They say life is about the journey, not the destination… but why can’t we have it all?
Whether you’re hoping to celebrate, wind down or entertain, Calgary has several speakeasy bars and hidden nightclubs that have an incredible atmosphere AND are super fun to find. Who knows, your new favourite spot may have been tucked behind their old one all along!
Here are just a few that you can enjoy on a weekend or after a long day at work.
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Prickett Richard
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Located on 17th Avenue, Prickett Richard is described as being the ‘underbelly’ of Comer Block BBQ – a popular spot with a meaty menu and an incredible patio. Here, guests will be able to indulge in small plates like oysters, tartare and pickled melon with prosciutto – but the star of the show will be their many sips.
Where: 638 17 Ave SW #1, Calgary (steel door in the alleyway)
Instagram: @prickettrichardyyc
La Hacienda
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Have a small group? La Hacienda is an intimate speakeasy located in Marda Loop. Serving small bites and tasty cocktails, guests will need to call ahead before checking it out.
Where: 1928 34 Ave SW, Calgary
Instagram: @lahaciendayyc
Betty Lou’s Library
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Love the smokey scent of bourbon? Next time you need to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, climb through Betty Lou’s secret bookcase entrance and enjoy an evening of soft jazz music and 20s glamour.
Where: The Devenish Building, 908 17th Avenue SW, Calgary
Instagram: @bettylouslibrary
Prohibition Bar and Lounge
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Inspired by jazz, booze and a good time – Calgary’s 17th Avenue speakeasy, Prohibition Bar and Lounge, has 150 square feet of space adorned with old photographs, instruments, frames and decor.
Where: 720 17 Ave. SW, Calgary AB (Left Side of Rumble Boxing)
Instagram: @prohibitionbaryyc
Ajito
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In the mood for authentic rice, noodle bowls, and incredibly inventive cocktails? This is your place! At Ajito (which translates to “a hidden safe place”), the magic begins before you’re even seated, because – To enter, customers have to locate the Coca-Cola fridge at the back of Sho Sushi and climb through! Pretty cool right?
Where: 7212 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary
Instagram: @ajitoyyc
Frenchie Wine Bar
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Pizza and wine? What could be better? Tucked behind UNA Pizza on 17th Avenue, Frenchie Wine Bar is one of Calgary’s best-kept secrets. This spot is an ambient speakeasy where intimate is the word. If you’re lucky to get one of the few seats in the bar, you won’t regret the wait. The drinks are fun and inventive, plus their fondue is incredible.
Where: 618 17th Ave SW, Calgary
Instagram: @frenchiewinebar
Please Don’t Tell
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Located on 8th Avenue and 1st Street, Please Don’t Tell is a speakeasy nightclub under Bar Patricia. With beautiful decor, a ‘sophisticated crowd’ and bottle service – this underground spot is one you have to check out.
Where: 811 1st Street SW, Calgary
Instagram: @pdtcalgary
Untitled Champagne Lounge
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Want to treat yourself? Untitled Champagne Lounge is an ambient little speakeasy with some of the most visually striking cocktails in the city. Though this spot isn’t located within another bar or anything, it does lack signage and takes a little investigation to find so that feels secretive enough to make this list!
Where: 620 8 Ave SW #104, Calgary
Instagram: @untitledyyc
Paper Lantern
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A Contemporary speakeasy in the heart of Calgary! Paper Lantern serves Vietnamese tapas, subs, bowls, and a super unique, tropically inclined drink menu, you might not be able to hop on a plane right now, but you can definitely trick your tastebuds into thinking you’re on vacation.
Where: Basement – 115 – 2 Avenue SE, Calgary
Instagram: @paperlanternyyc
Cannibale
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Need a haircut? This BAR-bershop is one part salon, one part saloon. The food here is great, the drinks are cold, and you can also get a trim while you’re here. Sounds like a win, win, win to us!
Where: 813 1 Ave NE, Calgary
Instagram: @cannibale_yyc
Sub Rosa
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Known for its glitzy decor, Subrosa has wild drinks with a menu that goes on for pages – plus they cater to all with their diverse playlist and music guests. Check it out and enjoy. You’re in for a good time!
Where: 200 8 Ave SW, Calgary
Instagram: @subrosayyc
There you have it! Enjoy checking out these hidden Calgary speakeasy bars, we promise you won’t regret getting lost finding them.
