Low-key Night Out: Betty Lou’s Library
Jazz never goes out of style, nor does vintage. You can find both at Betty Lou’s Library, a speakeasy whose name pays tribute to owner Blaine Armstrong’s mother. After you whisper the password (often a writer’s name), the hidden doors open into another era: Prohibition glamour with a dash of Paris’s Lost Generation. Velvet chairs, crystal chandeliers and patrons dressed in cocktail attire make it easy to imagine F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein walking in at any moment. Beyond live jazz, the bar hosts burlesque shows, where feather boas and theatrical flair add a playful edge to the atmosphere.
The Library’s “collection” deserves special attention. Classic cocktails, many of which are named after writers, are crafted with exceptional care. The bar notes, “Please be patient, our cocktails take time.” But there’s no need to rush — this is the place to linger and savour every moment.
Like Owen Wilson’s character in Midnight in Paris, we’re prone to romanticizing the past and looking for ways back into it. Instead of 17 rue Malebranche, head to our local counterpart, 17th Avenue S.W., where you can be transported to another era, if only for a couple of hours.
908 17 Ave. S.W., 403-454-4774, bettylouslibrary.com, @bettylouslibrary
Music Night Out: The Palomino Smokehouse
The Palomino Smokehouse (or what we like to call, The Barbecue Palace) is an alternative to both the big club party and the glamorous intimate night. It feels like an old friend: straightforward, a little rough around the edges, and reliably good company. They’re very open about their winning formula: BBQ, Bands, and Beer. The barbecue runs year-round and comes in a serious variety, with brisket, pulled pork, chicken wings, Spolumbo’s sausages — all served with house-made fixings.
The space is flexible and practical. With a capacity of up to 310, it accommodates everything from casual gatherings to private events and business lunches. The website and walls feature punk-leaning posters and a quick reminder: “no jerk policy always in effect.” The Palomino hosts hundreds of bands and artists each year and is an anchor venue for Sled Island. And guess what? There are two floors to the experience.
Upstairs is the restaurant, complete with a small stage and western decor on the walls. Downstairs is the Showroom, where local and international acts across a wide range of genres kick out the jams. The interior stays stripped back, with wood finishes, round tables, and the steady smell of smoked meat, creating a distinctly Western atmosphere. And then there’s the patio, another reason to stay longer with a good glass of beer on warmer days.
109 7 Ave. S.W., 403-532-1911, thepalomino.ca, @palominosmokehouse
Sober Night Out: Hexagon Board Game Cafe
“Coffee. Games. Community.” That’s the motto of The Hexagon Board Game Cafe. Located in the heart of Kensington, the cozy spot hums with energy from morning to night, whether people are popping in for a quick coffee or settling in with friends for a night of games.
Hexagon started in Edmonton in 2014, with owners Kellie Ho and Randy Wong’s shared love of board games and countless rounds of Catan. At the time, the pair were living abroad together, but games were always a universal language.
Eventually, they brought their passion to Canada — first to Edmonton, then to Calgary in 2016. Over the years, the team has worked to introduce Calgarians to the world of modern board gaming, building a collection of more than 1,000 games.
The café hosts regular events, including a biweekly Catan League, Puzzle Playoffs (a race to complete a 500-piece puzzle) and ongoing Dungeons & Dragons sessions. No matter what your game preference, there’s always something to dig into. And for those new to board game culture, the “Hexperts” are ready to recommend the right game and walk players through the rules, making everyone comfortable from the first roll of the dice.
1410 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-209-2881, thehexcafe.com, @thehexcafe
Party Night Out: Commonwealth Bar & Stage
For nights that call for some booty shaking, Commonwealth Bar & Stage fits the mood. Known for its simplicity and underground feel, it was built with a clear purpose: good music and a good time. When it opened, it filled a gap in Calgary’s nightlife — a mid-sized downtown venue that could bridge club culture and live performances with creative programming.
Last year, the venue underwent a major renovation. Updates include an expanded stage, upgraded LED lighting, a larger dance floor, and new murals by Calgary artist Rhys Douglas Farrell. The changes also marked the official launch of Common UNDRGRND, the lower-level space, now equipped with its own bar. VIP areas have also been reworked, with a larger mezzanine offering clearer sightlines to the stage.
Weekly programming includes World Famous Fridays, which spotlights the best hip-hop DJs from across the city, and Modern Vintage Saturdays, blending throwbacks with current hits alongside rotating special events.
731 10 Ave. S.W., commonwealthbar.ca, @commonwealthyyc
Vinyl Night Out: OB Sound Room
If you love music nights but not the crowds, OB Sound Room offers a quieter alternative. Opened last year by Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Company, it’s a Japanese-style “listening room” with a warm, minimalist design and a wide selection of vinyl. Imagine dim lighting, a good drink, and a spinning record setting the tone.
Each night centres on a different genre from soul on Tuesdays to jazz on Sundays and many more in between. The bar hosts regular themed events like Icons. Divas. Legends., dedicated to the voices of the fiercest femmes in music, and The Decline of Sound Room Civilization, curated by Rob Gruszecki of Ghost Factory.
The drinks are just as varied as the music, with a range of beer, cocktails, liquor and non-alcoholic options, plus kati rolls and small bites.
Settle into the cozy basement and get swept away by the sounds of decades past and present.
1213 1 St S.W., obsoundroom.com, @obsoundroom
Karaoke Night Out: PinBar
Calgary has tons of great karaoke options, from a private room over at Sole to nightly dankness at Watchmen’s. But may we humbly suggest a funner, more dive-y alternative for your live singing needs?
PinBar has not one, but two late-night karaoke nights that help liven up both the middle and end of your week. Hosted on Thursdays by “Gus” and Sundays by “Cam,” these events run from 9 p.m. till closing and are completely free. Both hosts use YouTube to source karaoke tracks, which means you can sing (nearly) anything you want, rather than being constrained to the whims of a weirdly curated binder and an ancient machine. And the (somewhat) strict “no outros” policy on songs keeps things moving smoothly.
Bastion Burger serves up some of the best smashburgers in the city onsite (we recommend the Benjamin, no lettuce), and there are usually killer deals on draft beer and fishbowl cocktails. And then, of course, they couldn’t have that name without pinball machines, right? Take a break from your ill-advised Billy Idol rendition to smash out a high score on the Star Wars machine; we’ll meet you there!
501 17 Ave. S.W., 403-930-8175, pinbaryyc.com, @pinbaryyc
