Guidebook - Hillhurst NW
Food scene
Dairy Lane Cafe first opened as a Milk Bar in the 1950s, serving homestyle meals and milkshakes to teenagers in swing dresses. As times changed, there were fewer sweater sets and more Birkenstocks, but we stayed focused on the same values that earned the joint its sterling reputation back when Elvis Presley was on the radio.
Now, as the oldest restaurant in Calgary, it turns out what we were calling tradition, has gotten trendy. We’re on a first name basis with our butcher, we source locally whenever possible, we’re ardent recyclers, but most importantly, we focus on delicious meals, wholesome ingredients, and remembering that even though trends change, good food doesn’t.
47 recommandé par les habitants
Dairy Lane Cafe
319 19 St NWDairy Lane Cafe first opened as a Milk Bar in the 1950s, serving homestyle meals and milkshakes to teenagers in swing dresses. As times changed, there were fewer sweater sets and more Birkenstocks, but we stayed focused on the same values that earned the joint its sterling reputation back when Elvis Presley was on the radio.
Now, as the oldest restaurant in Calgary, it turns out what we were calling tradition, has gotten trendy. We’re on a first name basis with our butcher, we source locally whenever possible, we’re ardent recyclers, but most importantly, we focus on delicious meals, wholesome ingredients, and remembering that even though trends change, good food doesn’t.
The West Hillhurst location opened Summer of 2018. Sitting on the corner of 2nd Ave and 19th St, it is the perfect location for families to come together and enjoy a wide variety of flavours with lots of offerings. There is plenty of seating both inside and out, and a lawn to lay out blankets in the Summer.
Made By Marcus proudly uses locally sourced dairy from Vital Green Farms, and naturally grown ingredients to create a truly unique made-from-scratch ice cream; no shortcuts, mixes, preservatives or comparison.
17 recommandé par les habitants
Made By Marcus
221 19 St NWThe West Hillhurst location opened Summer of 2018. Sitting on the corner of 2nd Ave and 19th St, it is the perfect location for families to come together and enjoy a wide variety of flavours with lots of offerings. There is plenty of seating both inside and out, and a lawn to lay out blankets in the Summer.
Made By Marcus proudly uses locally sourced dairy from Vital Green Farms, and naturally grown ingredients to create a truly unique made-from-scratch ice cream; no shortcuts, mixes, preservatives or comparison.
Higher Ground is a unique cafe with a fireplace, amazing drinks, food, and more! Looking to get some work done, this is the spot to do it.
Established in 1982, Higher Ground has been long committed to promoting community & sustainability on a local and global scale. This is why they ensure that all of their coffee is 100% organic, fair trade & rain forest alliance certified.
49 recommandé par les habitants
Higher Ground Cafe
1126 Kensington Rd NWHigher Ground is a unique cafe with a fireplace, amazing drinks, food, and more! Looking to get some work done, this is the spot to do it.
Established in 1982, Higher Ground has been long committed to promoting community & sustainability on a local and global scale. This is why they ensure that all of their coffee is 100% organic, fair trade & rain forest alliance certified.
A local eatery nestled in the heart of West Hillhurst, just 2 minutes from your stay
10 recommandé par les habitants
1918 Tap and Table
1918 Kensington Rd NWA local eatery nestled in the heart of West Hillhurst, just 2 minutes from your stay
Modern Steak joins two concepts into one - a modern steakhouse and cocktail lounge. A stunning space connected by an open floor to ceiling 40ft atrium that connects two different levels. The upper level is pure dining in the most “modern” sense, the lower level is a full bar & lounge that fades into an energetic dining room. Lights illuminate each table, while strategically placed mirrors allow patrons to catch a glimpse of the surroundings while personally, hand-selected music creates a comfortable yet energetic vibe throughout the entire space.
23 recommandé par les habitants
Modern Steak Kensington
107 10A St NWModern Steak joins two concepts into one - a modern steakhouse and cocktail lounge. A stunning space connected by an open floor to ceiling 40ft atrium that connects two different levels. The upper level is pure dining in the most “modern” sense, the lower level is a full bar & lounge that fades into an energetic dining room. Lights illuminate each table, while strategically placed mirrors allow patrons to catch a glimpse of the surroundings while personally, hand-selected music creates a comfortable yet energetic vibe throughout the entire space.
In the heart of Calgary’s Urban Village, you’ll find us in the iconic Lido building. Locals head here to power up before a bike ride along the Bow River or after a hike from downtown. We serve all-day breakfast (and lunch!) with plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans, too.
Our sunny, vibrant atmosphere is a great place to recharge after power shopping in local boutiques or to have brunch on our sunny patio with friends. If you’re looking for takeout in Kensington, you can choose from our entire menu to enjoy at the riverside park, then go for a wander to see local public art. You might have to come back for coffee!
9 recommandé par les habitants
Red's in Kensington
286 10 St NWIn the heart of Calgary’s Urban Village, you’ll find us in the iconic Lido building. Locals head here to power up before a bike ride along the Bow River or after a hike from downtown. We serve all-day breakfast (and lunch!) with plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans, too.
Our sunny, vibrant atmosphere is a great place to recharge after power shopping in local boutiques or to have brunch on our sunny patio with friends. If you’re looking for takeout in Kensington, you can choose from our entire menu to enjoy at the riverside park, then go for a wander to see local public art. You might have to come back for coffee!
Cats, cuddles and coffee! Calgary's first Cat Cafe! 😻 Enjoy a coffee or treat while visiting with adorable and adoptable cats, right in the heart of Kensington. This is truly a "Paw-Some" experience.
Be sure to check out their website for updated Covid restrictions.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Regal Cat Cafe
303 10 St NWCats, cuddles and coffee! Calgary's first Cat Cafe! 😻 Enjoy a coffee or treat while visiting with adorable and adoptable cats, right in the heart of Kensington. This is truly a "Paw-Some" experience.
Be sure to check out their website for updated Covid restrictions.
Did someone say Meat?! Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey is a bbq joint in the heart of Kensington, Calgary, Alberta. Smoking their meat from 10-14 hours, people love their brisket but they have a selection of meats, trays and sides to choose from. Join inside or out if the weather permits, or on our backyard whiskey garden open year-round.
Drinkwise they’ve got the largest whiskey list in town, and an ever-evolving cocktail list anchored by their smokey old-fashioned. They’ve also got a bunch of beer on tap, with some local favourites and international selects.
55 recommandé par les habitants
Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey
1136 Kensington Rd NWDid someone say Meat?! Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey is a bbq joint in the heart of Kensington, Calgary, Alberta. Smoking their meat from 10-14 hours, people love their brisket but they have a selection of meats, trays and sides to choose from. Join inside or out if the weather permits, or on our backyard whiskey garden open year-round.
Drinkwise they’ve got the largest whiskey list in town, and an ever-evolving cocktail list anchored by their smokey old-fashioned. They’ve also got a bunch of beer on tap, with some local favourites and international selects.
Neighbourhoods
Hillhurst and neighbouring Sunnyside make up a charming area centered on the trendy Kensington Village shopping area, with bookshops, boutiques, and quirky gift and homeware stores. Artisan coffee roasters, student pubs, and vegetarian eateries sit alongside upscale restaurants. Hilly Riley Park has a wading pool and playground, while trails line the Bow River. The long-running Plaza Theatre shows arthouse movies
Hillhurst
Hillhurst and neighbouring Sunnyside make up a charming area centered on the trendy Kensington Village shopping area, with bookshops, boutiques, and quirky gift and homeware stores. Artisan coffee roasters, student pubs, and vegetarian eateries sit alongside upscale restaurants. Hilly Riley Park has a wading pool and playground, while trails line the Bow River. The long-running Plaza Theatre shows arthouse movies
Sightseeing
Park features:
- Host to many festivals and events
- Picnic areas
- Playground
- Pathway and hiking trails
- Flower gardens
- Chevron Learning Pathway
- Outdoor skating on the lagoon (seasonal)
- River Café (full service restaurant, closed each January)
- On-leash park (except Canada Day & Heritage Day, due to event participant volume, these days are NO DOGS)
419 recommandé par les habitants
Prince's Island Park
698 Eau Claire Ave SWPark features:
- Host to many festivals and events
- Picnic areas
- Playground
- Pathway and hiking trails
- Flower gardens
- Chevron Learning Pathway
- Outdoor skating on the lagoon (seasonal)
- River Café (full service restaurant, closed each January)
- On-leash park (except Canada Day & Heritage Day, due to event participant volume, these days are NO DOGS)
If you're looking for a photoshoot location, this is the place to go. With tons of different shipping container murals, there's lots of choice for street art enthusiasts. It's definitely guaranteed to brighten up your feed!
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1020 2 Ave NWIf you're looking for a photoshoot location, this is the place to go. With tons of different shipping container murals, there's lots of choice for street art enthusiasts. It's definitely guaranteed to brighten up your feed!
Conseils aux voyageurs
Se déplacer dans les environs
The LRT system in Calgary is great for low-cost travel
The closest station is the Sunnyside LRT Station. There is a red line and a blue line which intersect in downtown before going opposite ways.
The blue line spans from 69th St Station (West) down to Saddletown (Northeast)
The red line spans from Tuscany (Northwest) to Somerset/Bridlewood (South)
As of 2020 an adult pass is $3.50 (valid for 90 min) or day passes are $11. Youths, age 6-17 can ride for $2.40 and $8 respectively. Children under 5 can ride for free.
À ne pas manquer
The Hillhurst Farmer's Market (Saturdays)
As of Oct 24, 2020 the Farmer's Market can be found inside the HSCA, Saturdays 12-4pm.
Good quality, flavourful food and goods produced by local farmers, food creators and artisans.
As an Alberta Approved Market, The Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers' Market is committed to ensuring that at least 80% of our vendors sell products which they, a family member, a staff member of a producer-owned cooperative have made, baked, or grown.
Many of our farmers operate small family farms that use traditional methods but have decided not to obtain organic certification due to limiting factors like