Top Bars in Calgary – Most Viewed (2025)

Behind an unmarked basement entrance at 115 2 Ave SE, Paper Lantern reveals itself as a lush, tropical-tinged escape in the heart of Calgary’s Chinatown. It’s part hidden cocktail bar, part Vietnamese street food kitchen — and full of surprises. The moment you step down the stairs, you enter a world of whispered lights, vibrant wallpapers, and a soundtrack that hums between R&B, chill beats, and subtle lounge ambiance. Though the décor leans toward the understated, touches like paper umbrellas, palm motifs, and soft lantern glow evoke a tiki-Vietnamese crossover dreamscape. Cocktails here are more than just drinks — they’re signatures of place. Expect inventive spins: a Pandan Pain Killer milk punch, a Banana Old Fashioned, and a “Cucumber Salad” flip that melds gin infused with Szechuan pepper, cucumber vodka, pineapple, cilantro oil, and egg white foam. The menu blends tropical, Asian, and classic influences, pushing the envelope of what a bar can be. Food is integral, not an afterthought. Think Vietnamese small plates and street fare: crispy crepes that you wrap in lettuce, Bánh xèo, beef skewers, spring rolls, shaken beef bowls, and rotating “What’s the Kitchen Having?” specials, often drawn from the chef’s own inspirations. The kitchen is homey, rooted: one local blog notes many dishes are inspired by the owner’s family cooking. The service feels personal and intimate. Because the space is compact, reservations can help, though walk-ins are welcomed. There is normally a two-hour seating limit when fully booked. On many nights, the kitchen stops before the bar — so if you go late, don’t assume food will be available. What makes Paper Lantern stand out is the balance: it is a cocktail destination, yes — but also a place to eat, linger, chat, and experience something creatively unexpected. It doesn’t shout; it whispers, and rewards curiosity. Frequent reviewers mention the delight of stumbling in, not knowing exactly what to expect, and leaving impressed by the craftsmanship, flavors, and environment.

Tucked into Calgary’s energetic 17th Avenue SW, Prohibition Lounge YYC revives the spirit of the 1920s in dramatic fashion. The exterior gives little away — enter via a discreet route on 17th, and descend into an underground lounge that feels like it leapt from a noir film. Vintage décor, leather booths, muted lighting, period accents, and a curated soundtrack of swing, jazz, and early blues set the tone. Cocktails at Prohibition are more than drinks — they’re performances. Expect handcrafted classics and reimagined libations, served with flourish: smoke, stage elements, creative presentation, and story-laced menu cards. The bartenders narrate, you sip, you soak in the theme. Light sharable food rounds out the experience — think elevated bar bites to accompany the drinks rather than full entrees. Music and live entertainment are part of the draw. Jazz singers, swing bands, and occasional comedy or cabaret nights give the venue a pulse. Some nights lean quiet and conversational; others transform into theatrical evenings. The capacity is intentionally modest — the barrier to entry and the immersive experience mean the crowd is curated. Prohibition is open evenings (starting ~5 PM) and runs into the early hours on weekends, making it ideal for after-dinner drinks, date nights, or when you want to lean into a nightlife experience with flair. It’s not just a bar, but a portal to another time — a place where the spectacle complements the cocktail craft.

Hidden beneath Calgary’s 17th Avenue, Betty Lou’s Library is the kind of place that feels like stepping into another era. Its façade offers no clue — you find the northeast entrance to The Devenish Building, walk down stairs, pick up an antique phone, whisper a secret password, and the bookcase swings open. Once inside, you’re immersed in 1920s Paris meets American Prohibition salon style: plush velvet seating, soft glowing chandeliers, vintage decor, and low lighting. Cocktails are the star of the show — expect original, artfully composed drinks named after literary and cultural figures from the Jazz Age. The bar also programs regular live jazz nights, burlesque shows, and musical performances, giving the space a dynamic cultural feel. Because the space is small and intentional, there’s no standing room; every guest is seated, and a two-hour limit is applied on busy nights (especially weekends) to preserve the atmosphere. Betty Lou’s is less about loud nightlife and more about a curated, memorable evening: cocktails, conversation, music, and ambiance. It’s ideal for date nights, special occasions, or for those who appreciate atmosphere almost as much as their drink.

Slip behind the unassuming façade at Shelter Cocktail Bar (a “blink-and-you-miss-it” address in Calgary), and you’ll find yourself immersed in a refined, atmospheric realm crafted for cocktail enthusiasts and seekers of nuance. The design leans into the dramatic and tactile: exposed textures, low lighting, a striking wall of gas masks, and a sculptural canopy of over 5,000 hanging bulbs that undulate above the main lounge. At the heart of Shelter is its cocktail program — merging pre-Prohibition influences with contemporary techniques. Think clarified juices, house ferments, aromatic layering, smoke, and precision infusions. The goal is to create more than just drinks: each cocktail is a sensory narrative, meant to intrigue both palate and memory. While Shelter leans heavily on mixology, it also supports a modest but thoughtful food program. The kitchen hosts rotating guest chefs, offering small plates and bites with creative flair that complement the drinks without overpowering them. The setup is intimate — suitable for couples, small groups, and private events. With room capacity around 40 people, Shelter prides itself on delivering an immersive, refined experience rather than a bustling club environment. Guests are typically encouraged to adopt polished-casual attire, avoid flash photography, and be respectful of the crafted ambiance. Even though the venue is downtown, stepping inside feels like entering another world — one where every detail, from glassware to lighting to aroma, is calibrated to heighten your evening. Over the years, Shelter has earned recognition: it made the North America’s 50 Best Bars list, boosting its status among cocktail destinations. In short: Shelter is not for those who want a simple drink — it’s for those who want a moment, an experience, a crafted interlude in Calgary’s nightlife. Perfect for evenings when you want to be surprised, delighted, and remembered.