Winner – Ten Foot Henry
Between its comic strip character mascot and refreshing vegetable-forward menu, it’s not hard to see why Calgarians have fallen in love with this Victoria Park restaurant. Dishes like tomatoes with whipped feta and sourdough toast and the Henry salad are complemented by a smattering of shareable pasta, fish and meat plates. Don’t forget the must-try butterscotch pudding with sponge toffee for dessert.
1209 1 St. S.W., 403-475-5537, tenfoothenry.com, @tenfoothenry
2nd – 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. The menu, focused around wood-fired fare, is both creative and approachable with dishes like cheese curd garlic bread, tuna crudo and thin-crust pizzas.
739 10 Ave. S.W., 403-700-0191 (text message only), bridgettebar.com, @thebridgettebar
3rd – Alumni Sandwiches
This neighbourhood restaurant and liquor bar has earned a devoted following thanks to its hearty sandwiches, well-priced drinks and friendly staff. While the hype around the hot chicken sandwich (available in varying levels of spice) is well-deserved, other sandwiches like the chicken parmesan with lemon kale and the rosemary beef dip are equally satisfying.
725 17 Ave. S.W., 403-455-7255, alumnisandwiches.com, @alumniyyc
4th – Von Der Fels
This wine bar and restaurant has been heralded as one of the best restaurants in the city since it opened in 2016. Don’t let its size fool you though — while Von Der Fels’ space is charmingly small and cozy, both the food and beverage menu are big on creativity and flavour.
1005A 1 St. S.W., 587-349-2656, barvonderfels.com, @vonderfels
5th – Lulu Bar
The mid-century-style design, Pacific-inspired menu and killer cocktails are just a few of the reasons to check out this Concorde Group restaurant. The new enclosed, heated patio makes it even more tempting to spend an afternoon sipping drinks while people-watching along 17 Ave. S.W. year-round.
510 17 Ave. S.W., 403-519-0444 (text message only), lulubar.ca, @thelulubar