Some of the best spots in any city, community or shopping district aren’t always well known, and are sometimes found off the beaten path. Here, we detail some of our favourite restaurants, retailers and services on 17th that you may already love as much as we do, or you may not have heard of yet. Either way, these hidden gems are all worth checking out!
Beadles
You can spend hours, maybe even days, perusing Beadle’s expansive collection of gemstone beads and jewellery at their central, downtown spot. Find everything from Swarovski crystal beads, pearls, flat-back stones, rare gemstones and more to create your very own jewellery, or shop Beadle’s custom Jewellery brought in from around the world. You can shop their 17th Ave storefront 7 days a week, and they also offer by-appointment shopping.
1606 7 St SW, beadlesbeads.ca
Beyond Scarf
This central 17th boutique retails unique, silk scarves adorned with stunning patterns and bold colours – the perfect addition to any outfit. You can also find a selection of bowties, cufflinks and pocket squares for men, as well as a collection of designer handbags, jewellery and shoes for women. Every cold weather outfit needs a pop of colour, and this is it. Shop their selection at their central 17th Ave location, or online at the link below!
815 17 Ave SW #110, beyondscarf.ca
Blackbyrd Myoozik
There’s something so nostalgic about browsing a collection of vintage records, and BlackByrd Myoozik’s comprehensive collection of CD’s and Vinyl come in every genre, so you are guaranteed to find some favourites. Although they’ve only been in Calgary since 2015, the team at Blackbyrd has been serving Albertans in Edmonton since 1993, and have a breadth of knowledge and passion for music, which they are eager to pass along. Find their varied section of albums online here, as well!
1126 17 Ave SW, blackbyrd.ca
Butterblock
If you’ve ever walked into 17th Ave’s historic Devenish Building, you’ve probably smelt the heavenly scent of freshly baked croissants drifting out from a hidden little bakery called Butterblock. Find a selection of more than 8 perfectly baked croissants featuring 81 layers of buttery goodness, or an assortment of other treats such as cookies, cinnamon buns, danishes, scones and more. You can also order a selection of their frozen pastries to bake at home online!
908 17 Ave SW suite 111, butterblockyyc.com
European Bakery and Deli
Shaqir Duraj brought over his father’s bread and burek recipes from Kosovo when he moved to Canada and started European Bakery and Deli in 2006. And since then, he’s been serving up an assortment of delicious, fresh bread such as Pitalka, Sourdough, French, Multigrain, Pumpernickel and more alongside a massive selection of pastries – think rum balls, apple strudel, and baklava. His famous Burek is also a must try. This savoury treat is made with a thin flaky dough and comes with fillings like various cheese, ground beef and onions.
515 17 Ave SW, eurobakerydeli.com
Humainologie
Humainologie has gained recognition as a multi-media production company and not-for-profit by using art and film to spread empathy and education on issues regarding discrimination – they’ve produced over 25 short films since 2015! They also have a 17th Ave store front, which acts as a social enterprise where they can share their work through films, visual exhibits and art, as well as sell fair trade, sustainable brands and product. Shop local brands such Club Carousel, an apparel brand created by Calgary Pride that celebrates Calgary’s queer history or The Giving Keys, a social enterprise that has created over 160,000 hours of work for people transitioning out of homelessness. You can also find their selection of product online, here!
1514 7 St SW, humainologie.com
Indo Designer Rugs
Spruce up any space with one of Indo’s handmade, designer rugs, available in traditional, contemporary and transitional style rugs. Featuring inimitable patterns, textures and designs, these rugs are sure to make any room truly feel like your own, and if you aren’t able to find the right pattern for you, Indo also offers custom orders, so head online to shop yours now!
620 17 Ave SW, indodesignerrugs.com
Geez Ethiopian Eritrean Cuisine
If you’ve never tried Geez before, now is your chance. Owned and Operated by Fasika, this East African restaurant serves up slow-cooked Ethiopian cuisine prepared daily, along with the recipes passed down from Fasika’s grandmother. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner from this 17th locale, and dishes such Gomen Be Siga, made with Kale, prime rib cuts of beef, sautéed with Ethiopian spice, or Chechebsa, which is pieces of flat bread braised with Ethiopian style butter and spices. They are currently open for takeout, and offer delivery through SkipTheDishes, DoorDash and UberEats.
101-1235 17 Ave SW, geezrestaurant.com
The Extensionist
Leave this Princess-themed salon feeling like Royalty with a fresh new do. The Extensionist is equipped with a custom colour bar, 8 extension stations and some of Calgary’s top stylists who are eager to assist you with all of your style needs. They also specialize in hair loss services, so whether your locks have thinned out over the years, or you’re just looking to add some length and volume, The Extensionist’s Vogue Pearl extensions are colour safe, have a 7-month wear duration, and will give you the confidence to whip that hair back and forth.
1455 17 Ave SW, theextensionist.ca
Paros
For exceptional Greek food on the go, head to Paros where they integrate Greek recipes passed down through generations, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients – with the exception of Greek spices, cheeses and olives, which are all imported from Greece – to create an authentic and delicious Greek meal. Dive into classic Greek meals like Chicken Souvlaki or Gyro wraps served with unbeatable sides like Greek fries with feta or Paros salad. And don’t forget to finish your meal off with a delicious piece of Baklava. Order online through DoorDash or check out their 8 Street location today!
1436 8 St SW, parosrealgreek.com
Pennies by Purr
If you didn’t know, now you know – you’re favourite boutique, Purr, has an outlet store. Find trendy jackets, dresses, blouses and more, along with accessories, jewellery, and houseware, all for 50% off. Check them out in the historic Devenish building located in the heart of 17th Ave.
908 17 Ave SW #106, purrclothing.ca/penniesbypurr
Rubaiyat
Since 1973, Calgarians have been coming to this family-owned and operated gallery for all things jewellery, art glass, home décor, indoor and outdoor furnishings, apothecary products and more. Spend the day meandering through the gallery admiring the various works of artwork coming from over 500 various artists, or pick out a beautiful, well-crafted gift for a friend. They are now open for walk-ins, but you can also shop their product online.
722 17 Ave SW, rubaiyatcalgary.com
Rustic Sourdough Bakery
This longstanding bakery has been serving up their traditional take on sourdough to Calgarians for more than 40 years. Their top-notch bread is made by their skilled staff, all who hand-craft these delicious loafs without the use of any preservatives, additives, or flavour enhancers. In addition to their renowned sourdough, you can also shop other bread varieties such as Buttermilk Rye, multigrain, whole wheat, and Tomato Olive Ciabatta all alongside an assortment of buns, pound cakes, tortes and more.
1305 17 Ave SW, rusticsourdoughbakery.com
SalvEdge
High end clothing and name brand accessories don’t have to break the bank. At Salvedge, you can browse their collection of pre-loved, lightly worn styles, and find those luxury, one of-a-kind pieces, good for any event or occasion. They offer both men’s and women’s fashion, including accessories, footwear and luxury finds such as designer handbags. If you need a little outfit inspo, head to their Instagram, where they regularly post aspirational outfits with their new product. You can also shop their selection online here!
1013 17 Ave SW #113, salvedgefashion.com
Simply Irie
This family-owned 17th Ave restaurant brings together their Caribbean and Dominican roots to serve up bold and flavour-packed dishes to Calgarians. Their expansive menu features familiar recipes such as Jerk Chicken and Jamaican Patties amongst a slew of other savoury and hearty dishes made with ingredients like goat, chicken, Oxtail, King Fish and more. Order online here.
1510 6 St SW, simplyirie.ca
Sloth Records
For all of your music and entertainment needs, and we mean all of them – LPs, CDs, 7”s, 10”s, Turntables, Mixers, Serato, Cartridges, Needles, Cleaning Supplies, Books, Shirts, DVD’s and Blue Ray, Small Press Comics, Zines and more – find them at this 17th Ave, second floor record store. They also have an excellent pulse on the music scene and offer the city’s largest selection of concert tickets for all of the upcoming Calgary shows.
736b 17 Ave SW, slothrecords.wordpress.com
Smokers Junction
Smokers Junction is Calgary’s Premier Head shop and go-to destination for vape accessories on 17th Ave. The owner, Gary, is incredibly knowledgeable in his trade and offers all of his customers and utmost experience while in his shop, ensuring they are informed and satisfied with all of their product.
Trawler’s Seafood Kitchen
Dive into Trawler’s Seafood Kitchen’s famous fish and chips – known as some of the best in Calgary. Order this comfort food classic made with Alaskan Pollock, Atlantic Cod, Atlantic Haddock or Alaskan Halibut, all served as a single piece, a fish burger, or 1,2, or 3-piece dinner complete with coleslaw and your choice of fries or rice. Or bring dinner home for the family with one of their family pack takeout specials. Order Trawler’s at home through SkipTheDishes.
1515c 14 St SW, trawlersseafood.com
Universe Restaurant
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and luckily, Universe Restaurant has a massive breakfast selection that they serve daily to ensure you’re starting every day right. Come hungry and try out their Montreal Smoked Meat, served with two eggs, Montreal smoked meat, fruit, hash browns and toast or indulge in one of their specialty benedicts, like their Mediterranean Benedict, made with two poached eggs, feta cheese, tomatoes, onions, oregano, and most importantly, Hollandaise. And don’t miss out on their selection of milkshakes, made in flavours like Nutella, Oreo, and Strawberry. Order Universe online, here!
1415 17 Ave SW A, universerestaurant.ca
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