ure, Slovakia has its independence, but they have to import Czech beer. Calgary gets to do the same thing without ever having had to endure communism or velvet. Nice work, Cow Town. Our Pilsner Urquell Beer Guide is your sud-seeking crutch, taking you from haut resto to leather dive, scenester haven to Blackberry Mecca, always seeking out the finest in Euro brew. Take that, Slovaks.





Black Swan Ale House
Also known as Cygnus Atratus Ale House to the local ornithologists (bird watchers for those not in the know). This pub caters to local Calgarians looking to flock to that familiar watering hole where they can meet a potential mate and then later migrate (with or without the mate) back home. Appropriately, the alehouse serves a spectacular blackened steak, which should be accompanied by none other than a delicious pint of beer. The steak and kidney pie is also on the menu but that’s not exactly the kind of party pub fare one would willingly choose to order (unless you qualify for the senior’s discount and have fond memories of you English nanny’s homemade version). Black is back baby, so head to the Black Swan Ale House to be accordingly hip. -E.J.
10455 Southport Road South West, 403-271-8776



Boomtown Pub and Patio
Resulting from the booming oil business that Alberta’s oil fields produce, many out-of-towners are heading to Cowtown for brief business visits to dip their finger in the greasy market of black gold. When staying at the Delta, these business associates often dine at the aptly titled

Settle into an atmospheric bar or a huge outdoor cobblestone patio for an evening of errant sax notes and sud hording.

Boomtown Pub where they can relax after a long day of wheeling and dealing for a pint on the beautiful patio or dine within the exposed brick and rich wood atmosphere of the restaurant. As per the usual business class treatment, big screen TV’s and pool tables entertain visitors and help them unwind (usually the beer takes care of that). The menu is available within the same hours it’s legal to serve booze, capitalizing on the “beer with a steak” mentality that comes with a business lunch or dinner meeting (pen always on hand, of course, in case that all too important cheque needs a final signature). -E.J.
135 Southland Drive South East, 403-278-5050



Bottlescrew Bill's
Christened undoubtedly after a character from beer mythology, it’s safe to say this old English style pub knows their pilsner. To ensure their reputation lives up to its name, Bill’s stocks over 200 brands of beer for patrons with refined taste buds looking for that new fave. Here, Happy Hour is not just a weekday event, but runs right into the weekend with an all-day Happy Hour every Sunday (so much for church when there is beer to drink). One of the most unique features this pub has to offer is the “Around the World in 80 Beers” passport program where patrons are encouraged to collect “Visa” stamps reflecting the variety of brands sampled. As per usual Custom Official practice, passports will be withheld if excessive drunkenness, outright brevity or the dissolution of clothing occurs (though it is usually expected if one tries to sample all 80 beers in one day). With completion of the international tour de bière, fame, glory and a beautiful mug representing the journey will be yours along with your name engraved on a brass plaque ensuring your adventure survives for eternal recognition. - E.J.
140 - 10 Avenue South West, 403-263-7900



Broken City
When the planet finally converts to green, self-sustaining and renewable energy, it’s safe to say that Calgary will be a broken city (I’m sure the privitization of health care won’t help too much either). Until that foreboding day, we have a bar by the same name of Calgary’s future in which residents can drink away all of their fears of the future over a pint of beer in the company of friends equally scared shitless when oil will no longer be Alberta’s number one economic export. This friendly pub understands your pain, and is here to help with live entertainment and a superior patio. Live Metal Mondays (because nothing starts the week off better than pure musical anger), Irie Tuesdays (keep the energy going with Drum & Bass) and Broken Reel Wednesdays (Dinner and a movie on the big screen) lead up to a weekend full of live music and enhanced with an assortment of drink specials to drone out your worries. Sooner or later you’ll welcome the idea of a Broken City. - E.J.
613 - 11th Avenue South West, 403-262-9976




Buzzards
This is the ultimate cowboy experience—Alberta AAA beef trimmed and served to perfection, patrons sporting their cowboy hats and country paraphernalia adorn this restaurant. It’s honky tonky to the max, but don’t be fooled—it is in the middle of the bustling city, not the pastures of the country. It’s a fun getaway from the big towers, shopping malls and pavement sidewalks. So get on your cowboy boots and start the yee-haws because you will be in for quite the adventure. – A.C
140-10 Avenue S.W. 403-264-6959