After a long stressful day at work, people will want to unwind. What better place to enjoy cold beer and tasty food with your friends than in the best Calgary pubs?
Even if you don’t want to spend time with your friends and colleagues, these British-influenced establishments can also be places for you to enjoy some well-deserved me-time. Unlike bars, pubs have a more relaxing ambiance, with no loud music and need for intense socializing.
Anyway, let’s cut to the chase and learn about the best Calgary pubs perfect for any type of drinking session!
Table of Contents
1. The Ship & Anchor
| BEST FOR | Food, beer, soccer match live streams |
| PRODUCTS | Dine-in and Takeaway Food, Beer, Sports TV, Bar Games |
| WEBSITE | https://www.shipandanchor.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 534 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 245-3333[email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AMMonday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
The Ship & Anchor offers 30 craft beer options, which they can also use to mix and create new flavours for every customer. Their menu consists of sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and brunch options.
They have a patio for those who enjoy outdoor drinking, as well as bar games for those who want to socialize. The Ship & Anchor also hosts live music performances to liven up the mood on some days.
Beer-drinking soccer fanatics will be delighted to find out that The Ship & Anchor also hosts live streams of soccer games. Because of their delicious food, great beer, and fantastic atmosphere, many Calgarians consider The Ship as their go-to pub.
Highlights
- Live streaming of soccer matches
- An assortment of craft beers
- Outdoor seating
- Bar games
Customer Reviews
With their excellent services and reasonable prices, The Ship & Anchor has become a Calgarian crowd favourite. Check out the reviews of one of the best Calgary pubs:
The designated place to watch soccer in town! Food is always good and the service is fast.
Best place to enjoy a beer and catch a live game with friends.”
This place is always great. Awesome patio and the staff, food and drinks are great. Worth the line up to get in.”
All their taps are great! Huge selection of craft beers, and they change some up through the seasons. Not to mention, they poor a perfect pint of Guinness.”
2. Kensington Pub
| BEST FOR | Authentic British food |
| PRODUCTS | Dine-in and Takeaway Food, Beer, Wine |
| WEBSITE | https://www.kensingtonpub.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 207 10A St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1W7 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 270-4505 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday, 11:00 AM – 2:00 AMSaturday – Sunday, 10:30 AM – 2:00 AM |
Kensington Pub is home of English comfort foods such as Cornish patties and Yorkshire puddings. Their vast menu also offers breakfast options that are perfect for your family brunches.
They have alcoholic drinks ranging from their international draft beers to hard liquor such as wines and spirits. Currently, they have a discount of 15% off for takeout orders.
This family-owned business cares for both the customers and employees, which is one of the reasons why they’re among the best Calgary pubs. The staff is very friendly, and can quickly pick up what your orders are once you become a regular.
Highlights
- Authentic British food
- Attentive and friendly staff
- Special deals for takeout orders
- Wide selection of draft beers, wines, and spirits
Customer Reviews
Since 1993, Kensington has been providing the best pub experience for many Calgarians. Here are some reviews from their beloved customers:
“Cozy and warm place, reminds me of home and excellent service. Yummy traditional british food”
“Was looking for a place with wing specials and where my minor nephew could come along. Loved the atmosphere, cozyness, food and service. Our server Sam was amazing!! One of the best!”
3. Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub
| BEST FOR | Accessibility, fun gimmicks and events |
| PRODUCTS | Dine-in and Takeaway Food, Beer, Events |
| WEBSITE | https://www.bottlescrewbill.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 140 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0A3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 263-7900 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AMFriday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM
Saturday: 12:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
Conveniently placed in Downtown Calgary, Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub is considered by many pub-goers as one of the best Calgary pubs. They have a large selection of alcoholic beverages consisting of 23 brews on tap and 17 bottled beers.
They have Happy Hour and daily-special discounts on their meals and drinks, like the half-priced wings on Wednesdays. Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub can also host up to 50 people seated inside and 100 people at the patio for reservations.
What makes them a fun pub are their trivia nights and bar games that are open to all customers. They also have a unique event called the Around-the-World-in-80-Beers Passport for customers who love craft beer.
Highlights
- Convenient location at Downtown Calgary
- Special events and gimmicks
- Wide assortment of beers
- Large space
Customer Reviews
Customers always enjoy their time at Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub because of its fun staff and delicious food and drinks. Reading these customer reviews will help you understand why Bottlescrew Bill’s is one of the best Calgary pubs:
“The staff is amazing and welcoming and goes above and beyond. Passport is so fun. For anyone returning. Food is amazing and good prices, central. Love this place more then any other.”
“The dry ribs and the chicken wings make it worth going by themselves. Couple that was a rad beer selection and its my favourite watering hole in Calgary”
4. Bear & Kilt Freehouse
| BEST FOR | Pizza, Local Beer Selection |
| PRODUCTS | Dine-in and Takeaway Food, Beer, Sports Events, Games |
| WEBSITE | https://www.facebook.com/Bear-Kilt-142779135768529/ |
| ADDRESS | 110 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 232-8442[email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AMSunday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
Bear & Kilt is one of the hidden gems in the city, located near the Downtown Commercial CORE. It is a basement-pub decorated with lots of sports memorabilia that are sure to attract lots of sports fans.
They have a great selection of food and beer and are well-known for their pizzas and their special dish called ‘Bear Bangers.’ What makes them unique is that every month, they bring out a featured menu that always brings something new to the table for customers.
Bear & Kilt also hosts events for customers who love to bond over sports. To add to their fun yet cozy atmosphere, they also have pool tables and darts that customers can enjoy.
Highlights
- Cozy atmosphere
- Monthly featured menu
- Sports live streaming events
- Darts and pool table
Customer Reviews
With their amazing food and craft beer, fast services, and cozy atmosphere, you’ll surely be able to relax at Bear & Kilt. Check out what the customers have to say about their experience:
“The food and service are always great here (day or night). There’s pool tables, darts, buck Hunter, a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a staple Stephen avenue bar and my friends and I have been going for years because of how great it is!”
“I hosted 65 of my clients for two consecutive days and the Bear and Kilt Team was nothing less than awesome. My clients and myself had a blast. Great food especially the Pizzas, great atmosphere and the staff were very helpful and accommodating.”
5. Limericks Traditional Public House
| BEST FOR | Irish-themed pub experience |
| PRODUCTS | Food, Beer, Sports Events Live Streaming |
| WEBSITE | https://calgarysbestpubs.com/limericks/ |
| ADDRESS | 7304 Macleod Trail, Calgary, AB T2H 0L9 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 252-9190 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: 11:30 AM – 1:00amTuesday – Wednesday, 11:30 AM – 12:00am
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00am Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00am Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00am Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00am |
Limericks Traditional Public House offers a perfect balance of Irish, Scottish, and Canadian experience with their fantastic menu and beer selection.
They’re famous for their craft beer called the ‘Gas Lamp’. Aside from their wide menu, Limericks also has daily specials—such as 29-cent wings, Burgers & Beers, and Choose Your Pizza—that you can enjoy with your friends.
They offer event hosting, which comes with special sets of menus for different occasions. Limericks also has a large patio area perfect for your children and pets.
Highlights
- Family-friendly place
- Vast menu
- Sports events
- Irish-inspired pub
Customer Reviews
Limericks has been in the pub business since 1999 and has proven to be one of the best Calgary pubs. Here are some reviews to help you understand why Limericks is on our list:
“Nice place for food & drink and distance socializing. Dog friendly patio if you bring your fur babes. Some rain shelter. Great menu!”
“Great pub with great deals. I like the patio and the brunch menu. Steak sandwich usually on special on Thursdays. love the wings as well and a local beer called gas lamp”Sanguino
6. Bank & Baron P.U.B
| BEST FOR | Classy Pub Experience |
| PRODUCTS | http://www.bankandbaronpub.com/#block-quicktabs-menu |
| WEBSITE | http://www.bankandbaronpub.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 125 8th Ave SW, Calgary, AB |
| CONTACT DETAILS | PHONE: (587) 293-9688EMAIL: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday-Wednesday: 11am-9pm Thursday: 11am-10pm Friday: 11am-1am Saturday: 12pm-1am Sunday: 12-7pm |
Bank & Baron P.U.B is a business that is nestled in one of the most historical bank buildings in Alberta.
They are hailed as the Diner’s Choice Award in 2018 and are proud to offer an outstanding menu of PUB food and fine spirits.
Highlights
- Wide range of products
- Historical place
- New school PUB
Customer Reviews
Here’s a review from one of Bank & Baron P.U.B clients:
“Lots of great memories in this building – it’s gorgeous. Be sure to take a tour of the vaults when you’re downstairs.”
Here’s another one:
“Beautiful and grand feeling location, with an easy casual vibe. Good craft beer selection. Excellent service with hard working and friendly servers. Absolutely awesome location to book a private served and catered room for hosting clients or having a staff night out. The room overlooks the whole venue, and is just a stunning setting.”
7. Rose & Crown Pub
| BEST FOR | British-inspired menu |
| PRODUCTS | https://roseandcrowncalgary.ca/menu-cv19/ |
| WEBSITE | https://roseandcrowncalgary.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 1503 4th Street SW Calgary, Alberta T2R 0Y3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403-244-7757 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Sun/Mon 11am – 12am Tues/Wed 11am – 1am Thurs/Fri/Sat 11am – 2am |
The Rose & Crown was built during the 1920’s and was originally a funeral home. It was even rated as top four haunted places in Calgary. Enjoy the thrill of ghouls and ghosts along with good food and drinks.
Due to the food indulgence of others , they decided to serve their international and seasonal menu alongside their entertainment and catering functions.
Highlights
- Wide selection of draft beers, wines, and spirits
- Special events and gimmicks
- Historical place
Customer Reviews
Here’s a review from one of Rose and Crown Pub clients:
“They now have a massive patio which is awesome. I came here once things reopened from covid and the staff were all great. The food is solid. And they have some really good drink specials too. Wish I lived a few blocks closer!”
Here’s another one:
“Happy hour is great here and they have pretty good daily specials. Their food is okay, not a big fan. Had their mussels and they were pretty good. Calamari I had to send back. Burger with fries, just a patty with buns. Nothing special and didn’t taste like anything. But drinks are great here. My friends like their pico fries, they were good but I personally find them a bit too sweet. Staff is great, service was quick and friendly”
8. Winkin Owl Pub & Grill
| BEST FOR | Wings, beer and music. |
| PRODUCTS | https://www.thewinkinowl.com/the-pub/ |
| WEBSITE | https://www.thewinkinowl.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 13750 Bow Bottom Trail S.E.Calgary, Alberta |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 764-4668[email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 11AM – 1AMSaturday: 9AM – 1AM
Sunday: 9AM – 11PM |
Winkin Owl Pub & Grill offers a variety of beers, from the standard to best craft beers to cater to your different tastes and needs. They also boast their great food, especially their wide selection of 69 flavor wings that are sure to match your drink of choice.
In the Winkin Owl Pub & Grill, you are guaranteed to have the best experience as they aim to be the best pub in Calgary through their impressive beer selection and unmatched pub food. Take a break and relax at Winkin Owl Pub & Grill.
Highlights
- Offers the best selection of wings in Calgary, with over 69 different varieties
- Can find you a beer to your taste by their fine selection of spirits, wines, and even locally distilled spirits
Customer Reviews
Here’s a review from one of Winkin Owl Pub & Grill’s clients:
“A couple of us had a delicious lunch at the owl. Tried the wings (#69, servers suggestion), the Hoot Burger w/ poutine & the Cajun Chicken Wrap w/ Caesar salad. We were very impressed. Burger was cooked absolutely perfect. Server was excellent as well. Side note: Whoever made the Caesar drink it was excellent!”
Here’s another one:
“Wow, what an incredible experience! My first time coming out to a pub since quarantine and I felt so safe. The Wink is doing an incredible job. I want to mention the bartender, Kim (with the long blonde hair), she was FANTASTIC! So entertaining and fun. I had a blast. Thank you Kim!”
9. Lighthouse Pub
| BEST FOR | Wings, beer and music. |
| PRODUCTS | https://www.lighthousepubjc.com/menu-2020.html |
| WEBSITE | https://www.lighthousepubjc.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 1140 137 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2J 6T6, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 403-278-0053 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Sunday: 10AM-2AM |
The Lighthouse Pub opened its doors in 1999 with the objective of treating everyone like on “CHEERS”. There’s nothing better than going where everyone knows your name. The owners, Jen and Charlie, have made it there goal to make sure your visit is memorable. If they don’t know your name, give them a shot cause they should know it by your second or third visit, cause they know the experience will bring you back for more.
Featuring local talent our Sunday Night Open Jam, hosted by Jim Baxter, is a great place to hang out and listen to the tunes or get up and show them your stuff. So come and relax, listen to the great live music and enjoy a couple of drinks with your friends or colleagues.
Highlights
- Karaoke every Tuesday and Saturday
- Strictly follows sanitary protocols
10. Pazzer’s Pub
| BEST FOR | Extensive range of food and drinks |
| PRODUCTS | https://www.pazzerspub.com/#menu-section |
| WEBSITE | https://www.pazzerspub.com/ |
| ADDRESS | #1 5032 16 Ave NW T3B 0N3 Calgary, Alberta | Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone (403) 286-1500Email [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Saturday 11am – 12am Sunday 11am – 10pm |
Pazzer’s Pub is located in the Montgomery area and is pretty accesible to literally everyone!
They are a great stop and stay for all your functions and events or even just for a quick pint out. At their pub, you can watch some football or hockey while enjoying their scrumptious delicacies ans washing it all down with a beverage of your choice.
In comparison to others, they can host any team gatherings, weekly karaoke nights, and live music events, and so much more.
For their delivery options, they are available on Doordash, Uber Eats, and Skip the Dishes/
Highlights
- On Sundays, happy hour is available all day
- Has a monthly calendar for the events that will happen
Pubs are great for relaxing and casual socializing after a long day of work or classes. Whichever pub you choose, the best Calgary pubs will surely give you the well-deserved relaxing ambiance you need.
If you’re looking for a more lively place to drink, socialize, and even dance, you may want to check out our list of the best Calgary nightclubs.
