There’s only one thing that we love more than getting dolled up to go out and that’s when there’s a dress code! From pearls and cowboy boots to Hawaiian shirts and camo – spots that can completely immerse you into a time and a place with ambiance, music, or a cohesive menu get a 10/10, and YYC is spoiled for choice. From movies to historical events here are 8 themed bars in Calgary, worth checking out.
SHELTER
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A spot that we can only describe as embodying ‘bomb shelter chic,’ Shelter is heavily influenced by pre-probation times and the post-apocalyptic aesthetic. With heavy cocktails and unusual decor, this place is one of the coolest-looking bars in the entire city.
Where: 1210 1 St SW, Calgary, AB
Instagram: @shelter.yyc
RICARDO’S HIDEAWAY
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Need a vacation? A trip to Ricardo’s Hideaway just off 17th Avenue might be what you need (if you’re unable to hop on a plane). Fitted with warm decor, guests are encouraged to leave their worries at the door, take a seat and enjoy a tropical sip, tasty appetizers, and good music. Unfortunately, they’re closed as of April 2022 for renovations, but they’ll be back soon enough. Definitely keep this one in your back pocket!
Where: 1530 5 St SW, Calgary, AB
Instagram: @ricardosyyc
THE POTION ROOM
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At Calgary’s only Harry Potter-themed bar, The Potion Room, it doesn’t matter how good you are with a wand – everyone is welcome to experience the magic of Hogwarts. From their butterbeer and ‘goblet of fire’ cocktails to a delightful unicorn’s blood elixir – this is by far one of the most original concepts in Calgary.
Where: 1211 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Instagram: @the.potionroom
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 modern-day life, climb through Betty Lou’s secret bookcase entrance and enjoy an evening of soft jazz music and bold 20s glamour.
Where: The Devenish Building, 908 17th Avenue SW, Calgary
Instagram: @bettylouslibary
PAPER LANTERN
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Located in a Chinatown basement, you’ll find another beach-themed speakeasy – Calgary’s Paper Lantern. With a variety of Vietnamese tapas, subs, bowls, and a super unique, tropically inclined drink menu – here you can practically trick your tastebuds into thinking you’re on vacation.
Where: Basement – 115 – 2 Avenue SE, Calgary
Instagram: @paperlanteryyc
WHISKEY ROSE SALOON
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Dust off your boots Calgary! For those looking for a bar where you can truly get honky-tanked, look no further than Whiskey Rose – an authentic saloon in the heart of the inner city. With western decor, tasty BBQ bites, and country music – this place has perfectly captured the spirit of the Stampede.
Where: 1012 17 Ave SW Calgary AB
Instagram: @whiskeyroseyyc
THE WEDNESDAY ROOM
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With decor that was clearly inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s adaption of the Stephen King novel The Shining, The Wednesday Room is a favorite among Calgary movie lovers. In addition to this, they’ve also got a menu that calls back to several films including Sweeney Todd, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Pans Labyrinth. Check it out!
Where: 100-118 8th Avenue SW, Calgary
Instagram: @thewednesdayroom
EIGHTY-EIGHT BREWING CO.
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With decor inspired by the ever-so-vibrant 1988 Olympics – which were held here in Calgary, Inglewood’s 88 Brewing Co., is bright, bold, and known for serving incredible beer. They love YYC and we love them just the same!
Where: 1070 – 2600 Portland St. SE, Calgary
Instagram: @eightyeightbrewingco
And there you have it, friends! 8 themed bars in Calgary worth checking out – which one will you head to first?
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