50 Best Pubs in Calgary

“They have a great staff, who will make you feel welcome.“

“Great atmosphere, good food and excellent wait staff.“

“Always great food at very good prices.“

“My wife and I were recently at the Penny Black in the Douglas glen. Our server was Nicole. Nicole was fantastic. She was so pleasant and professional. She was extremely helpful in the choices for my wife meal. Thank you Nicole. Regards Rick and Deb.“

“We ordered take-out for pickup at 5PM. The Steak Sandwich and blackened chicken were Perfection!“

“We went to the Tibb’s Eve kitchen party and it was so much fun. Great atmosphere, good food, live music, our server(Sarah?) was so friendly and funny and kept on top of everything on a very busy night. They even had a visit from a mummer! Will definitely visit again when we are in Calgary. Loved the whole experience!!!“

“***UPDATE***
We had been avoiding Scottsman's well for some time. But yesterday we decided that we shouldn't be running away from negative energy of the bartender (see initial review) and instead being there, spreading positive energy. So we went to SW after a month.

To our 'huge' pleasant surprise, the promlematic bartender wasn't there anymore. On inquiring we got to know she doesn't work their anymore. We don't want anyone not to have their job but we wish everyone to have a job they can thrive in. We are hopeful she finds the job that she loves to wake up for, everyday! She was extremely detrimental for SW business and that means SW job was detrimental for her. So everything happens for a good.

Loved being in Scotsman's Well yesterday. Awesome staff (especially the current bartenders) and good choices in food. Changing 🌟 from 2 to perhaps 4 or 5. I thank the Management for being able to balance between employee rights and customers' needs or just general business ethics 🙏🏻.

***EARLIER REVIEW***
Scotsman's Well is a good place generally. However, there is one bartender who doesn't only makes lifes of people sitting on bar, miserable, but also that of employees around her. Based on our experience, we can see that she is probably a very senior employee, who is holding the wrong position right now. She is such a senior employee that some regular customers have grown old within that time (but that doesn't mean she is good for today)

As soon as you see her at bar, you want to fly away whether you are a customer or a fellow employee. Without her, things keep working so well. Even some customers and servers talk about it.

May be it's time for someone to get retired, or if not that, start using some therapy on how to be cheerful around people (especially when one's job requires that). Or, may be, just keep your personal life out of employment. Whatever way works for her.

I hope the Management understands this heart-felt review of an awesome place that becomes from a place of celebration or relaxation TO a place of bitterness and stress.

Looking forward to improvement. Everyone is great. It's just one person. And it's TIME.

Looking forward to update my review once this change happens.“

“Great place for a concert venue! I've been a couple of times. Staff are friendly. No water bottles when you come for a show. If you bring one you will need to leave it at the door. There is water inside from large jugs with many cups available. If you're coming from a show I recommend getting there early because the lineup was around the building yesterday and took about an hour to get inside.“

“I love this place, great staff and great food ❤️“

“Great food and friendly atmosphere. I’d bring friends next time!“

“This is hands down my favourite neighbourhood pub. From the moment you walk in, Krista, Sean, and the entire staff make you feel right at home. They are always attentive, kind, and genuinely make you feel valued as a customer, something you do not find everywhere.

The food here is excellent across the board. Their happy hour specials are a steal, and the food specials are always worth coming back for. With two wing nights each week, you cannot go wrong. The wings are always perfectly done and priced right. Honestly, everything on the menu is solid, and it is clear they put effort into consistency and quality. They even have their own local beer, 2515, brewed just for them, which is a must try if you are a beer fan.

The atmosphere is exactly what you want in a neighbourhood pub, warm, welcoming, and lively. Saturday nights with live bands are always a highlight, and if you are into sports, the large TV screens make it a fantastic spot to catch a football game with friends.

All in all, this place strikes the perfect balance between great food, great service, and a laid back but fun vibe. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Whether you are a regular or just stopping in for the first time, you will feel like you belong.“

“The food is EXCELLENT!!!!!“

“Had an absolute blast at this pub!“

“Had a great time $5 Beers went down well“

“had a great experience, place was busy which is always a good sign. staff were super nice, food was excellent. will definitely go again.“

“Best place ever! Don’t Miss out on having a great time here! You won’t regret it !“

“great food,great service 😁😁😁“

“I hate loud clubs and overpacked bars where young people scream incomplete thoughts over the pounding rhythms of Lil' pick an animal...

That being said this place isn't so bad. I've been dragged against my will here several times and didn't even try to climb the walls to escape.

They don't let too many people in, and the big patio gives you a place to go take five deep breaths if you are starting to feel like the bottom lobster in the seafood boil.

I don't want to come back, but if I'm forced to, I will.

That's a compliment.“

“Great place to hang out after a long day in the studio. The staff are amazing and friendly, even when it’s obvious that they are incredibly busy. Always a smile and a warm welcome! Thanks for becoming my “go to” wind down place.“

“I always have a great time here, the bar staff are wonderful and I always feel like I'm at one big family reunion as everyone just parties together. Love the Karaoke!“

“Great food, friendly staff and great atmosphere. Love the fact they serve pints of Newcastle Brown Ale as well. Excellent!!“

“Chuck and Helen (?) friendly and helpful. chicken wings thur special...plump...crisp...deelish.... will return. make the time to seek them out in Ogden.“

“After not seeing my wife for awhile, we made our way to this wholesome neighborhood pub. The lovely lady who served us was very attentive, the Wednesday wings were lovely and the atmosphere is modern and inviting so I would highly recommend this place if you are hungry for wings on a Wednesday or any time. Thank you nice waitress lady and to my beautoful wife for making this soirée memorable.“

“The food is so yummy!!! Great friendly staff! Highly recommended!! 🌟🌟 ⭐ 🌟🌟“

“A Gem of a Waitress in a Cozy Pub

I've been a regular at this pub for 3 years and one of the main reasons I keep coming back is the incredible waitress who has been here for 2.5 years. Brianna has this unique ability to make every customer feel like they're at home. Her warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care for patrons' comfort is unparalleled. If you're looking for a place where the service is as delightful as the ambiance, this is it - all thanks to her. Five stars aren't enough for the joy she brings to each visit!“

“It’s a nice place , lots of good memories there . Kenan did a good with layout , theme and live entertainment ! Check it out on a weekend or meet a colleague there for lunch , the food is amazing .“

“Great wings & friendly service!“

“Smaller yet cozy neighborhood pub. Clean inside and friendly staff I've always found. Have some good specials and host karaoke as well during the week. Have been here a few times and never had a bad experience. Not very big space but still good to try out for a drink or two.“

“its a great place . Very cozy atmosphere . Very kid friendly . Indian and Canadian food . Bartender is former owner , people live her . Current owners are fun and very friendly . Great cooks . Booths to sit in are very cozy . You can also sit at the bar . There is free pool and darts . Everyone loves this location and find the atmosphete cozy .“

“OMG,,, the corn chowder was AMAZING!!“

“I can't believe how long we have lived in the vicinity of "Tops" and not discovered it. The food is amazing. No more "restaurant loginess" after a meal. Everything we have tried there is excellent. It's not all about the pizza. Try the beef dip, the lasagna and the spaghatti and meatballs. Their Greek salad is perfect. I downrated "atmosphere" a bit because if you don't enjoy the sports bar sounds they have a nice room for you off to the side. It's a bit dark and there's no view. But who cares anyway? You will be treated like a guest, not just a customer.“

“pretty cool bar, great service.❤️“

“What a fun place to party!! Great service! Friendly crowd! Reasonable prices.“

“Let’s be honest: I don’t go to The Governor’s Pub for the pub. I go because Kylie works there.. and frankly, she runs the place (not officially, but spiritually). If she ever leaves, I’ll probably follow her like a loyal golden retriever with a pint.

Kylie isn’t just a server, she’s a wizard of drinks, a ninja of timing, and a therapist with a tray. She remembers my order better than I do, makes everyone feel like a regular, and somehow manages to do it all while smiling like she didn’t just serve 87 wings to a table of loud guys watching the Flames lose again.

If you’re looking for cold beer, warm service, and someone who could probably manage a small country if she weren’t so busy making your night better.. go see Kylie. Honestly, she deserves a raise, a crown, and maybe a statue out front.“

“Fun patio and fantastic service!“

“Feels a my bar! Food was amazing: best fish and chips, Horseradish salmon was plate licking delicious.“

“Shout out to Gary and his entire team! Gary makes you feel like family when you come in and his entire team makes you feel welcomed while you visit. Locos will always be a favourite not just after class but moving forward“

“Out of my 20 + years hosting music Trivia,karaoke and spinning music over 20 pubs in Calgary and Edmonton. Regal Beagle Macleod is hands down the best! Best vibe,Best staff,Best people! The owners believe in my Talent to entertain amazing crowds !! I've met so many awesome people whom I've become good friends with!! If you love music and laughing with friends it's the place to be!!!“

“👍 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🎉🎉🎉🎉👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍“

“Definitely my favorite place to go for drinks and food the staff and owner amazing people!!! music definitely great especially when they have their live DJ. Everyone's very welcoming love it here“

“My wife wanted to hit a pub with live music so i picked this pub from Google maps. No cover charge and plenty of free parking. Live music was awesome from White Willie Brown band. Many friendly patrons & employees with a chill crowd. Wife was happy and we both had a great time! Would return on our next visit to Calgary!“

“We’ve lived in the area for 13 years and have been on-and-off Schooners patrons over the years. It’s one of those Calgary pubs that everyone seems to know — and to be honest, we’re not totally sure why. There’s nothing particularly standout, but the food is consistent, the drinks are cold, and it hits the mark when you just want something easy and familiar.

Living next door definitely adds to the convenience. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable, and sometimes that’s all you need.“

“Everything, friendly staff and good selection of beer!“

“I have been living in the neighborhood for over 15 years now. I had stopped into Swiggs a few years ago. I did think nay this place is not for me. I had heard about their fish and chips a couple months ago. I thought I would give it another try. I have been totally happy with the service and food now. I almost go in weekly for the steak, fish and chips or wings on their special nights. I am so happy I decided to go in. It is almost a weekly stop now. Thank you so much to the chef Francis - the steaks are awesome. Thank you so much to the Service staff - Justen and Adria. It is always a pleasure to see your smiling faces. Keep up the great job :)“

“great place to hang out. love the crib tournament's and definitely going to try out dirty bingo. haven't been there that many times but everything I do I have a great time.“

“New to Calgary and its been difficult to find pubs that feel like a second home here. I walked into Glenn’s job site a couple weeks ago, met Cat who provided outstanding service and she’s been pulling me back in ever since :) I’ve tried to find other bars like this one but so far Glenns is my #1. Amazing specials, great prices and great people!“

“I organized a meet-up here recently. The wings were exceptional. My friend's burger was at least a 1/2 lb of meat. They only have Strongbow for cider which tells me whoever is in charge of ordering the liquor is not a cider drinker. They already sell other Village products so how about bringing in Village cider?

Our waitress, Kelli, was very friendly and there are probably regulars who go there partly just because of her. I would not hesitate to return!“