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Home - City Guide - Calgary - Nightlife | ||
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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 down a big Alberta steak or a few drinks, especially on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. During the Stampede, however, Calgary transforms into a true party city. It is best explored through its various neighbourhoods. The downtown is a fine place for a drink during the day or early evening, but as workers make their way home to the suburbs, it quickly becomes deserted and desolate. Visitors are wiser to stick to areas like Kensington, known for its streets lined with a diverse range of cafÉs, bars, restaurants and clubs. Electric Avenue is found on 11th Avenue, between Fifth and Sixth Streets, and offers a string of popular, although somewhat loud, taverns. A quieter setting for an evening on the town can be found on 17th Avenue Southwest, 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. Bars: The Barley Mill Eatery and Pub, 201 Barclay Parade, Eau Claire Market, is a lively bar offering a multitude of draught beers and whiskeys, with a great patio in the summer. Visitors looking for something with more of a western theme can check out the Garage Billiards Bar and Grill, 200 Barclay Parade Southwest, with 18 pool tables, rock music, and a grill menu. The Mission Bridge Brewing Company, 2417 Fourth Street, is a brewery offering their own ales, lagers and Belgian-style beers, as well as California-influenced food. Casinos: Casino Calgary, 1420 Meridian Road Northeast, is the largest casino operating within Calgary. This fully licensed gaming lounge is open from 1000-0300 and offers table games, slot machines, a poker room and horseracing. The minimum age is 18 years and proof of identification is required. Clubs: Nightlife in Calgary is more suited towards bars, pubs and live music. Those looking for a late-night club, however, will not be disappointed. The Palace, 219 Eighth Avenue Southwest, offers live music and dancing, as well as pool tables. Metro, 6120 Third Street Southwest, contains three different clubs under one room - the Tonic Club, the Limelight Lounge and the Ballroom. Live music: Not surprisingly, Calgary is a great location to take in country and western music. Free lessons are on offer at Ranchman's Steakhouse, 9615 MacLeod Trail South, a famous and always packed honky-tonk bar. The King Edward Hotel, 439 Ninth Avenue Southeast, offers hosts country and western as well as R'n'B acts. The Kaos Jazz and Blues Bistro, 718 17th Avenue, is the best spot in town for jazz and blues. Those interested in something more alternative should head to Republik, 219 17th Avenue Southwest. N'awlins bar and Grill, 550 11th Avenue Southwest, is a New Orleans-themed restaurant and bar, offering a Louisiana atmosphere and genuine Cajun cuisine, like gumbo, jambalaya and alligator meat. |