Barcelona Tavern
This Mediterranean-themed bar has dozens of beers on tap, a solid cocktail menu and sangria by the litre, but the best drinks at Barcelona are the gin and tonics. Its G&T menu is more extensive than most with options to mix fruits and veggies including kiwi, cucumber, berries and orange with herbs including sage, mint and basil.
501 8 Ave. S.W., 403-265-6555, barcelonatavern.com, @barcelonayyc
Cannibale
This Bridgeland bar divides its cocktail menu into pre-prohibition, post-prohibition and tiki, revival and originals. Or skip the cocktails and go for the tumblers of wine and beer on tap. Cannibale also has a barber shop if you need a trim.
813 1 Ave. N.E., 403-454-5808, cannibale.ca, @cannibale_yyc
Eldorado Barbecue Lounge
Beers mostly come in bottles here and cocktails stick with the classics, including mojitos, Manhattans, margaritas and sidecars. Pair it all with a Southwestern and cajun-inspired menu.
620 8 Ave. S.W., 587-349-2822, eldoradoyyc.com, @eldoradoyyc
Last Best Brewing and Distilling
This place is all about beer and beer culture. It makes its own brews including Show Pony Pale Ale and Dirty Bird Black Lager, which are two of four beers permanently on tap as well as Olsch Kolsch B’Golsch and King Ralph’s Imperial IPA, which are two of the six beers that are temporarily on tap until new brews are rotated in to the lineup. It’s also into distilling and spirits, which you will find in its playful cocktail list.
607 11 Ave. S.W., 403-650-9888, lastbestbrewing.com, @lastbestbrew
Township Bar & Grill
This downtown spot is ideal for after work drinks or a midday break. Township punch, margaritas and sangria can be served community-style (that means in a jug). Or, opt for single servings of The Beer’s Knees, Kentucky Lemonade and Little Black Dress. There is also wine and beer, of course.
250 6 Ave. S.W., 403-265-3837, townshipbarandgrill.com, @townshipbg