6 Patios with Pretty Lights
A few strings of lights here and there can make a patio a magical place. Here are six Calgary spots that will light up your nightlife.
The courtyard patio at Cilantro.
Alloy
This fine-dining restaurant is a bit off the beaten path, but when you find it, there’s a serene and lovely-lit Japanese garden-style patio waiting there for you.
220 42 Ave. S.E., 403-287-9255, alloydining.com, @alloyrestaurant
Bonterra
Stepping into this courtyard patio is like teleporting into a Tuscan plaza for the evening, with lush, flowering plants and lots of soft lighting contributing to the overall ambiance.
1016 8 St. S.W., 403-262-8480, bonterra.ca, @bonterracalgary
Cilantro
A longtime favourite spot of discerning Calgarian diners, Cilantro is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year (25 restaurant years is like 100 human years). A big part of Cilantro’s success is the secluded courtyard patio with lighting strands wrapped around the tree trunks, giving the space a warm glow during the evenings.
338 17 Ave. S.W., 403-229-1177, crmr.com/cilantro, @cilantro17thave
Earls Tin Palace
This 4th Street hot spot proves that big is beautiful. The extensive patio has booth seating, a fireplace and lots of sparkly lights hanging from the pergola overhead.
2410 4 St. S.W., 403-228-4141, earls.ca, @earlstincalgary
Local 510
Like its rock ‘n’ roll clientele, the L-shaped patio at this popular 17th Avenue pub is effortlessly cool when the sun goes down, decked out in large-bulb string lights.
510 17 Ave. S.W., 403-229-4036, localtavern.ca, @local510
Oak Tree Tavern
This second-floor pub in Kensington has a laid-back vibe that extends to its south-facing deck. With its twinkly lights and unique view of downtown it’s a great spot to while away a summer evening.
124 10 St. N.W., 403-270-3347, oaktreetavern.com, @oaktreeyyc