Patio days are precious in Calgary, so when the sun is shining it can feel like a win just to score a table — any table — on a bit of sidewalk in front of a restaurant. But bistro chairs and bus fumes do not make an epic patio session. Fortunately, there are plenty of rooftop patios, including buzzy new ones and solid standbys, that can accommodate your desire for a more elevated experience where you can eat and drink in the open air in comfort and style. Here’s a rundown of some great rooftop patios to hit when it’s hot.
Brewsters McKenzie Towne
People in the south love this deck for good reason: with TVs, couches, high tables and picnic tables, it’s a laid-back lounge that serves elevated pub grub and house-brewed raspberry, blueberry and peach ales. There’s elevator access for those with mobility issues and children are welcome, as well.
100, 11 McKenzie Towne Ave. S.E., 403-243-2739, brewsters.ca
Connie & John’s Rooftop
The view is picture-perfect: gleaming towers, busy bridges and the fast-flowing waters of the Bow. Formerly Rooftop Bar @ Simmons, this rooftop patio above Charbar is a great spot to dig into some New York- or Detroit-style pizza that you can enjoy with a Connie & John’s Lager.
618 Confluence Way S.E., 403-710-2145, connieandjohns.com
Craft Beer Market
Craft Beer Market’s downtown location has a huge rooftop patio that spans the whole length of the restaurant. Cool features include a vintage Volkswagen van, strings of lights and a retractable roof covering. This spot offers over 100 beers you can pair with a hand-smashed burger served on a butter toasted potato roll.
345 10 Ave. S.W., 403-514-2337, craftbeermarket.ca
Double Zero
For its 2 to 5 p.m. daily happy hour, Double Zero offers a selection of $12 pizzas and discounted beverages. These are airy-crust Neapolitans, made with cold-fermented dough. Pair with a red Maria Cittoria cabernet for a combination that can’t be beat.
CF Chinook Centre, 403-457-7677, doublezeropizza.ca
Ke Charcoal Grill
Ke Charcoal Grill’s rooftop patio is a great spot to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine, including sushi, ramen, charcoal- and stone-grilled meats, yakitori and more. The patio is open daily and offers picturesque views of the Beltline. Make a reservation to guarantee your spot.
1501 15 Ave. S.W., 403-283-3288, kecharcoalgrill.com
Kensington Pub
Okay, it isn’t really a rooftop, it’s the balcony at Kensington Pub, but it’s worthy of mention because it’s up above the sidewalk and, more importantly, it rocks! Settle in with a shepherd’s pie and a Pimm’s cup.
207 10A St. N.W., 403-270-4505, kensingtonpub.com
Limericks Traditional Public House
This Scottish-Irish-Canadian-themed public house with an elevated deck boasts beautiful stained-glass, antiques and pints of beers. The buffalo chicken wrap is well-loved and burger buns are (optionally) gluten-free.
7304 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-252-9190, calgarysbestpubs.com/limericks
Michael’s
Michael’s is on 10 Ave. S.W., right behind the Calgary Tower, and has been serving Caesar salads, pizzas and top sirloin steaks since 1981. Its patio on the roof of the adjoining parkade can be a hot spot for the downtown office crowd, so make a reservation if you want to guarantee a table.
139 10 Ave. S.W.,403-264-6731, michaelspizza.ca
Modern Steak
At Modern Steak’s Stephen Avenue location, this premium patio is close to the Calgary Tower and 60-storey Telus Sky, both of which light up the night. Order the wagyu dumplings or the New York striploin with Champagne and prepare for an immersive experience.
100 8 Ave. S.E., 403-244-3600, modernsteak.ca
Murrieta’s
Murrieta’s beef- and seafood-driven menu is best enjoyed from a bar stool on the balcony of the century-old Alberta Hotel building. Pair your bird’s-eye view of Stephen Avenue with a plate of lamb meatball spaghetti.
200, 808 1 St. S.W., 403-269-7707, murrietas.ca
National on 8th
At this flowery rooftop beer garden, you can enjoy a delicious menu of snacks, salads, sandwiches and more. The drink list has a selection of 11 different draft beers.
360, 225 8 Ave. S.W., ntnl.ca
National on 10th
National on 10th’s rooftop patio is a great spot for sipping cocktails and enjoying the sunshine. Grab a local beer after work or hang with friends into the night over a platter of nachos.
341 10 Ave. S.W., 403-650-1045, ntnl.ca
Oktop
Korilla Korean BBQ is a hub for good conversations and great barbecue, and the rooftop patio called Oktop only elevates the overall dining experience. Fun cocktails and shareable meats taste even better beneath the glittering fairy lights and setting sun.
1410 17 Ave. S.W., 825-540-1410, korilla.ca
One Night Stan’s
This self-proclaimed “bar room and divery” on 17th Avenue S.W. has a 15-seat, second-storey patio. The unpretentious menu includes the likes of chili-cheese fries and sticky toffee pudding, and if that’s not enough, it’s dog-friendly, too.
520 17 Ave. S.W., 403-452-4407, onenightstans.ca
Sho Sushi
High above Macleod Trail, sushi chefs bring fire dragon rolls to your table under the night sky. The drink menu offers it all with sake, mojitos, rosé and an extensive wine list.
110, 7212 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-252-5199, shosushi.ca
Sorella
Sorella offers elegant Italian dining in Crescent Heights. Enjoy your spaghetti carbonara and elderflower mojito on the rooftop patio for the ultimate summer vibe. It’s almost like being in Italy.
1036 Centre St. N., 403-470-1425, sorellatrattoria.ca
The Tommyfield Gastro Pub
You can share romantic nightcaps around the outdoor gas fires, or mingle indoor/outdoor-style when the big, glass doors of this southeast Calgary pub slide open. Try a chicken gastro club with a bellini under the stars.
920, 19489 Seton Cres. S.E., 403-726-6330, tommyfieldgastropub.com
Truth
This galaxy-themed, Indian-Italian fusion bar serves up a number of fun eats and beverages. Stare into the stars while enjoying some butter chicken and red wine on the rooftop patio overlooking 17th Avenue S.W. The bar also has a pet-friendly patio on the ground floor.
608 17 Ave. S.W., 368-999-7339, truthon17.com
The Wilde on 27
On the 27th floor of the Dorian Hotel lies The Wilde on 27, an elegant dining destination that also offers a heated outdoor patio with stunning city views through seven-foot glass walls. Pair one of the restaurant’s imaginative cocktails with brunch options like the carved slow-roasted AAA beef brisket or dinner dishes like the bison or tortellini.
525 5 Ave. S.W., 403-300-6630, thedorianhotel.com
Windsor Rose Walden
This sunny rooftop in Walden serves up ahi tuna tacos and something called “potato nachos” — lattice fries topped with ooey-gooey cheese, beef and jalapenos. Add to that a slushy machine, margaritas and bulldogs. Fun!
530, 151 Walden Gate S.E., 403-256-5156, calgarysbestpubs.com/windsor-rose
Vin Room Mission
Vin Room on 4th Street S.W. offers an extensive selection of fine wines by the glass or bottle with a food menu to complement them. Impress a date with oysters and Prosecco on this comfy, cozy rooftop with pretty views of Mission’s treetops. Vin Room also has a street-level patio that welcomes dogs.
2310 4 St. S.W., 403-457-5522, vinroom.com
[Note: This story was updated on May 15, 2025]
