The Red Mile, AKA 17th Ave., is one of Calgary’s most iconic streets. Lined with bustling bars, delicious dining, and all sorts of recreational fun, it’s a go-to downtown spot for a guaranteed good time.
If it’s been a hot minute since you’ve made it down, or you’ve never been at all, there’s a lot to navigate. That’s why we have a complete guide to help you experience the best that 17th Ave. has to offer.
Shopping
While 17th Ave. might be best known for its food and drink options, there’s plenty of great shopping as well.
Purr Clothing has three locations in Calgary and is a prime location for trendy clothes and fun accessories. However, the 17th Ave. store is the best when it comes to discounts, with a sale section taking up as much space as the rest of the store.
Gravity Pope recently celebrated its 35th anniversary and has a reputation for selling the coolest designer clothing brands and footwear. We’re talking Blundstone, Naked & Famous, Rag & Bone, and Salt & Stone, to name a few.
And if your tastes lean more eclectic, then Steeling Home is sure to feel like heaven. The gift shop has a wall-to-wall selection of local wares from Canadian artists, and you’re sure to find a treasure or two.
Other recommendations:
Coffee
Wherever you are on 17th Ave., you’re likely just a few steps away from a great cup of coffee at one of the many local spots.
Element has managed to balance quality and fun with its great-tasting coffee. Themed lattes rotate monthly, and the ample seating is perfect for bringing the friend group or hunkering down to get some work done.
If you venture to the west end of 17th Ave., you’ll discover Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co., an open-late (11:30 p.m.!) cafe that serves up coffee sourced from Haraz, Yemen, along with tea, pastries, and other goodies.
And not only does Black Sheep Patisserie sell authentic French pastries and croissants, but they also have a top-notch coffee menu and are the best on the block when it comes to that perfect cappuccino foam.
Other recommendations:
- Q.Lab Coffee Roasters — Offers micro-milled coffee selections from around the world
- Analog — Located right in the middle of 17th Ave., where all the magic happens
- Philosafy Coffee — A standard cafe menu with plenty of indoor and patio seating
Restaurants
When your stomach starts to grumble, the hard part is narrowing down what you want to eat. There’s certainly plenty to choose from on 17th Ave.
The Coup is one of Calgary’s oldest vegetarian restaurants, and after a taste of its rotating menu, you’ll understand why it’s withstood the test of time. Eating your veggies has never been so delicious.
For a Pedro Pascal-approved option, check out Model Milk for a rustic-chic vibe offering a menu of creative, locally-sourced dishes.
And sometimes, all you want is a great pizza. For a California-influenced thin crust pie (and the best kale salad you’ll ever have), grab a table at UNA Pizza + Wine. And if you’re only craving a snack on the go, UNA Takeaway and Pizzaface both sell pizza by the slice.
Other recommendations:
- Maven — Filipino-influenced brunch in a plant-strewn paradise
- Korilla Korean BBQ — Authentic table-side grilling and private karaoke rooms
- Buon Giorno — The closest you can get to Italy without booking a plane ticket
Drinks
Go ahead, answer the siren song of Happy Hour. Bonus points if it’s on a patio.
Imagine the feeling of being on a Caribbean vacation, but in the heart of the Red Mile. That’s the aesthetic of Porch, an oasis of delicious cuisine and crushable cocktails. Because who doesn’t love a care-free summer vibe all year long?
In a similar vein, Lulu Bar pays homage to the Pacific Ocean and the regions that touch it, with influences from Asia to Hawaii and everything in between. Plus, some of the cocktails come in fun glasses — there’s one shaped like a cat!
And if you’re more of a beer person, the Ship & Anchor has an impressive lineup of draft beers, with rotating features that’ll keep you on your toes. Go on a Tuesday for the infamous Punk Rock Bingo and you just might get lucky.
Other recommendations:
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