Outstanding outdoor restaurant patios in Calgary
Whether it’s sunny or not, many Calgarians can’t resist the lure of an outdoor restaurant patio. The best feature great views, secluded locations or unique seating arrangements, but these seasonal seating areas may also feature their own special food and beverage menus. Here are a few top outdoor spots where you can enjoy exceptional open-air meals this summer. Image credit: iStock.com/stevecoleimages.
Charbar Restaurant Inc
618 Confluence Way Se, Calgary AB T2G 0G1With it’s big rooftop patio atop the Simmons Building overlooking the Bow River and the East Village, Charbar is a beautiful warm-weather hangout. Aside from the great visuals, there’s a special patio-only menu that includes a casual take on the restaurant’s Argentine-barbecue-inspired fare and refreshing summer drinks. Heaters and blankets keep patrons cozy when it’s chilly.
The Palomino Smokehouse
109 7 Ave SW, Calgary AB T2P 0W5The Palomino’s backyard patio feels like it’s miles off of the busy Seventh Avenue CTrain line – if you close your eyes, you can imagine that you’re eating barbecue in the American South. Order some of the Pal’s authentic brisket or pulled pork and wash it down with a beer from the bar’s extensive draught and tall-can selection.
National on 10th
341 10 Ave SW, Calgary AB T2R 0A5Another rollicking rooftop, the 10th Avenue Southwest National location offers a dynamic place to hang out in a complex that features a large main beer hall area, basement bowling alley and the speakeasy-style Bourbon Room. Choose from the National’s lengthy list of beers on tap, snacks from tater tots to Swedish meatballs and meals from fish tacos and chilaquiles to macaroni carbonara and chicken with waffles.
Julios Barrio
1110 Memorial Dr NW, Calgary AB T2N 3E3Perched on the corner of Memorial Drive and 10th Street Northwest, Julio’s second-storey outdoor space offers one of the best patio views of Calgary’s downtown skyline. Take in the vista while you chow down on some tacos, fajitas or burritos and drink one of Julio’s many varieties of bulldog – a beer upended in boozy slush, it’s perfect for summer sipping.
Ship & Anchor Pub
534 17 Ave SW, Calgary AB T2S 0B1The Ship and Anchor’s streetside patio on 17th Avenue Southwest is the best seat in the city for summer people watching. Daytime or evening, this is a sociable place to hunker down in good company at a no-frills picnic table with a pitcher of beer and a Ship Burger. During the pub’s live music performances the west side of the patio is a good listening post.
Broken City Social Club
613 11 Ave SW, Calgary AB T2R 0E1The rooftop patio at Broken City on 11th Avenue Southwest in Beltline is a sunny and secluded spot to enjoy a drink in the daytime and, if you’re lucky, enjoy a live band performance on the upstairs stage in the evening. In the summer months, the patio features a full-service bar as well as dedicated washrooms, so you don’t have to trudge up and down the stairs.
Last Best Brewing & Distilling Brewpub Inc
607 11th Avenue SW, Calgary AB T2R 0E1One of the city’s hottest microbreweries, Last Best features a beautiful courtyard patio. Secluded and relaxing, you’ll want to sit for hours sampling all of the exclusive (and sometimes experimental) brews that Last Best offers on tap. Shareable menu items include grilled Romaine salad, mini grilled cheese sandwiches and beef-cheek poutine. Likewise lovely mains include a muffaletta sandwich, Alberta beef chuck burgers and beer-battered fish and chips.
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