8 Best Queer-Friendly Bars And Clubs In Calgary, Alberta

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Calgary has a lot of great bars, clubs, and spots that are very gay- and queer-friendly, and more and more of them are being oriented toward mixed audiences and aren’t advertised as just “Gay bars” anymore. Still, as with any other type of establishment, there are good ones and there are ones that are a bit more sub-par.
So, if you’re new to Calgary, Alberta, or you’re just now starting to look into that part of the city life, let’s go over the 8 best queer-friendly bars, clubs, and other such spaces in Calgary.

1. The Unicorn

This cool and cozy place in the center of Calgary is fairly new. The service is fast, effective, and friendly, the bar is always clean. What’s more – despite what the name might suggest – this isn’t strictly a “gay bar,” but it is a very cool and queer-friendly sports bar with arcade machines, Mexican decorations, and a lot of other interesting features.

2. Texas Longue

A very classic and neat gay bar, the Texas Longue offers fantastic service and affordable prices for cool and delicious drinks. The place is small but cozy, the karaoke is always fun, and it’s a great place to meet new people, go with a company, or go on a first date with someone you’ve met on a gay or transgender dating app.

3. Greta Bar

The Greta Bar used to be a gay bar but is now more of a general queer-friendly spot for everyone to enjoy. There are arcade machines, the cocktails are delicious and reasonably priced, and both the bartenders and patrons tend to be very friendly and outgoing.

4. The Backlot

This cool two-level gay bar has outdoor seating, a pool table, and a generally very cool atmosphere. It’s a great spot to hit early in the evening before you go out to check the rest of the city’s nightlife spots. The food and drinks are also delicious, making the Backlot a nice place to also just spend an entire evening in if you have the right company.

5. Twisted Element

This neat gay bar is one of the hotspots of central Calgary. If you’re looking for an outright honest-to-god gay bar and not just a “queer-friendly” place, the Twisted Element is definitely a great place to visit.

6. Proof

This stylish and offbeat artisanal spot is great for a first date or for a nice quick chat over an awesome cocktail. The seasonal menu changes frequently too, so repeat visits are sure to always include a nice and delicious surprise too.

7. King Eddy

The King Eddy Hotel may have closed, but the King Eddy bar is here to stay. A great bar and restaurant with live music, the King Eddy has a fantastic folksy atmosphere, often hosts cool live performers, and is a very trans-friendly gay/straight mixed pub where everyone is welcome.

8. Bridgette Bar

This chill bar is very chef-driven and is one of those artsy flair spots with entrees and small plates that are very cool for a date. The prices aren’t as affordable as in some of the bars above, but the cocktails and other drinks are truly phenomenal.

This certainly isn’t a fully extensive list, of course, as no such list can ever include every good spot and everyone’s favourite place. Besides, these things tend to change over time as new bars and clubs open and old ones close their doors. However, as of right now, the above 8 spots are among the best queer-friendly bars and clubs in Calgary, Alberta.