No. 1
Bridgette Bar
Bridgette Bar’s cozy and inviting mid-century modern space is equally suited for a date night, drinks with a friend or a relaxing meal alone at the bar. Whatever your night out looks like here, dishes like the cheese curd garlic bread, Wagyu beer carpaccio, thin-crust pizzas and wood grilled beef strip steak promise to make it memorable.
739 10 Ave. S.W., 403-700-0191 (text only), bridgettebar.com, @thebridgettebar
Runners-up
Ten Foot Henry
The charming comic strip character mascot and refreshing vegetable-forward menu are just some of the reasons why Calgarians keep coming back to Ten Foot Henry. Dishes like tomatoes with feta and sourdough toast and the Henry salad are complemented by a smattering of shareable pasta, fish and meat plates. The popular butterscotch pudding with sponge toffee will end your visit on just the right note.
1209 1 St. S.W., 403-475-5537, tenfoothenry.com, @tenfoothenry
Lulu Bar
Lulu Bar has become one of the most popular destinations on 17 Ave. S.W. thanks to its stylish mid-century-style design and enclosed, heated patio that’s open year-round. But it’s not just the space that draws people in — the Pacific-inspired menu is full of tempting dishes like the fried coconut squid, grilled skewers and steamed lobster dumplings, as well as eye-catching cocktails like the coconut cooler.
510 17 Ave. S.W., 403-519-0444 (text only), lulubar.ca, @thelulubar
Native Tongues Taqueria
The tacos de guisado and al carbon have become Native Tongues’ calling card over the years, and it just takes one taste to see why. Don’t sleep on the drink menu, which features enticing cocktails and nearly 100 kinds of mezcal that can be enjoyed on their own or in a flight. End your meal with one of the restaurant’s signature glazed doughnuts.
235 12 Ave. S.W., 403-263-9444, nativetongues.ca, @nativetonguesyyc
Vegan Street Kitchen & Lounge
Offering hearty plant-based fare in a casual, welcoming atmosphere, it’s not hard to see why Calgarians are drawn to this Beltline restaurant. Settle in with some friends and tuck into a plate of nacho fries, no-fish and chips or the Nashville chickin burger. There’s also vegan brunch on weekends.
1111 7 St. S.W., 403-454-3287, veganstreet.ca/beltline, @veganstreetbeltline
Una Pizza + Wine
Twelve years after opening on Calgary’s busy 17 Ave. S.W. strip, Una’s original location continues to draw a crowd, and for good reason. While the local chain is best known for its California-style pizzas, other shareable dishes like the pork meatballs, brown butter roasted cauliflower and house-made whipped ricotta with truffle honey on toasted brioche demonstrate just how well rounded the menu is.
618 17 Ave. S.W., 403-453-1183, unapizzeria.com, @unacalgary
Donna Mac
The Donna Mac team’s creativity is on full display these days. In the past year alone, the restaurant launched a weeks-long collaboration dinner series, hosted an impressive Mother’s Day bake sale that sold out in an hour and launched a sandwich pop-up inside a local brewery’s tasting room. That creativity extends to the restaurant’s approachable yet innovative menu, which features dishes like a Vietnamese crepe during weekend brunch, gouda- and kohlrabi-stuffed perogies for dinner and mini fried chicken sandwiches during happy hour.
1002 9 St. S.W., 403-719-3622, donnamacyyc.ca, @donnamacyyc
Model Milk
Year after year, Model Milk continues to offer dependably delicious dining experiences. From its memorable dining room that nods to the space’s 1930s dairy past, to menu staples like its hot fried chicken with buttermilk biscuits or the apple pie with cheddar crust and house-made ice cream, this restaurant knows how to make an impression.
308 17 Ave. S.W., 403-265-7343, modelmilk.ca, @modelmilk