Calgary's vibrant bar scene has garnered national recognition, with six local establishments securing spots on the Canada's Best Bars 2026 list. This prestigious ranking, compiled by a panel of judges from across the country, highlights the most exceptional drinking destinations in Canada, ranging from refined cocktail lounges to innovative wine bars and standout neighborhood spots.
Top Calgary Bar: Missy's This That
Leading the charge for Calgary is Missy's This That, which claimed the ninth position on the list. Located at 348A 14th Avenue S.W., above a convenience store, this hidden gem boasts an extensive wine menu spanning over 12 pages, featuring vintage Champagne, rare Burgundian treasures, and Vin Jaune by the glass. The bar also offers a creative cocktail menu, with intriguing names like 'Can You Make an Espresso Martini but Just with Vodka?' and 'Orange Yuzu Glad We Used the Fancy Almonds in This??'
Shelter Cocktail Bar Wins Innovator Award
Shelter Cocktail Bar, situated at 1210 1st Street S.W., landed the 20th spot on the list. The bar's menu, crafted by Ryan San Diego and Paulina Arteaga, is structured around 'active aromatic compounds,' focusing on the science of flavor through smell. San Diego also received the Innovator Award for his pairings based on scientific evidence identifying similar molecules such as aldehydes, terpenoids, and pyrazines. Signature cocktails include Tomato and Vanilla, a vodka-tomato highball with Earl Grey kombucha, and Clove and Chile, a clarified tequila punch.
Other Calgary Bars on the List
Business & Pleasure, located at 1327A 9th Avenue S.E. in Inglewood, secured the 21st position. The bar is divided into two sections: up front, Super Variety offers coffee and stacked sandwiches in the morning, transitioning to fancy high balls later in the day. In the back, the cocktail bar features single malt scotch-tails and a build-your-own charcuterie board.
Proof, at 1302 1st Street S.W., took the 29th spot. Known for its extensive and inventive cocktail menu, Proof offers zero-proof drinks crafted with the same precision as alcoholic versions. The bar serves classics like martinis, negronis, and Manhattans, as well as modern twists such as the clarified New York Sour made with gin, peach, dry vermouth, and a float of ginger-raspberry wine.
Paper Lantern, located beneath Ho Won Restaurant in Chinatown at 115 2nd Avenue S.E., ranked 33rd. The bar features Vietnamese imagery, flavors, and aromas, with cocktails like Boba Milk Tea Burnt Sugar Milk Punch, Pandan Pain Killer, and Morning in Hanoi, a tipsy Vietnamese coffee. The menu also includes Vietnamese street food staples such as bánh mì subs, thịt lụi nướng, and bo lúc lắc.
Rounding out the list is Rain Dog Bar, at 1214B 9th Avenue S.E. in Inglewood. This bar specializes in small-producer natural wines, craft beers, and locally sourced charcuterie. The beer menu includes hard-to-find brews, local beers, and rare international selections, listed by style and age.
The full list of Canada's Best Bars 2026 can be found online. For more things to see and do in Calgary, sign up for the Weekender newsletter.
