Calgary restaurants have been quite innovative this year and with good reason. Having to operate at half capacity, distance tables, build plastic barriers, and set up make shift patios is how many have tried to forge their way through these unprecedented times.

With dropping temperatures teasing our senses and winter nipping at our nose, we reached out to a few Calgary restaurants who plan on keeping the patios running all winter long.

While most locations have been contacted to confirm heated patios, we do suggest you always call in advance to confirm.

A1 Bodega & Cafe

Ski hill heaters will be keeping this patio toasty all winter long. Drop in for toast and coffee, apertivo hour or for the full menu. Afterwards skip next door to A1 Market for a piece of fruit, some local chocolate or lunch the next day.

1213 1 Street S.W. | a1bodegacafe.ca

Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub & Buzzards Restaurant

These guys are known for their Around-The-World-In-80-Beers-Passport they’ve been offering for the last decade or more. Winterized patios make beer tasting much more enjoyable as does their happy hour from Monday – Friday.

140 10 Ave SW | bottlescrewbillstogo.com

Cactus Club Cafe

Our sources told us the patios here would be open and ready to serve up some good eats all winter long. Iron Chef America and Executive Chef Rob Feenie creates the menu using fresh, local ingredients. We are especially excited about their holiday lunch, dinner and combo menu.

Barlow Trail, 2612 39th Avenue N.E. | Macleod Trail, 7010 Macleod Trail S.E. | Stephen’s Avenue, 178-317 7th Avenue S.W. | cactusclubcafe.com

Calcutta Cricket Club

A solid spicy curry will keep you warm while dining on the heated patio. Or go for the whole meal deal and take in the Taste of Calcutta with three courses for $45/person.

340 17th Avenue S.W. | calcuttacricketclub.com/indian-food-calgary

Cannibale Bar & Barbershop

More than just a barbershop, this hidden gem in Bridgeland offers a simple, yet serious variety of small bites, an extensive selection of curated cocktails, beverages, beers, wine and spirits plus a Barbershop menu which includes a bevy with your hair cut or hot shave. The heated patio will be covered with an awning and running all winter long.

813 1 Avenue N.E. | cannibale.ca

Citizen Brewery

A recent visit to Citizen Brewery confirms sitting outside is like a little oasis with the heaters blasting and the cold beer flowing. Head Chef Brian Diamond has added a few new items to the menu with daily specials but we think the Citizen Burger for $8.00 is one of the best deals around.

227 35 Avenue N.E. | citizenbrewingcompany.com

Craft Beer Market

Several restaurants are utilizing QR codes to replace menus and Craft Beer Market is one of them. Download the scan QR code app and when you arrive hover your camera over the code on the table to view the menu. A varied and large menu of good eats and local craft beers, plus wine is a good reason to visit.

345 10 Avenue S.W. | craftbeermarket.ca

Lulu Bar

Lulu Bar straight out told us they have an enclosed patio with heaters and that’s good enough to bring us back for a few of our favourites like the Fried Coconut Squid, Grilled Chicken Satay and the Steamed Lobster Dumplings.

510 17 Avenue S.W. | lulubar.ca

Modern Steak on Stephen Avenue

Modern’s Steaks Roof Top Patio includes both the inside portion and outside portion. During the colder months, the doors extending to the outdoor patio are down sealing the inside patio ensuring it stays warm and toasty all winter long. Reservations required. Call to confirm 403.244.3600.

100 8 Avenue S.E. | modernsteak.ca

Poolside at Hotel Arts

An urban oasis awaits inside Hotel Arts allowing you to feel like you are on a tropical vacation right in the middle of Calgary. Step inside to enjoy poolside bites, craft cocktails and warm temperatures while it’s freezing outside.

119 – 12th Avenue S.W. | hotelarts.ca/poolside

Ricardo’s Hideaway

Order yourself a Zombie cocktail and cozy up to one of Ricardo’s three outdoor fire places or under any of its five overhead heaters. If that doesn’t work the bar snacks and small plates will ensure you sweat a little and stay toasty warm.

1530 5th Street S.W. | ricardoshideaway.ca

Rose and Crown Pub

The menu might be Covid-19 limited but it’s packed full of everyone’s favourite bites. We’re talking Frank’s Chili Lime Mussels, Bistro Beef Dip, Atlantic Cod & Chips and Nacho’s By The Foot. Open seven days a week.

1503 4 Street S.W. | roseandcrowncalgary.ca

The Ship and Anchor Pub

This Calgary institution informs us they their patios are open all year long and the heaters will be on over the winter. Whether Calgarians are willing to brave the cold sitting on the patio is entirely up to them. Definitely worth a visit for the Ship & Anchor Eggnog supporting charity.

534 17 Avenue S.W. | shipandanchor.com