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MAC Calgary - Dining & Drinking
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Calgary is a city where an international population and a strong local culture assure a broad range of dining choices, whether you are looking for an old-fashioned family restaurant or feel a need to sample exotic foreign spices. The bar and club scene is no less diverse with establishments catering to every crowd, from draft beer swilling traditionalists to Martini-loving professionals to techno-rave enthusiasts.

There are several restaurant and bar districts, each with its own distinct flavor and character. From the refined pubs of Kensington to the rough and ready cowboy bars of the Stampede area, there is something for everyone to be found here.

Kensington

Kensington is the place to find the exotic and unusual in Calgary, with several blocks packed with small shops and restaurants. This is where the ethnically diverse establishments such as the Marathon Ethiopian Restaurant , Manana Imports, and the the Irish Kensington Pub can be found. The Latin ambiance of the Newt and Italian flavor of the Cava Cafe add even more character to an area famed for its diversity and adventurous architectural style. This is also ground zero for coffee shops, with over a dozen establishments ranging from cyber-cafes to old-fashioned bakeries crowded into a few blocks.

Inglewood

Inglewood is the oldest region of the city, and the area where the first settler in the Bow Valley built his homestead. The buildings date from the turn of the century, with many built in the now-crumbling sandstone blocks popular at the time. The local businesses reflect the frontier character by offering a more down-home Canadian atmosphere than the upper-crust cuisine of Kensington. This is where you will find Kane's Harley Diner, located in a Harley Davidson shop, as well as the Hose and Hound Pub, which occupies a deserted fire-hall.

17th Avenue

Fashion, flash and panache dominate 17th Avenue. Home to most of the city's upper-end clothing and jewelry designers, this is where the young and upwardly mobile strut their stuff. Martini and hibachi bars line the east end, while family and international restaurants nestle amongst the shops of the west end. Some of Calgary's more exotic nightclubs pump out industrial-driven techno music to crowds of over-energized teenagers late into the night.

Eau Claire Market

Eau Claire Market, located beside the Sheraton Cavalier, is the best place to find upscale chain restaurants. The market courtyard is surrounded with such culinary standbys as the Old Spaghetti Factory and Joey Tomato's Kitchen, while the interior is home to Prego Cucina Italiano and Cajun Charlie's.

Stephen Avenue Walk

Stephen Avenue Walk is a cobblestone street in the heart of the city which is closed to vehicles and has become a gathering point for Calgarians from all walks of life. This is where you will find The Palace Nightclub,, which is the undisputed monarch of Calgary nightclubs, as well as the more sedate The Unicorn Celtic Pub and a host of street cafes and small restaurants. Located beneath the towers of Bankers Hall, the sidewalks are always alive with street performers and buskers plying their trade amongst a steady stream of bike couriers, business people and travellers.

Fourth Street

If you are looking for a restaurant of any nationality, flavour or decor, chances are that it will be found somewhere on Fourth Street southwest. Between 17th street and the Elbow River, both sides of Fourth are jammed with dozens of restaurants serving fare as diverse as the Burger Inn's ostrich burger or the garlic-saturated "stinking steak" at Antonio's Garlic Clove. The Fourth Street area is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best places to eat in western Canada because of its ethnic diversity and wide range of prices.

Macleod Trail

If you are looking for a chain restaurant of any description, it will probably be found somewhere on Macleod Trail. A drive along the strip will reveal at least one franchise of every American fast food restaurant imaginable, as well as the Southcentre and Chinook shopping malls. Lined with McDonald's, Pizza Huts and similar establishments, the strip is 10 miles of blazing lights and deafening music emanating from the many boisterous nightclubs. Sandwiched between the Porsche and Ferrari dealerships is a vast strip mall complex which shelters Outlaws, the Back Alley and the French Maid, the largest and loudest of the Calgary clubs.

Stampede

This area is a little bit seedy, but contains some of the wildest and most interesting bars in the city. As it is close to the Stampede Grounds and the Saddledome, hockey fans and Stampede-goers make sure that an exciting time is had by all. The area is often frequented by sports celebrities traveling incognito and has become a favourite haunt of Prince Albert of Monaco.

The country-western tradition is especially strong here, with many bar patrons sporting cowboy boots and large-brimmed Stetson hats. Local saloon owners are fiercely loyal to the home hockey and football teams, and one has made a habit of standing in the street dressed only in red long underwear and sporting a shotgun while he waits for the opposing team's bus to drive by, which it invariably does after hockey games, accompanied by much derisive hooting from both the bar patrons and the occupants of the bus.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Antonio's Garlic Clove


For garlic lovers
2206 4th Street
SW
Calgary, AB T2S 1S9
Canada
+1 403 228 0866
http://www.garlicclove.net/ind...
If you enjoy the robust flavor of garlic, check out the signature dish of a restaurant famed for its indulgence in the healthy herb. Its steak—marinated, saturated, garnished and sauced with garlic—is sure to overpower even the strongest breath-freshener. The tidy and welcoming restaurant is outfitted in a traditional Italian style, with antique wine bottles intertwined among the vines lining the walls. For those who aren't enthusiastic about garlic, there are a number of unseasoned dishes and desserts on the menu. Even the air inside, however, is saturated with the sweet and strong scent of the "stinking rose."

Review © 2007, Wcities
Antonio's Garlic Clove photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Bankers Hall


Upscale haute couture at great prices
315 - 8 Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 4J7
Canada
+1 403 770 7145
This upscale, fashionable mall is in the heart of downtown Calgary and caters to the urban shopper. Some of the more eclectic shops include The Brass Monocle, Oxygen Clothing and a Wine Gallery that boasts hundreds of different types of wines. For the less spirited, there are the more customary stores such as Henry Singer Men's Wear, CrabTree and Evelyn. Of course if you're in the mood to take in a movie, do not forget about the cinemas on the fourth floor or the beautiful Sunterra Market on the second floor.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Bankers Hall photo by Nathan Taylor
Photo: Nathan Taylor
Bankers Hall photo by Rodrigo A. Sala
Photo: Rodrigo A. Sala
Bankers Hall photo by Arinn Westendorf
Photo: Arinn Westendorf
Bankers Hall photo by Travis Shaw
Photo: Travis Shaw
Bankers Hall photo by Ayton MacEachern
Photo: Ayton MacEachern
Bankers Hall photo by Brian Uhreen
Photo: Brian Uhreen
Bankers Hall photo by Neil
Photo: Neil
Bankers Hall photo by Brian Uhreen
Photo: Brian Uhreen
Bankers Hall photo by Amy Thai
Photo: Amy Thai
Bankers Hall photo by Adam Stewart
Photo: Adam Stewart
Bankers Hall photo by Roger Baker
Photo: Roger Baker
Bankers Hall photo by Mike O'Toole
Photo: Mike O'Toole
Bankers Hall photo by Roger Baker
Photo: Roger Baker
Bankers Hall photo by Brandi Reesor
Photo: Brandi Reesor
Bankers Hall photo by Elton Muuga
Photo: Elton Muuga
Bankers Hall photo by Kimberley Dart
Photo: Kimberley Dart
Bankers Hall photo by Kinden Kuo
Photo: Kinden Kuo
Bankers Hall photo by Steven Bulman
Photo: Steven Bulman
Bankers Hall photo by Ben Alexander
Photo: Ben Alexander
Bankers Hall photo by Dave
Photo: Dave
Bankers Hall photo by Witty nickname
Photo: Witty nickname
Bankers Hall photo by guigirl
Photo: guigirl
Bankers Hall photo by MDV
Photo: MDV
Bankers Hall photo by Kenneth Kwan
Photo: Kenneth Kwan
Bankers Hall photo by Peggy Patterson
Photo: Peggy Patterson
Bankers Hall photo by Andrew Sharp
Photo: Andrew Sharp
Bankers Hall photo by Philippe Clairo
Photo: Philippe Clairo
Bankers Hall photo by psychoactive.me
Photo: psychoactive.me
 

 
Burger Inn


High-class burgers
106-1711 4th Street South West
Calgary, AB T2S 1W5
Canada
+1 403 244 9293
Don't let the cheap-looking atmosphere stop you from enjoying the excellent food at the Burger Inn. Located on fashionable Fourth Street, its colorful murals and the smell of vinegar mixed with grilled beef lure diners in to sample the incredible burgers. This restaurant uses only premium meat—bison, turkey, ostrich and beef—in order to make a superior burger. Every burger is grilled, then garnished with fresh lettuce, onion and tomato and served on a thick bun. This down-home restaurant mainly does take-out, but there are a half-dozen tables inside for diners who don't want to eat on the run. A burger costs anywhere from CAD 2-7, depending on the type and quality of burger.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Burger Inn photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Calgary Stampede


The greatest outdoor show
Stampede Park
Calgary, AB T2P 2K8
Canada
+1 403 261-0101(Info) / +1 403 269-9822 (Tickets) / +1 800 661 1767 (Tickets)
www.calgarystampede.com
More than a million people pass through the gates of Stampede Park each July to enjoy what's billed as the greatest outdoor show on earth: a rodeo, carnival, midway, agricultural fair and street party packed into the confines of a downtown park. This event really lives up to its billing and absolutely takes over the city, with locals and visitors alike going cowboy for ten days.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Calgary Stampede photo by Mike Chen
Photo: Mike Chen
Calgary Stampede photo by kris krüg
Photo: kris krüg
Calgary Stampede photo by Michael Surtees
Photo: Michael Surtees
Calgary Stampede photo by rare_method2007
Photo: rare_method2007
Calgary Stampede photo by Roberta McDonald
Photo: Roberta McDonald
Calgary Stampede photo by lumo2
Photo: lumo2
Calgary Stampede photo by bmnichols2007
Photo: bmnichols2007
Calgary Stampede photo by nosalitar
Photo: nosalitar
Calgary Stampede photo by stampedeparade
Photo: stampedeparade
Calgary Stampede photo by Sean Phillips
Photo: Sean Phillips
Calgary Stampede photo by Margot
Photo: Margot
Calgary Stampede photo by yuriboiblu
Photo: yuriboiblu
Calgary Stampede photo by Ian H. Neilson
Photo: Ian H. Neilson
Calgary Stampede photo by sweetviscape
Photo: sweetviscape
Calgary Stampede photo by Jim Grant
Photo: Jim Grant
Calgary Stampede photo by Maria Teresa Michelangeli
Photo: Maria Teresa Michelangeli
Calgary Stampede photo by Bill Nadraszky
Photo: Bill Nadraszky
Calgary Stampede photo by Slava Zelenin
Photo: Slava Zelenin
Calgary Stampede photo by Georgie
Photo: Georgie
Calgary Stampede photo by Don Camacho
Photo: Don Camacho
Calgary Stampede photo by Alistair Henning
Photo: Alistair Henning
Calgary Stampede photo by dannysbeat
Photo: dannysbeat
Calgary Stampede photo by Evan Lewis
Photo: Evan Lewis
Calgary Stampede photo by Kasama V.
Photo: Kasama V.
Calgary Stampede photo by Tonya Sam
Photo: Tonya Sam
Calgary Stampede photo by Dan Bossler
Photo: Dan Bossler
Calgary Stampede photo by YatesLaberge.com
Photo: YatesLaberge.com
Calgary Stampede photo by Thomas Fung
Photo: Thomas Fung
Calgary Stampede photo by doris wilson
Photo: doris wilson
Calgary Stampede photo by Kristel Dekkers
Photo: Kristel Dekkers
Calgary Stampede photo by Fiona Lane
Photo: Fiona Lane
Calgary Stampede photo by dowens
Photo: dowens
Calgary Stampede photo by Max Low
Photo: Max Low
Calgary Stampede photo by Curtis Eng
Photo: Curtis Eng
Calgary Stampede photo by Larry McClements
Photo: Larry McClements
Calgary Stampede photo by Paul Melting Tallow
Photo: Paul Melting Tallow
Calgary Stampede photo by Asamanja Mallik
Photo: Asamanja Mallik
 

 
Chinook Centre


One big facelift
6455 Macleod Trail SW
Intersection of Macleod and Glenmore Trails
Calgary, AB T2H 0K8
Canada
+1 403 259 2022 x2 / +1 888 259 2022 x3 (Toll Free)
http://www.chinookcentre.com
From the outside, this enormous shopping centre looks a bit like a giant spaceship. The Bay, Zellers and Sears are the major stops here, while The Gap, Eddie Bauer, Hallmark and The Sony Store are among some 150 other mall tenants. There are also dozens of services and a professional building at the heart of the mall. A massive new food court is the feature attraction of the reworked mall, which for years was in many ways two malls separated by an elevated parking garage.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Chinook Centre photo by Chris Garrett
Photo: Chris Garrett
Chinook Centre photo by Crystal.H
Photo: Crystal.H
Chinook Centre photo by Timothy Friesen
Photo: Timothy Friesen
Chinook Centre photo by likekenshin
Photo: likekenshin
Chinook Centre photo by Dan Wallbank
Photo: Dan Wallbank
Chinook Centre photo by TheIguana
Photo: TheIguana
 

 
French Maid


Exotic dining and drinking
302 Third Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 0G4
Canada
+1 403 269 7544
http://www.frenchmaid.com
This exotic nightclub has long been the focus of attention for Calgary's rowdy young males. Video Lottery terminals and interactive arcade games line one wall, while exotic dancers perform on a stage at the other end. VIP booths can be reserved for large parties, but tables are usually available without a reservation. The food is excellent, with a full dinner menu including fresh local steak and produce, as well as seafood, appetizers and a full complement of desserts. Drinks are expensive, ranging anywhere from CAD57 each.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Hose and Hound Neighbourhood Pub


Firestation decor
1030 9th Avenue Southeast
Calgary, AB T2G 0S7
Canada
+1 403 234 0508
This warm and inviting pub occupies a turn-of-the-century firehouse and plays out the firefighter theme throughout its open and airy interior. The barroom ceiling is a good thirty feet above the hardwood floor; the four other rooms all have balconies overlooking the bar, with separate areas for dining, drinking, pool and darts. Vintage firefighting equipment such as axes, fire-coats and ancient pumps line the walls, while a huge ceramic Dalmatian, mascot of all firefighters, guards the bar. They serve a full compliment of excellent burgers, steaks and other American foods.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Hose and Hound Neighbourhood Pub photo by Patrick N.
Photo: Patrick N.
 

 
Joey Tomato's Kitchen - Eau Claire


Lotsa pasta, lotsa fun
208 Barclay Parade SW
(Eau Claire Market)
Calgary, AB T2P 4R5
Canada
+1 403 263 6336
http://www.joeysmedgrill.com/h...
Giant bottles of the house white line the booths at this boisterous and casual Italian eatery, which is part of a small but growing regional chain. The emphasis is on moderately priced pastas and a wide range of appetizers, but many people head right to the menu's pizza section for everything from traditional four-cheese numbers to offbeat tandoori chicken toppings, most for less than CAD10. The decor consists of a noisy, casual Italian market atmosphere finished off by an open kitchen. If the weather cooperates, try for a table on the large outdoor patio.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Joey Tomato's Kitchen - Eau Claire photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Kane's Harley Diner


Diner and motorcycle shop in one
1209 9th Avenue Southeast
Calgary, AB T2G 0T1
Canada
+1 403 269 7311
This establishment offers the novel concept of a restaurant with a Harley Davidson dealership in the back and serves up traditional diner food in a clean, well-lit atmosphere, with seats embroidered in the traditional Harley colours of orange and black. The restaurant also serves as a show floor, with shiny new hogs arranged among the tables. Many of the customers are businessmen going through mid-life crises, but there are a few true-blue bikers around as well. The menu is strictly hamburger, hotdog and nacho fare, and the service is good.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Kane's Harley Diner photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Kensington Pub


Traditionalist's dream
207 10a Street Southwest
Calgary, AB T2N 1W2
Canada
+1 403 270 4505
A little respite from the biting winds of Calgary winters can be found inside the cozy crannies of this pub. Built on three levels with a dining area, bar and loft, there's plenty of choice in seating arrangements and noise levels. Traditionalists' dreams come true with this homey establishment's exposed beams set in white plastered walls and sturdy oaken furniture, along with its selection of 10 specialty beers and ales. The air is relatively smoke-free, without the choking cloud often present in busy pubs. According to the staff, the sliced beef sandwich is the best in Calgary, although the fish and chips are a contender, too. Whether you're looking for a satisfying lunch or a night of conversation, this little pub is certain to please.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Kensington Pub photo by Christina Krogh
Photo: Christina Krogh
Kensington Pub photo by Barry
Photo: Barry
Kensington Pub photo by Rian Wall
Photo: Rian Wall
 

 
Marathon Ethiopian Restaurant


Ethiopian spice
130 10th Street Northwest
Calgary, AB T2N 1V3
Canada
+1 403 283 6796
For jaded diners who cannot stand the thought of another steak sandwich, the Marathon, in trendy Kensington, offers spicy and exotic concoctions of Ethiopian cuisine. Served in the traditional Ethiopian manner, the food consists of dozens of exotic pastes served on flat round bread, which does double-duty as both a plate and utensil. The pastes are exciting concoctions of lamb, beef, chicken, lima beans and vegetable mixes. There are full vegetarian combinations available as well. Meals are generally communal affairs, with up to five people eating off of one large round-bread.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Prego Cucina Italiano


Takes you to Italy
2nd Floor, Eau Claire Market
Calgary, AB T2P 4R5
Canada
+1 403 233 7885
Voted one of Calgary's "Top Ten" places to eat by "Where" magazine, this smoke-free Italian restaurant is located on the second level of Eau Claire Market. One of the nicest things about Prego Cucina is the view: the patio overlooks Prince's Island Park, and is only a short walk from downtown. They specialize in traditional Italian cuisine and offer daily pasta specials. You can also choose from other entrees such as seafood, steak and veal. They also have a large selection of beer and wine.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Prego Cucina Italiano photo by carpenter_ken
Photo: carpenter_ken
 

 
Southcentre Mall


For whatever you're looking for
100 Anderson Road SE
Calgary, AB T2J 3V1
Canada
+1 403 225 0123
Southcentre, one of Calgary's largest shopping malls, has over 192 different stores and services. It serves a large section of the city's Southwest. The mall encloses more than one million square feet of retail space and a brand new underground parkade. The mall now features local retailers like McLeod Brothers and Thomas Jeffrey. Plus, there are a number of high-end national stores like The Gap, Club Monaco and Sport Check.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Southcentre Mall photo by The Heebee-jeebees
Photo: The Heebee-jeebees
Southcentre Mall photo by Ian Rogers
Photo: Ian Rogers
 

 
Stephen Avenue Walk


Historic downtown stroll
8 Avenue South West
Calgary, AB T2P 1C2
Canada
+1 403 215 1566 (Calgary Downtown Association.)
The sandstone buildings along downtown's Stephen Avenue were constructed after a fire in 1886 destroyed much of the neighbourhood. Several of those historic buildings fell victim to developers' wrecking balls, but the few that remain are worthy of an afternoon stroll during which you can revel in their architecture. Check out the Old City Hall, the Hudson's Bay Company and the old Bank of Montreal Building, which now houses a vast music store. Along the way you can indulge in the diversions offered by many popular shops and restaurants.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Stephen Avenue Walk photo by o sea d
Photo: o sea d
Stephen Avenue Walk photo by Nox Dineen
Photo: Nox Dineen
Stephen Avenue Walk photo by Brian Chow
Photo: Brian Chow
Stephen Avenue Walk photo by Stephen Viller
Photo: Stephen Viller
Stephen Avenue Walk photo by Steve's Picture Gallery
Photo: Steve's Picture Gallery
Stephen Avenue Walk photo by Charles Jacobson
Photo: Charles Jacobson
Stephen Avenue Walk photo by azztecc
Photo: azztecc
Stephen Avenue Walk photo by مشروع[بث تجريبي}-عال
Photo: مشروع[بث تجريبي}-عال
 

 
Unicorn


Plentiful pints
304 Eighth Ave South West
St Stephen Mall
Calgary, AB T2P 1C2
Canada
+1 403 234 8816
http://www.theunicorncalgary.com
On St. Patrick's Day the lines stretch up the stairs from this basement restaurant-pub to the Stephen Avenue pedestrian mall, with everyone wanting to get in and be Irish for a day. The rest of the year the place is marketed as traditional Irish but could just as easily be traditional Welsh or British, with the food and atmosphere not tilting too heavily toward any particular old-world origin. Known for its lively downtown clientele, there are plenty of traditional beers on tap and pub food available. A Victorian-influenced dining room offers more formal meals, the menu offering items such as Tex-Mex Chicken and Steak and Kidney Pie.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Unicorn photo by Yewco Kootnikoff
Photo: Yewco Kootnikoff
 

 
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