6 places to pre-game before Calgary Stampede 2018

Mar 27 2018, 2:54 am

Stampede is the time of year when Calgary is in full bloom, with live music, rodeo, great food, and refreshing drinks that can be easily found on the grounds.

Like everything at the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, there are crowds and lineups for basically all of that. While the Stampede show is contained within the grounds, the entire city bursts with cowboy life and love for the duration of the event.

Below is a list of places where you can quickly grab something to eat or drink before heading to the Stampede grounds.

Cardinale

An Italian restaurant near the grounds, this place serves delicious food inspired by traditional cooking methods by using imported ingredients. They also serve cocktails, along with wine by the glass and the bottle.

Where: 401 12th Avenue SE

Time: 11:30 am to 10:30 pm

St. James Corner Restaurant & Irish Pub

Irish Embassy Pub & Grill /Facebook

Self-proclaimed to be “Calgary’s most authentic Irish Pub,” this place serves up classic pub grub favourites like fried pickles, chicken tenders, fish and chips, and shepherds pie. Of course, there is a wide selection of draft beers, wines, and cocktails.

Where: 1219 1st Street SW

Time: 11 am to 1 am

Native Tongues Taqueria

Sombreros_Tacos 9

Sombreros (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

In the mood for Latin food? Delicious tacos and cocktails are available for very reasonable prices, especially during Happy Hour. The tacos are especially good, and since they’re inexpensive, you can try out lots of different varieties at little cost.

Where: 235 12th Avenue SW

Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 am to 11 pm. Friday to Saturday, 11:30 am to Saturday 1 am.

Model Milk

This place is more about sharing plates, and there are lots of different options to choose from. Small plates, large plates, desserts, as well as a myriad of drinks can be found at this interesting local.

Where: 308 17th Avenue SW

Time: Tuesday to Sunday, 5 to 10:45 pm

Pigeonhole

Another plate-sharing restaurant (and a delicious one at that), Pigeonhole gets really busy really fast. Getting a reservation is well worth it for their affordable plates of sharable food. There is also a wide selection of wines and cheeses as well if you’re feeling like an upscale cowboy or cowgirl.

Where: 306 17th Avenue SW

Time: Monday to Saturday, 5 pm to “late”

Michael’s Pizza Restaurant & Delivery

pizza

Shutterstock

This family owned pizzeria is all about farm-fresh ingredients and calls itself the number one pizza restaurant in the city. It’s not just pizzas they serve here, but a wide selection of appetizers, hot sandwiches, pasta, and family-friendly drinks. The best part? They have a rooftop patio.

Where: 139 10th Avenue SW

Time: Monday to Thursday 11 am to 9:30 pm. Friday, 11 am to 10 pm. Saturday, 11:30 am to 10 pm.

Lucas TaylorLucas Taylor

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