Calgary has a lot of incredible spots, but in our opinion, the best ones are “underground.” From alleyways to bookcases, your new favourite spot might just be tucked behind your old favourite spot! Of course, we can’t leave you without any direction! Here are 10 hidden bars and speakeasies in Calgary that you have to check out.
BETTY LOU’S LIBRARY
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Nothing is cozier than a dark room, velour chairs, and 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
BUSINESS AND PLEASURE
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Located in Inglewood, Business and Pleasure serves original cocktails, comfort eats and elevated finger foods. To find it, you’ll have to make your way down a 9th Avenue alley. Believe us, though – it’s worth it!
Where: 1327b 9th Ave SE, Calgary
AJITO
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In the mood for sushi, authentic rice, noodle bowls, and incredibly inventive cocktails? This is your place! At Ajito (which literally translates to “a hidden safe place”), the magic begins before you’re even seated, because – In order to enter, customers actually 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
FRENCHIE WINE BAR
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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. We’re not going to lie, it’s a tight squeeze on a busy night, but it’s all totally worth it. If you’re lucky to get one of the 15 seats in the bar, you won’t regret the wait. The drinks are fun, inventive – and their fondue is to die for.
Where: 618 17th Ave SW, Calgary
PLEASE DON’T TELL
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Located on 8th Avenue and 1st street, Calgary’s newest speakeasy nightclub has taken over the space once occupied by the Infinity Ultra Lounge under Bar Patricia. With upscale decor, a ‘sophisticated crowd’ and bottle service – this boujee underground spot is one you have to check out.
Where: 811 1st Street SW, Calgary
LA HACIENDA
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Planning ahead? 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
UNTITLED CHAMPAGNE LOUNGE
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Described as a ‘swanky getaway,’ 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
CANNIBALE
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Cannibale sweeps most competition with its choice prohibition front. The BAR-bershop is one part salon, one part saloon. The food here is great, the drinks are cold, and you can also get a haircut while you’re here. Sounds like a win, win, win to us!
Where: 813 1 Ave NE, Calgary
SUB ROSA
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Man, are you in for a treat? Known for being as glitzy as they come, Subrosa has some pretty wild drinks with a menu that goes on for pages – plus they cater to all with the choice of music. On Fridays, Sub Rosa is more hip-hop & R&B focused. Then, on Saturdays, their resident DJ spins chill deep house tracks – It’s an incredible time!
Where: 200 8 Ave SW, Calgary
PAPER LANTERN
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Located in a Chinatown basement, you’ll find the contemporary speakeasy-style lounge, Paper Lantern. With amazing-looking 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
There you have it! Enjoy checking out these hidden Calgary cocktail bars, we promise you won’t regret getting lost finding them.
