options isn’t always that simple. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite Calgary watering holes.From cheap bevs to sophisticated cocktail bars, delicious snacks, and everything in between, there are some absolute gems to check out if you know where to look.Here are some of our favourite spots to grab a drink in Calgary.AWARD-WINNING: PROOF> > > > > > View this post on Instagram> > > > > > > A post shared by Dished Calgary (@dishedcalgary)One of the best bars in Calgary is also one of the best in Canada.The dimly lit cocktail bar has comfortable bar seating with chairs and sofa booths in the bar, as well as lamps and wooden bar ladders that make the entire space feel cozy.Proof maintains classic cocktail culture while remaining dedicated to old-fashioned service and has the awards to prove it.Address: 1302 1st St. SW, CalgaryInstagramCITY ICON: SHIP AND ANCHORThis low-key 17th Avenue watering hole brings Calgarians daily specials, a laid-back atmosphere, and a lineup of excellent rotating taps for those who want to try craft beers.This is an iconic spot and ideal before a hockey game or in the middle of a 17th pub crawl.Address: 534 17th Ave. SW, CalgaryInstagramBUSY SPORTS BAR: HOME & AWAYThis is a premier place for pre-game and post-game Flames action if you’re lucky enough to have tickets, and one of the best places to watch the hockey game if you don’t.The sports and games are fantastic, but the food brings people back for every event. The menu features sporty comfort fare with fun twists, including tacos, burgers, pizza, and so much more.Address: 1207 1st St. SW, CalgaryInstagramVACATION VIBES: PROSPERITY BARProsperity Bar is bringing those island vibes right to the heart of Calgary’s Chinatown. Brought to life by the team behind Paper Lantern, the spot is a must-visit for tropical cocktails and small plates.Address: 107 2nd Ave. SE, CalgaryInstagramCOMFORTABLE DIVE: LEOPOLD’S TAVERN> > > > > > View this post on Instagram> > > > > > > A post shared by Dished Calgary (@dishedcalgary)This is a classic dive-style bar with walls covered in pictures and knick-knacks and an amazing comfort food menu.Leopold’s has one of the best selections of interesting wing flavours you’ll see anywhere else, and it also serves enormous punch bowls filled with poutine that are perfect to share with friends.Grab a beer here for a reliably fantastic bar meal.Address: Various locations in CalgaryInstagramSPOOKY SPEAKEASY: SHELTER COCKTAIL BAR> > > > > > View this post on Instagram> > > > > > > A post shared by Dished Calgary (@dishedcalgary)Shelter combines pre-Prohibition-style cocktails with cutting-edge, modern mixing technology to create a seasonally rotating cocktail list.The cocktail bar is home to several very Instagrammable design elements, including an artfully arranged wall of gas masks and a light fixture with over 5,000 individually hung bulbs.Address: 1210 1st St. SW, CalgaryInstagramAESTHETICALLY PLEASING: BLUE ROCK SWIM CLUBJust behind South Block in Calgary’s Mission neighbourhood, you’ll find a somewhat mysterious door. Once inside, you’ll find one of the city’s most stunning bars. While there isn’t actually a swimming pool, you’ll get those vacation feelings in spades.Address: 500 25th Ave. SW, CalgaryInstagramFUN AND GAMES: GRETA BARBesides being constantly packed on the weekends and comfortably busy during the week, Greta is filled with state-of-the-art virtual video games.The menu offers patrons a global selection of street food from around the world, so you can refuel between games.Address: 213 10th Ave. SW, CalgaryInstagramITALIAN FLAIR: BAR ROCCAFrom the team behind the acclaimed DOPO restaurant, Bar Rocca is a tiny Marda Loop bar serving Italian aperitivo, cocktails, wine and some killer snacks. Inside seats just 12 people, but there is a larger heated patio to enjoy. Either way, you’ll want to make a reso, stat!Address: 1907 34th Ave. SW #10, CalgaryInstagramRUM HOTSPOT: RICARDO’S HIDEAWAY> > > > > > View this post on Instagram> > > > > > > A post shared by Dished Calgary (@dishedcalgary)This trendy bar is a part of the Concorde Entertainment Group, which has started some of Calgary’s best restaurants, such as Major Tom, Lonely Mouth, and Surfy Surfy.Located just off 17th Avenue, Ricardo’s Hideaway serves delicious Caribbean-inspired eats and a whole lot of rum-based cocktails.Address: 1530 5th St. SW, CalgaryInstagramOLD FAVOURITE, NEW HOME: SOUND ROOMWhile we still greatly miss the Ol’ Beautiful taproom in Inglewood, the team has created a prime drinking spot with Sound Room. Serving all your Ol’ Beautiful beers while records spin in the background. It’s hard to beat.Address: 1213 1st St. SW, CalgaryInstagramCALGARY STAPLE TAPROOM: NATIONALThe popular bar, known for its great beer selection and tasty pub-style food menu, has become a staple in Calgary.Each spot feels a little different while also staying the same, with amazing burgers, salads, sandwiches, bowls, and more, which turns into a bit of a party throughout the week.Address: Various locationsInstagramLOW-KEY VIBES: MISSY’S THIS THATThis enticing bar is a small and intimate one, with low lighting, simple decor, and comfortable seating. If it wasn’t for the large windows overlooking the Mission and Beltline area, you might think you’re in Brooklyn.Offering a simple but excellent menu of beer, wine, late-night-style snacks, and cocktails, this is a low-key spot that’s easy to miss if you aren’t looking hard enough. That’s part of the charm.Address: 348A 14th Ave. SW, CalgaryInstagramDISCO HEAVEN: SWEET LORETTAIf you’re in the mood for a drink and a dance, Sweet Loretta is the place to be. Dance the night away under its mirror ball-covered ceiling, and be sure to try a house cocktail or two. You won’t regret it.Address: 715 11th Ave. SW, CalgaryInstagram ARCADE-STYLE: PINBARLocated on the corner of two amazing food streets (4th Street and 17th Avenue) is PinBar.This is a pinball arcade and a fun bar with an entire wall dedicated to the classic machines. You’ll also get a mean burger courtesy of Bastion Burger.Address: 501 17th Ave. SW, CalgaryInstagramIRISH PUB: JOYCE ON 4THJoyce is that classic spot that’s often very hard to find. It’s consistently full, but there always happens to be a table for you. Sports and live music are regular events here, and with tins of TVs and a massive pub menu of delicious food, this is a great spot to post up for a few hours.Address: 506 24th Ave. SW, CalgaryInstagramBAR... IN A HOUSE: CIVIC TAVERNCivic Tavern has a vibe unlike anything else in Calgary. It’s truly a house party here. Sure, other places might be built inside renovated homes, but this space still feels like it and welcomes you similarly. You can even grab your beer and sit outside the front door on the porch or the window sill.There are often events here, but the craft beer and housemade pizzas are always enough reason to go.Address: 213 12th Ave. SW, CalgaryInstagramHIGHLY INSTAGRAMMABLE: PORCHPorch is a bright and airy space that pays tribute to the exciting porches found in Miami. The venue offers an “oasis escape from the hecticness of the everyday,” and it’s also a great place to grab Instagram content, complete with swing seats.Address: 730 17th Ave. SW, CalgaryInstagramBACK ALLEY ENTRANCE: BUSINESS & PLEASURE> > > > > > View this post on Instagram> > > > > > > A post shared by Dished Calgary (@dishedcalgary)Located in the Inglewood community, this low-key but very hip cocktail bar has an alleyway entrance, tasty snacks, and incredible drinks.For drinks, cocktails are where it’s at here, even though there is a great wine and beer list.The atmosphere here is a welcoming one. It’s a neighbourhood spot with friendly service and a great food menu.Address: 1327a 9th Ave. SE, CalgaryInstagramCHILL SPOT: COLD BEER & PIZZASometimes, you want no surprises. Enter Cold Beer & Pizza. This spot is the best for a chill drink with good music, good pizza, and of course, good beer. Grab a slice and soak up the vibes inside or on its large patio.Address: #102 1019 17th Ave. SW, CalgaryInstagramUNDERGROUND SPOT: PRICKETT RICHARDLocated underneath the extremely popular corner BBQ spot Comery Block, this low-key but very hip space is only noticeable due to a small sign outside. But it’s worth the effort to visit.Its food menu is concise and simple, perfect for pairing with a drink or two. For beverages, like any secret basement spot in the underbelly of a restaurant, the cocktails are where it’s at.Address: Underneath Comery Block – 638 17th Ave. SW, CalgaryInstagramEXCELLENT SHAREABLES: RAIN DOG BARCalling itself a “wine bar, for those who prefer craft beer,” Rain Dog aims to pour amazing craft beers and perfectly pair the right food with them, like well-crafted cheese plates and other finger foods.Address: 1214 9th Ave. SE, CalgaryInstagramIYKYK: BETTY LOU’S LIBRARYWhen you wander around 16th Avenue SW, keep your eye out for a glowing red lamp. It’s subtle, it’s red as a rose, and it is the entrance to this unique American Prohibition-style speakeasy.You’ll then find an old 1920s telephone, pick it up, and a librarian will ask you for the password. You will then be escorted past the red velvet rope and behind the hidden door. Here, you’ll find sultry burlesque shows and vibrating jazz performances.Address: The Devenish Building — 908 17th Ave. SW, CalgaryInstagramSKY HIGH GLAM: MAJOR TOM> > > > > > View this post on Instagram> > > > > > > A post shared by Major Tom (@themajortombar)Major Tom’s menu boasts a pretty fantastic-looking beef program along with a selection of hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, veggie dishes, pasta, and desserts.It may be more of a restaurant than a bar; grabbing a late-night drink and enjoying the views is always a vibe.Address: 40th floor of Stephen Avenue Place — 700 2nd St. SW, CalgaryInstagramTROPICAL SPEAKEASY: PAPER LANTERN> > > > > > View this post on Instagram> > > > > > > A post shared by Dished Calgary (@dishedcalgary)The Vietnamese-inspired cocktail bar is a true speakeasy in a tropical environment, serving salty snacks and delicious drinks. It’s also one of the best places to eat in Calgary, even though it’s known for cocktails.Address: 115 2nd Ave. SE Basement, CalgaryInstagramMEZCAL AND MARGS: NATIVE TONGUESNative Tongues Taqueria is dedicated to the traditional methods of Mexican cuisine. With a range of different margaritas and mezcal, it’s the perfect spot for a laid-back evening.Address: 235 12th Ave. SW, CalgaryAddress: 829 – 49th Ave. SW, CalgaryAddress: 4014 University Ave. NW, CalgaryInstagramCOZY COCKTAILS: PIGEONHOLEPigeonhole is a genre-bending restaurant where you can order caviar, hot dogs, an absinthe fountain, jello shots and everything in between.Address: 306 17th Ave. SW, CalgaryAddress: #205, 225 7th Ave SW, CalgaryInstagramCHEF-DRIVEN: BRIDGETTE BARThis “chef-driven” bar concept in Calgary’s Design District was built inside a former furniture shop. Bridgette Bar will boast a rustic-chic mid-century vibe, complete with exposed beam ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and open-flame cooking.There are two levels here, and the bottom floor has a seated bar, a standing bar, and cozy places to sit and people watch.Address: 739 10th Ave. SW, CalgaryInstagramHAWAIIAN-THEMED: LULU BAR> > > > > > View this post on Instagram> > > > > > > A post shared by Dished Calgary (@dishedcalgary)Surfboards on the walls, plants in the corners, and hanging lantern-style lights are a few touches that perfectly complement the Asian fusion food and cocktail menu at Lulu Bar.Address: 510 17th Ave. SW, CalgaryInstagramJAPANESE SAKE BAR: LONELY MOUTH> > > > > > View this post on Instagram> > > > > > > A post shared by Dished Calgary (@dishedcalgary)The room is beautiful, the sake list is likely the best in the city, and the food is inventive and delicious. Lonely Mouth has outstanding cocktails, a rare whiskey highball system, and one of the best happy hours in the city.Address: 528 17th Ave. SW, CalgaryInstagramWith files from Hogan Short and Charlie HartStill hungry? Discover Dished Calgary on TikTok