Kid-Friendly Pubs in Calgary
Before I had kids, the thought of bringing one into a pub never crossed my mind. Once we had our first baby, though, I suddenly started to realize just how many of our favourite restaurants fell into the “pub” category, and I wasn’t always sure whether or not we’d be welcomed inside with our little one in tow. As it turns out, many pubs in Calgary actually do classify themselves as “kid friendly”, particularly during the day and up until a certain time.
I’ve taken a little bit of the guesswork out of finding some of Calgary’s best kid-friendly pubs so you can quit phoning around and get to the good stuff!
Home and Away
1331 17 Ave SW
Home and Away is a great place for families because it’s just so dang fun. The last time we were there, we kept ourselves busy playing a giant game of Connect 4 at our table while we waited for our food. There are also games like Skeeball, Pop-A-Shot, Bubble Hockey, Space Jam Pinball, NBA Jam and Shuffleboard, as well as a Bocce Court and Corn Hole on the patio in the summer, so bring your quarters so you can play (except on Sunday, when games are free!) Minors are welcome every day until 8 pm, and there’s even a Kids Menu available. Be sure to check out their weekend brunch from 10-3. (And might I recommend going on a Sunday when they have all day Happy Hour?)
National on 10th
341 10 Avenue SW
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Bowling, anyone? Not only does National on 10th have some extremely tasty food (including my personal favourite, The Clive Burger and Fries), they also have an 8 lane bowling alley in the basement! Kiddos under 18 are welcome to bowl their little hearts out until 7 pm which coincides nicely with their daily Happy Hour which runs from 3-6 pm. Ping Pong and Pinball machines are also available to keep you entertained if bowling isn’t your thing.
Cold Garden Beverage Company
1100 11 St SE
The only thing better than a bar that allows you to bring your kids any time of day or night is a bar that also lets you bring your dog. That’s right – it’s a bar filled with pups! There is a bit of an interesting twist to this place, which is while they don’t technically serve food, you are welcome to bring your own, whether that’s a snack you packed at home or something you ordered from Uber Eats. If you’re looking for a fun place to enjoy some amazing local beer at a great price while surrounded by dogs to entertain your kids, this is it!
Original Joe’s on MacLeod
7403 MacLeod Trail SE
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I actually never realized that Original Joe’s was a bar until I had a baby and couldn’t take him there (although I suppose the word “Bar” in the name should have given it away). In the last little while, though, their rules have changed to allow minors until 8 at some of their locations – just call to double check before you go! Their food is tasty, they have gluten sensitive and vegetarian options available, and they even serve brunch on the weekends! I love finding unexpected places to go out for brunch in Calgary because, as anyone with kids knows, waiting in huge lineups is pretty much the worst. We’re glad to know that Original Joe’s is an option again because they have so many locations in the city!
Beer Revolution
4307 130 Ave SE
The food at Beer Revolution is undeniably yummy – especially the pizza. This is the only place I can think of that serves a Chicken Caesar Salad pizza, and my mouth is watering just thinking about it. They also have 24 taps that change on a regular basis, so if you’re looking for something different to try, this is a great place to visit! Kids are welcome every day until 9 pm – just make sure you get them their own pizza because you’re not going to want to share yours.
Last Best Brewing Company
607 11 Ave SW
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If you’re on the hunt for a beautiful, grown-up space that also allows kiddos to join the party, let this be the last (best) place you look. We recently went here with some friends of ours who brought their 5-month-old baby along for the ride, and we had a great time. If you’re not sure which of their house-brewed beers to try, you can always request a sample first. Minors are welcome to come through the bright yellow doors until 9 pm!
Wurst
2437 4 St SW
Contrary to what the name might imply, this place is definitely one of the best. We love coming here for the fun Bavarian Beer Hall atmosphere. Downstairs, there are huge communal tables to sit at, and upstairs, there is more traditional seating with a huge, lit up tree as a centrepiece. The food – oh my goodness, the food. I can’t visit Wurst without ordering their delicious duck fat poutine, and on Monday, it (along with everything else on the “Halfy Hour” menu) is half price all night. They also have fondue on Thursdays, which would be a pretty fun family outing. Bring the whole family until 9 pm.
Broken City
613 111 Ave SW
Broken City is a popular live music venue in Calgary that also serves up a pretty mean weekend brunch. Minors are welcome daily until 9 pm and all night long at their all-ages shows. Snap some photos in the photo booth, check out the game on the projector screen, and listen to some of the amazing music that’s sure to be playing in the background while grabbing a beer and a bite. This place is one not to miss.
Oak Tree Tavern
124 10 St NW
This neighbourhood pub in Kensington gets top marks for atmosphere and service, as well as menu items that include gluten and vegan-friendly fare. They were even featured on an episode of You Gotta Eat Here! Feeling extra hungry? Why not challenge your family to a hot-dog eating contest, since all-you-can-eat hot dogs are available every day for $14? Check out Oak Tree Tavern and see for yourself why they’re in the running to be named Calgary’s best neighbourhood pub!
Pin Bar
501 17 Avenue SW
Bring the kiddos until 8 pm from Sunday to Thursday and until 4 pm on Fridays and Saturdays to check out one of Calgary’s newest bars! This is a place that your family is sure to be talking about long after you leave, as it’s filled with all kinds of pinball machines and arcade games. Sundays are unlimited play all day for $10 per person or $20 for a family of up to four people. We haven’t had a chance to check this place out yet, but we’ve heard great reviews about the selection and quality of pinball machines, beer, and food!
Which one of these pubs will you be checking out with your family next? Are there some gems I missed? Let me know in the comments so I can add them to the next round up!
Great list! Kensington Pub and Midtown are also two great kid-friendly pubs. More and more have been popping up in the past couple years, and it is awesome.
Hello, I am one of the owners of Bow River Brewing,!a craft brewery that opened this past February and features a warm family-friendly atmosphere, pizza, chicken bites and of course really great fresh beer. Minors are welcome at all times we are open but as per AGLC rules must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over 18 years old at all times. We have board games, Jenga, free guest wi-fi and a big TV. Both the men’s and woman’s restrooms have a diaper changing station.
I enjoy going to the Hideout at 380 Midpark Way SE. There’s a kids’ menu, this crazy “holiday burger” that will surprise you, and some good pizzas. Oh yeah, and of course karaoke with Rob on Wednesdays from 7-10!