Calgary Nightlife: 5 Reasons Why You Should Go To Beltline

Beltline is located in the City Centre Calgary area, south of 9th Avenue and the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks. The neighbourhood's first established district was Connaught in 1905, followed by Victoria Park in 1914. Currently, the city recognizes four districts within the Beltline community: West Connaught, Connaught Centre, Victoria Park, and East Victoria Park. The community derives its name from an early 20th-century streetcar route and is one of its most historic. About 25,000 people live in Beltline, making it one of the city's most densely populated neighbourhoods.

Many locals agree the Beltline neighbourhood is the best community in Calgary for nightlife. Its 17th Avenue is a mixed-use area with a dense concentration of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and shops. 17th Avenue was nicknamed the "Red Mile" in 2004 when the Calgary Flames, the NHL team, was in the playoffs. About 100,000 fans crowded into the street and its pubs on game night. Nightclubs, restaurants, and bars are also located on other streets within the community. Keep reading to find out why Beltline is the best place for nightlife in Calgary's City Centre.

Find Amazing Restaurants in Beltline

Beltine's top-rated restaurants make it a premier dining location in the city. For example, Bridgette Bar is a chef-driven bar on 10th Avenue SW., serving large plates, small plates, pizza, pasta, vegetables, and snacks. Ten Foot Henry, named after a 10-foot statue of Henry's cartoon character, is an all-day restaurant on 1st St. SW. Ten Foot Henry and Bridgett Bar consistently make the list of Canada's Top 100 Restaurants.

Park by Sidewalk Citizen is another mainstay of the restaurant scene in Beltline. Located on 13th Avenue SW, it takes its inspiration from the street markets of the Levant region, the street foods of Israel, and local foods from the nearby mountains and prairies. The Calgary Herald named it the No. 1 Best New Restaurant in Calgary.

Donna Mac on 9th St. SW, a go-to spot for comfort food, which features lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Vegans find comfort food at Vegan Street, on 7th Street, SW. Vegan Street's menu features burgers, quesadillas, and other comfort food made with innovative substitutes. It also donates the money it receives through recycling to The Alice Sanctuary, which provides refuge to neglected or surrendered farm animals. #Regrub on 11th Avenue makes meat and meatless burgers, shakes and dairy-free shakes, and sides.

Find A Meeting Spot for Any Mood in Beltline

In addition to high-rise condos with Calgary skyline views, this bustling neighbourhood has a diverse range of nightlife venues that are sure to match any mood. From swanky cocktail bars to vibrant dance clubs, Beltline has it all. Those in the mood for a rooftop patio experience can visit either the Craft Beer Market on 10th Avenue Southwest or the Broken City on 11th Avenue Southwest. The Craft Beer Market features pub food, rotating taps, several community brews, and a wide variety of ales, stouts, porters, pilsners, ciders, and IPA brews. Broken City features pub food and a variety of beers and cocktails.

Those who like to watch or participate in games while enjoying a drink can choose from Home & Away and Shuffle Club on 1st Street SW or Greta Bar on 10th Avenue. Home & Away is a sports bar on the main floor; the Shuffle Club is downstairs on Fridays and Saturdays and features shuffleboard and a disco ball. Greta Bar uses locally sourced ingredients and has a two-story game room with new and vintage games.

Live entertainment is available at Twisted Element on 11 Avenue SW, which presents themed drag and burlesque shows, and Koi on 1st St, which features local entertainment. The Commonwealth Bar bills itself as an "uncommon bar for common people." It aims to be a bar for all tastes and features live music events and an unhouse Cafeteria for snacks and light meals.

The National on 10th Avenue SW Inner City Brewing and Last Best Brewing and Distilling on 11th Avenue SW offer craft beers.

Find Great Walkability in Beltline

Another reason Beltline is a great spot for nightlife is its walkability. Having nightlife within walking distance is a great amenity. Parking isn't a worry, nor is having to find a designated driver. Walkers also have the opportunity to burn the extra calories from a beautiful meal or an exquisite dessert.

Central Calgary is a walker's paradise, receiving a walk score of 94. The neighbourhood also receives high marks for its accessibility to Calgary public transport.

Find Casinos to Explore in Beltline

In addition to its wealth of restaurants and bars, Beltline also has two casinos to further its nightlife reputation. Cowboys Casino on 12th Avenue features three restaurants: the Zen 8 Grill, Melrose, and the Center Bar and Eatery. It also features a gaming floor that offers poker, 30 table games, a digital gaming pit, 370 slot machines, and a high-limit lounge. It also hosts Learn to Play events.

The Elbow River Casino, located near the Victoria Park train station at 17th Avenue South and Macleod Trail, is Calgary's off-limit betting hotspot. It also features Las Vegas-style gaming, including a 24/7 poker room, slot machines, and table games. It also contains three eateries:

• Sammy's Sports Bar, which features a nightly prime rib special
• Jester's Deli, featuring sandwiches, chicken dinners, and snacks
• Jester's Buffet, featuring breakfast all-day and a dinner buffet on weekends

Find the Calgary Stampede in Beltline

Another reason Beltline is an excellent nightlife neighbourhood is the Calgary Stampede. The Calgary Stampede is a nonprofit organization that promotes and celebrates the city's western heritage and community spirit. More than 2,000 volunteers produce an annual rodeo and festival, also called the Calgary Stampede, held in July at Stampede Park. Each of the 11 days of the Stampede features a rodeo during the day and an evening show at the grandstand.

The evening shows typically begin with a chuckwagon derby of nine heats per night, with 27 chuckwagon drivers competing for cash prizes. The Grandstand Show follows the derby nightly and includes musical performances, stunts, dancing, and pyrotechnics.

More than 1.25 million visitors will attend the Calgary Stampede each year, and throughout the 11 days and nights of the Stampede, a party atmosphere descends upon all of 17th Avenue.

Find Excellent Nightlife in Beltline

Those who love the nightlife will find Beltline to be a dream come true. Top restaurants, bars, casinos, and events occur within walking distance of Beltline residents. The neighbourhood also offers several housing options for those who want to be near the action, including some of the best luxury condo communities in Calgary. Prices range from the $100,000s to more than $5 million, providing something for every budget. After all, living in Beltline is the best way to take advantage of the amazing nightlife attractions there.

If you're interested in City Centre Calgary real estate, contact Justin Havre Real Estate Team with eXp Realty with Calgary Homes at (403) 217-0003 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find your City Centre dream home today.