One of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhoods is also one of its most vibrant. Off the beaten path along 9th Avenue, Inglewood is a hub of local arts and culture and home to over 75 boutique retail shops, 45 restaurants, and all sorts of entertainment.
It’s a fantastic place to explore on your own or with friends, but if it’s your first time in the city or you need a refresher, it can help to know where to start! Here are the best places to shop, eat, drink, and hang out in Inglewood.
Shopping
Find your next closet staple at Change is Good, a curated second-hand store and social enterprise owned and operated by the Calgary Dream Centre. The clothes, jewellery, and accessories are all adorable, and when someone asks where you got your outfit, you can say, “Oh, this? I thrifted it.”
Got a green thumb? If so, you have to check out Plant. The store sells plants, plant accessories, and other goodies all year round. They also offer workshops on floral arranging, terrarium building, and plant care.
Whether you’re getting ready for the Calgary Stampede or want to rock a cowboy look year-round, no one makes handcrafted hats like Smithbilt Hats. After all, they’ve had plenty of time to master the process over more than 100 years in business!
Other recommendations:
- Recess Shop — A charming stationery store that notes itself as “an antidote to our fast-paced, over-digitized, hyper-connected world”
- Kent of Inglewood — Razors, axes, and knives, along with toiletries and outdoor items that aren’t sharp
- Silk Road Spice Merchants — A one-stop shop for a complete range of spices, herbs, chiles, and seasonings from around the world
Coffee
For those who can never turn down a good cup of coffee, Inglewood has plenty of options for your caffeine fix. And does anything beat strolling the streets with a cup of Joe in hand?
Rosso’s Inglewood location is a great spot for getting some work done on your laptop or chatting with friends in the comfortable couch area. Plus, they’re open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, which means you can rally before your late-night adventures or wind down with a nice cup of tea.
When it comes to plant-based options, no one is doing it quite like Canela. This entirely vegan bakery and cafe has some of the best baked goods you’ll ever taste, even if you’re not vegan. Pair an oat milk latte with a cinnamon bun for a combo made in heaven.
And if you’re more of a tea drinker, Oolong Tea Shop has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. We’re talking matcha, cold brew herbal teas, London fogs, and anything else you can think of.
Other recommendations:
- Analog Coffee — A local spot with a reputation for high-quality brews
- Cafe Gravity — A spot dedicated to showcasing local musicians in the heart of Calgary’s Music Mile
Restaurants
Hungry? From fine-dining to casual pub fare, there’s no shortage of fantastic restaurants to choose from in Inglewood.
Set in a former 1900s hotel, The Nash serves up an inventive menu of wood-fired rotisserie and charcoal cooking in the heart of Inglewood. It’s the best of Canadian cooking for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Meanwhile, new restaurant SOT is already making a name for itself as a top-notch spot to dine on authentic Korean cuisine made with the finest local ingredients. Elevate your dining experience with a classic cocktail made from Korean liquor.
More of a herbivore? Not a problem. Vegan Street serves up a menu of mouthwatering plant-based comfort food bursting with flavour, and is home to one of Inglewood’s largest outdoor patios. Come for the food, and stay for the impeccable vibes.
Other recommendations:
Drinks
Craving a creative cocktail? Inglewood has a surprising number of cocktail bars and pubs that are ready to seat you for a great night out.
The Attic Bar & Stage boasts classic and creative cocktails alongside a delicious vegan menu of pizza and pasta. They also host a variety of events, including the Laugh Loft every Sunday, a Carly’s Angels drag show on Saturdays, and other drag, burlesque, and stand-up on select dates.
For a classy cocktail, check out Off Cut Bar. What began as a saloon over 100 years ago, before surviving prohibition and spending decades as a dive bar, is now an inviting Speakeasy next door to The Nash.
And if you’re just looking for a good beer and a great time, Cold Garden has you covered. A massive outdoor patio with long tables and plenty of couches emulates an atmosphere akin to being among friends. And speaking of friends, dogs are welcome!
Other recommendations:
- Rain Dog Bar — Described as “a wine bar for those who prefer craft beer”
- Business & Pleasure — A back-alley entrance that leads to shareable plates and curated cocktails
- The Eden — A family-owned blue-collar bistro with a perfect split of wine, beer, and cocktails
Activities
It should come as no surprise that there are plenty of activities to discover in Calgary’s arts and culture hub for all ages and interests.
Summer marks the return of the much-anticipated Inglewood Night Market, where guests can find local goods like crafts, clothing, snacks, and more on select evenings from 5 to 10 p.m.
If the weather is nice, embark on a self-guided walking tour of the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. The natural environment has been home to 270 species of birds, 21 species of mammals, and 347 species of plants. How many can you spot?
When you’re ready to head inside, check the Esker Foundation to experience contemporary art exhibitions and programming. Oh, and did we mention it’s free?
Other Recommendations:
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