Step into Calgary's vibrant outdoor dining scene, where the sun-soaked vibes and mouthwatering meals await on charming patios scattered throughout the city.
Picture yourself lounging in the open air, surrounded by the buzz of city life and the tantalizing scents of delicious cuisine.
From cozy cafes to chic rooftop bars, Calgary's patio culture has something for everyone, whether you're craving a leisurely brunch or a romantic dinner under the stars. Join us as we explore the city's best al fresco spots, where each meal becomes a memorable experience filled with laughter, good company, and unforgettable flavors.
Soak up the sunshine by day and revel in the magic of twinkling lights by night as we guide you through Calgary's best patios, where every moment is an invitation to embrace the joys of outdoor dining in this amazing Canadian city.
1. Cold Garden Beverage Company
If you're on the hunt for a spot in Calgary where craft beer and unique vibes come together, Cold Garden Beverage Company's outdoor patio is the place to be. With a tempting selection of snacks and an impressive lineup of craft beers, it offers a perfect blend of flavors and experiences.
The patio itself mirrors the brewery's eclectic and laid-back spirit, providing a relaxed setting that's ideal for soaking up the sun during the day or enjoying the cozy ambiance under string lights at night.
What truly distinguishes Cold Garden is its vibrant community atmosphere. Each visit feels like an easy-going hangout with friends, whether you're a Calgary regular or just in town for a visit.
The patio serves as a casual backdrop for memorable moments, making every outing feel like a special occasion.
For those eager to dive into the heart of Calgary's outdoor dining scene, Cold Garden is a must-visit destination.
Not only does it offer some of the city's most inventive and delightful beers, but it also captures the essence of what makes patio dining so enjoyable.
Location: Cold Garden Beverage Company - Google Maps
2. Citizen Brewing Company
Citizen Brewing Company stands out in Calgary's vibrant outdoor dining scene with its uncompromising commitment to quality and community. Crafting beers that the brewers themselves love to drink, this spot doesn't cut corners.
Their passion is evident in every pint served, making it a destination for those who appreciate the dedication behind their favorite brews. Nestled at the edge of the Greenview industrial area, Citizen finds its home between the Tuxedo and Highland Park communities, offering a unique blend of urban and communal vibes.
The brewery boasts not one, but two expansive patios that collectively welcome over 200 guests, including your four-legged friends!
It’s a sight to behold with hop vines and vegetable gardens that add a touch of greenery and freshness to the industrial backdrop.
Citizen Brewing Company's outdoor patios offer a space where everyone feels welcome, emphasizing that the joy of beer drinking is best shared.
With room to gather, celebrate, or simply enjoy a quiet afternoon, it's a hub for connection and relaxation.
Location: Citizen Brewing Company - Google Maps
3. River Cafe
Nestled within the lush landscapes of Prince's Island Park, River Cafe offers a serene escape with its chic outdoor patio that brings the beauty of Calgary's natural surroundings to your dining table.
This upscale eatery is celebrated for its commitment to locally sourced meat and seafood, presenting a menu that's as fresh as the open air around you. The charm of River Cafe lies in its transformation of a restored park concession building into a dining haven that perfectly blends elegance with the tranquility of its park setting.
As you settle into the comfortable seating on the patio, you're treated to scenic views that make every meal here a picturesque experience. It's an ideal spot for those special occasions or simply when you're in the mood to indulge in some culinary excellence amidst nature.
The attention to detail in both the menu's creation and the selection of local ingredients showcases a dedication to sustainability and flavor that's hard to find elsewhere.
Whether you're a long-time local or a visitor exploring the city's culinary delights, River Cafe promises an enchanting dining experience that lingers long after the meal has ended.
Location: River Cafe - Google Maps
4. Lulu Bar
Lulu Bar is a lively place in Calgary's patio dining scene, known for its industrial chic ambiance and a menu bursting with Asian-fusion delights. This spot is where vibrant flavors meet cool cocktails and beers, all served up in a setting that’s as stylish as it is welcoming.
The outdoor patio at Lulu Bar offers a refreshing urban retreat where the city's energy is matched by the inventive dishes and drinks on offer. It's the perfect place for those looking to spice up their dining experience with skewers, grills, and flavors that span continents.
The patio itself is a blend of comfort and style, designed to encourage diners to linger over their meals and enjoy Calgary's sunny days and pleasant evenings.
As you sip on a craft cocktail or a chilled beer, you'll find the atmosphere is buzzing with the excitement of shared meals and stories. Lulu Bar's commitment to a unique dining experience.
With its combination of industrial design elements, mouth-watering Asian-fusion cuisine, and a lively atmosphere, it encapsulates the essence of modern dining in Calgary.
Here, every visit is an opportunity to indulge in culinary adventures and create memories under the open sky.
Location: Lulu Bar - Google Maps
5. Bottlescrew Bills
Bottlescrew Bill's, a Calgary staple since 1980, is renowned for its laid-back vibe, extensive craft beer selection, and inviting outdoor patio. As a beloved casual watering hole, it stands out for its dedication to supporting local breweries, making it a haven for craft beer.
The patio at Bottlescrew Bill's is where the magic of simple pleasures come alive, offering a relaxed setting for savoring modern pub food and discovering new beer favorites.
With Calgary's largest collection of craft beers, Bottlescrew Bill's ensures that each visit is a unique journey through the world of hops, malts, and flavors.
The outdoor seating area provides the perfect backdrop for group gatherings, casual dates, or solo adventures in taste exploration.
Bottlescrew Bill's patio offers a welcoming atmosphere. It's a place where laughter fills the air, stories are shared, and memories are made.
With its combination of great food, an unmatched beer selection, and a commitment to community.
Location: Bottlescrew Bills - Google Maps
6. Oxbow
Oxbow, nestled within the stylish confines of Hotel Arts Kensington, presents a sophisticated yet warm venue that invites guests to indulge in locally inspired cuisine. This place, just minutes from downtown Calgary, is a testament to the city's love for high-quality dining and cozy atmospheres.
Its outdoor patio is a serene spot where the buzz of the city fades into the background, replaced by the intimate conversations and clinking of glasses.
With a menu that pays homage to the region's bounty, Oxbow's culinary offerings are a celebration of local flavors and ingredients.
The patio setting adds an extra layer of enjoyment, allowing diners to savor innovative dishes and expertly crafted cocktails or wine under the open sky.
The charm of Oxbow's outdoor patio lies in its ability to blend sophistication with the laid-back vibe Calgary is known for.
Location: Oxbow - Google Maps
7. The Ship & Anchor
The Ship & Anchor stands as a cornerstone of Calgary's patio scene, offering a laid-back atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of a classic pub.
Known for its casual bar fare, sports broadcasting, and the occasional live music performance, this spot has a little something for everyone. The real draw, however, is its spacious outdoor patio.
It serves as a communal hub where stories are shared over plates of comforting pub grub and glasses of your preferred beverage.
The atmosphere here is unpretentious, inviting patrons to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of good company and good times.
The Ship & Anchor's patio is more than just an outdoor space; it's a testament to Calgary's love for community and casual enjoyment.
Location: The Ship & Anchor - Google Maps
8. Bonterra Trattoria
Bonterra Trattoria invites you into the heart of Italy with its enchanting Tuscan-style terrace, a space that captures the essence of Italian dining culture right in Calgary. This warm and spirited trattoria is celebrated for its contemporary take on classic Italian dishes, where Chef Joseph Lavergne emphasizes simple, fresh ingredients brought to life with exciting twists.
The outdoor terrace, with its breathtaking ambiance, serves as the perfect backdrop for indulging in exquisite pasta, risotto, and meat entrees that transport you to the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Dining at Bonterra is more than just eating out; it's an experience that embodies the Italian passion for life, food, and conviviality.
The terrace, in particular, offers a casual yet refined setting where every meal is an opportunity to celebrate the joys of Italian cuisine and the beauty of outdoor dining.
Here, every visit is a chance to partake in the style and gusto that define Italy, making Bonterra a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to enjoy Calgary's best outdoor patios with a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Location: Bonterra Trattoria - Google Maps
9. Vin Room
Vin Room, proudly standing as Canada's largest wine bar, brings a unique offering to Calgary's patio scene with its modern, stylish setting and an extensive selection of 109 wines by the glass. With three locations across the city, including one at the YYC Calgary International Airport, Vin Room has become a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and casual sippers alike.
The outdoor patio, with its inviting sidewalk seating, provides a chic backdrop for exploring the world of wines in an unmatched urban setting.
The outdoor setting adds a layer of casual elegance to the wine-tasting experience, making it accessible yet sophisticated.
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, Vin Room's patio offers a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation.
It's a place where you can unwind after a long day, catch up with friends, or simply indulge in your love for wine.
Location: Vin Room - Google Maps
10. Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Co.
Ol' Beautiful Brewing Co. captures the essence of Calgary's craft beer scene with its unique blend of tradition and innovation. This brewery is a celebration of the beauty in imperfection and a tribute to the old ways of brewing, offering a wide array of top-notch beers that cater to every palate.
The outdoor patio at Ol' Beautiful is a testament to the brewery's welcoming and laid-back atmosphere, providing the perfect spot to unwind with a cold beer in hand.
The seating options vary from cozy low-rise leather couches to high-rise tables, ensuring comfort for all types of visitors. Adding to the charm is the in-house street food truck parked at the back of the brewery, serving up delicious eats that perfectly complement the beer selection.
This combination of great brews and tasty street food creates a casual yet vibrant dining experience, making the patio an ideal gathering place for friends and family.
Ol' Beautiful Brewing Co.'s outdoor patio is more than just a place to enjoy a beer; it's a community hub where guests can relax, connect, and appreciate the craft of brewing.
Location: Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Co. - Google Maps
11. Free House
Free House stands as Calgary's quintessential destination for craft beer aficionados and food lovers alike. With a dynamic selection of 24 taps dedicated solely to local craft beer, this vibrant beer hall is constantly refreshing its lineup, tapping 3-5 new beers each week.
This commitment to variety and quality ensures that every visit offers a new tasting adventure, making it a haven for those eager to explore the rich tapestry of Calgary's brewing scene.
The outdoor patio at Free House invites guests to bask in the camaraderie and spirited atmosphere that define Calgary's social landscape.
Here, passion for fresh, local food and exceptional beer comes alive in an open-air setting that's perfect for sharing stories, laughs, and, of course, a pint or two.
The essence of Free House is captured in its dedication to fostering a sense of community and connection over great food and beer.
The outdoor patio serves as the ideal backdrop for these gatherings, offering a welcoming space for everyone, from casual drinkers to craft beer enthusiasts.
Location: Free House - Google Maps
12. Rooftop Bar @Simmons
The Rooftop Bar @Simmons elevates Calgary's outdoor dining and entertainment scene, quite literally, with its stunning views and sophisticated ambiance. This patio offers an unparalleled setting for those seeking an unforgettable night out, whether it's a romantic evening, an impressive business dinner, or a lively gathering with friends.
The outdoor patio is equipped with built-in heaters and a glass-encased fireplace, ensuring comfort and warmth even on chillier nights, while live music on feature nights adds to the vibrant atmosphere.
What sets the Rooftop Bar @Simmons apart is its ability to blend the beauty of Calgary's skyline with the coziness and excitement of an upscale venue.
The thoughtful touches, from the warmth of the fireplace to the soulful sounds of live music, create an environment that's both inviting and exhilarating. It's a space where memories are made, laughter is shared, and the hustle of city life feels a world away.
Location: Rooftop Bar @Simmons - Google Maps
13. The Rooftop YYC
The Rooftop YYC brings an unparalleled outdoor dining experience to Calgary, boasting the city's largest climate-controlled rooftop patio. This down-to-earth restaurant is a culinary hotspot for anyone craving hearty burgers, delicious pizzas, or perfectly pan-seared chicken dishes.
The versatility of The Rooftop YYC lies in its ability to transition smoothly from a vibrant restaurant and bar to a dynamic event centre, making it a sought-after destination for any occasion.
The climate-controlled feature ensures that the patio remains a comfortable and inviting space throughout the year, allowing guests to enjoy the open air without the worry of Calgary's unpredictable weather.
This thoughtful amenity, coupled with the restaurant's commitment to serving up generous portions of mouthwatering fare, creates a relaxed atmosphere where good food and good times go hand in hand.
The Rooftop YYC caters to all your needs with its exceptional service and diverse offerings.
It's a place where every visit is a celebration of great food, great company, and the great outdoors, right in the heart of Calgary.
Location: The Rooftop YYC - Google Maps
14. High Line Brewing
High Line Brewing, nestled in the heart of Calgary, offers a refreshing twist on the traditional brewery experience with its vibrant outdoor patio.
Known for its 19 taps of house-made beer, including gluten-free and 0% options, High Line Brewing caters to a diverse range of tastes.
The outdoor patio at High Line Brewing becomes a bustling hub of activity, especially when they host events and pop-ups, making it a lively destination for locals and visitors altogether.
Regulars at High Line Brewing rave about the welcoming atmosphere and the exceptional staff who are known for their kindness and expertise.
Handling every situation with grace, they ensure every visit is memorable.
Location: High Line Brewing - Google Maps
To Sum It All Up
And there you have it, folks – a little roundup of some of the best outdoor patios Calgary has to offer in 2024.
From cozy breweries with a passion for craft beer to chic rooftops offering stunning city views, there’s a spot for every taste and occasion. Whether you're in the mood for a sophisticated dinner under the stars, a laid-back afternoon with a cold pint, or just a sunny spot to while away a few hours with friends, Calgary's patio scene won't disappoint.
Remember, the best patio experience is all about good company, great food, and even better drinks. So, why not make it your mission to visit each of these gems? You'll get to taste the best of what Calgary has to offer while soaking up the unique atmospheres that make each place special. And who knows? You might just find your new favorite hangout spot.