et’s pretend Calgary’s a metropolitan city and indulge in their NYC alter-ego identity crisis. According to the hungry and thirsty masses, Metropolitan Grill (no association to the Met in New York, obviously) is an impressive one-stop shop for dinner, drinks and dancing. The dearly dedicated clientele knows that the Met is not only a fine place to see and be seen, but also a club with an irresistible beat. The patio caters to sun lovers by day and dancing queens in need of a cool down by night. Not matter what category you fall into, the signature coconut shrimp martini - crisp, coconut-coated and served with horseradish – is a must for patio patrons.
-E.J.

Sometimes, like the girl next door, the hottest scene has been in front of us all along. It's easy to forget the originals, the loyal bars that are always there, serving dinner and drinks, always user-friendly, never hassling at the door. Amazingly, the Metropolitan Grill soldiers on, pacifying the younger cocktail crowd and local Gen-Xers who have taken possession of this restaurant-cum-dance club.

If the road to longevity and success is paved by food and drink, then the Met's 8th Avenue offshoot definitely has what it takes to survive and prosper. As a bar, restaurant, second-level lounge, and dance floor, this dynamic spot has something on the go just about every hour that it's open and it's a long day for the Met: it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner before morphing into a danceteria.

While in its restaurant guise, Metropolitan features a menu that, while a tad formulaic, is lovingly concocted. In particular, the signature coconut shrimp martini - crisp, coconut-coated and served with horseradish - evidences the pure and flavourful ingredients at work. The AAA Alberta Angus beef, glistening with lobster butter, is served with the expected sides: baked or mashed spuds. The New Zealand spring lamb and a wild mushroom veal scallopini also happily (while, the lamb was probably a bit reluctant) make an appearance on the list.