By Sarah Sussman
Located in the heart of the inner city, the strip of 17th Avenue S.W. between 1st Street and 14th Street is one of Calgary’s go-to destinations for boutique shopping, decadent dining and more. If you’re planning on spending some time in the neighbourhood, here are the top spots to check out. [Photo credit: Joel Dryden]
One of the best places to dine on a budget, 17th Avenue is home to many economically priced, independently owned eateries. A popular hub for late-night bites, Clive Burger serves up fresh-made 100 per cent Alberta beef burgers. Burgers are $7 each with a choice of unlimited free vegetable toppings. Add cheese for $1 or take things up a notch with bacon or a fried egg for an extra $2. The best deal on Clive’s menu are the peanut oil French fries – a small serving clocks in at $3 and can easily feed two people.
Another classic Calgary eatery, Tubby Dog is a hot dog joint and live music venue with a menu full of adventurous creations including the Sumo dog with Japanese mayo, wasabi, ginger, seaweed and sesame seeds.
On the healthier side of budget dining options, Thai Tai serves up authentic banh mi subs, spring rolls, soups and bubble tea. Subs start at $4.25 for the vegetarian option and soups start at $6.50 for a massive serving of pork wonton goodness.
Head to one of 17th Avenue’s many independent boutique shops to pick up a new statement piece or to shop for fashions that aren’t available in shopping malls. Purr’s two-storey 17th Avenue location is a local favourite for both mens and womenswear. Whether you’re looking for the latest arrivals from big labels like Free People and BB Dakota or smaller emerging brands like En Crème and Bridge & Burn, Purr has a constantly rotating stock of trendsetting styles and statement pieces.
If you prefer to shop vintage, USED House of Vintage is a goldmine for cheap Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein denim, as well as varsity jackets, big oversized ‘80s sweaters and vintage t-shirts galore.
Velour Clothing Exchange is a hub for quality one-of-a-kind consignment pieces including plush fur jackets, colourful ‘50s dresses and vintage leather knapsacks. 17th Avenue is also home to a handful of high-end boutiques such as Kit and Ace and Frank & Oak.
While it is notoriously difficult to find dessert in Calgary, 17th Avenue offers up a variety of sweet eat spots. On the eastern end of the strip, Buttermilk serves up homemade waffles with toppings like blueberry compote and crème fraiche, ice cream, melted chocolate, sticky toffee and whipped cream.
For a smaller sized treat, Ollia specializes in artisanal sweet and savoury macarons in flavours like lemon poppy seed, rose and chevre apricot. If you prefer a hands-on approach, check out Ollia’s weekly macaron-making classes.
Made by Marcus specializes in small-batch artisanal ice cream that is, in fact, made by a man named Marcus Purtzki (formerly of the now-defunct FARM restaurant). The microcreamery features a rotating menu of flavours such as dulce banana walnut, earl grey chip and raspberry cardamom.
In addition to its budget dining options, dessert spots and independent coffee shops, 17th Avenue is home to many upscale dining options. A popular date night destination, UNA Pizza + Wine is an intimate eatery specializing in thin crust Californian-influenced pizzas and wine. One of the most popular menu items is the 4-maggi pizza, which features provolone piccante, friulano, fior di latte mozzarella and pecorino romano, drizzled with truffle oil and local urban honey. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations but if you follow UNA on Twitter, you can stay up-to-date on wait times and seating availability.
Specializing in Canadian cuisine courtesy of executive chef Evan Robertson, Market offers an intimate escape from the hustle and bustle of 17th Avenue. Featuring a modern white interior and open kitchen, Market has a menu that focuses on house-made dishes with quality ingredients. Breads are baked in-house daily, cheeses are made in-house and all meats are cured and butchered by MARKET’s team of talented gastronomes. Try the brick-roasted Okotoks chicken breast, served with fork-crushed blue potato and foraged mushrooms and brussels sprouts.
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While 17th Avenue is a great place to indulge, it’s also a great place for fitness and healthy living. The neighbourhood boasts a 24-hour Goodlife Fitness gym, but there’s also a plethora of fun, alternative fitness classes available for those who get tired of the treadmill and weights routine.
Take in a rowing class at Row 17 or head to the newly-opened Rumble Boxing studio to try your hand at boxing. For more committed fitness buffs, Victoria Park Crossfit offers tough workouts on a daily basis.
Post-workout, head to Cru Juice to try a healthy fresh-pressed juice made with non-GMO, farm-grown produce. The F1: Pumped Up Kicks with apple, lemon, mint and aloe vera is highly recommended.
Regardless of whether you’re looking for an adventurous dining experience or you want to revamp your entire wardrobe, 17th Avenue is the place to go for food, fashion, fitness, fun and everything in between.
