BoozeFood

(Update 3) Back In Business: Guide to Calgary restaurants and patios open for dining or drinks

As Alberta moves ahead with easing pandemic lockdown restrictions, we’re welcoming back restaurants who have been shuttered since March when COVID-19 distancing measures went into place. 

We’re not out of the woods yet — physical distancing is still in play — but some restaurants are opening up their doors again, following government guidelines for safety. 

Here’s a list of who’s ready to welcome you back for drinks and eats — at a six-foot distance, of course.

LATEST ADDITION (JUNE 8)

Donna Mac

1002 9th St. S.W.

It’s takeout with a twist. Donna Mac is still dishing up delicious takeout (may I personally recommend the chicken sandwich? Because I do) and now you can enjoy it on this restaurant’s patio with a nice beer, some bubbles or a spritz. 

donnamacyyc.ca

Yellow Door Bistro and Poolside by Hotel Arts, Oxbow and Hotel Arts Kensington

119 12th Ave. S.W., 1126 Memorial Dr. N.W.

Whether you’re north or south of the river, Hotel Arts has you covered. At the original Hotel Arts in the Beltline, both Yellow Door Bistro and the poolside area are open (just the patio, mind you, not the actual pool yet). At the Kensington location, Oxbow’s patio, lounge and restaurant are open for dinner and an a la carte brunch on the weekends. 

hotelarts.ca

hotelartskensington.com

Rain Dog Bar

1214 9th Ave. S.E.

This Inglewood spot is back in business. Cheese, charcuterie, pretzels and pickled eggs are on the (current) menu, though check Instagram for the latest offerings. If you want to support them, but aren’t ready for physically distanced dining, Rain Dog is selling a variety of pies for pick up, from Cordon Bleu to Mac and Cheese.

raindogbar.com

Pig and Duke (downtown)

503 4th Ave. S.W.

After burst pipes and a pandemic, the downtown location of Pig and Duke is back with all the beer and pork-centred dishes you desire. 

pigandduke.ca

River Café

25 Prince’s Island Park

There are few better patios in the city than the one at River Café, so we’re happy to see it open again as we head into summer. Brunch, lunch and dinner are on offer from Wednesdays to Sundays at the restaurant. Or, you can opt for a picnic lunch picked up from the restaurant to be enjoyed elsewhere. Those are also available from Wednesday to Sunday — orders to be placed the night before. 

river-café.com

Rapid Ascent Brew Company

10985 38 St. N.E., #109

The taproom is open again, with Rapid Ascent pouring a wide range of beers, along with food like nachos and mini pizzas.

rapidascentbrewing.com

RECENT ADDITIONS

Loco Lous

1324 16th Ave. N.W.

Even wing night Wednesday is back on the menu at this spot, along with other food and drink specials throughout the week.

locolous.ca

Bottlescrew Bill’s and Buzzards

140 10th Ave. S.W.

With a six-page menu of beer alone, there are plenty of ways to raise a glass to this Calgary favourite being open again. Pop in between 2 and 9 p.m. from Sunday to Tuesday and noon to midnight, Wednesday to Saturday. Dog lovers note: the pooch patio opens the first week of June.

bottlescrewbill.com

Marda Loop Brewing Co.

3523 18th St. S.W.

Smoked meat, wings and warm cookies — not to mention plenty o’ beer, of course — are all available again, even on the pet-friendly patio. This spot is open Monday to Thursday from 2 to 10 p.m., 1 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Families welcome.

mardaloopbrewing.com

Rose and Crown

1503 4th St. S.W.

Good food, great drinks and a comfy patio complete with natural shade from leafy trees — it’s good to have this classic spot back.

roseandcrowncalgary.ca 

Home and Away

1207 1st St. S.W.

Burgers, tacos, wings, pizza. With the full menu in play (along with ongoing takeout), what more do you need? Drinks, yes, well Home and Away has plenty of beer and wine available too.

homeandawayyyc.com

Sauce Italian Kitchen and Market

3326 17th Ave. S.W.

For all your classic Italian food cravings, Sauce is open once again for dine-in. For now, you must reserve a table in advance.

sauceitalianmarket.com

Ol Beautiful

1102 12th St. S.E.

Both the patio and taproom of this Inglewood brewery are back open — and they’re featuring a new beer to reflect the strange times. Future Nostalgia, an India Pale Lager, is said to be perfect for patio sipping. The taproom is open from Tuesday to Thursday, noon to 10 p.m., from noon to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.

olbeautiful.com

The Cat ‘n Fiddle

540 16th Ave. N.W.

In their own words, “the cat is back.” With a newly refinished patio with lots of well-spaced picnic tables, it’s the perfect time to get reacquainted with this pub.

catnfiddleyyc.com

Madisons 1212

1212 9th Ave. S.E.

All your nacho cravings can be satisfied again with this Inglewood joint open for dine-in inside and on the patio. Reservations are recommended — and yes, that includes for the patio. Hours are a little shorter than usual, so hit them up between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily.

madisons1212.com

Hayden Block

1136 Kensington Rd N.W.

Smoked meats of all shapes and sizes, along with delicious sides — hello deep-fried pickles! — can now be enjoyed inside this Kensington spot once again. (Though, yes, takeout is still an option.) Get your barbecue fix any day from 11 a.m. to late — take note that happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m.

haydenblockyyc.com

Cardinale

401 12th Ave. S.E.

Fresh pasta made daily and classic Italian antipasti are on the menu, not to mention a delicious selection of cocktails and wine, at this restaurant that sits at the edge of the Stampede grounds. Once again open for dine-in service, you can grab a table between 11:30 a.m. and “late,” from Monday to Saturday.

cardinale.ca

Santorini Greek Taverna

1502 Centre St. N

This Calgary institution, which serves up traditional Greek favourites, from kalamari and saganaki to roast lamb, is ready to have you say “Opa!” while enjoying a meal in house.

santorinirestaurant.com

Bitter Sisters Brewing Co.

510 Heritage Dr. S.W.

In a cruel bit of unfair timing, Bitter Sisters opened not long before COVID-19 forced them to shut their doors, but now this spot is back, pouring their signature beers and dishing up an international mix of dishes, from Nashville Hot Chicken sandwiches to Kung Pao Noodle Bowls and Ginger Sesame Tuna Tartare. Hours have been adjusted slightly, so check them out between 3 and 10 p.m., Monday to Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

bittersisters.co

ORIGINAL LIST

Alforno Bakery and Café

222 7th St. S.W.

Pizza, pasta and all your caffeine needs are available again for dine-in service, though, yes, delivery and pick up are still options too. Dine in is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. 

alforno.ca

Broken City

613 11th Ave. S.W.

The patio is open at this Beltline spot with a limited menu — takeaway is still available through phone orders. Information is updated regularly on Broken City’s Instagram account and you can find safety protocol information on their site.

brokencity.ca

Container Bar

1131 Kensington Rd. N.W.

This outdoor-only spot next to the building that houses Winebar Kensington and what will soon be Eat Crow , is small in size but big in options for eats and drinks, including everything from rhubarb-glazed duck hearts and oysters to good old poutine.

containerbaryyc.com

Craft Beer Market

345 – 10th Ave. S.W.

Both the restaurant and massive rooftop patio — which allows for plenty of six-feet-apart beers — are open. You can even book reservations online to help, well, lock down a patio table. Find hours, reservations and a page explaining the measures being taken to adhere to restrictions on their site. craftbeermarket.ca

Cucina Market Bistro

515 8th Ave. S.W.

This downtown spot is open for breakfast and lunch. Head to their website for a list of daily features that nod to the restaurant’s Italian flair.

eatcucina.com

Diner Deluxe

804 Edmonton Trail N.E.

106 Mahogany Centre S.E.

Both the Edmonton Trail and Mahogany locations of this popular spot are open again for brunch cravings. Get your breakfast fix from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at either location on the weekends or head to the Mahogany spot on Friday evenings when they’re open from 4 to 8 p.m.

dinerdeluxe.com

Last Best Brewing Company

Menu offerings have been reduced for the time being, but you’ll still find many delicious options to choose from and, of course, a healthy roster of craft beer to sample during their also limited hours — Tuesday to Saturday 3 p.m. to close. For what’s on tap, head to their site.

Lastbestbrewing.com

Mikey’s on 12th Avenue

918 12th Ave. S.W.

The blues are back — in spirit, anyway. While we’ll have to wait a little longer for live music to return to the room, the bar and restaurant has opened for service, including their patio. Have yourself a pint or get yourself something from their (should-be) famous Taco Shop or from their regular bar menu, which you can find on their website.

Mikeyson12th.com

Modern Steak (downtown location)

100 8 Ave. S.W.

The rooftop patio is open for all your steak and cocktail cravings. Take in the view from this Stephen Avenue spot, three floors up from the street. The patio will be open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

modernsteak.ca

National on 17th

550 17th Ave. S.W.

Clive burgers, a killer chicken sandwich and deliciousness from the pizza bar are all available again for dine-in — along with the rest of the menu, of course. Grab a beer or one of their signature cocktails to go with.

ntnl.ca

Patisserie du Soleil 

2525 Woodview Dr. S.W.

French pastries, crepes, croque monsieurs and all sorts of coffees, naturellement, can be enjoyed in-house again at the Woodbine location of this popular bakery from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

patisseriedusoleil.com

Rouge

1240 8th Ave. S.E.

Both dining inside, with tables well spaced amongst the numerous rooms — the benefit of having a restaurant in a historic house — and on the garden-based patio are open. Dishes with Rouge’s signature French flair and focus on local and seasonal ingredients are on the menu.

rougecalgary.com

Teatro

200 8th St. S.W.

A cornerstone of downtown dining, Teatro is back at it with nightly service that runs from 5 p.m. to close daily. Enjoy the Italian-influenced menu and definitely check out the extensive wine list. 

teatro.ca

Trolley 5

728 17th Ave. SW

The patio has been extended over the sidewalk to ensure proper distancing for consuming house-brewed beers and dishes ranging from wings and burgers to smoked meat.

trolley5.com

Winebar Kensington

1131 Kensington Rd. NW

This neatly contained patio, which sits on Kensington Road itself, is offering signature nibbles and, of course, a lot of excellent wines.

winebarkensington.com

Help us keep this list up to date! Let us know of other restaurants that are now offering dine-in/patio options by tweeting @gwendolynmr.