It’s always party time at these theme bars in Calgary

Calgary’s ranch-country location makes all things cowboy (and cowgirl) a natural watering-hole motif. As such, two notable country-flavoured bars top this list, but the city does feature a few other notable themed drinking establishments.

It’s always party time at these theme bars in Calgary
Ian Doig By

The Twisted Element

1
1006 11 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0G3

One of Western Canada’s top gay entertainment venues crackles with high-voltage drag shows and dancing on its main floor. Partying patrons in need of a break can retreat to the club’s easy-going downstairs lounge for a cocktail and a game of pool.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

The James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant

2
114 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B3

The most Irish of Calgary’s Irish pubs, this Stephen Avenue spot features busy, sociable evenings. Serving all manner of Old World beer and whiskey, the food menu features UK pub favourites such as potato boxty, Irish stew as well as steak and Guinness pie. Its Saturday traditional Irish live music sessions are highly recommended.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Bitter Sisters Brewing

3
510 Héritage Dr Sw, Calgary, AB T2V 2W2

Transport yourself to Canada’s East Coast nightly at Atlantic Trap & Gill Pub. Folk and Celtic bands as well as kitchen-party-style open-mic performers provide a rockin’ jig-and-reel soundtrack. The food menu leans to seafood dishes such as mussels and fish and chips, but also includes Canadian Maritime pub-grub favourites such as the Halifax donair. All marry well with East Coast beer.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Ian Doig Ian Doig
Ian Doig’s week may include dim sum lunch with friends, rummaging through indie bookstore shelves as well as scribbling in his notepad at Calgary shops and farmers’ markets. It most often concludes with a relaxing Friday evening pint of locally brewed craft beer.
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