Ian Doig

There’s nothing like retreating to a cozy neighbourhood eatery when you don’t feel like cooking. Calgary’s suburban cafés and restaurants are a rare breed, and it’s no wonder locals would rather keep their existence secret. Revealed below are some of the city’s best.

As getaways go, an evening of bar hopping has it all. Socializing with friends while sampling new brews and the latest chicken wing flavours sounds like a vacation to me. And who knows? Hitting multiple venues increases your chance of meeting someone special along the way. When you plan your next pint-sipping mini-holiday, call at these ports of crawl.

Whether you’re looking to celebrate, commemorate or simply indulge, the tickle and fizz of bubbly transforms a night out into an event. These Calgary restaurants and bars feature both appropriately upscale atmosphere as well as a suitable selection of Champagne and other sparkling beverages.

Spring is a time for renewal. And it's only natural that the city's best cocktail spots launch their warm-weather drink menus with flair befitting this sunshiny season. Sip light and lovely selections at the following venues, which happen to serve the craftiest of beers and cocktails year round.

Far from being a put down, the term greasy spoon is used as a term of endearment. When you just want simple, down-to-earth dining in a place that’s warm and friendly, these are the sorts of places that satisfy. Typically serving Prairie diner fare from bacon and eggs to hot hamburger sandwiches, many also serve Asian restaurant favourites, donairs, subs and more.

While the toppings may change, burgers are always in fashion. They're the most comfortable of comfort foods. From inventively elegant to hearty and classic, the following restaurants serve some of Calgary’s best burgers.

Beer and hockey go together like Johnny Gaudreau and a game-winning goal. With the Flames riding a hot streak into the 2017 NHL Playoffs, you'll want to make reservations early at local sports bars to catch all of the action.

Business lunching requires good food and great drinks — preferably a solid cocktail menu — as well as discreet service that allows you and your colleagues to talk business. You’ll find the right setting to get the deal done at these business lunch locations.

The unofficial start of summer, the Victoria Day long weekend (May 21 to 23, 2016) features a raft of events and seasonal attraction openings. For those who’ve failed to book a campsite at an Alberta park, there’s plenty of fun to be had right here in the city, both in and out of the sun.

Spending more time outdoors is on most folks’ to-do list. There’s no easier way to realize this admirable ambition than to head for the backyard. The right patio furnishings turn urban lawns, decks, balconies and patios into veritable outdoor living and dining rooms. Visit these patio furniture purveyors to make the most of your yard.

The alt-music event of the year, Sled Island just keeps growing. From June 22 to 26, 2016, its 250-plus musical performances, comedy events, film screenings and art happenings fill 36 venues across Calgary. Here are just a few of the many great acts to catch during the festival.

Members of Calgary’s food truck fleet operate almost year round. Often found in and around the downtown, these mobile eateries are also regularly sighted at festivals and special events. Track their movements with precision by downloading the Calgary Street Food App —streetfoodapp.com/calgary.