If you are visiting Calgary from out of town, or live here and are just looking to try something new, here is a list of a few of our most favourite things Calgary has to offer!
Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters
Chinook: 159, 6455 Macleod Trail S || Marda Loop: 2043 33rd Ave SW
Jeff and I have both drank a ton of coffee in our short lives and nothing even comes close to Phil & Sebastian - by FAR the best cup of coffee you will ever have! Stop by and enjoy a regular drip coffee (Jeff's old stand by), or a decaf americano (Jess' fav). If you are feeling extra decadent, we both highly recommend the manjuri mocha- a little sip of heaven in a cup! They even have organic milk and fair trade sugar!The Coup
924 17 Avenue SW
One of our favourite all vegetarian restaurants with a ton of incredibly delicious inhouse creations. Pop by for a meal or mid-day snack and try the rosemary yam fries with miso gravy, thai pizza, el taco, or their ever changing cheesecake- always to die for! Located on 17th Ave SW surrounded by tons of great shopping and people watching spots.
Buddhas Veggie
5802 Macleod Trail S
Buddhas Veggie has been one of our favourite spots since the day we met- over 9 years ago! (The fact that its across the street from our condo may have been one of the selling points when we bought this place!) It is a vegetarian Chinese food restaurant that makes some incredible imitation meat dishes! Our favs include: veggie ginger beef (a Calgary invention!), veggie spicy dry ribs, veggie crispy eel, and pan fried dumplings.
Sidewalk Citizens Bakery5524 1A Street SW
We buy all our bread and baked goods from this amazing little bakery. It's a short walk from our house and makes some of the most incredible sour dough loaves, croissants and organic scones you will ever get to try. They are open to the public on Friday and Saturday mornings, so pop by, grab a treat (and a free sample of their specialty of the day) and enjoy a little stroll around the neighbourhood. Be sure to get there early though- they always sell out!
The Hop in Brew
213 12 Avenue SW
An old house converted into a quaint little pub- with 20 local craft and microbrews on tap (and many many more in bottles) the Hop in Brew offers the perfect venue to enjoy a cold beverage and relax after a long day. If they have it, try their Black Pilsner- brewed right here in Calgary by a small microbrew called Brew Brothers. Hop in Brew also has incredible pizza (though do expect to wait a while for it- their oven is small and their pizza demand is large! Patience pays off on this one though.)
7711 Macleod Trail S
Calgary has several great farmers markets, but Kingsland is the BEST! It's way less hectic than other markets and offers some of the best quality farmers and artisans our city has to offer. Pop by the Mexican place and try an order of tortilla soup, visit 'M for Macroon' and try one of their delicious french meringues, or grab some of the BEST gelato EVER - Fiasco Gelato is handcrafted in small batches with love by our good friend (and MC of our wedding) James! (sold at Glowing Hearts Cafe.)
Caffe Beano
1613 9 Street SW
Beano is one of our favourite places to pop by and spend an afternoon sitting out front sipping warm beverages and people watching. It's a trendy hang out where you are sure to run into more than a few kind souls, familiar faces and awesome dogs. Right in the heart of all the action, its a great spot for an early morning coffee, an afternoon pick-me-up or late night tea. (chocolate ginger milk anyone?)
Sandy Beach
4500 - 14A Street SW
Sandy Beach is an amazing example of a beautiful, quiet, lush park in the middle of the city. A nice walk from our neighbourhood, Sandy Beach offers beautiful pathways, river views and tons of benches to sit, relax and take in nature. We spend many many summer days there splashing around in the river and picnicking.
Suggested Day Plans:
'Around our Hood' - Pop by Phil & Sebastian and get a hot beverage of your choice. Enjoy a little walk over to Sidewalk Citizens Bakery and grab a scone or brioche to go with your coffee then head west towards Sandy beach/ River park for a nice seat on a park bench over looking the river and enjoying Calgary's incredible October days.
'Uptown Girl (or Guy)' - Head to the Coup for brunch or a late lunch, stroll along 17th Ave and pop into some of the shops and boutiques for a little browse, then head on down to Cafe Beano for an afternoon coffee and people watching session on the benches outside (You are welcome to take their 'to stay' ceramic mugs outside with you- just bring them back in when you are done.)
