There were many reasons for choosing to build NUDE in the West Beltline, and you can find just some of them listed below. 

The Beltline is one of Calgary’s most dynamic neighborhoods. It’s filled with local shops, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and attractions. Each week, as she gets to know our fantastic city, our social media gal, Faith, documents her journey over on Instagram in a feature she likes to call Best of Beltline.

 

Keep on reading to see where she’s been so far!

 

GRETA Bar YYC – 213 10 Ave SW

GRETA is every gamer and big kid’s dream, especially on Sundays. On Sundays, at GRETA, they offer unlimited play for an hour for only $5 PLUS; most of their drinks are $5 too. 

 

BLANCO Cantina – 723 17 Ave SW

Every day from 3-5 pm and 9 pm-close BLANCO Cantina offers 1/2 price Tacos and Nachos, $6 Margaritas and Beer and 1/2 Tequila with their #HalfyHour. If you go, you gotta try the Brisket Tacos. OH, and they’re very generous with their guac portions…just sayin’.

 

Pomp & Circumstance – 1204 12 Street SW

Pomp & Circumstance offers a carefully handpicked collection of beautiful homewares and furniture. It’s the place to go if you’re looking to take your interiors to the next level. 

 

Monki Breakfast Club & Bistro – 1301 10 Ave SW

For intimate brunch dates with your S/O, Monki is the place to go, and if you like hot sauce, you have to go. Make sure to book, though, because it gets super busy!

 

Société Coffee Lounge – 1223 11 Ave SW

Société feels like an unsung hero in the coffee scene in the Beltline. The industrial styling gives it a fresh, modern vibe. The coffee is good, the food is good, and the sofa is super comfortable. If you’re looking for a calm place to have a coffee or get some work done, check out Société.

 

Lougheed House – 707 13 Ave SW

Lougheed House is like going back in time. Built in 1891 by Senator James Alexander Lougheed, the Victorian Mansion is a national historic site. For years it sat empty until the year 2000 when restoration began. Now it’s conserved by a group of volunteers devoted to keeping the history (and the beautiful gardens) alive. Every holiday season, Lougheed House is transformed into a Christmas wonderland with the help of local designers. You can also have breakfast with Santa! Or if you want to give Santa a miss but would still like breakfast, iconic local chef, Judy Wood, is currently hosting a french inspired pop-up restaurant in the mansion’s dining room.

 

Chilitos Taberna – 1309 17 Ave SW

If you’re looking for the cheesiest Nachos and Margaritas with a side of gold (like actual sparkly gold) sugar, then Chilitos Taberna is the place for you. In the winter, it’s the cosiest place with intimate seating and beautiful murals. In the summer, the whole place opens up, making room for one of YYC’s best patios. They have daily specials (except Wednesdays when they’re closed) and are open ’til late on Fridays and Saturdays, so you have plenty of time to enjoy their selection of tequila.

 

The Beltliner – 234 12 Ave SW

Aptly named, The Beltliner is a modern diner that offers a carefully curated menu, good coffee, and generous portions. Everything about this place is Instagrammable, even the washrooms! It’s always nice when someone tells you ‘you look great’ even if it is a mirror… But I digress. If you’re looking for good food, a great atmosphere, and you don’t mind waiting a lil’ bit (it’s worth it), then The Beltliner is for you.

 

BUMP – Various Locations 

The Beltline Urban Murals Project is an initiative by the Beltline Neighbourhoods Association to showcase art, promote tourism and local businesses, improve the public realm and build community spirit in Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhoods. Each year BUMP invites local and international artists to create stunning murals throughout the Beltline. If you have a couple of hours spare. A fun and free thing to do is wander around, discovering all the murals from the past three years. We can’t wait for this year’s festival.

 

Tokyo Smoke – 1205 1 St SW

Tokyo Smoke was founded in 2015 in Toronto, in 2017 they expanded into Calgary and chose 1st Street as their home. Now, we don’t have much authority on the cannabis side of things; you’ll have to chat with the awesome people that work there, but we can say that we thoroughly enjoyed the coffee and the surroundings.⁠ If you’re looking for aesthetically pleasing, functional accessories or simply just a good cup of coffee, then Tokyo Smoke is the place.

 

Contemporary Calgary – 701 11 St SW

Some know it as the planetarium, some know it as that Brutalist piece of architecture near the train station. But we now know it as the Art Gallery playing host to the moon (and other amazing installations.) It’s places like Contemporary Calgary that make a city a desirable location to visit, and we thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon there. Plus, it was only $10 admission! Yes, the gallery still has some work to do, there was a lack of signage, which caused the natural flow to feel a little disjointed, and we actually missed an exhibit because of it. But don’t let that put you off. Contemporary Calgary is to be celebrated and supported, and we feel lucky to have it so close to NUDE.

 

Velour Clothing Exchange – 1022 17 Ave SW

It’s only a short walk and a few stairs, and suddenly you’re in fashion heaven. Velour Clothing Exchange is Calgary’s first dedicated buy/sell/trade clothing store, it’s run by mother and daughter, and it’s a pleasure to shop there. Not only is there a great mix of sizes, vintage and newer fashions, but Michelle (daughter) is also just about one of the nicest people, and they have amazing accessories. Oh, and their sales are ridiculous! I got a pair of boots (basically new), 60% off, for $34! I’m not sure why you’re still reading this…?

 

Gibson Fine Art – 628 11 Ave SW

Gibson Fine Art is a wonderful local art gallery based in the Beltline. It’s a place where art is accessible and everyone is made to feel welcome. Whether you’re looking to buy or you’re just having a look Gibson Fine Art offers an array of stunning pieces from Albertan and Canadian artists.

 

Don’t forget to keep checking back for more of Faith’s Best of Beltline Picks. Got a suggestion? Let us know over on Instagram!