Aside from being famous for its striking landscapes, Calgary also has some of the best patios for those who like their meals served with a view.
I prepared a guide to the city’s top patios where you can soak up the atmosphere, enjoy delicious food, and maybe even snap that perfect sunset selfie.
1. Rooftop Bar @ Simmons
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Address: 618 Confluence Way SE
Phone: 403-452-3115
Rooftop Bar @ Simmons is smack-dab in the hip East Village, and it’s got all the ingredients for a good time. I’m talking outdoor seating that’s as cozy as a pub, complete with fancy umbrella shades and heat lamps for chillier nights.
And the view is the highlight, it overlooks the stunning Bow River. An awesome view I always enjoy.
Why You Need to Go
- Atmosphere: Ideal for enjoying Calgary’s river view.
- Menu Favorites: Don’t miss out on their food, especially the hot wings and pizzas.
- Beverages: A great list of cocktails, beers, and wines to suit any mood.
- Extra Perk: Live music might surprise you during the Stampede and other summer festivals.
I will also add that I was quite surprised after checking the reviews. A lot of people said that the ambient and view are great, but the food is terrible. Honestly, there was nothing wrong with the food I got.
2. Rec Room Deerfoot
Address: 1180-901 64th Avenue NE
Phone: 587-535-6077
Rec Room Deerfoot is a huge, two-story patio in the center of Deerfoot Mall. It’s perfect for people looking for some entertainment.
My friends with kids absolutely love it here. Of course, for the games.
Why You Need to Go
- Atmosphere: Big enough to lose your kids in (and find them again).
- Games: From mature gaming upstairs to family-friendly arcade games downstairs.
3. River Café
Address: 25 Prince’s Island Park
Phone: 403-261-7670
River Café is an awesome spot, serving up gourmet dishes made from local ingredients. And here’s the icing on the cake (or should I say, the sprinkles on the cupcake?): they’ve got a patio where you can soak in the park’s beauty and listen to all its delightful sounds.
This is the place where I go to have a tasty lunch but also get some “escape from the city noise” vibe.
And the main reason why you should visit this place is the food. My favorites are bison and duck.
4. The Wilde on 27
Address: 525 5th Avenue SW, Dorian Hotel
Phone: 403-300-6633
The Wilde on 27 is the fancy rooftop hangout up on the 27th floor of the swanky Dorian Hotel. So if you are looking for a more impressive view, this is the right spot to check out.
This place is known for its excellent food. Each dish is decorated to look more premium, just like the experience you get there.
I wasn’t hungry at the moment, so I decided to try some dessert. If you ever go to this restaurant, I recommend the Classic Strawberry Cheesecake.
Another reason why I love them is their effort to support the local farmers as well as various initiatives. For instance, for every beef purchase, $2.50 gets donated to feed the children.
5. LuLu Bar
Address: 510 17th Avenue SW
Phone: 403-930-5707
LuLu Bar is famous for its impressive L-shaped patio, and they’ve gone and taken it up a notch by slapping on a new enclosure that opens up during the summer. Very fancy, very cozy. But that’s not all. LuLu Bar knows how to bring the vibes.
Their menu is awesome as well. It’s a Pacific-Asian fusion, and when you mix it with amazing views, you get yourself a full experience.
My favorite was the Fried coconut squid.
6. Highline Brewing
Address: #113 – 138 9th Avenue SE
Phone: 403-827-6985
Tucked away in Inglewood, Highline Brewing features a quaint patio right in a parking lot. You’ll find yourself nestled in pub-style seating, chilling at picnic tables under those oh-so-fancy umbrellas.
This place is all about their homemade brews, plus, they conveniently sit pretty close to the East Village and Calgary Zoo, so you can hop over for some extra fun.
7. One Night Stan’s
Address: 520 17th Avenue SW
Phone: 403-452-4407
One Night Stan’s is the place to be if you want some top-notch people-watching action on 17th Avenue SW. They’ve got fancy elevated patio stools that give you the perfect view.
And if you’re planning to visit during the rush, better get there early ’cause their indoor seating area is kinda cramped.
8. Trolly 5 Brewpub
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Address: 728 17th Avenue SW
Phone: 403-454-3731
Trolly 5 Brewpub got a killer double-floor patio that’s just begging for you to kick back and relax. The seating options are off the charts. You’ve got your pick of spots to park your behind and soak in the vibes. Now, this place is a real hotspot for all you sports enthusiasts and casual diners out there.
The atmosphere is, let’s say, pulsating with energy. Plus, they’re always serving up daily food and drink specials, so you can fill your belly without emptying your wallet.
9. Blanco Cantina
Address: 723 17th Avenue SW
Phone: 403-228-1854
Blanco Cantina is the real deal when it comes to rocking Mexican grub and refreshing margaritas. Their daily specials are fantastic, but it gets even better. During happy hour, they slash the prices on tacos, beers, and margaritas, turning this joint into the liveliest spot for chill hangouts. When I crave some Mexican food, this is where I go.
10. Modern Steak
Address: 100 8th Avenue SE
Phone: 403-244-3600
At this place, they’ve got this sweet rooftop setup that’ll give you all those sunny vibes you’ve been craving. And as a bonus, their booth seating is as comfy as it gets so that you can enjoy those beautiful views in the finest way possible. It’s a hotspot on the weekends, so if you wanna snag a table, I’d suggest swinging by during non-peak hours.
11. UNA Pizza + Wine 17th Ave
Address: 618 17 Avenue SW
Phone: 403-453-1183
UNA Pizza is a place that has this adorable European cafe-style patio where you can enjoy some kick-ass pizza and a whole bunch of fancy wines. Despite being kinda small, it’s the hottest spot in town during the summer. Everyone’s dying to get a table there, and once you taste their pizzas, you’ll realize what the hype is all about.
12. Craft Beer Market
Address: 345 10th Avenue SW
Phone: 403-514-2337
Craft Beer Market just revamped their rooftop, and it is absolutely lit! They added this sick roofed bar in the center, so you can chill and sip on your brews even if it’s raining. And if the sun’s shining, they got a rad outdoor sitting area where you can soak up those rays.
This place has such a cool and modern vibe, it’s like a magnet for all the hipsters in town, especially during the summer. You don’t wanna miss out on this place.
Summary
These patios in Calgary are a real treat for your taste and your senses. They’ve got it all—mouthwatering food, lively vibes, and views that will leave you breathless. It’s irrelevant if you want a peaceful riverside retreat, a bustling city hangout, or a dining experience that’s literally on top of the world, these places have something in store for you.
Next time you’re scratching your head about where to eat in Calgary, just take a peek at this list and choose your view. Because dining out is about more than just stuffing your face—it’s about the whole experience, my friends.
