Downtown Calgary’s 8th Avenue, better known by Stephen Avenue or Stephen Ave, is by far one of the busiest places in the inner city. For this reason, nothing is kept a secret for very long. There are, however, a few places that definitely aren’t talked about as much as they should be. Sure you might pass by them every time you’re in the area, but how many times have you gone in? Here are just a few underrated gems that you may have overlooked along the Stephen Avenue Walk.
BLUE VINNY DINER
Calgary’s Blue Vinny Diner is totally underrated. Not only is it incredibly well located, but they’ve also got a pretty great brunch, classic options, and a pretty sweet staff. Though the restaurant itself is on the smaller side, they definitely make up for it in quality. If you’ve never been, we’d highly recommend checking them out.
Where: 105 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Instagram: @BlueVinnyDiner
CHOCOLATIER COPPENEUR
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For those of you who have never been, Chocolatier Coppeneur is an adorable bean-to-bar spot that sells incredible sweets from truffles to hot chocolate. If you’re like us and have a serious sweet tooth, this is THE place.
Where: 805 1 St SW, Calgary
Instagram: @coppeneur.chocolatier.calgary
EIGHTH AVENUE TRATTORIA
Part of the Teatro group family, Calgary’s Eighth Avenue Trattoria is an exceptional little spot with more upscale take-away. As you can imagine, these folks have some incredible grub from sandwiches to salads and pasta, E.A.T. makes us feel like we have a little piece of Europe right here in YYC.
Where: 525 8 Ave SW #210, Calgary
Instagram: @EatTrattoria
TWIGS AND COMPANY
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Selling flowers, gifts and knick-knacks, Twigs and Company carry a little bit of everything. Here, shopping is so much more than that. It’s an experience! You really never know what you’re going to find beyond their gorgeous arrangements and collection of vases, but man – will you want to find out!
Where: 105 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Instagram: @Twigs_and_company
SUB ROSA
Located under the heritage building, Calgary’s Sub Rosa is what speakeasy dreams are made of. This place is dark, mysterious and will be a ton of fun – when they reopen post-COVID. From their over-the-top events to their inventive drinks, this place is definitely worth the trip.
Where: 200 8 Ave SW, Calgary
Instagram: @SubRosaYYC
ANATOLIA
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Serving Turkish Cuisine, Calgary’s Anatolia is a gorgeous little spot at the end of the Stephen Avenue Walk. From kababs to hummus to sarma and meat pies, this place is incredibly affordable, Saucy AF and unlike anything else you’ll find in the area.
Where: 237 8 Ave SE, Calgary
Instagram: @anatoliaturkishfood
BANK AND BARON P.U.B.
Though the Bank And Baron definitely have a loyal client base, we think that it tends to get overlooked. Is it hidden? Definitely not, but there’s a pretty good chance that despite passing it a million times you haven’t gone in there. For what it is, for how gorgeous it is and for where it is, it’s pretty underrated. If you haven’t checked it out, you definitely should when they reopen this month. They’ve got a freaking bank vault in the basement, guys. It’s pretty cool.
Where: 125 8 Ave SW, Calgary
Instagram: @BankandBaron
There you have it, Calgary. A few underrated gems that you may have overlooked along Stephen Avenue. Which one will you check out first, or are you already a big fan?! Let us know!
