Quick answer
For the ultimate Calgary craft beer experience combining exceptional quality, ambiance, and food, Establishment Brewing Company stands out as the best overall choice.
- Best overall
- Establishment Brewing Company
- Best budget
- Common Crown Brewing Co.
- Best experience
- Cold Garden Beverage Company
- Last verified
- 2026-03
How we picked these
Our selection of Calgary's top craft breweries is based on extensive research, local expert recommendations, and an analysis of visitor reviews across multiple platforms. We prioritize venues with consistent high-quality brews, unique atmospheres, excellent service, and a strong local reputation to ensure an authentic experience.
Establishment Brewing Company
Establishment is consistently ranked among Canada's top breweries, known for its meticulously crafted beers, especially their juicy IPAs and complex sours. The taproom boasts a sleek, modern industrial design, and their kitchen serves up elevated pub fare perfect for pairing with their exceptional brews.
🍽️ What to order
Their 'Fat Rainbow' Hazy IPA or any of their award-winning sour beers. Pair it with their delicious Fried Chicken Sandwich.
💡 Insider tip
Check their online tap list before visiting, as their most popular limited releases can sell out quickly. They often host food trucks in addition to their kitchen.
"You absolutely *have* to check out Establishment. Their IPAs are consistently the best in the city, hands down. Never had a bad beer there."— r/CalgaryBeer user
Eighty-Eight Brewing Co.
Eighty-Eight Brewing Co. brings an 80s and 90s aesthetic to life with its vibrant taproom, arcade games, and nostalgic branding. Their beer lineup is equally impressive, offering a diverse range from crisp lagers to fruit-forward IPAs, complemented by their popular New York-style pizzas.
🍽️ What to order
A 'Hammer Pants' New England IPA or their 'Wave Pool' Pineapple Sour. Don't leave without trying a slice of their excellent pizza.
💡 Insider tip
Parking can be tight, so consider ridesharing or public transit. It's a great spot for groups, especially on weekends when the atmosphere is buzzing.
"Eighty-Eight's pizza and beer combo is undefeated. The retro vibe is super fun, and 'Hammer Pants' is always a solid choice."— r/Calgary user
Cabin Brewing Company
Cabin Brewing offers a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy mountain retreat, contrasting with its industrial surroundings. They're renowned for their creative and often experimental approach to brewing, producing unique beers that push boundaries while maintaining exceptional quality. Their small-batch philosophy ensures a constantly rotating and exciting tap list.
🍽️ What to order
Their 'Sunshine Rain' Tropical IPA or any of their rotating seasonal stouts. The 'Super Saturation' Hazy IPA is also a consistent winner.
💡 Insider tip
Their food menu is small but mighty, featuring delicious grilled cheese sandwiches that pair perfectly with their beers. Grab a spot on their sunny patio if weather permits.
"Cabin always has the most interesting beers on tap. I tried a coconut sour there last week that blew my mind. Plus, the staff are always super friendly."— r/AlbertaBeer user
Cold Garden Beverage Company
Cold Garden is an experience in itself, with its famously kitschy and eclectic decor, vibrant colors, and dog-friendly policy both inside and on its massive patio. They offer a wide range of approachable and often fruit-infused beers, making it a lively and welcoming spot for everyone, including furry friends.
🍽️ What to order
A 'Cakeface' Vanilla Cream Ale or their 'East Calgary Lager' for something crisp. If you're adventurous, try their rotating 'Berliner Weisse' series.
💡 Insider tip
This is *the* place to bring your dog. There's often a food truck parked outside for snacks, but plan to eat elsewhere if you want a full meal.
"Cold Garden is my happy place. Dogs everywhere, weird decor, and the 'Cakeface' is surprisingly good. It’s just good vibes all around."— r/CalgaryDogs user
Ol' Beautiful Brewing Co.
Nestled in the historic Inglewood district, Ol' Beautiful offers a laid-back atmosphere with a spacious taproom and a popular patio. They focus on crafting well-balanced, approachable beers that honor traditional styles while also experimenting with modern trends. Their food menu features elevated comfort food, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
🍽️ What to order
Their flagship 'Okami Kasu' Japanese Rice Ale for something unique, or the 'Pegasus' Pale Ale for a solid classic. Their smash burgers are excellent.
💡 Insider tip
Located right on the main drag of Inglewood, it's a great stop during a day exploring the neighborhood's boutiques and galleries. Weekends can get busy, especially the patio.
"Ol' Beautiful is my go-to in Inglewood. Love their 'Okami Kasu' and their patio is just perfect for people-watching."— r/Calgary user
The Dandy Brewing Company
As one of Calgary's original microbreweries with a taproom, Dandy has a rich history of innovation, consistently producing high-quality and often experimental beers. Their full-service kitchen offers a refined menu with dishes designed to perfectly complement their diverse beer selection, making it a destination for both foodies and beer enthusiasts.
🍽️ What to order
Try their 'Dandy in the Underworld' Oyster Stout or a rotating sour. Their sourdough pizza or a unique small plate from their kitchen are must-tries.
💡 Insider tip
Dandy's kitchen is a standout, offering some of the best brewery food in the city. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.
"Dandy has been crushing it for years. Their food is seriously underrated for a brewery, and their sours are always on point. A true Calgary OG."— r/foodcalgary user
Last Best Brewing & Distilling
Last Best is a bustling brewpub and distillery located in the heart of downtown Calgary. They offer a wide array of house-brewed beers, plus an impressive selection of spirits distilled on-site. The menu features elevated pub fare, and the lively atmosphere, coupled with a popular street-side patio, makes it a prime downtown destination.
🍽️ What to order
A 'Dirty Bird' Black Lager or their 'Last Best IPA'. Explore their cocktail menu featuring their own distilled spirits, like the 'Fortunella G&T'.
💡 Insider tip
Ideal for a post-work drink or a pre-event meal if you're attending something downtown. They often have happy hour specials worth checking out.
"Last Best is perfect for a night out downtown. Good beer, good food, and if you're into cocktails, their gin is fantastic."— r/Calgary user
Tool Shed Brewing Company
Starting as a backyard passion project, Tool Shed has grown into a well-established Calgary brewery known for its consistent quality and approachable beers. Their taproom in the industrial area offers a classic brewery experience, complete with tours, hearty pub grub, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
🍽️ What to order
Their signature 'People Skills' Cream Ale or the 'Star Cheek' IPA. Pair it with one of their delicious burgers or poutine.
💡 Insider tip
They frequently offer brewery tours which are a fun way to learn about their history and process. Check their website for tour schedules and to book ahead.
"Tool Shed is a classic Calgary brewery. 'People Skills' is always a solid choice, and their burgers are seriously good for a brewery kitchen."— r/CalgaryBeer user
Village Brewery
One of Calgary's pioneering craft breweries, Village is deeply rooted in community, supporting local arts and charities. They produce a range of highly approachable and sessionable beers, with a focus on quality and drinkability. Their taproom is simple, inviting, and often hosts local events and live music.
🍽️ What to order
A crisp 'Village Blonde' or their 'Village Squeeze' Grapefruit Ale for something refreshing. Their seasonal offerings are always worth a try.
💡 Insider tip
Village often has live music or events on weekends, making it a great place to experience local talent. Check their social media for event listings.
"Village has such a great community vibe. Their Blonde is always a good starting point, and they do so much for local artists."— r/Calgary user
Common Crown Brewing Co.
Common Crown is known for producing solid, consistent, and approachable beers at a great value. Their spacious taproom offers a comfortable, no-frills environment, making it a popular spot for locals looking for quality brews without pretension. They offer a limited but satisfying food menu centered around snacks.
🍽️ What to order
Their award-winning 'IPA' or the 'Copacabana' Blonde Ale. Grab a giant pretzel with beer cheese for the perfect snack pairing.
💡 Insider tip
This is a great option if you're looking for quality beer without breaking the bank. They often have growler fill specials, perfect for taking some beer home.
"Common Crown is my go-to for a reliable pint and good value. Their IPA is one of the best standard IPAs in the city, and those pretzels!"— r/CalgaryBeer user
Revival Brewcade
Revival Brewcade combines a vibrant craft brewery with a nostalgic arcade, offering an experience unlike any other. Enjoy their unique house-brewed beers while playing classic arcade games and pinball. Their kitchen serves up delicious pizza and other shareable bites, making it a perfect spot for a playful night out with friends.
🍽️ What to order
Try their 'Pixelated Pilsner' or a rotating experimental IPA. Their Detroit-style pizzas are a must-have while you play.
💡 Insider tip
It's coin-operated arcade games, so bring some quarters or get change at the bar. It can get quite lively and loud, especially on weekends.
"Revival Brewcade is just pure fun. Beers are surprisingly good for a place focused on games, and you can't beat old-school arcade vibes with a pint."— r/Calgary user
Banded Peak Brewing
Banded Peak is known for its strong focus on quality hoppy beers and solid core lineup. Located in an industrial area, their taproom has a no-frills, authentic brewery feel. They often host local food trucks, making it a great spot for a casual afternoon of good beer and eats, especially with their outdoor seating options.
🍽️ What to order
Their flagship 'Summit Seeker' IPA or the 'Plainsbreaker' Pale Ale. Check which food truck is on site for their daily specials.
💡 Insider tip
They are typically dog-friendly on their patio. Check their social media for the schedule of rotating food trucks, as their own food options are limited to snacks.
"Banded Peak always delivers on the hops. Their 'Summit Seeker' is my absolute favorite IPA in Calgary, always fresh and dank."— r/AlbertaBeer user
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Calgary's craft beer scene unique?
Calgary's craft beer scene is characterized by its rapid growth, diverse range of styles, and strong community focus. Many breweries are clustered in industrial areas like Manchester and Foothills, creating walkable 'brewery districts.' The scene blends innovation with a commitment to local ingredients and community engagement, often featuring unique taproom experiences like arcade games or dog-friendly spaces.
Are Calgary breweries family-friendly or dog-friendly?
Many Calgary breweries are family-friendly, especially during daytime hours, often featuring non-alcoholic options and sometimes even games. Several, like Cold Garden Beverage Company, are famously dog-friendly, allowing leashed pets both on their patios and sometimes inside the taproom. Always check with individual breweries beforehand for their specific policies.
What's the best way to get around to Calgary's breweries?
Many breweries are concentrated in specific neighborhoods like Inglewood or the Manchester/Foothills industrial areas, making them walkable or easily accessible by a short ride-share or taxi. Calgary's public transit (CTrain and bus) can also get you close to many locations. For larger groups or a dedicated tour, consider booking a private beer tour or utilizing ride-sharing apps.
Do Calgary breweries serve food?
Yes, many Calgary breweries offer food, ranging from full-service restaurants with elevated menus (like Establishment or The Dandy Brewing Company) to smaller snack menus featuring pretzels, pizza, or charcuterie. Some breweries partner with local food trucks, which rotate daily or weekly. It's always best to check the brewery's website or social media for current food offerings.
What are the typical prices for a pint of craft beer in Calgary?
A pint of craft beer in Calgary typically ranges from $7 to $10 CAD ($5-7.50 USD), depending on the brewery, beer style, and alcohol content. Higher-ABV or specialty beers might be slightly more. Many breweries also offer flights for tasting a variety of beers, usually priced around $12-18 CAD ($9-13 USD).
Are there any annual craft beer events or festivals in Calgary?
Yes, Calgary hosts several notable craft beer events throughout the year. The biggest is the Calgary International Beerfest, held annually, showcasing hundreds of breweries. Smaller festivals, taproom events, and collaboration releases occur regularly. Keep an eye on local event listings and brewery social media for up-to-date information on seasonal happenings.
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