Calgary’s dive‐bar scene blends wallet‐friendly indulgence with local character in a rough‐around‐the‐edges aesthetic. The city has no shortage of cheap dining and drinking options that are soft on the wallet. We will drink to that!
SHIP & ANCHOR
534 17 Ave. S.W. shipandanchor.com
One of Calgary’s favourite dive bars and a staple in the nightlife scene, the Ship offers daily specials from weekdays 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday 3 to 6 p.m., including $1 off drafts/ highballs and snacks such as wings and poutine for just $8.
ONE NIGHT STAN’S
520 17 Ave. S.W. onenightstans.ca
This popular bar room and divery offers a dark nightlife spot to unwind in a low-key atmosphere where you can “come-as-you-are.” Enjoy happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m. with $5 beers, wine and highballs. And check out the “my girlfriend isn’t hungry” option where you get double the fries and dips.
EL FURNITURE WAREHOUSE
107 Stephen Ave. S.W. warehousegroup.ca
The daily “power hour” from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at El Furniture Warehouse is one of our favourite ways to pinch pennies while enjoying some grub and quenching our thirst. With food specials and drinks starting around $5, Stephen Avenue’s hot spot should be a happy hour staple for everyone. Their regular menu has some pretty great prices, too!
BOTTLESCREW BILL’S
140 10 Ave. S.W. bottlescrewbill.com
From Monday to Friday between 3 and 6 p.m. and all day on Sundays, this popular spot serves up $5 beers. If you’re not into beer, Caesars and shaft on drafts are just $6, and wine is $7. There are also some great daily food specials for $15 or less.
VERN’S
622 8 Ave. S.W. Instagram @therealverns
Probably the diviest of the city’s dive bar scene, Vern’s is known for its local music and cheap drinks. While this rough-around-the-edges cult staple doesn’t have a traditional happy hour, the allure is its cash-over-the-counter vibe and dark, edgy atmosphere flanked with loud music and broken cymbals hanging on the walls.
POCO LOCO
731 6 Ave. S.W. pocolocopizza.com
Known as a divey pizza joint, this downtown bar is known for its snack and sip deals and late night specials. Happy Hour runs Monday through Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m., plus late night specials after 9 p.m. Expect daily $4 to $8 drink and snack prices for items such as chicken samosas, jalapeno poppers, wings, ribs and more.
SWIGS PUB & GRILL
11213 30 St. S.W. swigs.ca
This neighbourhood pub is located in the heart of Cedarbrae so you don’t have to go downtown to get your dive bar experience. Enjoy happy hour specials from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. If you want no-fuss specials such as $5.50 20-ounce “Bronc” pints, $6 Caesars and $7 premium wine specials, you’ll want to head over to this spot that also hosts open mic nights.
