Each year, we ask Avenue readers to vote for their favourite restaurants in Calgary in our Best Restaurants readers’ choice ballot. These are some of their favourite places in the city.
Winner
Ship & Anchor
Come one, come all to feast your eyes on Ship & Anchor’s impressive selection of beer, which includes dozens of options ranging from beloved imports to local favourites. With a large patio space, great music and a dedicated customer base, Ship & Anchor is a cool and relaxed place to enjoy a cold one with your friends while feasting on classic pub dishes like pizza, sandwiches, chicken wings and more
534 17 Ave. S.W., 403-245-3333, shipandanchor.com, @shipandanchorpub
Runners-up
Leopold’s Tavern
With five locations around the city, Leopold’s Tavern is a go-to spot for casual drinks, a bite to eat and great vibes. Leopold’s has a fun, colourful interior that is absolutely covered with flags, posters and photos from the floor to the ceiling. Along with classic pub fare like burgers, sandwiches and nachos, the pub takes things up a notch with next-level creations like the Bucket of Bacon or the Punchbowl Poutine with five pounds of potatoes. In the summer, stop by one of its pet-friendly patios to soak in the sun.
Multiple locations, leopoldstavern.com, @leopoldstavern
King Eddy
Once one of Calgary’s first hotels and oldest bars before its 2004 closure, the King Eddy was eventually restored and reopened in 2018. Since then, the restaurant and music venue has become a community staple where you can enjoy dinner with drinks and great tunes. The menu features a variety of must-try dishes including a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, pork carnitas tacos, fish and chips, the King Eddy double double burger and more.
438 9 Ave. S.E., 403-829-6016, kingeddy.ca, @kingeddyyyc
Trolley 5
Trolley 5 is a popular Beltline destination, especially when the sun is shining and the brewpub’s two street-facing patios are open. Pop in to try one of Trolley 5’s many beers and snack on chicken potstickers, burgers, Alberta beef brisket, pizza and more. Beer fans can also learn more about the beer-making process by booking a tour of the brewery.
728 17 Ave. S.W., 403-454-3731, trolley5.com, @trolley_5
Rain Dog Bar
Inglewood’s Rain Dog Bar is the perfect spot for craft beer fans. With a selection of seasonal, local brews, Rain Dog treats beer with the same care as your favourite wine tasting bar. Whether you opt for a sour beer or a rich stout, you can pair it with a dish from the ever-changing food menu like a charcuterie board or mains like foraged wild mushroom tagliatelle.
1214 9 Ave. S.E., 403-457-7263, raindogbar.com, @raindogbar
Kensington Pub
The family-owned Kensington Pub has been serving up traditional English comfort food since 1993. Tucked inside an ivy-covered brick building, the bar is a hub for good food, drinks and community. There’s a full menu of comfort food including bangers and mash, haddock and chips, shepherd’s pie, scotch eggs and more.
207 10A St. N.W., 403-270-4505, kensingtonpub.com, @thekensingtonpub