The 8 Best Happy Hour Spots in Calgary Where You Can Keep the Drinks and Conversations Flowing
When I got my first job, one of my biggest challenges was budgeting my finances. I didn’t want to give up the occasional night out with my friends, but I also didn’t want to spend too much money. I was truly at a loss, so I approached them about my problem.
Thankfully, my supportive friends understood. They suggested that we should take advantage of happy hours to lower our expenses without giving up eating and drinking as much as we wanted.
Years later, we’ve basically eaten and gotten drunk at all of the good restaurants. In case you’re wondering, here are the Calgary spots we visited with the happiest happy hours.
1. Anejo Restaurant
– Media credit: anejorestaurant
Address: 2116 4 St SW #2
Contact details: +1 587 353 2656
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Thursday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Must-order: Mango Margarita
Anejo Restaurant is only less than 15 minutes away from attractions like Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary Tower, and Prince’s Island Park. This makes it a convenient location for partying after a day of exploring.
No matter what time you arrive, it’s always a fiesta here. However, there are two specific time slots to keep in mind if you want discounted prices: from 3 PM to 5 PM or 9 PM until they close.
During this time, you can enjoy some bold, authentic Mexican drinks in a lively atmosphere. They’ve got over 200 amazing tequilas to choose from.
Our go-to is a spicy Mango Margarita that contains the citrus-y Cazadores Blanco. It has a habanero tajin rim that’ll wake all your senses up.
If you want something to go with your drink, you should try some of their classic tacos. Just make sure to ask for their homemade guacamole on the side to complete your meal.
| Pro tip: It doesn’t have to be happy hour at Anejo restaurant for you to get their famous churros at a discounted price. All you have to do is sign up for their mailing list, and they’ll give you a bunch of these sweet treats for free. |
2. Last Best Brewing & Distilling
– Media credit: lastbestbrew
Address: 607 11 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 587 353 7387
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Must-order: Gin Martini
Last Best Brewing & Distilling has been serving some of the best Alberta-inspired cuisine since 2015. This includes phenomenal craft beer that can turn anyone into an enthusiast.
The best time to sample their work is from 3 PM to 6 PM or from 10 PM until closing time on Mondays to Saturdays. But on Sundays, they’re extra generous since their happy hour prices are in effect the whole day.
Out of all their drinks, gin is what they’re known for the most, so get the Gin Martini with the Last Best Afterglow. It’s a smooth and crisp drink that’ll have you feeling refreshed.
And if you end up loving it, you can take bottles of it home for a discounted price as well.
They also have chicken wings, pizzas, and tacos on their happy hour menu. But those who don’t mind ordering from the regular menu should also get the poutine. It’s very Canadian and totally unforgettable.
| Pro tip: You can show off your Canadian pride by getting merch like shirts and hoodies that are inspired by Alberta’s history and imagery. |
3. Earls Kitchen + Bar
– Media credit: earlsrestaurant
Address: 4 St SW #2401
Contact details: +1 403 228 4141
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Must-order: Aburi Salmon Sushi Press
Earls Kitchen + Bar began as a humble and laid-back restaurant back in the 80s. Today, they’ve expanded to 60 locations across Canada and America.
Their menu has actually become so famous that they now have a ready-made line of food that you can order and cook at home. This includes the recipes for their dry rib, alfredo sauce, and famous clam chowder.
Personally, we prefer dining in person for their happy hour, which is from 3 PM to 6 PM and 9 PM until closing time daily. They’ve got plenty of drinks to choose from, and most of them are available at half off.
However, the best thing on their happy hour menu is actually a dish, specifically the Aburi Salmon Sushi Press. They use fresh, slightly torched salmon, which tastes buttery with a little bit of char.
| Pro tip: The best place to eat at in Earls Kitchen + Bar is on their patio during the summer. It’s got flowers and plenty of shade. And when it gets chilly at night, the staff will even give you blankets. |
4. Major Tom Bar
– Media credit: themajortombar
Address: 700 2 St SW #4000
Contact details:
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Must-order: Peach Old Fashioned
Major Tom Bar is one of those spots that everyone just seems to be talking about. If you have never been here, we can guarantee that it doesn’t disappoint.
It’s so stylish that it can make any normal night feel special. Plus, it’s located on the 40th floor, meaning you’ll have access to stunning views of the city wherever you look.
So it’s fitting that instead of a happy hour, they call it a golden hour. From 3 PM to 5 PM every day, all their signature cocktails and wine bottles are available at half the original price.
We’re confident that you’re going to love the Peach Old Fashioned so much that you’ll probably order a second one. It’s flamed tableside, which adds an addictive smoky flavor to this romantic peach-y drink.
| Pro tip: It’s common for Major Tom Bar to get very busy at night. Those who want to make sure that they get a table should send a text before coming, since the restaurant doesn’t accept calls. |
5. Blanco Cantina
– Media credit: blancocantina
Address: 723 17 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403 228 1854
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – 2:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Must-order: Tequila
Blanco Cantina is an amazing place, but it’s even better when you’re there with a group. It’s got great vibes, a lively atmosphere, and awesome music that’ll make you want to dance.
But if you feel like you need some liquid courage to get into the groove, wait for their happy hour, which happens from 2 PM to 5 PM and from 9 PM until closing time every day.
Although they’ve got several alcoholic drinks to choose from, only their tequila is available at 50% off. And the best thing about it is that even the top-shelf ones go on sale.
Whether you choose one of the clean, herbal Blanco Tequila options or one of the sweet and aged Reposado choices, there’s no wrong answer. The only correct decision is to try as many as you can.
Plus, you can pair the drinks with one of the classic tacos, like the Chicken Tinga or the Crispy Fish, for a real good time.
| Pro tip: You can now make your own Blanco Cantina margarita at home. The restaurant sells ready-to-drink margarita kits that contain all the ingredients you need to recreate your favorite drink. |
6. Lulu Bar
– Media credit: thelulubar
Address: 510 17 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403 519 0444
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM
Must-order: Fried Coconut Squid
Lulu Bar, short for Honolulu, has been Calgary’s no. 1 source of Pacific flavors since 2019. Their menu is heavily inspired by Asian and Hawaiian cuisine.
The decor of this restaurant will most definitely remind you of your last beach vacation. It’ll make you feel like you’re relaxing oceanside, while watching the waves from afar.
You’re likely thinking of having a tropical drink in your hand to complete the scenario. If so, then the best time to order is from 2 PM to 5 PM every day, or 8 PM until closing time from Sunday until Thursday.
For us, though, the best part of their happy hour is the discounted Asian fusion food. We just can’t get enough of the sweet and crunchy Fried Coconut Squid. But we’re sure you also won’t be disappointed with the spicy Salt and Pepper Pork Belly.
| Pro tip: Diners who like Lulu Bar’s menu but want something less casual and more fine dining should check out their sister restaurant: Bridgette Bar. The food is just as great, but the atmosphere and setting are better suited for dates and other intimate events. |
7. Proof
– Media credit: proofyyc
Address: 1302 1 St SW
Contact details: +1 403 246 2414
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Monday – 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Must-order: Bao Buns
Proof is an award-winning cocktail bar that’s been consistently featured in lists like Canada’s 100 Best and World’s 50 Best Bars.
Part of its allure is its cool and offbeat vibe. The decor is whimsical, and people often describe the regulars as hipsters, but everyone is welcome here.
Their happy hour happens from 4 PM to 7 PM daily, with most of their drinks being $9. But instead of choosing something specific, we recommend trying their Cocktail of the Week. Let their bartender surprise you with something creative and unique.
It’s really their fluffy and savory happy hour Bao Buns that are a must-try. The pork version is superb, but they also have a vegan version if that’s what you prefer.
| Pro tip: Proof is the perfect bar to go to during Christmas time. They really get into the holiday spirit with delicious seasonal drinks and cute decor. |
8. The Rooftop YYC
– Media credit: therooftopyyc
Address: 414 3 St SW
Contact details: +1 403 262 0080
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – Closed
Must-order: Brussels Sprouts
The Rooftop YYC is probably one of the most jaw-dropping restaurants you’ll ever step foot in. It’s a fully climate-controlled rooftop patio that’ll give you stunning views of the city without the unforgiving weather.
When you come here, make sure to bring a friend. All of their share plates are discounted during happy hour, from 3 PM to 5 PM daily.
They’ve got all kinds of food from a variety of cuisines, including pizza, taquitos, scallops, and even a dynamite roll.
But what really blew me away was the Brussels Sprouts, which I typically don’t like. Here, it’s on another level.
It’s smoky and a little bit spicy thanks to the chipotle adobo sauce. But it’s also topped with lots of creamy goat cheese. Altogether, it’s an explosion of flavor.
| Pro tip: People love The Rooftop YYC so much that it gets reserved for private occasions all the time. You can book all kinds of events here, such as weddings, corporate functions, concerts, and more. |