Do you ever drive around Calgary, see interesting bars/restaurants/stores, and wonder what’s behind those doors? The local spots you somehow have never set foot into, despite them being around for decades?
Look no further, as The Scene deep dives into areas of the city that don’t get as much shine. Our crack team puts feet on the pavement in less-trafficked areas to find hidden gems just beneath the surface of Calgary’s urban sprawl.
Boddum’s Up Pub
Nestled just off 17th Avenue S.E. in a cove of the Mountview mobile home park is the first stop: Boddum’s Up Pub. Don’t let the silly cartoon characters on the sign or the iron bars on the window fool you. This is a no-nonsense bar with friendly staff and a wide range of events. Sit at the bar, have a cool pint of Kokanee Gold and listen to live music while the VLT machines seem to ding in tune.
Tavern 52 Bar & Grill
A quick 10-minute walk along the wide, tree-lined paths of International Avenue and a fast turn south onto 52nd Street brings you to Tavern 52 Bar & Grill. Seemingly owned by someone named Frank (as the signs behind the bar state), this is a dark yet fresh and clean establishment with a fairly rowdy crowd of regulars. Take advantage of their 32-ounce Schooners of beer for only $8 and the all-you-can-eat brunch.
The Spot Pub & Grill
Continuing west on 17th Avenue is the giant landmark of the Dragon Gate Chinese Restaurant. The Spot Pub & Grill is tucked on the west side, with a small door and minimal branding. Inside is a charming spot, if your preferred charm is full-on dive. Some friendly waitresses might try to coax us to stay all night, but after a couple of bottles of Bud Light, a duo of $4.75 Burt Reynolds shots, and a quick glance at the “F*CK CARNEY” sticker on the beer fridge, it’s time to continue the journey.
Chicago’s Pub
This small strip mall on the north side of 17th Avenue stands out. The brick walls, stooped steps, and handrails make it look like something on a corner in Jersey City or a joint straight out of The Wire in Baltimore. Chicago’s Pub is the landmark right in the middle of this mall. Opt for a bar seat and order a couple of Bud Lights. No frills here, but there is cheap beer and a couple of screens to watch a sports game. Don’t miss the M.A.A.D. Poster featuring Alfred E. Neuman.
Border Crossing Pub
On the corner of the major intersection of 17th Avenue and 32nd Street S.E. sits the standalone building of Border Crossing Pub. From the outside, it looks like a gang hideaway somewhere in the Florida panhandle, almost sitting on stilts to ensure a hurricane or rising tide doesn’t sweep it away. The inside is almost precisely that, and in the best way possible. A huge horseshoe bar serves the entire bar, so grab a couple of MGD’s and play a few games of pinball on the “Girls of Playboy” machine.
Kokonut Kove Pub
Hidden behind the large Rexall Pharmacy is Kokonut Kove Pub, a boilerplate bar with a handful of regulars and a heavy focus on pool. The beer is cold and cheap, the bar isn’t busy, but the music is. Best of all, they offer free pool all day. It’s worth hanging out here long enough for a couple of Coors Light and a few games of pool. In our opinion, this spot is an undersung gem in Forest Lawn.
Big Al’s Bar & Grill
A perfect end to the crawl is at Big Al’s Bar & Grill. Even at primetime, a few tables are almost always available near the VLTs, and you will be quickly welcomed into a lively party atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you might see someone celebrating their 80th birthday while wearing a Big Al’s shirt sporting their popular slogan, “Don’t Make Me Take You To The Train Station.” Depending on the day, a cover band plays all the hits while attendees eat pizza, drink mini-jug highballs, dance, and celebrate being alive in Calgary. Order a couple of cold ones and settle in to reflect on your day (and drink choices) on the International Avenue strip.
