When you hit up Stephen Avenue Walk in Calgary (or, as locals call it, 8th Avenue), it’s all about soaking in that patio vibe. Look around, and every restaurant or café seems to be rocking some outdoor seating.
But here’s the deal – with hotel visitors mixing with folks taking forever lunches or slipping out early for happy hour, the Stephen Avenue patios get seriously buzzing, especially on sunny days.
That’s why it pays to know beforehand which ones to go to – so you can make a beeline for them before the crowds get there. Here’s a list of the coolest patios in the area, so you know exactly where to chill and hang out.
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The Guild
Website: http://www.theguildrestaurant.com/
Address: 200 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B5, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-770-2313
Operating hours: Monday – Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Thursday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM | Saturday: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
This patio’s kicking it in one of the coolest spots on Stephen Avenue, mainly because it’s one of the biggest patios in Calgary.
Just like other folks, you’ll love relaxing at the Guild’s outdoor spot for a weekday brunch, especially if you’re into big eats – think bone-in striploin, porterhouse, and smoked prime rib on the menu.
Good news for dog lovers – this patio is dog-friendly! They even give your pup their own bowl. This means you can bring your pup along to dine with you and enjoy some people-watching, as long as you keep them leashed.
The Unicorn
Website: http://superpub.ca/
Address: 223 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B5, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-265-3665
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM | Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
The patio at the Unicorn is right in the midst of all the action, which can be quite inviting for those of you who don’t mind a crowd.
While the area is a bit small, the seating is comfy and you will have a better dining time there. We’re talking about more than 20 beers on tap and plenty of patio-friendly cocktails.
When it comes to food, their best seller is the wings, so you have to try that! Flavor options include jerk, habanero mango, salt and pepper, and maple bacon.
Here’s a tip: if you can’t snag a seat on the street-level patio, try to get one by the window on the second floor!
National on 8th
Website: https://www.ntnl.ca/8th-avenue
Address: 225 8 Ave SW #360, Calgary, AB T2P 2W3, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-237-5556
Operating hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 3:00 PM – Late
As of writing, National on 8th is in the middle of some renovations, so they might not be open at the moment. It’s best to keep an eye on their social channels for announcements and updates on when they’ll be back in action.
Despite that, their patio on Stephen Avenue is so iconic that it would be a shame not to include them on the list! On top of that, they have other branches such as the National 17th and National Westhills, which you can check out.
Speaking of their patio, it’s like a rooftop beer garden, which is the ultimate social spot on 8th Ave. They have communal tables, ping-pong, and, of course, a killer beer selection.
And if you’re up for some fun in the sun, you can grab one of the four adult slurpees from the patio menu (happy hours might still be a thing, so check it out).
Earls Bankers Hall
— Media by cooperdentalyyc
Website: https://www.earls.ca/locations/bankers-hall
Address: 8 Ave SW #315, Calgary, AB T2P 1C4, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-265-3275
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM | Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
From delicious eats to a fantastic outdoor seating area, this Earls is a top spot for kicking back and relaxing. While Earls likes to mix things up on its menu, the grilled chicken Caesar salad always stays a fan favorite.
Plus, they have a range of non-alcoholic drinks, like their well-loved Calamansi Caipirinha with pomegranate, for those patio hangs when you’re not feeling the booze.
Now, their patio area gets shaded in the early evening, so if that’s your vibe, it’s perfect. The area has small tables, but if your big crew is the only one out there, they can rearrange things to make it a communal table.
Teatro Ristorante
— Media by alexsarian
Website: http://www.teatro.ca/
Address: 200 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0K7, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-290-1012
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM | Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Teatro is an upscale restaurant on 8th Avenue, offering weekend brunches, weekday lunches, and dinners. Despite all the sophistication, they have a small patio tucked on the side, ideal for soaking up a sunny afternoon or enjoying a weekend brunch with friends.
And, of course, the menu is fantastic, featuring a fancy upgrade to nearly every Italian dish. Keep in mind, though: this cozy spot is only available during the summer months, so plan your visit accordingly if you’re keen on that outdoor seating vibe.
Milestones
— Media by hollysadventuresyyc
Website: http://www.milestonesrestaurants.com/
Address: 107 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0K4, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-410-9521
Operating hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
This Milestones spot boasts a massive patio, just right for those summer evenings. It’s spacious, pet-friendly (they even have a menu for your furry friends!), and offers fantastic views. However, keep in mind that it can get a bit crowded, so be prepared for that.
In case you didn’t know, Milestones has a menu with a little bit of everything, making it the ideal patio for enjoying good food and chilling with friends any summer day. And if you happen to drop by on a chilly day, you can always request one of their propane fire tables.
Wise and Wright
— Media by downtowncalgary
Website: http://www.wiseandwright.ca/
Address: 317 7 Ave SW #163, Calgary, AB T2P 2Y9, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-454-2987
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
If you’re on the hunt for a patio spot around Stephen Avenue Walk with vegan options, Wise and Wright is a solid pick. This laid-back counter service joint offers tables both indoors and outdoors, so there’s a flexible option for you.
Their menu features wholesome bowls, flatbreads, and other nutritious meals. The outdoor seating is especially great for chilling during mornings and lunchtime, especially if you’re into people-watching as this is prime time for folks strolling along the avenue.
Cactus Club Cafe
— Media by michael__o_k
Website: https://www.cactusclubcafe.com/locations/stephen-avenue/
Address: Stephen Ave +, 178 – 317 7th Avenue Southwest, 3 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2Y9, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-454-9399
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM | Saturday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM | Sunday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
The coolest thing about Cactus Club Cafe is that you get those outdoor vibes no matter where you sit. We mean it – you can even be indoors at the bar or in a booth and still feel like you’re soaking up the outside atmosphere.
Now, when it comes to their actual patio, it’s L-shaped, specifically at the corner of 8th Avenue and 3rd Street S.W. It also opens up during the summer months.
The spot is nicely shaded, offering the perfect vantage point to watch folks strolling up and down Stephen Ave. Lunchtimes here get crazy busy, so roll in early, though, dinners are a bit easier but it still fills up fast.
Rosso Coffee Roasters – Stephen Ave
— Media by karlaabularach
Website: https://www.rossocoffeeroasters.com/pages/stephen-ave
Address: 140 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5J2, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-264-7900
Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Calgarians dig Rosso Coffee Roasters for its cozy vibes, perfect for kicking back with some espresso drinks and sandwiches.
Actually, it’s not just a hangout spot – it’s also laptop-friendly with available wifi and scattered wall outlets throughout this cozy cafe for those who want to get some work done.
Come summertime, this Rosso Coffee Roasters joint is a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, with tables set up outside for that al fresco feel.
Modern Steak
Website: http://www.modernsteak.ca/
Address: 100 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0K6, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-244-3600
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Apart from their impressive gourmet steak selection, locals flock to Modern Steak to bask in the fresh air at their rooftop patio, offering views of the Calgary Tower and Telus Sky building. The atmosphere is summer-ready, adorned with flower boxes and cheerful umbrellas.
If you want to dine in this rooftop haven, be sure to snag a reservation at the Modern Rooftop since it’s often buzzing. However, if elevated outdoor seating isn’t your vibe, opt for their street-level patio, which tends to be less crowded.
For a delightful dining experience, kick off with the wagyu dumplings, followed by the black Angus ribeye steak. Oh, and don’t forget to try the parmesan truffle fries with garlic aioli!
Saltlik
Website: https://saltlik.com/location/saltlik-calgary/
Address: 101 8 Ave SW #21, Calgary, AB T2P 1B4, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-537-1160
Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Saturday: 12:000 PM – 11:00 PM | Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saltlik’s outdoor area might be simple and chill, but there’s plenty of space for a bunch of folks. What makes this steakhouse a hit with locals isn’t just the chill vibes on their patio but also the grub on their menu.
They’re rocking all the classics: French onion soup, wedge salads, and apple pie that’s baked to order. These dishes are fantastic alongside mouth-watering options such as prime sirloin, filet mignon, New York striploin, and bone-in ribeye.
Imagine digging into a hearty meal while catching some rays (don’t worry, they have good shade!). That’s what’s waiting for you at Saltlik!
Blue Vinny Diner
— Media by dh_scott
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile
Address: 105 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B4, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-263-3880
Operating hours: Sunday – Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Thursday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Blue Vinny rocks the breakfast and lunch scene, and if you’re feeling brunchy, they have your back! So, this might just be your go-to patio – whether you want to chill, read a book, or simply people-watch, or if you’re rolling with a crew, just hang out all morning.
For food, keep it classic with a breakfast bowl loaded with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and hollandaise.
However, if you’re in the mood for something a bit different, French toast and macaroni and cheese are also prime picks for enjoying on their cozy little patio.
James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant
— Media by fmattock
Website: http://jamesjoycepub.com/
Address: 114 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B3, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-262-0708
Operating hours: Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM | Wednesday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM | Saturday: 10:000 AM – 2:00 AM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Step inside James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant, and you’ll catch a taste of Ireland with the Curran family artifacts on display.
But outside on their patio (during the warmer months, this spot turns into a pedestrian zone with outdoor seating), it’s a whole different Irish vibe with lively energy and Guinness umbrellas.
Pass by, and you’ll catch locals and tourists hanging out, enjoying drinks, and soaking in the patio scene – that’s the outdoor vibe they have going on!
Now, the best thing of all is that their outdoor spot has good cover. So, whether the sun’s shining brightly or it’s a bit gloomy and rainy, you can still kick back on the patio and enjoy your grub.
Bank & Baron P.U.B
Website: http://www.bankandbaronpub.com/
Address: 125 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B4, Canada
Contact Details: +1 587-293-9688
Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Bank & Baron P.U.B has everything you could wish for in a patio setup: dog-friendly and plenty of seating options for solo or group hangs.
Each table is also decked out with an umbrella for that perfect shade, and there’s always a friendly staff solely taking orders from the outdoor seating area.
Plus, their food is a winner, with must-try appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. Here’s a quick tip: while you’re on the patio, take a moment to admire the building – it’s one of the most beautiful and historic spots on Stephen Avenue!
Murrieta’s West Coast Bar & Grill
Website: http://www.murrietas.ca/
Address: 808 1 St SW #200, Calgary, AB T2P 1M9, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-269-7707
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:000 PM | Friday: 11:000 AM – 1:00 AM | Saturday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
If you’re in the mood for evening patio dining, Murrieta’s West Coast Bar & Grill is the ideal spot. Their patio is a balcony on the second level of the Alberta Hotel Building, making it ideal if you want to get views of the street below.
The seats are lined up side-by-side, facing out onto Stephen Avenue, offering the perfect view for people-watching at night. Cap off your day with top-notch cocktails, and, of course, don’t miss out on their popular dish, Scallop Fettuccine.
