Darby Arms
Not to be confused with the Derby of England (that is also pronounced "dar-bee"), this pub pays homage to the magestic beast of the West, the horse. Appropriately located in the hometown of the Calgary Stampede, relics and effigies paying homage to equine sport are littered throughout the pub from the coat-of-arms to the bronzed polo jockey to the friendly portrait of the red-coat rider tipping his hat to local patrons all to create an air of country gentrification. A beautiful pool table with an array of cues (should you be challenged to a duel) is on hand to prove your mastery of this old boy’s game. Of course, if you leave the table in shame an assortment of beers are on tap to numb the pain your ego has suffered. The menu is enhanced by drink specials throughout the week, and the Sunday All-Day Happy Hour guarantees a good Monday (try not to convince yourself otherwise. - E.J.
380 Midpark Way South East, 403-254-2220



Canmore Hotel
With history dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria, there’s plenty of reasons to hop on your high horse and mosey on over to the Canmore Hotel. With a permanent population of just under 12 G’s, the hotel is the perfect size to house the occasional visitor who doesn’t mind rustic boarding and sharing the one bathroom with all the other guests (privacy wasn’t a big deal at the turn of the 19th century). Known for their stellar line up of concerts, shows and events, the ample supply of beer on tap ensures the crowds party harder than those miners ever did. With stunning views of the Rockies from the gorgeous patio out back, this venue is the heart of the party in the scenic Bow Valley. E.J.
738- 8th Street, 403-678-5181




Coach & Horses Ale Room
In homage to the early days of Calgary’s wild Western settlement (well maybe not so wild), the only coach and horses visiting town now are limited to the Stampede. However, for those cowboys looking to hang their spurs and reflect about the history of their vocation (or just shoot some pool), this ale room is here to help. The dim lighting and dark wood interior assist in mythologizing the traditional coach house atmosphere with the CPR tracks appropriately located just down the street ensuring the occasional train whistle is heard loud and clear throughout the building. This coach house has kept with the technology of modern times by installing wireless internet and big screen TVs to broadcast those all important rodeo highlights. Saddle up to the bar to sample from the selection of ales (or lagers or pilsners) or pull up a chair for a steak and stuffed potato dinner (served until last call). – E.J.
5000 - 150 Millrise Boulevard South West, 403-873-2259




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It’s hard not to associate this restaurant’s moniker with the word crazy (read: Crazy Eights card game, and Tarantino’s Crazy 88s in Kill Bill), so it’s rather unsurprising that the cubist décor of crimson reds mixed with gauzy lighting and natural wood tones also reflects this fragmented vibe. This abstract theme is also prevalent in the menu, where an assortment of international ingredients and techniques are combined to create diverse dishes. For starters the Chili Lime Prawns and Seared Albacore Tuna appetizers were an excellent dish to start the dining experience. In keeping with the seafood, the salmon filet is beyond excellent with a crisp and juicy texture that is extremely pleasing to the palate. Following dinner, the uniquely Canadian maple pannacotta with apple gelato is THE dessert choice. After a wonderful dining experience, you’d be crazy not to return for more. - E.J.
1530 - 5 Street South West, 403-806-0884



Gasthaus Alphorn
No no, you have not found the elusive wrinkle in time and somehow geographically relocated to Switzerland. Rather, you have stumbled upon the Gasthaus – a restaurant on the foot of the Rockies heavy on Swiss Alps nostalgia. With Kuk-Kuk clocks adorning the wall, an assortment of unique beer steins aligned on the shelves, and a cozy fireplace for that essential European Ski Chalet ambience, you now have no reason to leave Alberta. After a long day of skiing or hiking, hot coco and cold brewskis await within where Austrian owner Markus Aschauer employs European hospitality by inviting guests to dine al fresco with breathtaking 360* views of the Rockies, join in for karaoke Fridays, or shoot some pool or darts with buddies after work. – E.J.
1720 Bow Valley Trail, 403-678-9446




The Mercury
Named after the planet closest to the sun, a hot young crowd and sizzling party atmosphere that’s sure to spike the mercury in the thermometer is pretty much guaranteed at this venue (especially on Sundays - of course). Ambitiously aiming to cater to the resto/lounge/dance club crowd, this hotspot hopes to attract the downtown hipsters by luring them with a menu full of Asian, Indian and local fusion dishes for dinner, a bevy of bevvies (cocktails to martinis) for Happy Hour, and a heart-thumping party atmosphere where resident DJs throw down their beats on weekends so patrons can work off those calories and lure potential mates with their dance floor mating moves. In keeping with the heat theme the spicy chicken curry lives up to the restos moniker and the hot and sweaty club environment somewhat resembles the 430°C surface temperature of the planet (ok a slight hyperbole). Fortunately the two patios cater to the overheated where clubbers can release some steam and cool down in the crisp Calgary air.
-E.J.
101-550 17th Avenue SW, 403-229-0222