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Best People Watching Spots on 17th

There may not be a better place in Calgary than 17th Ave to post up on a patio or at a window facing table to order a coffee, cocktail, or an appetizer, and enjoy a slow afternoon of people watching. This vibrant downtown street has all the essentials – rooftop patios, happy hour deals, plentiful coffee shops – to make for a perfect day out, so get your people watching fix in while the weather is still nice.

1410 World Bier Haus

For your next post-work cocktail or Sunday morning Brunch, head to 1410’s expansive rooftop patio, where you can relish in the Calgary sunshine, a cold beer, and all the second story views of 17th Ave.

1410 17th Ave S.W., Find out more here

Blanco Cantina

Tequila, tacos and sunshine – what’s better? Blanco’s delicious tacos, ample selection of margaritas and central 17th Ave patio are the perfect way to spend your next Saturday afternoon.

723 17th Ave S.W., Find out more here

Ceili’s

Spend the afternoon people watching on this 17th Ave patio, or divert your attention to their newly installed HDTV’s, where they showcase any and every game you want to tune in for.

933 17 Ave S.W., Find out more here

Chilitos Taberna

This two-tiered patio settled on 17th Ave is the perfect place to feast on Mexican dishes such as Enchiladas Verdes, or Fajitas, which of course, need to be washed down by an icey cold cerveza.

1309 17 Ave S.W., Find out more here

Fusion Sushi

There isn’t much that beats all you can eat sushi, a cold Sapporo and a central 17th Ave Patio. Head to Fusion Sushi today and indulge in your favourite roll under their string lights and the atmosphere of the downtown buzz.

1137 17 Ave S.W., Find out more here

Las Canarias

This sprawling patio, located on the heart of 17th Ave on the corner of 17th Ave and 11th Street, serves up mouth watering Spanish Paella and Tapas served alongside pitchers of Sangria.   

129 17th Ave S.W., Find out more here

Photo Credit Las Canarias

Gringo Street

Located in one of the liveliest portions of 17th Ave, Gringo Street’s eclectic selection of Latin Food pairs well with people watching, and of course, their variety of 2 oz. cocktails.

524 17 Ave S.W., Find out more here

Jameson’s Pub

Travel may be limited right now, but Jameson’s Irish Pub will give you a small taste of Ireland on their 17th Ave patio, with their vast selection of beers and bar snacks and modern Celtic vibe.

1230 17th Ave S.W., Find out more here

The Living Room

Complete with cozy fireplaces, ample space and twinkle lighting, this spacious patio, which backs directly onto 17th Ave, is the perfect place for a dreamy night out munching on charcuterie, and sipping on one of their many wine selections.

514 17th Ave S.W., Find out more here

Lulu bar

If you live in Calgary, there is a good chance you’ve at least heard of Lulu bar – after only opening last year, they’ve already made Avenue Magazine and Open Tables Best Restaurants list for 2019. This popular 17th Ave spot’s extended patio sits among some of 17th Ave’s most popular bars and restaurants, and boasts an excellent selection of cocktails and shareable plates.

510 17 Ave S.W., Find out more here

One Night Stans

Not only is One Night Stan’s located in the heart of 17th Ave, sitting amongst some of Calgary’s most frequented Bars and Restaurants, but they offer a daily happy hour from 3-6 p.m. and their patio is dog-friendly. Yes, you heard that right.

520 17 Ave S.W., Find out more here

Ship & Anchor

If you haven’t had a beer on the patio of this 17th Ave staple, then you need to drop everything you’re doing and head there now. Their menu is an assortment of comfort food classics, and crowd favourite bar snacks, and they offer a massive selection of beverages, with a selection of rotating taps, which can all be enjoyed on their sprawling 17th Ave patio.

534 17 Ave S.W., Find out more here

Trolley 5

Anytime is the perfect time to enjoy one of Trolley 5’s locally made brews on their 17th Ave patio. You can also get your ‘watch on’ sitting in the second story portion of their restaurant amidst their massive windows, you get to overlook one of Calgary’s most vibrant and bustling neighborhoods – all while enjoying Trolley’s massive menu offerings.

728 17 Ave S.W., Find out more here

Analog Café

This local favourite coffee shop is perched on the corner of 17th Ave and 7th Street, overlooking Tomkins Park, and the hustle and bustle of 17th Ave – the perfect place to enjoy a latte, and a from-scratch bakery item.

740 17 Ave S.W., Find out more here

Caffé Beano

This perennial favourite coffee shop has been serving Calgarians quality coffee and homemade baking for more than 30 years at their 17th Ave location. Pick up their famous cowboy cookie, wash it down with a hot coffee and take a seat on one of their benches located out-front to enjoy some people watching. 

1613 9 St S.W., Find out more here

Photo Credit Caffe Beano

Philosafy

Bunker down at this quintessential coffee shop’s 17th Ave patio, and relish in the energy from this robust downtown street while sipping on an Americano and snacking on an almond croissant.

632 17 Ave S.W., Find out more here

Stalk the latest and greatest on 17th Ave:

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