With its proximity to 9th Avenue S.E., the contemporary Italian restaurant’s glass-walled enclosure is a primo spot for watching the eclectic mix of people going in and out of Inglewood, while sipping on an ice-cold bottle of Peroni.
1003 9 Ave. S.E., 403-460-0797, 500cucina.com, @500cucina
Angel’s Cafe
Located along the pathway on the north side of the Bow River, right at the foot bridge to Edworthy Park, this kitschy cafe and ice-cream counter has a garden-style patio that sees a steady stream of runners, rafters, walkers and strollers.
4105 Montgomery View, N.W., 403-288-8612, pathwayangels.ca
The Belvedere
There are multiple options for patio dining on the Stephen Avenue Mall pedestrian stroll, however, the long-standing Belvedere restaurant brings a touch of class to their outdoor space with white tablecloths and comfortable padded chairs.
107 8 Ave. S.W., 403-265-9595, thebelvedere.ca
Clive Burger
The bar-style seating in front of this burger joint offers an up-close-and-personal view of the crowds that flock to 17th Avenue to strut their stuff.
736 17 Ave. S.W., 403-229-9224, cliveburger.com, @cliveburger17
Murietta’s
If you prefer people watching with a degree of arms-length remove, Murietta’s offers a close-but-not-too-close second-story vantage of Stephen Avenue.
808 1 St. S.W., 403-269-7707, murrietas.ca, @murrietascalg
National on 17
This popular patio wraps around the corner of 17th Avenue and 5th Street S.W., putting it right in the heart of the action and privy to all sorts of pedestrians as well as the motorcycle enthusiasts who loiter in the parking lot of the Shell station across the street.
550 17 Ave. S.W., 403-229-0226, ntnl.ca, @ntnl17
Purple Perk Coffee Market
The sunny tables and chairs outside this long-standing coffee hub are ideally situated for impromptu socializing – particularly if you have a friendly dog with you.
2212 4 St. S.W., 403-244-1300, purpleperk.com
Vagabond
Located kitty-corner from the Saddledome, just down from Cowboys Casino, you can bet that during Stampede week there’s never a dull moment on the sidewalk patio at this contemporary beer hall.
1129 Olympic Way S.E., 403-454-6670, vagabondcalgary.com, @vagabondcalgary