Entertainment in Alberta
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A
Flames Central
The place to be to catch a hockey game on the big screen. The huge interior of what used to be a cinema has been transformed into the sports bar to end all sports bars. With more TVs than an electronics shop, you'll definitely get a good view of the game - just make sure you're not cheering for the Oilers. There is an on-site restaurant and it has concerts from time to time.
reviewed
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B
Cowboys
After recently relocating to a fresh location, this legendary Calgary hotspot has lost none of its hedonistic reputation. Everyone from Prince Harry, Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince ('Purple Rain' Prince, that is) have all had a boogie at Cowboys, the cavernous nightspot to see and be seen. Stetsons and tight Wranglers are the norm here, but even if that isn't your scene, the eye candy alone is worth a visit.
reviewed
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C
The Hop and Brew
Imagine if you took an old house, turned it into a dive bar, and then had a great party every weekend. Tucked down a quiet street just off the main drag, The Hop and Brew has got some style. The converted house has a bar upstairs and down, a pool table up top and winding steps right through the middle. Good tunes, grungy atmosphere and plenty on tap.
reviewed
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D
The Bank Ultra Lounge
Oozing groovy style, this former bank is as hip as they come. The center bar deposits cocktails to the metrosexual crowd that gathers there for popular post-work drinks. Cruise downstairs to the dark dungeon below; the hidden bar has a different vibe and the shadowy booths are a good place to get more acquainted.
reviewed
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E
Black Dog Freehouse
A locals' favorite, this place is cramped, loud and cool. Good music and a fun atmosphere are its trademarks. The rooftop patio has heaters, or you can slip back into the pulsating crowd if you happen to get chilly. The long skinny bar is a good place to saddle up, grab a pint and meet some locals.
reviewed
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F
Ship & Anchor
The Ship is an über-classic Calgary institution, an all-time favorite of uni students, 17th Ave hipsters and indie music fans. With plentiful beers on tap, the shadowy interior is a cozy winter hideaway, while the picnic table-filled patio is prime real estate come summertime.
reviewed
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G
Rose & Crown
A view that validates your existence in Banff is the reason to come to this pub, which has an amazing rooftop deck. Count the peaks when you arrive, then do so again after a few pints and see if the numbers agree. Inside it has live rock, darts and pool tables.
reviewed
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H
Blues on Whyte
This is the sort of place your mom warned you about: dirty, rough and cool. It's a great place to check out some live music; blues and rock are the standards here. The small dance floor is good for a boogie, too. Always a good time - just don't tell mom.
reviewed
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I
St James Gate
An ersatz upscale English pub replete with lots of dark wood and snugs, this place packs 'em in for the 24 beers on tap, stiff drinks and tasty fish and chips. It gets crowded late as the pals of the staff drop by after the places they work close.
reviewed
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J
Pump & Tap
This basement dive in the divey Sundance Mall is the place to go if you have a summer/winter job in Banff, are broke, or both. It's the place to chat up your hostel desk clerk; the drinks are cheap and there's always the hint of impending scandal.
reviewed
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K
Broken City
If you fancy a bit of rock and roll and are looking for a club with a 4/4 heartbeat, then Broken City is your scene. Indie rock, alt country and punk all do the rounds and get the crowds going. Gigs are usually on Thursday and Friday nights.
reviewed
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L
Princess Theatre
The Princess is a grand old theater in the tradition that has long since been spoiled by the mall-housed multiplexes dominating the scene today. Showing first run, art house and cult classics, this is a movie theater for a more elegant age.
reviewed
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M
Ming
With plentiful booths and a cocktail list long enough to stop any lush in their tracks, Ming is a fun place to be. The deceptively large interior, blood-red walls and groovy pop art complete the scene in one of the city's cooler lounges.
reviewed
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N
Thirsty Bear Saloon
The great melting pot of the only bar in town. Visitors and townsfolk mix together and groove to the thumping tunes. There's a pool table and a reasonably sized dance floor to really get to know the local crew. It heats up after 22:00.
reviewed
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O
The HiFi Club
The HiFi is a great place to get your groove on. The dance floor swells nightly to the sounds of live DJs who specialize in making you sweat. Check out Sunday Skool, the weekly groove session that is always a crowd pleaser.
reviewed
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P
The Barley Mill
This freestanding structure adjacent to Eau Claire Market is a favorite after-work stop for the downtown working stiffs. The big patio is great in the summer and the festive atmosphere keeps it popular year in, year out.
reviewed
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Q
Devlin's Martini Lounge
Whether you're an aspiring 007 or just keen for a fruity cocktail, this martini bar has got you covered. One of the more sophisticated establishments on Whyte, this is a great place to get shaken, not stirred.
reviewed
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R
Halo
This downstairs nightclub may be a bit tricky to find, but the steady stream of hipsters leading the way on a Friday night is a good help. Music fit for dancing, from trance to alt rock, is all on the menu.
reviewed
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S
Pub 1905
There's nothing fancy here, just a great location and a cool vibe. It's a popular local watering hole with a happening happy hour, and the plethora of TVs makes it a choice spot to catch an Oilers game.
reviewed
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T
New City Suburbs
Taking up residence in an old theater, this nightclub is a great venue to see some live rock and roll. It has frequent live bands, comedy nights and theme nights that are popular with the college crowd.
reviewed
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U
O'Byrne's
Get lost in the labyrinth of rooms in this popular Irish pub. Heaps of varieties on tap and live music keep the place jumping. There's plush seating upstairs and good food, too.
reviewed
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Marquee Room
Upstairs from the Uptown Cinema, the Marquee Room is quickly becoming one of Calgary's hippest hotspots. It's a stylish joint, great for live bands and DJs.
reviewed
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W
Kaos
Jazz lovers unite at Kaos for nightly live music. The hip older crowd is a nice relief from the pubescent atmosphere found at some nightspots around town.
reviewed
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X
Paramount Chinook
Located in Chinook Centre shopping mall, the Paramount has 17 screens, so there must be something on worth seeing. There is an IMAX theater on site, too.
reviewed
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Y
Plaza Theatre
Right in the heart of Kensington, the Plaza Theatre shows both art house flicks and cult classics - it's definitely a great place to do the 'Time Warp.'
reviewed
