Brewsters in McKenzie Towne
If you live near McKenzie Towne, you are probably already familiar with the amazingness of this rooftop patio. It’s like your living room with televisions and a few couches. It also has heaters and parking close by. Plus you can make reservations specifically for the patio. –J.M.
100, 11 McKenzie Towne Ave. S.W., 403-243-2739, brewsters.ca
Broken City
This well-known live music venue has a rooftop patio that overlooks 11th Ave S.W. The full time patio hours are in effect through Thanksgiving. Whether it’s brunch and live music under blue skies, or a cold beer on a hot summer night, Broken City’s patio is one to fall in love with. -C.F.
613 11 Ave. S.W., 403-262-9976, brokencity.ca
Elbow Room
Located in the Britannia Block building, this restaurant features an open concept kitchen, a second floor bar and a beautiful 700-square-foot upstairs patio that overlooks Britannia Plaza. Beat the heat during happy hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday. –C.F.
802 49 Avenue S.W., 403-460-8128, elbowroombritannia.ca
Julio’s Barrio
This rooftop patio has one of the best views of downtown. Take in the sunshine and watch river surfers on the Bow while sipping on one of Julio’s infamous bulldog drinks. With daily specials like margarita Monday, taco Tuesday and bulldog weekends (Friday and Saturday), Julio’s rooftop is a great place to gather this summer. –C.F.
1110 Memorial Drive N.W., 403-203-3046, juliosbarrio.com
National On 8th
This National location is the one that’s on the top of Scotia Centre downtown. It’s big and fun. There is a games area with ping pong up there and kids are allowed until 9 p.m. On Saturdays, it serves brunch until 3 p.m., and on Sunday’s enjoy the Sunday Beer Garden menu. –J.M.
360, 240 8 Ave S.W., 403-237-5556, ntnl.ca
Oak Tree Tavern
This one is not on the roof, but it is on deck that cantilevers over a laneway so we’ve included it because of its elevated views of the skyline. At night, it is lit with fairy lights. –J.M.
124 10 St. N.W., 403-270-3347, facebook.com
Prohibition Freehouse
As Calgary’s only meatball-focused restaurant, the Prohibition menu is a bit of an oddity. But, situated in the old Molly Malone’s location in Kensington, it also boasts one of the city’s most lively rooftop patios. In addition to the meatballs, Prohibition is home to a hefty beer list to keep the party rolling. –J.M.
1153 Kensington Cres. N.W., 403-452-8549, prohobar.com
Rooftop Bar @ the Simmons
This rooftop patio is an outdoor, adults-only area above Charbar with its very own drinks and food menu. There are small plates and thin crust pizzas, but it’s the food from the rooftop fire pit that you’ll really want to dig into. Get the rooftop burger, build-your-own-taco platter and fire grilled new york steak. There is beer and wine and a cocktail menu that covers the classics and a few originals. Enjoy all of it with views of the downtown skyline and river. –J.M.
618 Confluence Way S.E., 403-452-3115, rtbsimmons.com
Vin Room
This is one of the best places to sit back and enjoy some tapas and a glass of wine. It’s up above 4th Street S.W. and it has one of the best menus of wine sold by the glass. Don’t forget their twice as nice happy hour that runs daily from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. till close. –J.M.
2310 4 St. S.W., 403-457-5522, vinroom.com
Windsor Rose
This rooftop patio can be found in the heart of Walden. You can definitely catch the big game on one of its 24 televisions, or book your private function in a space that fits 70 guests with complete privacy. The eatery offers a menu that has variety of food options from 1lb PEI mussels to baby back ribs smothered in house made barbecue sauce. You’ll have plenty to eat while you take in the sunshine on this patio. –C.F.
530, 151 Walden Gate S.E., 403-256-5156, windsorrosepub.ca
This article was updated on June 25, 2018.