A large beer selection, summery cocktails and a delicious menu secured National Beer Hall a spot on the list. Photo: Adele Brunnhofer.
WHERE Calgary Contributing Editor and the city’s best-known food critic, John Gilchrist, shares his selections for the best spots to enjoy craft beer in the city:
#5 Craft Beer Destination
Brewsters Brewing Company
With five locations in Calgary and one in Airdrie, you’re never far from a Brewsters brew, all made just for its own outlets.
•100, 11 Mckenzie Towne, Ave SE, 403-243-2739, brewsters.ca
•5519 – 53 St SW, 403-723-2739, brewsters.ca
•25 Crowfoot Terrace NW, 403-208-2739, brewsters.ca
•176, 755 Lake Bonavista Dr SE, 403-225-2739, brewsters.ca
•3 Stonegate Dr NW, Airdrie, 403-974-2739, brewsters.ca
• 834 – 11 Ave SW, 403-265-2739, brewsters.ca
Maps and Reviews
#4 Craft Beer Destination
Wild Rose Brewery
All house-made, Wild Rose’s bottled beers are available in the tap room as well as around the province. But try the always-changing draft beers for the latest and freshest flavours.
•4580 Quesnay Wood Dr SW, 403-720-2733 www.wildrosebrewery.com
Maps and Reviews
#3 Craft Beer Destination
Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub
More than 300 beers from over 35 countries are featured at this pub, which has held the corner of 10th Avenue and First Street SW for over 30 years.
•140 – 10 Ave SW, 403-263-7900 bottlescrewbill.com
Maps and Reviews
[RELATED: 5 Best Nightlife Spots in Calgary]
#2 Craft Beer Destination
National Beer Hall
Long communal tables, a prime 17th Avenue SW patio, over 100 beers and excellent food (including pickled eggs) draw all walks to this suds spot.
•550 – 17 Ave SW, 403-229-0226, www.ntnl.ca
•341 – 10 Ave SW, 403-474-2739, www.ntnl.ca
Maps and Reviews
Craft Beer Market boasts a lengthy beer list and a vast interior. Photo courtesy Craft Beer Market.
#1 Craft Beer Destination
Craft Beer Market
With over 100 international beers on tap, this “market” is a mecca for brewed barley fans. Chef Paul McGreevy’s food is mighty fine, too.
•345 – 10 Ave SW, 403-514-2337, calgary.craftbeermarket.ca
Maps and Reviews
Savvy dining tip: foodies in the city make their weekend reservations based on John’s Friday morning restaurant reviews on CBC Radio’s The Eyeopener. The eighth edition of his book, My Favourite Restaurants: Calgary, Banff and Beyond, will be released in September 2013.
DINING IN CALGARY:
•The 6 Most Creative Cocktails in Calgary
•Best Bars in Calgary’s Beltline District
•8 Best Restaurants in Calgary for Canadian Cuisine
•5 Gourmet Calgary Pizzerias
