As much as it pains us to say it, patio season in Calgary is starting to wind down. The days are getting shorter, the evenings are getting cooler, and soon enough, sitting outside without a jacket will be a thing of the past. But we’re not quite there yet.
There’s still time to squeeze in a few more patio hangs, whether you’re after a rooftop with city views, a leafy spot tucked away from the crowds, or just somewhere to sit outside and enjoy a good meal.
So, before the patio furniture starts getting packed away for the season, here are some Calgary patios worth checking out.
Perched on the 12th floor of the Element Calgary Downtown, Bow and Bend provides stunning views of the city. From their open-air rooftop, you can look out over the Bow River and Calgary while enjoying locally sourced dishes and handcrafted cocktails.
The fire pits and lounge-style seating also come in handy once those cooler evenings start creeping in.
Where: 833 4th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta. (12th floor)
Park by Sidewalk Citizen sits right inside Central Memorial Park, with its patio surrounded by trees and gardens. The restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes, with options for brunch, lunch, and dinner, plus a large selection of cocktails and wine.
Where: 340 13th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Connie and John’s Rooftop sits atop the historic Simmons building and offers stunning views of the Bow River and downtown. The menu includes both New York-style and Detroit-style pizzas, so you can have your pick between a thin, foldable crust or those crispy, cheesy edges.
Where: 618 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, Alta.
You’ll find Fox Trot’s rooftop patio at Spruce Meadows overlooking the International Ring. It’s open Thursday through Sunday and has both covered and uncovered tables, with a smaller menu of dishes made for sharing alongside cocktails. No reservation is needed for the rooftop, as seating is walk-in only.
Where: 1200 Foxtrot Way W, Calgary, Alta.
Lulu Bar brings a tropical vibe to 17th Avenue, with colourful decor and a patio that fits right in with the restaurant’s Pacific-inspired menu.
The kitchen serves shareable plates with flavours from across Asia, while the cocktail menu features tropical-inspired, refreshing drinks.
Where: 510 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Owens Landing has a spacious patio with plenty of tables for everything from a casual lunch to after-work drinks. The drink list includes cocktails, beer, and wine, and there’s a weekday happy hour if you’re looking for a few specials. The outdoor patio is also dog-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your pup at home.
Where: 308 4th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
True Wild Distilling is located inside a restored historic building in southeast Calgary, and its outdoor patio is surrounded by greenery and offers another place to sit outside while you work your way through the cocktail menu.
Inside, the restaurant focuses on live-fire cooking, while the distillery produces Canadian whisky, gin, and vodka on-site.
Where: 3115 11th St. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Tucked beside Reader Rock Garden, the Deane House has an outdoor patio surrounded by flowers, trees, and the Elbow River. The restaurant itself is housed in a 1906 heritage home and serves a seasonal menu inspired by Canadian ingredients.
Where: 809 9th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Over in Mission, Vin Room’s rooftop patio looks out over 4th Street and lets you sit outside with a glass of wine and a few tapas. There are more than 100 wines available, so you can try different pours alongside dishes inspired by flavours from around the world.
Where: 2310 4th St. SW, Calgary, Alta.
You’ll find Porch along 17th Avenue, with a spacious patio right in the middle of the action. The restaurant offers a full menu of shareable dishes, including Roman-style pizza and steak frites, plus plenty of cocktails. The patio is covered and heated, so you can stay outside, even when the temperature drops.
Where: 730 17th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alta.
We’ll have to say goodbye to patio season eventually, but thankfully that day hasn’t arrived just yet. Until then, we’ll be making the most of every sunny afternoon we can get.
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Kaiya Williams
Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.
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