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Nightlife Calgary’s nightlife is better than what one would expect of a cowboy and oil town in the middle of the Canadian prairie. Locals are friendly, festive and always ready to put away a big Alberta steak or a few drinks, especially on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. However, during the Stampede, Calgary transforms into a true party city. The city is best explored through its various neighbourhoods. Downtown is a fine place for a drink during the day or early evening and the partying continues at bars and clubs dotted throughout the area. If you want your action more concentrated, stick to areas like Kensington (known for its streets lined with a diverse range of cafés, bars, restaurants and clubs) or 17th Avenue SW (west of Fourth Street), a quieter setting where the pubs have more character and the restaurants veer more towards the ethnic. Alcohol can legally be served in Alberta until 0200 and the minimum drinking age is 18 years. Dress at most bars and clubs is casual, although more upmarket establishments may refuse entry to those wearing ripped jeans or trainers, for example. Admission to bars is free, unless a band is playing. Pints of beer and mixed drinks usually cost around C$4 or C$5. Pick up a free FFWD Weekly (website: www.greatwest.ca/ffwd) or Straight (website: www.calgarystraight.com) for information on club nights and gigs. Bars: The Barley Mill Eatery and Pub, beside Eau Claire Market at 201 Barclay Parade SW, is a lively bar offering a multitude of draught beers and whiskies, with a great patio in the summer. Nearby, The Garage Billiards and Sports, 200 Barclay Parade SW, has 17 pool tables, rock music and a grill menu. For a straightforward pub, you could do worse than The Ship & Anchor, 534 17th Avenue SW, with occasional jam sessions and gigs. The Wildwood Grill & Brewing Company, 2417 Fourth Street SW, is a brewery offering their own ales, lagers and seasonal beers, as well as ‘Rocky Mountain’ cuisine. For primo cocktails, try The Mercury, a stylish lounge bar located at 801B 17th Avenue SW. Casinos: Casino Calgary, 1420 Meridian Road NE (website: www.casinoabs.com), is the largest casino operating within Calgary. This fully licensed gaming lounge is open from 0930-0300 and offers table games, slot machines, a poker room and horseracing. The minimum age is 18 years, ID is required but there is no dress code. Clubs: Nightlife in Calgary is more suited towards bars, pubs and live music than clubs. Those looking for a nightclub, however, will not be disappointed (unless they are under 21 – the minimum age for some). The Palace, 219 Eighth Avenue SW, offers live music and dancing, as well as pool tables. Metro, 6120 Third Street SW, contains three different clubs under one roof – DJs spin a variety of tunes in the Ballroom, live bands play the Tonic Club, and ambient electronica sets the mood in the Limelight Lounge. The Embassy Nightclub, 516C Ninth Avenue SW, is a happening spot where two dancefloors play everything from disco to house until 0300. Live music: Not surprisingly, Calgary is a great location to take in country and western music. Free dancing lessons are on offer at Ranchman’s, 9615 MacLeod Trail South, a famous and always packed honky-tonk bar. Likewise, you’re sure to meet a cowboy or girl at the enormous and ever-popular Cowboy’s Dance Hall, 826 Fifth Street SW. The King Eddy, 438 Ninth Avenue SE, is a dark and smoky blues bar, although many consider the Kaos Jazz and Blues Bistro, 718 17th Avenue SW, the best spot in town for jazz and blues. N'awlins Bar and Grill, 550 11th Avenue SW, is a New Orleans-themed restaurant and bar, offering a Louisiana atmosphere and genuine Cajun cuisine (like gumbo, jambalaya and alligator meat). |
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