By Shane Flug
Located south of the downtown core, the Beltline in Calgary is a thriving inner-city community famous for being a central beating heart of local nightlife and urban living. With many cherished local businesses calling the Beltline home, your options for your next night out or shopping trip are endless. Here are 10 to start you off. [Photo credit: Bob Keelaghan]
Arguably Calgary’s most famous nightlife staple, the British-style Ship & Anchor Pub on 17th Avenue has been in business for more than 25 years. Catch up with friends with a pint of local craft beer on the patio, watch “The Beautiful Game” on their big screens or try your rock ‘n’ roll luck during Punk Rock Bingo every Tuesday night.
Opened on the old Electric Avenue in 2004 by Sled Island festival mastermind Zak Pashak, Broken City Social Club is a live music venue that’s become a prime spot for Calgary’s independent music and arts scenes. In addition to live music Thursdays and Fridays, tickle your ribs during Comedy Monday Night and fill your stomach with vegan-friendly chickpea fries.
Nestled in a centennial house built all the way back in 1911, the creaky floors and historical décor of the Hop In Brew Pub in Victoria Park make it a cozy spot for relaxed conversation while sipping back a pint from their indie beer selections. Share a delicious oven-baked pizza with your group and shoot some pool upstairs.
Named after the streetcar that ran down 12th Avenue early last century, casual diner The Beltliner has quickly made a name for itself with its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and unique twists on classic dining fare. Line up for brunch for some smoked salmon eggs Benedict or grab a Beltliner Burger to go.
A family-owned corner grocer on 14th Avenue and 11th Street SW, Kalamata Grocery is the Beltline’s #1 spot for Mediterranean cuisine at reasonable prices. Bring home some baklava to snack on or create your next home pizza pie with their feta cheese and spicy olives.
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From kale to kombucha, Amaranth Whole Foods Market’s Fourth Street location covers all your healthy eating and living needs. With their abundant local, organic and ethically-sourced selections, crossing off what’s on your list will be a feel-good task all the way through.
Nestled on the northern edge of the Mission area on Fourth Street SW, Shelf Life Books keeps the printed word speaking loudly with their wide catalogue of genres and frequent literary events. Check their website for author readings and book club gatherings.
With two locations on 17th Avenue and Victoria Park, SalvEdge Boutique offers luxury collections for both ladies and gents. Cash out your closet with their consignment program or plan a ladies night with their Sip & Shop event bookings.
From raw crystals to jewelry, Earth Gems on 17th Avenue is abundant with our planet’s most beautiful artworks: crystals and minerals. With hundreds of stones ranging from lapis lazuli to topaz, there is sure to be a creation for you to take home.
With its Beaulieu Gardens offering a respite from the urban hustle and bustle, historic site Lougheed House is rich with love for horticulture spanning generations. Inside, take a tour of this sandstone mansion and learn more of the Lougheed family’s history.
From Connaught to Victoria Park and Midtown to 17th Avenue, Calgary’s Beltline is a vibrant marriage of business districts and urban life that makes it a can’t-miss spot for your next night out.
