From wacky toppings to creative takes, Calgary restaurants have some of the best and most unique caesars in the entire country – but that’s only natural. We invented the dang thing!
First mixed and made by Walter Chell in 1969, our city prides itself on being the first to taste, reinvent and celebrate the sip – but few have really set themselves apart. since its inception.
Among the many bars and breakfast spots that have put forth their own versions of Canada’s national drink, here are 10 caesars you have to put on your cocktail bucket list while in the 403.
FREE HOUSE
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A no-brainer, Free House secured itself a spot on this particular list in 2022 when they took home the award for ‘best in show’ at Caesarfest – a competition held annually in celebration of the drink. Combining the unique flavours of two beloved city-made inventions, the Ginger Beef Caesar is made with a mix of house-made ginger sauce, Worcestershire, pickle-infused vodka, house hot sauce, as well as clamato juice, and is absolutely worth a try.
Where: 1153 Kensington Crescent NW
Instagram:@freehouseyyc
THE BELTLINER
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Go big or go home! From chicken and waffles, smoked meat, chocolate cake, perogies, small breakfast sandwiches and (of course) pickles and bacon, the Beltliners build your own caesar is unlike anything we’ve seen before. Here mix, match, taste and try a variety of sides, then wash it down with a traditional mix of vodka, clamato, celery salt and Tabasco.
Where: 243 12 Ave SW, Calgary
Instagram: @thebeltliner
SORSO LOUNGE
Though it’s not technically located in Calgary, Airdrie’s Sorso Lounge is also worth a mention. The winner of Mott’s ‘Best Caesar in Town’ contest, The Sorso Lounge’s Suffering Caesar is a unique take on the beloved drink that (in addition to clamato juice) also features pineapple rum, black fermented garlic, mango nectar, and the chillingly-named bone marrow ice cubes.
Where: Bayside Airdrie, 401-800 Yankee Valley BLVD, Airdrie
Instagram: @Sorsolounge
THE GUILD
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A Canadian-inspired steakhouse on Stephen Avenue, this particular caesar is a simple, yet effective take on Chell’s original caesar. A mix of Sub Rosa vodka, dill, and Walter mix then topped with bacon and house-made pickles, The Guild has proven that sometimes less really is more.
Where: 200 8 Ave SW, Calgary
Instagram: @theguildcalgary
BIG SKY BBQ PIT
Located in the town of Okotoks, only minutes from Calgary, hungry folk can get what is probably the hardiest drink on this list – The BBQ King Caesar. With a menu-worth of garnishes including brisket, chicken, sausage, pork rib, 2 hog spuds, bacon and an entire pulled pork sandwich, this beast of a drink costs $30 but is worth every penny.
Where: 306016 15 St E, Okotoks
Instagram: @big_sky_bbq
THE OWL PATIO AND BAR
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The place where it all began! Originally made to compliment a dish made with tomatoes and clams – The Owl Patio and Bar in the Westin is actually where the caesar was born way back when. Check it out and taste a bit of history!
Where: 320 4 Ave SW, Calgary
Instagram: @owlpatioandbar
KLEIN/HARRIS
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Want to try something truly different? Found in the aptly named ‘true north’ section of their drink menu, Klein/Harris uses house-made clam and celery broth to make their caesar, In addition, the drink is laced with tomato, pickled celery and carrots. plus your choice of Eau Claire Vodka or Gin. Yum.
Where: 110 8 Ave SW, Calgary
Instagram: @klnharris
CLEAVER
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We hope you’re hungry, Calgary – because Cleaver was not messing around when they created their caesar. An entire meal within itself, this bad boy comes with fried chicken, a jalapeno waffle, a jalapeno corn dog, a beef slider, bacon and pepperoncini.
Where: 524 17 Ave SW Unit 102
Instagram: @cleavercalgary
And there you have it, folks, 8 of the best and most unique caesars in Calgary. Where will you go first?
