For Calgarians, summer really kicks off with the start of the Calgary Stampede. For 10 days, the Saddledome and Stampede grounds become the centre of gravity for this annual, city-wide party. And the energy is electric. Corporate Calgary trades suits for boots, office buildings to Tim Horton’s windows are adorned with cowboys, horses, and saloon art, and Calgarians tip their cowboy hats to more than a million people who pass through the gates of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
While there is no shortage of grub on the grounds – the much-anticipated Calgary Stampede menu release is practically a cowtown day of recognition – you would be remiss to overlook the Calgary dining season featuring cutting edge restaurants and bars with national reputations in their own right. After all, man and woman cannot live on deep-fried Oreos alone, so treat yourself to a palate reset and dining experience that last long after the fireworks finale (you can thank me later).
Here are three happening Calgary bars and restaurants to add to your itinerary with Toronto expansions to boot. And it’s not just country bars that get into the Stampede spirit; Calgary restaurants have everything from large group packages to curated concert listings prepared just for you.
Bonterra Trattoria (Calgary, AB)
For 26 years, Bonterra Trattoria has been one of Calgary’s favourite locales for traditional Italian dining and feasting. Named after the Italian word for “good earth,” Bonterra Trattoria channels the fertile land and simple ingredients of Italy and the warm embrace of her people. Bonterra Trattoria’s Mediterranean menu flows with the seasons, bringing fresh vegetables for summer fare and warm, hearty meat dishes to escape Calgary’s harsh winters – but there are some beloved guest favourites that are kept regardless of the weather, like their marinated and grilled calamari and veal meatballs in a smoked parmesan cream.
While Bonterra Trattoria is a Calgary-favourite for date night, their “Vespa Lunch” is perfect for quick, quality lunches with an antipasti, main, and dessert all for $29. “Date Night Tuesday” offers three-course dining for two at $89 and 50% off select bottles. They even offer 50% off magnums on their wine list from 4:00pm until close every Monday.
“Like the vineyards that shape exceptional wines, Bonterra is grounded in quality, simplicity, and a sense of place – it’s a space where rustic charm meets quiet refinement and celebrations feel effortless.” It’s Italian summer in Calgary, too, so splash some more in your glass. Saluti!
Bonterra Trattoria team also loves a Calgary Stampede Party and has curated private dining packages for groups of 10-250. Guests enjoy 90s country classics, long tables, grilling on the patio, and coordinated transportation to and from their restaurant – all with “a little yeehaw energy.”
Visit Bonterra Trattoria at 1016 8 Street SW, Calgary and at bonterra.ca.
Lulu Bar (Calgary, AB & Toronto, ON)
A quick scroll of @lulubar and you can practically feel the warm breeze and white sand beach kiss your skin.
Lulu Bar is a love letter to the tropical Pacific, bringing together the flavours of Southeast Asia, Hawaii (Honolulu, of course), and West Coast fusion – or, in their words, “playful, transportive, and a little nostalgic like the bar you’ll never forget from your favourite vacation.” While Lulu Bar prides itself on harnessing the bold vibes and flavours of the Pacific, their chefs transform local ingredients into seasonally-rooted dishes that transport us to the vacations we never want to end.
Lulu Bar’s drink list includes tropical fruit infused classic cocktails, like their Pineapple Negroni and Macadamia Espresso Martini. Their “Cat People” cocktail features salted guava and plum sake in a cat shaped glass – as I like to say, “treat yourself – you’re on vacation!”
Their menu is best enjoyed amongst friends, so pick a few plates and go family style: some suggestions might include their Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos with chili satay and pineapple salsa, Wood Grilled Asparagus with sambal fried peanuts and turmeric coconut, and Cucumber Salad with crying tiger dressing. Life’s too short to skip dessert, don’t forget to add on a Coconut Tres Leches Cake or Brown Sugar Bao complete with a Calgary Heritage Roasting Company Cold Brew.
As for plans to expand to other cities: “we’re just perfecting the paradise right here.” Summer vacations start at Lulu Bar which is a short trip away at 510 17 Avenue SW Calgary and 427 Wellington St W, Toronto. For menus, resos, and hours, check out lulubar.ca.
Bridgette Bar (Calgary, AB & Toronto, ON)
Named for the Celtic goddess of fire, “Brigid,” Bridgette Bar is a hearth in all senses of the word. The fireplace is an aesthetic focal point for this mid-century modern lounge and an invitation to commune with great plates and even greater people. It’s perfect because it’s simple.
Bridgette Bar brings together local, high-quality, and seasonal ingredients to offer guests that reflect and support the region while staying true to craft. Their menu features a selection of vegetables, pizza, pasta, and large and small plates too good to keep to yourself. Try their Wood-Grilled Asparagus with vadouvan cream and crab, Snap Peas with ‘nduja and bacon gremolata, Grilled Octopus Salad with orange and fennel, and even a spin on beef carpaccio made with wagyu.
While thoughtful reinvention is part of their DNA, regulars to Bridgette Bar know and love their famous pie. Bridgette Bar’s Executive Chef JP Pedhirney once worked at a restaurant in the U.S. that served a showstopping, sky-high lemon meringue pie. It became such a special, shared memory for guests, he couldn’t imagine leaving it behind, so he brought the concept to Bridgette Bar in the form of a Banana Pie. While we love this dessert all on its own, we really love Bridgette Bar’s take on the classic featuring coffee, pretzel, and rum caramel.
While you’re building out your itinerary, be sure to check out the curated list of Calgary Stampede events and concerts featured on Lulu Bar and Bridgette Bar’s websites to ensure you make the most of your trip out west.
You can find Bridgette Bar in Calgary (739 10 Avenue SW), Canmore (1030 Spring Creek Drive), and Toronto (423 Wellington Street W), and online at bridgettebar.com.
