1 Night Stan’s
This new “bar room and divery” has two patio seating areas set up on either side of the front of the building. They feature bar seating that faces out onto 17 Ave. S.W., so you can do some people watching while you snack on deep fried mozza and a $10 cocktail. This patio is also dog-friendly, so don’t be afraid to bring Fido along with you.
520 17 Ave. S.W., 403-452-4407, onenightstans.ca
Donna Mac
Donna Mac’s new west-facing patio features greenery and a few umbrellas to help keep you cool. Try it out while taking advantage of the Beltline restaurant’s new happy hour, where you can order cocktails, wine and beer for half the usual price. Happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Plus, the patio is dog-friendly.
1002 9 St. S.W., 403-719-3622, donnamacyyc.ca
Fergus & Bix
With a successful location in West Springs already under its belt, Fergus & Bix opened another location in McKenzie Towne last fall. The new restaurant has a south-facing patio with 40 seats. Check it out some time this summer or make plans to visit from July 18 to 22 when the restaurant will be celebrating its 10th anniversary with burger and beer specials for only $10.
26 McKenzie Towne Gate, 403-474-7700, fergusandbix.com
Foreign Concept
Set up along 10 Ave. S.W., the new patio at Foreign Concept lets you people watch while dining on modern Pan-Asian cuisine. Treat yourself to a cocktail and a Vietnamese coffee parfait for dessert. You may even catch a glimpse of chef Jinhee Lee, who recently made it to the semi-finals of Top Chef Canada.
1011 1 St. S.W., 403-719-7288, foreignconcept.ca
Leopold’s Tavern
With a long row of bar seating that faces 1 St. S.W., the skinny patio at Leopold’s Tavern is another great option if you love people watching. Come by on a Tuesday when tacos are only $3 each after 4 p.m. or on a Wednesday when wings are $3 to $6 per pound depending on when you come (starting at 3 p.m.).
1201 1 St. S.W., 587-350-5367, leopoldstavern.com
One18 Empire
There’s nothing like a view of the Calgary Tower while you eat, and that’s exactly what you’ll get on One18 Empire’s new sidewalk patio. Decorated with whiskey barrels and planters, this patio is a particularly great spot to unwind after a long day at work. While you can order off the regular food and drink menu, ask your server about the selection of whiskey cocktails that you can only get on the patio.
820 Centre St. S.E., 403-269-0299, one18empire.com
Owen’s Landing
There’s no better way to familiarize yourself with The Landing Restaurant Group’s first location in Western Canada than by grabbing a seat on its patio. Owen’s Landing offers a little something for everyone on its patio – there are televisions, strings of lights, heaters and even a couch to sit on.
308 4 Ave. S.W., 587-747-7772, owenslanding.ca
Even more new patios
Belle Southern Kitchen + Bar
Southern barbecue fare is particularly suited for patio season. Thankfully, Belle Southern Kitchen + Bar’s patio is ready and waiting for you. Situated along the south-side of the restaurant, the picturesque wooden patio features hanging plants, strings of lights and tables just waiting to be filled with Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, smoked brisket and St. Louis ribs.
1919 4 St. S.W., 403-455-5775, bellebbq.com
Craft Beer Market
Located at Southcentre Mall, Craft Beer Market’s second Calgary location has a 52-seat patio. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve spent the day at the mall or came specifically for lunch or dinner here – this is where you’re going to want sit while sipping one of the restaurant’s nearly 100 beers on tap this summer.
Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Rd. S.E., 403-216-2337, craftbeermarket.ca
Gringo Street
Cleaver‘s sister restaurant has two outdoor seating areas. There’s a small patio with tables and heaters along the front of the restaurant, plus some outdoor bar seating along the east-side of the building’s bright yellow facade. The best time to try and snag a spot on Gringo Street’s patio is during its happy hour – from Sunday to Thursday, you can get $3 tacos and $5.50 cocktails from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and from 9 p.m. to close.
101, 524 17 Ave. S.W., 403-474-1411, gringost.com
Hostel
Hostel is located in Roosevelt’s former space on 17 Ave. S.W. and inherited its north-facing patio that is perfect for people-watching. The restaurant and bar also just opened a second patio along the west side of the building. If you’re looking for a patio with great deals on food and drinks, this is the one to visit. Almost all of the food on the menu is $10, while almost all the drinks are $5. Food options include waffle nachos, tacos and burgers.
933 17 Ave. S.W., 403-719-9930, facebook.com
Little Lot Diner
One third of the new 8th Street Food Cooperative, Little Lot Diner serves all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Order at the restaurant counter, then grab a seat at one of the picnic tables on the patio along the south-side of the building.
1436 8 St. S.W., 403-265-0018, facebook.com
OEB
Popular breakfast restaurant OEB has three locations (in Bridgeland, downtown and Mission), but the Mission location is the only one with a patio. The north-facing patio, which has a bit of greenery and a few umbrellas, means you don’t have to wait until lunch or dinner to get your patio fix for the day.
2207 4 St. S.W., 587-356-6323, eatoeb.com
Pinbar
Play a few games of pinball inside this new arcade and bar, then head outside to grab a seat on its east-facing patio. Overlooking 4 St. S.W., the patio is set against Pinbar’s freshly painted bright blue facade and some fun murals. Order one of the nearly two dozen beers on tap and a snack like the cubano sandwich or some wings.
501 17 Ave. S.W., 403-930-8175, pinbaryyc.com
Shelter
Shelter opened in Victoria Park last August, and now, the local cocktail and wine bar has debuted an intimate new patio for this summer. The west-facing patio features wooden tables and a mix of funky black geometric stools and bench seating. With only eight seats up for grabs, you know this patio is going to be a sought-after spot. There are also sunshades and a fence decked out in ivy to provide some shelter from the sun and the street.
1210 1 St. S.W., 403-233-7730, shelteryyc.com
This page was updated on July 3, 2018.