The Top 8 Best Pubs in Calgary to Visit
An individual is likely to want to unwind after a long day at work. There’s no better place to spend a romantic evening with your sweetheart than in one of Calgary’s best pubs? Calgary has a wide range of pubs where you can get local beer and tasty food, so there’s never a need to feel hungry or thirsty. Here are the best pubs in Calgary.
These British-influenced establishments can also be the perfect place to enjoy some well-deserved me-time if you don’t want to socialize with colleagues or friends. Pubs are less noisy and have a more relaxing ambiance, as they do not have loud music or a need to socialize intensely like bars. Anyways, here are the top Calgary pubs perfect for any drinking experience!
1- The Ship & Anchor:
Website: shipandanchor.com
Phone: +14032453333
Address: 534 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B1
Get DirectionsCustomers at the Ship & Anchor can choose from 30 craft beer options, which can also be mixed to create brand-new flavours. Menu items include sandwiches, pizzas, salads, as well as brunch. Its delicious food, great beer and perfect atmosphere make The Ship a favourite among Calgary locals. No reservations are needed to get into this great pub.
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For those interested in outdoor drinking, the patio features bar games, as well as a patio for those looking for fun out in the sun. Various live performances are performed at the Ship & Anchor on some days to liven up the mood. If you’re a soccer fan, you’ll be excited to find out that The Ship & Anchor also broadcasts live games. During soccer matches, you can even reserve a table in advance to ensure a place for you to sit.
Customer reviews:
“Best place in Calgary hands down. Food is good, drinks are good. Atmosphere is sick and the music is killer” (Google reviews)
“Stopped in after a walk. I was in Calgary for a conference i just walked in. Good music and beer selection. Staff was friendly and had good beer recommendations.” (Tripadvisor)
2- Last Best Brewing & Distilling:
Website: lastbestbrewing.com
Phone: +15873537387
Address: 607 11 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0E1
Get DirectionsLast Best Brewing & Distilling is a contemporary, open brewpub serving organic beers & eclectic tavern grub. It offers a full food menu with appetizers, pizzas, burgers, and main dishes. If you’re wondering how a small brewing system can produce so many beers, know that there is no magic in play.
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The first entry to Last Best looks like a standard restaurant/brewpub with tables and booths in front, the bar straight in front, and the brewing tanks to the left. In addition, cocktails are prominent here as well, as the distillery part of the name suggests.
Customer reviews:
“The vibe of the brewery was really strong. Good selection of beer. Didn’t order food, but their menu was very tempting. Really enjoyed the whole experience. Looking forward to going back” (Google reviews)
“Delicious food (I’m obsessed with the pickle chips) and delicious beer. Service has been great every time I’ve been there as well. Love the atmosphere. Will keep coming back and 10/10 recommend.” (Tripadvisor)
3- Kilkenny Irish Pub:
Website: calgarysbestpubs.com/kilkenny
Phone: +14032844404
Address: 3630 Brentwood Rd NW #500, Calgary, AB T2L 1K8
Get DirectionsThe Kilkenny Pub is known for its warm atmosphere, friendly service, hearty meals and plenty of pints, characteristics of Irish pubs. They have a wide variety of food to choose from. You can enjoy everything from delectable appetizers to sweet desserts and traditional fare food to daily specials. Their award-winning Sunday brunch is a must-try!
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The fireplace makes it a pleasant place to enjoy an intimate conversation or a quiet meeting with friends. They have premium seating for all sporting events and HD televisions, and a fantastic sound system.
Customer reviews:
“Such a great atmosphere everyone who works there is fantastic. The food is delicious. Amazing neighborhood pub” (Google reviews)
“Helping the college kids move. Took a break for a late bite, everyone had a different meal and we all took food home large portions and great flavours.Server was super friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back.” (Tripadvisor)
4- Side Street Pub & Grill:
Website: sidestreetpubandgrill.com
Phone: +14032703880
Address: 1167 Kensington Crescent NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1X7
Get DirectionsAs one of the newest additions to this vibrant and fun-loving neighborhood, Side Street Pub & Grill is sure to delight. Side Street Pub & Grill is positioned halfway down Kensington’s most popular side street, Kensington Crescent, just south of Calgary’s very own “flat iron” building. Throughout their resort, they have a variety of distractions and entertainment to help you relax and enjoy yourself.
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Whether you want to relax after a tiring day at work or play, or maybe start your day right, Side Street provides a wide range of choices. You can still get some of your favorites through Skip the Dishes if you’re at home.
Customer reviews:
“Established itself as one of the pillars in Kensington. Great owners, Great food, Great staff. If you like sports, food, and atmosphere, that’s your spot.” (Google reviews)
“Delicious food and a cool spot to stop and relax. I enjoyed the banana frozen cocktail and a juicy burger. The owners were sweet and gave us advice on other fun spots around the island.” (Tripadvisor)
5- Kensington Pub:
Website: kensingtonpub.com
Phone: +14032704505
Address: 207 10A St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1W7
Get DirectionsIn the Kensington Pub, you will find Cornish pies and Yorkshire puddings, along with other English comfort dishes. In addition to their extensive menu, you can also order breakfast items for a family brunch here. This cozy pub serves traditional comfort foods like Yorkshire pudding and beer, and cocktails.
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Among their alcoholic drinks is an array of their international draft beers as well as hard liquor such as wines and spirits. As one of the top Calgary pubs, this family-owned business cares for both its employees and customers. When you become a regular, the staff will quickly learn what your orders are.
Customer reviews:
“One of the classic yyc pubs! I always head here for a visit when I’m home. This time it was perfectly planned with a sunny day for drinking local beer with a poutine!” (Google reviews)
“Good beer, great food and friendly staff. A great place to visit for a drink, a snack or meal. You are made to feel welcome if you are on your own or in a larger group. Friendly, family atmosphere.” (Tripadvisor)
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6- Newcastle Pub:
Website: newcastlepub.ca
Phone: +14032402111
Address: 2703 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3E 0A6
Get DirectionsThe Newcastle Pub serves the finest English food in the area. This is located in a neighborhood with an English flair; this pub offers a broad selection of ales and elevated pub eats. The Newcastle Pub offers some of the best English food in town, salads, and many other delicious dishes.
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If you would prefer to stay in but still enjoy Newcastle Pub food, you can order from Skip the Dishes. They also have takeout with all the favourites. Newcastle Pub also serves breakfast and brunch ranging from the classic eggs benedict, all the way to the lox and cream cheese. This dish has smoked salmon, capers, red onions, cream cheese on a toasted bagel with hashbrowns served on the side.
Customer reviews:
“Good place and had trolley beers. Buffalo wrap was what expected simple and good. Nice servers and love the atmosphere. Covid restrictions followed as well.”(Google reviews)
“Bacon wrapped meatloaf! Boom! Drop the mic, nuff said!! Great bar. Nice friendly staff. Fairly priced” (Tripadvisor)
7- Bear & Kilt Freehouse:
Website: faacebook.com/Bear-Kilt
Phone: +14032328442
Address: 110 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B3
Get DirectionsA basement pub decorated with lots of sports memorabilia, Bear & Kilt is one hidden gem downtown. It is situated near the Downtown Commercial Core. Customers who are passionate about sports can also attend events hosted by Bear & Kilt. Their fun yet cozy environment includes pool tables and darts.
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They serve a great selection of beer and food, including pizzas and a dish called Bear Bangers. Their unique selling point is that they offer a featured menu that offers something different to their customers every month.
Customer reviews:
“If you’re looking to feel like you’re in a real Irish pub in Calgary. Food is good and cheap. Good variety of beer and very friendly staff.” (Google reviews)
“love this find! Great dive bar/pub. Staff are super attentive. Great beers on tap, food is excellent and very reasonable. Definitely check this out when you are downtown.” (Tripadvisor)
8- The Garrison Pub & Eatery:
Website: garrisonpub.com
Phone: +14032434483
Address: 2040 42 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2T 2M7
Get DirectionsIf you want American food in the region, head to Garrison Pub in Calgary. Garrison pub is a relaxed local pub serving comfort food like pizza, burgers and wings with draft beer. Try out their daily specials and a variety of menu items such as sandwiches, and you will want to come back every day.
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If you would like to make a reservation, you can do so by calling ahead. Skip the Dishes and Uber Eats are also available outside the delivery zone. They provide all the food you love, right in the comfort of your own home.
Customer reviews:
“Had an excellent lunch here today! Recommended by a friend, stopped here on our weekly grand-dog walk. Maybe be a new favourite place! Very good service, courteous, friendly, and excellent food! Two thumbs up!!” (Google reviews)
“Great food. Just ordered takeout hot tasty and very good. Great job guys and gals. Will he in after the storm.” (Tripadvisor)
Conclusion:
Getting together in a pub can be a pleasant way to unwind and socialize after a long day at work or school. If you choose any pub in Calgary, you’re sure to find the relaxing ambiance you’re looking for. With so many pubs in Calgary featuring local beer and classic eats, there’s no excuse to feel hungry or thirsty. This guide will help you find the most popular pubs and bars in Calgary.
