Spring has finally arrived in Calgary, and with it, there’s been a push of new eateries opening in the city. Here’s what you need to know about the latest food-related openings, news and events in Calgary.
The Dandy Brewing Company opened in Ramsay
Calgary’s beer scene continues to grow and get even better with The Dandy Brewing Company’s arrival in Ramsay. This space is significantly larger than Dandy’s previous location in Vista Heights, and features a new tasting room decorated with locally made art and posters. With up to 20 beers on tap, guests can try brews like Dandy’s oyster stout, The Dandy wild sour ale, a tropical dark sour called JungleBird and more. There are also a handful of cocktails and wine options to choose from. Chef Merritt Gordon created the food menu, which includes bar snacks such as pickled eggs and oysters, as well as a hot dog with daikon slaw, hot chicken sandwiches, spaghetti alla vodka and more.
2003 11 St. S.E., thedandybrewingcompany.com
Espresso Cafe opens in Kensington
Kensington’s newest cafe offers a little bit of everything. Located by Regal Cat Cafe, Espresso Cafe is filled with a mix of table seating, bar counter seating and purple armchairs to enjoy a cup a simple cup of coffee or a full meal. Along with all-day breakfast, there are several menu options that would be perfect for lunch or dinner – think Porchetta eggs Benedict, ricotta and blueberry pancakes, salads, Sicilian meatball sandwiches, mac and cheese, Alaskan salmon fillet, teriyaki rice bowls and more. And of course, those simply looking for a coffee and pastry will be in luck – there’s a full coffee menu and French-inspired baked goods such as macarons, croissants, bread, cookies and more.
273 10 St. N.W., espressocafeyyc.com
Junction opens downtown
There’s a new spot in Calgary to go for dinner and a show. Local restaurant and venue Junction opened downtown in mid-January. Offering lunch and dinner, the menu is filled with fish tacos, seafood linguine, steak and greens, roast beef, Atlantic salmon, flatbreads, wraps and more. In terms of shows, there’s always something to see (and hear) on Junction’s stage. Performances generally take place from Wednesday to Saturday, but check the schedule so that you don’t miss a live jazz show or a special dance, music or DJ performance. Whether you’re into jazz or dance music from the ’80s and ’90s, chances are there’s a show for you here.
628 8 Ave. S.W., 587-354-6161, junctionyyc.com
Jusu Bar opens another location, in Britannia
Jusu Bar, the organic health bar that took over Calgary’s Cru Juice stores last year, continues its Calgary expansion with a new fifth location. The sleek space celebrated its grand opening on April 20, and serves 10 different kinds of cold-pressed juice and an organic food menu that includes smoothie bowls, sandwiches, salads and snacks like rasberry chia cups and energy bites. Check this spot out the next time you’re looking for a quick bite Britannia.
808 49 Ave. S.W., jusubar.com
There are new happy hour deals at Rouge and Donna Mac
Looking for a great happy hour deal? Here are two new ones: Rouge in Inglewood has select featured wines and appies for 20 percent off when you stop by during its new Happy Appy Hour. This deal is available from 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The Beltline’s Donna Mac is also stepping up its happy hour game with an all-night happy hour on Sundays. Running from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., you can get wine and beer for $5 and a cocktail of the day for $10
Rouge, 1240 8 Ave. S.E., 403-531-2767, rougecalgary.com and Donna Mac, 1002 9 St. S.W., 403-719-3622, donnamacyyc.ca