Best rooftop patios in Calgary to check out this season
Looking for the best rooftop patios in Calgary?
If there’s anything better than sipping a refreshing beverage on one of the many rooftop patios in Calgary, we can’t think of it.
Calgarians love drinking outside.
As long as it’s above 0ºC, you’ll likely catch locals on one of the many patios in the city, where they’ll remain for most of the summer and into the fall.
But a few of these fine outdoor beverage establishments sit just slightly above the rest (literally). Calgary is home to a number of rooftop patios, giving you the chance to enjoy an incredible view while you imbibe.
Here are 10 of the best rooftop patios in Calgary to check out this summer.
Free House
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Sure, Free House’s indoor space and street-side patio are nice, but the rooftop is clearly the best choice. This local beer and food hall serves traditional Canadian comfort foods with a sophisticated twist, has 24 beers on tap, and offers an ideal spot for people-watching in Kensington.
Address: 1153 Kensington Crescent NW
Phone: 403-452-1339
Modern Steak (Stephen Avenue)
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Modern Steak has two Calgary locations, but you’re going to want to choose the one on Stephen Avenue if you’re looking for views. The rooftop patio offers perfect sightlines to the Calgary Tower, Telus Sky building, and down the historic street.
Address: 100 8th Avenue SE
Phone: 403-244-3600
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Rooftop Bar @Simmons
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Rooftop Bar @Simmons has literally been named Calgary’s best rooftop patio (at least, according to its website). It offers panoramic views of the Bow River, St. Patrick’s Island, and the downtown skyline from the top of the Simmons Building. Food is provided by Connie and John’s Pizza, and there are buckets of beer a-plenty. Rooftop Bar also has built-in heaters and a fireplace for chilly nights and runs live music feature nights.
Address: 618 Confluence Way SE
Phone: 403-452-3115
Brewsters Brewing Company (McKenzie Towne)
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If you’re looking to venture out of the city centre, Brewsters in McKenzie Towne boasts one of South Calgary’s best patios. The local brewery serves up specialty craft beer and expertly created food with a side of suburban rooftop views.
Address: 11 McKenzie Towne Avenue SE
Phone: 403-243-2739
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The Rooftop YYC
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Address: 414 3rd Street SW
Phone: 403-262-0080
Craft Beer Market (downtown)
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With over 100 beers on tap, Craft doesn’t need much more of a draw to bring the crowds, but their rooftop makes the location an even bigger 10th Avenue hotspot. Craft’s patio offers lawn games, an adorable VW bus, and its own bar.
Address: 345 10th Avenue SW
Phone: 403-514-2337
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The Banquet Bar
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There are tons of food, drinks, and amazing games inside, but it’s what’s on the outside that counts. The outdoor patio here is amazing and even better, it’s a rooftop one.
Address: University District – #220, 3953 University Avenue NW, Calgary
National (8th Avenue and 10th Avenue locations)
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Both of National’s downtown locations feature amazing rooftop patios with some of the best urban views. The local beer halls have extensive beverage menus, unique elevated pub fare, and games like cornhole and ping pong.
Address: #360 225 8th Avenue SW
Phone: 403-237-5556
Address: 341 10th Avenue SW
Phone: 403-474-2739
JOEY Chinook
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Whether you’re shopping at CF Chinook Centre and want to grab a bite, or you make a special trip just to dine at Joey, it’s worth it for the lively rooftop patio. With perfectly crafted cocktails, a broad menu with options that are sure to please everyone, comfy booths, and adorable string lights, you can’t go wrong with this southwest Calgary spot.
Address: #100A 6455 Macleod Trail SW
Phone: 403-692-6626
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One Night Stan’s
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Located 520 17th Avenue SW, One Night Stan’s is a divey bar room that’s one of the coolest places to party in the city, 17th Avenue’s first dog-friendly patio, and it also has a rooftop patio with just a handful of seats if you’re lucky enough to get it.
Address: 520 17th Avenue SW, Calgary
With files from Elle McLean