The Ultimate Guide to Happy Hour in Downtown Calgary:

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey through Calgary’s downtown happy hour scene? Picture this: it’s been a long day at work, and you’re craving a refreshing drink and some delicious bites without breaking the bank. Enter the world of Best Happy Hour Spots in Downtown Calgary – a vibrant tapestry of flavors, deals, and unforgettable experiences!

But here’s the catch: with so many options available, how do you choose the perfect spot for your after-work unwinding? From hidden gems to popular hot spots, navigating the happy hour landscape can be overwhelming. Don’t fret! We’ve done the legwork for you, exploring the best happy hour spots, uncovering unbeatable drink specials, and discovering mouthwatering food offerings that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

Join us as we dive into the heart of Calgary’s happy hour scene, revealing the best times to visit, how to plan your happy hour crawl, and insider tips to make the most of your experience. Get ready to transform your evenings and become the go-to happy hour guru among your friends!

A. Top-rated bars and restaurants

Calgary boasts an impressive array of top-rated establishments for happy hour enthusiasts. Some standout venues include:

1. Añejo: Known for its extensive tequila selection and Mexican-inspired cuisine
2. Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub: Offers a vast beer menu and cozy atmosphere
3. The Guild: Features upscale cocktails and gourmet appetizer
4. Donna Mac: Provides a modern twist on classic drinks and small plates

Venue	Specialty	Ambiance
Añejo	Tequila & Tacos	Vibrant & Colorful
Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub	Craft Beers	Cozy & Rustic
The Guild	Craft Cocktails	Sophisticated & Elegant
Donna Mac	Modern Drinks	Contemporary & Chic

Each of best Happy Hour Spots in Downtown Calgary offers a distinct atmosphere:

• Barbarella Bar: Retro-futuristic decor with a 60s space-age vibe
• Cleaver: Industrial chic setting with a focus on meat-centric dishes
• Goro + Gun: Modern Japanese izakaya atmosphere
• Home & Away: Sports bar meets hipster hangout with arcade games

Happy hour pricing in downtown Calgary caters to various budgets:

• Budget-friendly: Blanco Cantina offers $5 margaritas and $3 tacos
• Mid-range: Cannibale provides discounted craft cocktails around $8-$10
• High-end: Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar features premium spirits at reduced prices

For the best value, consider:

1. Chilitos Taberna Mexicana: $5 house wine and beer, plus discounted appetizers
2. Free House: Rotating daily specials on local craft beers
3. Klein/Harris: Half-price bottles of wine and $5 bar snacks

Now that we’ve explored the best happy hour spots in downtown Calgary, let’s dive into the specific drink specials you can expect to find at these venues.

During happy hour in downtown Calgary, you’ll find an array of discounted cocktails to suit every palate. Many establishments offer classic cocktails at reduced prices, while others showcase their signature creations. Here’s a breakdown of some popular discounted cocktail options:

Cocktail Type	Average Discount	Popular Venues
Margaritas	30-40% off	Añejo, Blanco Cantina
Martinis	25-35% off	The Guild, Hy’s Steakhouse
Old Fashioned	20-30% off	Klein/Harris, Cleaver
Mojitos	30-40% off	Cannibale, Cibo

Many bars also offer daily rotating cocktail specials, ensuring there’s always something new to try during happy hour. Its the best Happy Hour Spots in Downtown Calgary.

Beer enthusiasts and wine lovers aren’t left out of the happy hour festivities in downtown Calgary. Here are some common beer and wine deals you can expect:

• $2-$3 off draft beers
• $5 house wine by the glass
• Half-price bottles of select wines
• $4-$5 domestic bottled beers
• Discounted craft beer flights

Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub and Free House are known for their extensive beer selections and great happy hour deals.

For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, many downtown Calgary establishments offer discounted options during happy hour:

• Mocktails at 30-40% off
• $2-$3 off fresh-pressed juices
• Discounted specialty sodas and craft non-alcoholic beers
• Reduced prices on premium coffee and tea drinks

Venues like Donna Mac and Goro + Gun often feature creative non-alcoholic happy hour specials.

With such a diverse range of drink specials available, downtown Calgary’s happy hour scene caters to all preferences and budgets. Whether you’re in the mood for a crafted cocktail, a local brew, or a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage, you’re sure to find a great deal. As we explore next, these drink specials are often complemented by enticing food offerings that make happy hour a complete experience.

During happy hour, downtown Calgary’s bars and restaurants offer an array of delectable bar snacks and appetizers to complement your discounted drinks. These small bites are perfect for sharing and satisfying your cravings without breaking the bank.

Popular options include:

• Nachos with house-made salsa and guacamole
• Crispy chicken wings with various sauce options
• Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil
• Sliders (mini burgers) with unique toppings
• Truffle parmesan fries

Here’s a comparison of some popular happy hour snacks across different venues:

Venue	Signature Snack	Price
Añejo	Street Tacos	$3 each
Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub	Poutine	$8
Cibo	Bruschetta	$6
Goro + Gun	Edamame	$4

For those looking for more substantial fare, many establishments offer discounted meal-sized portions during happy hour. These dishes provide excellent value for money and are perfect for an early dinner or a hearty late-afternoon meal.

Some popular meal-sized options include:

1. Gourmet burgers with fries
2. Personal-sized pizzas
3. Pasta dishes
4. Fish and chips
5. Steak frites (steak with fries)

Calgary’s happy hour scene caters to all dietary preferences, with an increasing number of venues offering vegetarian and vegan options. These plant-based choices are not only healthy but also bursting with flavor.

Some standout vegetarian and vegan happy hour offerings include:

• Cauliflower wings
• Veggie sliders
• Mushroom poutine
• Roasted vegetable flatbreads
• Vegan nachos with cashew cheese

As the culinary scene in Calgary continues to evolve, you can expect to find even more creative and delicious plant-based options during happy hour. Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply looking to explore meat-free alternatives, downtown Calgary’s happy hour menus have something for everyone.Its the best Happy Hour Spots in Downtown Calgary.

Weekday happy hours in downtown Calgary offer a perfect opportunity to unwind after work. Most establishments offer their best deals from Monday to Friday, typically starting around 3 PM and lasting until 6 PM or 7 PM. Some popular spots like Añejo and Blanco Cantina extend their happy hours until late evening, giving you more time to enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers.

Here’s a quick overview of some weekday happy hour timings:

Establishment	Happy Hour Timing
Añejo	3 PM – 7 PM
Blanco Cantina	3 PM – 6 PM, 9 PM – Close
The Guild	2 PM – 5 PM
Donna Mac	4 PM – 6 PM

While weekend happy hours are less common, several downtown Calgary establishments still offer great deals to attract customers. These specials often include:

• Extended happy hour timings
• All-day drink specials
• Brunch-focused happy hours

Some notable weekend happy hour options include:

• Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub: Saturday and Sunday specials
• Home & Away: Weekend game day specials
• Goro + Gun: Weekend sake and sushi deals

For those looking to maximize their happy hour experience, several downtown Calgary venues offer extended or unique happy hour options:

1. Late-night happy hours (9 PM – Close)
2. All-day happy hours on specific days
3. Early bird specials (11 AM – 2 PM)

Establishments like Cleaver and Free House are known for their extended happy hour offerings, giving patrons more flexibility in their schedules.

Next, we’ll explore how to navigate downtown Calgary’s happy hour scene effectively, ensuring you make the most of these fantastic deals and experiences.

Downtown Calgary offers a vibrant happy hour scene across several key areas. Stephen Avenue is the epicenter, lined with numerous bars and restaurants offering enticing deals. The Beltline district, particularly along 17th Avenue SW, is another hotspot for happy hour enthusiasts. East Village and Eau Claire also boast a growing number of establishments with attractive happy hour specials.

Neighborhood	Notable Streets	Popular Venues
Downtown Core	Stephen Avenue	The Guild, Donna Mac
Beltline	17th Avenue SW	Añejo, Blanco Cantina
East Village	4th Street SE	Goro + Gun, Cannibale
Eau Claire	2nd Avenue SW	Cleaver, Free House

• Navigating downtown Calgary during happy hour can be challenging, but with these tips, you’ll be sipping discounted drinks in no time:
• Use public transit: The CTrain is an efficient way to reach downtown, with several stations near popular happy hour spots.
• Parking options
  • Street parking: Free after 6 PM in most areas
  • Parkades: Often offer evening rates
  • ParkPlus system: Use the app for convenient payment
• Consider ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to avoid parking hassles and enjoy your drinks responsibly.

While enjoying Calgary’s happy hour scene, keep these safety tips in mind:

1. Stick to well-lit areas when walking between venues
2. Use the buddy system, especially late at night
3. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts
4. Keep your drinks in sight at all times
5. Have a plan for getting home safely, whether it’s a designated driver or a ride-sharing service

Remember, the legal drinking age in Alberta is 18, and it’s crucial to drink responsibly. Many venues offer mocktails and non-alcoholic options for those who prefer not to consume alcohol. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to explore Calgary’s diverse and exciting happy hour offerings safely and enjoyably.

Downtown Calgary boasts a vibrant happy hour scene that caters to various tastes and preferences. From trendy bars to upscale restaurants, the city offers an array of establishments with enticing drink specials and delectable food offerings. Whether you’re looking for craft cocktails, local brews, or gourmet bites, there’s something for everyone during these golden hours.

As you explore the downtown area, remember to plan ahead and check the timing of different happy hour specials. With a little preparation, you can make the most of Calgary’s diverse and exciting happy hour options. So gather your friends, colleagues, or loved ones, and embark on a journey to discover the best deals and experiences that downtown Calgary’s happy hour scene has to offer.