50 Best Cocktail Bars in Calgary

“Amazing atmosphere, fantastic staff. Great music. Our server, Justin was fantastic. You really made my birthday something special. Definitely recommend this place.“

“Excellent food and friendly staff. Great atmosphere.“

“This is an amazing place. Some of the best cocktails I've had anywhere. The creativity is out of this world, and the unexpected combinations hang together well. These are thoughtful cocktails, not gimmicks. The food is also amazing. Fresh, excellently crafted with contrasts of flavor, seasoning, and texture. The pork, maple, miso bao is to die for, as is the dessert parfait. The bartenders and servers are friendly and attentive without being intrusive, and have excellent eyes for detail in service. The decor is fun and funky, with a wall of gas masks behind the bar, sandbags piled up as a partition between the bar and table service area, and terrific lighting. Finally, Shelter has some of the best acoustic design for dining and drinking of anywhere I've been. There is a nice ambient sound level, and they've got a great playlist, but the room is not very live, so other folks' conversations don't reverberate. This makes it easy to have a conversation without having to talk loudly or strain to listen, which is a rarity in bustling dining and drinking establishments. Whether you live in Calgary or are just visiting, checking out Shelter should be a priority.“

“What a great little location. The best service I ever had. They made you feel that they enjoyed serving you and not to get a bigger tip.

The food was some of the best I ever ate..wow!!!

The drinks were amazing!

What a great experience!

Thank you TAL!“

“And the hunt continues, for Canada’s best Tiki bar…and we have a new leader….Prosperity Bar in Calgary. They do their drinks right here, establishing right out of the gate that while imagination in Tiki drinks is important, you need to have a solid foundation of the classics, and they have mastered those! And like any top shelf Tiki bar, they take pride in incorporating their own syrups, tinctures, and garnishes, with unique touches and add ons. And while the food menu is not huge, what they serve is pure Tiki bliss. Try the Bahn Mi, as it’s a unique spin on a classic, and don’t miss out on the egg rolls, but I’ll leave that one to surprise you….oh and the staff here is AMAZING!“

“I love the cocktails variety the food is super fresh the look of the lanterns it make it so romantic I love it, great service 🥰❤️“

“Amazing experience!! Great service, food and drinks!! Highly recommended !!“

“My new favourite lounge in town!“

“I LOVE a good cocktail bar and the menu of fun cocktails at PR did not disappoint. However we tried between 2 of us, 6 different cocktails and while they were good we felt each one was missing “something”. Like we wanted just something more out of the cocktail based on the ingredients or the description. Still very good cocktails but not perfect. However, what was perfect was the atmosphere, and the appetizers. The beef tartare was VERY good, and the cheese bread, oh my gosh… you must eat this cheese bread. It is cheesy, it is doughy, it is sweet and it is savoury, it is perfect. We really enjoyed our time here.“

“First time but not the last. A spot I’ll totally check out again when visiting Calgary

A vibe is what you get walking thru the door. An entire wall dedicated to all the different spirits. Greeted by a kind hostess who managed to sit us at the bar. Just so we could enjoy the last hour of happy hour. Wish I took a photo of the menu but $9 cocktails I believe. $7 house wine (not rose). A beer was on special too but don’t remember the brand or price. Flights of bao buns was slightly discounted. Either way, we indulged in most of the above. Bao buns was a perfect snack. Pork belly was very flavourful. Drinks washed it down nicely. I noticed on this particular evening it was all women front of house staff. Bartenders , bar backs, hostesses, etc…, killer job. In hindsight I should have taken more photos. Seemed very passionate about crafting cocktails with flair. Fun to watch! I’d say the bartender was not overly friendly and more to the point. Which I didn’t mind considering it was slammed this visit. Overall I’d love to come back maybe for more than two drinks. Instead enjoy cocktails and the vibe for the entire night. People watching thru the window at the tables or chatting up your neighbour’s beside you sitting at the bar.“

“My wife and I had an amazing and memorable evening! Ryan and team out done themselves! Amazing atmosphere and food! Already planning our next private event here! Thank you!!“

“Sabina was amazing, we had such a good time, everything was on point. The staff here always take care of us, the cocktails are amazing, timely, and delicious. She was so fun for us (there was 9 of us) and we were entertained the entire time. The vibe is amazing and the quality of cocktails is exceptional. Will obviously be back!“

“I've been here multiple times, and it never disappoints! The consistency is impressive—from the food quality to the service and the ambiance. Whether it's a first-time visit or your tenth, you're guaranteed a great experience“

“Service was incredible thanks to May Rose and cocktails as always were outstanding!!“

“I love this place, i discovered them even before they began selling cocktails. The food is really tasty and always crispy. The drinks are unique and refreshing. The food is a little in the higher price l, but well worth it.

Just give it a try...“

“AMAZING COCKTAILS FOOD IS AWESOME HIGHLY RECOMMEND“

“I recently hosted my son's first birthday at Freestyle Social Club, and I can confidently say that the experience was nothing short of fantastic. From the moment we arrived, Chad and his team provided impeccable service that truly made our event memorable.

Every detail was handled seamlessly, allowing us to focus on enjoying the occasion rather than worrying about logistics. The staff was attentive and genuinely committed to ensuring that everything went perfectly. They went above and beyond, anticipating our needs and making thoughtful suggestions that enhanced the overall experience.

If you're looking for a venue that offers both a vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service, look no further than Freestyle Social Club.“

“When you get over that looming taxidermy, everything else is less overwhelming haha. Really enjoyed that smoky beef tartare and drinks. ✨“

“I am not a whiskey drinker, but I thought we are here, so I told the bar tender Josh, to make me an Old Fashion. Well let me tell you! Watching the drink be made is a sight, very cool. It was amazing. I may be into whiskey more than I thought or it was simply a great drink, definitely one to try! Everyone there was sooo friendly. It was a great night out. We will be back!“

“We celebrated our mom's 80th birthday here. They accommodated us in the back room where there was 25 of us. Great service with placing our orders, all our food came out at the same time. Working out our separate bills was so easy as well. Definitely recommend this establishment for a special occasion like this.“

“Alumniii my love 🩷 I am not a sandwich girl, but I am MOST DEF an Alumni sandwich girl!! I don’t ever make, crave or order sandwiches in general, but I dream of the roasted turkey Brie and meatball sub 🤤 I’ve also tried the hot chicken, double burger, rosemary beef dip, chicken parm, and tuna melt. Alllll bangers, just pick what you feel like. The parm fries with the garlic aioli and charred broccoli are also super yum. We usually order takeout, but the restaurant vibe is cute too, like a modern diner. They get busy, so plan accordingly 🫶“

“I always want to go there >< I starved today to come for chunjang lol It was so delicious ㅠㅠ A really good sweet and sour pork restaurant;;; Red pepper miscellaneous sauce is so delicious!!!! I recommend Jjambbong more than Jjajangmyeon!!“

“My second time in Calgary was nothing short of perfection. Last year I dined here for my birthday and when the thought of what to do rolled around this year, flying to Calgary seemed both extra, and hilarious. But it stuck. Saltlik, you outdid yourself. I’ve been thinking of the Beeswax Old Fashioned for 366 days and it just hits the spot. Victoria B.C. hasn’t latched onto it yet but it’ll come. Dinner was exceptional but the real star or the show was Trevor. Exceptional service is becoming an almost lost art and this guy has it. His energetic read on the table and tailored charisma is what 90s career servers were made of. The kind of server who questions himself “how do I elevate this experience?!” And then executes. His tag team with Chris to make this birthday nothing short of Calgary perfection is exactly why we ended up here. Thank you for making us feel special, our dinner incredible and leaving us with yet another Saltlik memory for the books. Thanks over many thanks. We will see you again!“

“Great food and service! Highly recommend!“

“Title: Exceptional Dining Experience at Earl's Calgary - 5/5 Stars! I recently had the pleasure of dining at Earl's restaurant in Calgary, Alberta, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we walked in, the warm and inviting atmosphere set the tone for a fantastic evening. The modern decor, complete with sleek lines and vibrant colors, created a sophisticated yet cozy ambiance that made us feel right at home. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, taking the time to explain the menu and making excellent recommendations. The food was truly exceptional, with each dish expertly prepared and presented. I opted for the grilled steak, which was cooked to perfection, and my companion raved about the seafood paella. The portions were generous, and the flavors were bold and delicious. What truly impressed me, however, was the exceptional service. Our server was prompt, courteous, and ensured that our glasses were always full. The staff were clearly passionate about providing an outstanding dining experience, and it showed in every aspect of our visit. Earl's Calgary has clearly earned its reputation as one of the city's top restaurants. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this restaurant is a must-visit destination. With its outstanding cuisine, exceptional service, and welcoming atmosphere, Earl's is sure to exceed your expectations. stars Price: Moderate to upscale ($20-$50 entree range) Recommended for: Special occasions, date nights, business dinners, or simply a night out with friends. Will I return? Absolutely, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit!“

“Such a great vibe! I highly recommend Best of Kin Social!“

“We eat out a fair bit, but this was the best night out I have had in years! Have not been here before, but definitely coming back often. Came here with my wife and one of our friends later on Saturday afternoon for happy hour and got seated at the bar, overlooking the kitchen. The happy hour drinks were very good, and the food was fantastic. We ended up staying for dinner, and every dish was beautifully prepared, tasty and original - not just a variation on something you would get at a restaurant down the street. The staff were so friendly and welcoming. Our waiter provided excellent service. He always knew the right time to check up on us and see if we needed more drinks or food. Nice guy too. I originally was a little disappointed to get seated at the bar instead of a table - now I would not want to sit anywhere else. Loved to watch the skills and teamwork of the kitchen staff, who were very friendly and chatted with us when they had time. Loved everything about this place.“

“A must go to Restaurant. Just amazing food and ambiance!“

“We dropped in for a quick bite. I expected the food to be good (since it's connected to Linas) and it was delicious and very reasonably priced. The service is warm and professional. They were featuring some lovely live accoustic bluesy musicians, that was a perfect touch of unexpected. The volume of the live music was perfect, you could hear them well but it wasn't intrusive. Everything was very pleasant and thoughtful, they did an excellent job creating a satisfying experience. Definitely recommend.“

“maybe just the time we came(saturday night) but the wine by the glass selection was poor. And the cocktail i tried was boring…not worth but maybe just a non-representative first insight we had, who knows…
Update 2nd stay:
way better, less crowded, friendly staff and good wine and cocktail selections this time! As anticipated, the first time was not representative of the potential of Missy‘s and I gladly revise my conclusion!“

“I love everything Chicken there - Fried Chicken & Creamy Chicken are my favorite. The staff is super friendly and have good recommendations. this place can get loud during Karaoke time, but it's still entertaining.“

“We had a wonderful evening - great vegan options :)“

“Definitely recommend Cactus Club. The food is amazing. Service is amazing. A bit loud from everyone having a great time but so worth it.“

“Jan is great, always a killer haircut, and good conversation, i would recommend Cannibale to anyone“

“I chose the lamb meatballs and cauliflower. Totally superb food. See pics. We were a table of 8 and my only complaint was that they added 20% automatically to the bill (which I kinda get) but our server did not point that out. I find it bordering on unethical that she wouldn't mention it, because a couple of people added a further tip because they weren't aware. Hey management, it left a sour taste when you added 20% like that, so you should change your practice to at least mention it out of respect and courtesy. However I gave you 5 because the food and ambience were superb. Take a look at the pics of the dry aged lamb, yummy!“

“WONDERFUL! Andrea made our day - from start to end, the friendliest service and food, honestly, all 5 stars. Our egg bennys were delicious, could not forget about how quick I drank my mocha, also interesting view. Do not hesitate and overlook this hidden gem!“

“Wonderful attentive service with friendly and fun atmosphere.“

“My server, Mckara was very knowledgeable about the menu, she suggested some of her favorites and it did not disappoint. I will return and tell all my friends! Sorry no pics! Everything was great, I suggest the margarita pizza, tuna tacos, and for mains Cajan Chicken.“

“Cactus is a staple in the Calgary food industry, the service you get is pretty standard across the board. We did notice the food does have a bit of a heavy salt undertone, it could possibly come down to dishes and personal preference but we did have two people we were with mention something similar. The service was a high point however it’s always a on point but this specific location is a bit cramped and loud I find. Could be due to the size of the location parking is a similar problem. Overall it’s not bad and not great just overage at best“

“We have been to this Cactus Club lots of enjoyable times. We therefore decided to go there for our 54th wedding anniversary last Wednesday. Food was prompt and excellent and the manager arranged for a welcome drink of prosecco. Nice touch. The service by Jackie R was a 10-out-of-10 and we will certainly pay a visit to this restaurant again in the near future. Five stars!!“

“It's a cozy Korean bar/ restaurant that everyone is friendly and foods are great. We had seafood jjigae and slow cooked pork belly with some drinks. Everything is good but my favourite is jjigae. I would love to go back when I am in the area.“

“Some of the best Thai food I've had in Calgary. What beautiful menu. Delicious and fresh. Perfect flavors.“

“Love this place love the live bands and a variety of food to choose from“

“Perfect, beautiful steak. Par excellence in service. More formal atmosphere, but we're welcome and fine as a family, informal gathering.

Vegetarian options: Not so good. None expected in a steakhouse

Parking: Had a lot of trouble finding parking and had to walk a bit after parking

Kid-friendliness: Yes, good“

“This place in Calgary hit home... For starters the atmosphere brought nostalgia with retro Corona tables & Pedro Infante portraits, etc. The tacos are amazing, the atmosphere is cosmopolitan but traditional Mexican style, super friendly staff, and the mezcal drinks were on point.“

“One of the best Mexican restaurants in Calgary. An ever changing menu of delicious food makes this a place to return to and it has never disappointed in all the times I have been there. Located perfectly for a meal and a night out. It's atmosphere speaks to the casual but yet can cater to a more up-scale. Perfect for an intimate date night, a casual dinner, a group function, a quick bite or a social meetup.“

“The best culinary experience you could possibly get for the price. The food was prepared with the upmost attention to detail. We did the Yakitori Omakase (15 course meal with drink pairings). The specially reserved seats in front of the kitchen offer a show, not just the meal. Our server Adam provided an 11/10 service, explaining the intricacies of each dish and how the each drink was tied into the given course. They also offer you the option to purchase 3 ounces of the 45 day beeswax aged A5 Waygu (which we also purchased and highly recommend to take in the full experience). You will not leave hungry, or unsatisfied in any way. If you’re in Calgary, you have to visit Shokunin.“

“This is the second time we have been here and It is incredible. We had the privilege of having Andy as our server and he was nothing short of amazing. Both times we have been here, the customer service has been top notch. I am also grateful that Natasha stopped by our table to say hi. She helped out a bit last time as well and is such a sweet human. Definitely our new spot to go for a nice dinner out. Thank you Modern for making our anniversary celebration so special.

-Jade and Ozzy“