Calgary is known as the gateway to the Canadian Rockies and offers rugged natural beauty as well as cosmopolitan big city amenities. Calgary is an energy hub, but also a vibrant food scene, with plenty of great venues for group dining events and outings. Groups of all sizes and styles can expect to be met with high quality hotels restaurants and local restaurants to go out to, in Calgary.
When you plan a group dining experience, the venue you choose will set the tone for the entire event. The group should be able to sit together in the venue, yet feel intimate. Another way to help ensure easy dining experience with all attendees is having group friendly dining menus and options. Also, elements such as ambiance, location, and menus that create unique offerings for the event make it so much better when intentional selections are made.
Here are the six best Calgary venues for memorable group dining, proven by experience. These restaurants offer outstanding cuisine, flexible accommodations and energetic, yet welcoming atmospheres, all great for group gatherings. National Beer Hall, Yellow Door Bistro and more, Calgary has group dining covered from the lively to the refined. Wherever you decide, a Calgary Wedding DJ is a wonderful addition to your event.
1. National Beer Hall
National Beer Hall is located right on Olympic Plaza in Calgary’s bustling downtown, and brings European beer hall tradition to Western Canada. The restaurant oozes convivial atmosphere with long wooden tables and benches filling a cavernous brick and beam interior. The expansive central hall features food and drink groups can gather around, or in private lounge areas.
Cuisine Type: German and Eastern European
Their biggest table seats 36, and they have semi private lounge spaces that are perfect for groups. For very large parties, who wish to reserve the entire restaurant, buy out options are available.
National Beer Hall in Calgary has festive and social group dining on their menu with extravagant beer towers and live music.
Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more, and a credit card and signed contract are needed to reserve private spaces.
2. The Lake House
Set along the shores of Pine Creek Reservoir just 15 minutes from downtown, the Lake House is a fine dining restaurant perch nestled inches from a pristine lake. Gorgeous fieldstone fireplace anchors the elegant yet cozy dining room, complete floor to ceiling windows allow you to overlook mountain vistas.
Cuisine Type
Their private dining room seats up to 32 guests or groups can reserve part of the restaurant dining area, with buy-out options for the full space.
In addition to the stunning scenery, house smoked salmon and Alberta beef tenderloin make the Lake House a special occasion destination.
Group reservations can be made easily online or by phone. Deposits and contracts apply for buy-outs or customized menus.
3. CRAFT Beer Market
Offering casual refinement in downtown Calgary, CRAFT Beer Market celebrates locally sourced fare alongside a staggering selection of beers. Exposed brick walls lined with brewery decor establish a relaxed and welcoming backdrop for group revelry.
Cuisine Type: North American with European influences
Their semi-private room accommodates 20-30 people while their communal tables work for groups up to 12. Larger buy-outs available.
Unique Selling Points: With 100+ beers on tap highlighting local Alberta breweries and partnerships across Canada, CRAFT Beer Market entices with their immense beer selection.
Booking Information: Group reservations can be made online up to 18 guests with room rentals and full restaurant buy-outs facilitated by phone.
4. Bridgette Bar & Restaurant
Located on trendy Stephen Avenue, Bridgette Bar & Restaurant inhabits a stunning historic building with rich wood accents and a lively open kitchen. Their inviting dining room and lounge exude contemporary elegance, perfect for mingling and savoring contemporary Canadian cuisine.
Cuisine Type: Canadian Contemporary
Outdoor lounge seats up to 40 guests or indoor space accommodates groups of 12-26. Private dining available.
Creative cocktails using homegrown ingredients complement their dedication to artisanal food producers in Alberta.
Group reservations available online or by email for parties up to 25. Larger groups handled via phone.
5. Yellow Door Bistro
Set on vibrant Inglewood’s main street, the elegant facade of Yellow Door Bistro ushers guests into an oasis of French country charm. Exposed brick walls festooned with wine bottles make for warm and welcoming confines, while an airy conservatory and Terrace add light-filled options.
Cuisine Type: French Bistro
Their semi-private dining room accommodates groups up to 45 or full restaurant buy-outs for 90 guests. Outdoor Terrace available.
French baguettes, butter, and pickled condiments served a la minute exemplify the from-scratch ethos that makes Yellow Door Bistro a Calgary institution.
Group inquiries handled by phone with event contracts required.
6. The Living Room Restaurant
On the main floor of Calgary’s Westin Hotel, the Living Room Restaurant provides refined yet approachable dining in a light and airy space. Vaulted ceilings, plush seating areas, and semi-private nooks make for customizable group arrangements.
Cuisine Type: Contemporary Global
Semi-private area seats 20-30 or full restaurant buy-outs available. They can accommodate seated events up to 130.
Seasonal sharing plates focusing on regional fare are perfect for convivial group gatherings. Group reservations handled by phone with contracted room charges and minimum spends.
Conclusion
From beer halls to hotel dining rooms, Calgary offers group friendly venues running the gamut in terms of cuisine, ambiance, and location. Ranging in size and style, these restaurants can accommodate both intimate gatherings and sprawling soirees. Their flexible accommodations, lively energy, and dedication to showcasing regional flavors make them exceptional spaces for creating group memories in Calgary. Whether seeking a sleek downtown space or charming escape to nature, this list offers outstanding options for your next group dining outing. Just be sure to come hungry and ready to enjoy Calgary’s exceptional food and drink with great company.