Each year, we ask Avenue readers to vote for their favourite restaurants in Calgary in our Best Restaurants readers’ choice ballot. These are some of their favourite places in the city.
Winner
Caesar’s Steak House
Caesar’s Steakhouse is a Calgary institution that’s been open since 1972. The menu features beloved steak house classics like Caesar salad made tableside, twice-baked stuffed potatoes and of course, Alberta beef that’s aged for at least 28 days before being charbroiled on an open-flame grill. Don’t forget to try the famous Bloody Caesar, which has been on the menu since the restaurant’s inception.
512 4 Ave. S.W., 403-264-1222; 10816 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-278-3930, caesarssteakhouse.com, @caesarssteak
Runners-up
Chairman’s Steakhouse
Situated on Lake Mahogany, Chairman’s Steakhouse offers beautiful views of the Mahogany neighbourhood and waterfront from the restaurant’s dining room and patio. The restaurant is inspired by the glamour of the Old Hollywood era and offers its own spin on a classic steak house menu with expertly sourced beef like 14- and 18-ounce ribeyes, half racks of Alberta lamb, chicken fried oysters Rockefeller and more.
2251 Mahogany Blvd. S.E., 587-291-9898, chairmans.ca, @chairmansyyc
Modern Steak
Visit either of Modern Steak’s two locations for a delicious steak house experience. One of the things that sets Modern Steak apart is the beef: the restaurant works directly with Alberta ranchers to source the highest-quality local beef for its dishes. If you’re feeding a large group of people, consider one of the large-format steak dishes showcasing the variety of beef that Modern Steak has to offer.
100 8 Avenue S.E., 403-244-3600; 10606 Southport Rd. S.W., 403-300-1424; modernsteak.ca, @modernsteakca
Nick’s Steakhouse & Pizza
Family-owned-and-operated since 1979, Nick’s Steakhouse & Pizza is a casual spot for a classic steak house experience. Heading to McMahon Stadium to catch a game? Stop by this restaurant beforehand to fill up. With a menu of AAA Alberta steak options (and the ability to “Neptune it”), as well as pizzas, pasta and more appetizing dishes, Nick’s is a great spot for a night out with the family.
2430 Crowchild Tr. N.W., 403-282-9278, nickssteakandpizza.com, @nickssteakhouse
Vintage Chophouse & Tavern
Vintage Chophouse has been one of the top steak houses in Calgary since it opened more than 15 years ago. Vintage offers several Canada Prime steak cuts, as well as dishes like a slow-cooked duck breast, tomato onion tart or the quintessential steakhouse wedge salad. Complete the experience with one of the 700 wine options in the award-winning wine cellar.
320 11 Ave. S.W., 403-262-7262, vintagechophouse.com, @vintagechopyyc
Major Tom
Located 40 floors above downtown Calgary, Major Tom takes steak house classics and turns them on their heads — think dishes like Major tots topped with smoked sturgeon and pickled onions, a modernized Waldorf salad with endive and an Alberta flat iron steak with some of the best fries in the city. You can also expect an incredible dessert menu of nostalgic favourites like baked Alaska and inventive cocktails.
700 2 St. S.W. (40th floor), majortombar.ca, @themajortombar
Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
A Calgary staple for 70 years, Hy’s offers all the steak house classics, including Prime grade steaks. But one major thing that sets the restaurant apart is the tableside service — seeing your Caesar salad, steak tartare or bananas Foster prepared right before your eyes is truly a treat. Hy’s also puts major emphasis on cocktails, with a perfected menu of classics like the old fashioned or sazerac, along with more contemporary options.
8th Avenue and 3rd Street S.W., hyssteakhouse.com, @hyssteakhouse
Big Fish & Open Range
Looking for something a little more surf n’ turf? Big Fish & Open Range has two Calgary locations for fresh seafood and steaks. Starting out as two separate restaurants, the two came together and haven’t looked back since. Stop by this casual fine-dining spot to enjoy mussels, lobster, AAA grade steaks, game meats and more.
2018 33 Ave. S.W., 403-454-0014; 1112 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-277-3403, bigfishopenrange.ca, @bigfishopenrange
Wellington’s of Calgary
At Wellington’s, step back in time to the steak houses of yore and experience luxury that has lasted since 1979. The menu features dishes like a jumbo shrimp cocktail, French onion soup and more classics. Plus, this is one of the few restaurants still making a traditionally prepared, labour-intensive beef Wellington.
10325 Bonaventure Dr. S.E., 403-278-5250, wellingtonsofcalgary.com, @wellingtonsofcalgary
Charbar
Inspired by the traditions of Argentina where wood-fired cooking, especially meats, have long been a tradition, Charbar combines its roots with Alberta ingredients for an unforgettable steak house experience. The fire-kissed menu celebrates Alberta-sourced meats and West coast seafood and gives them an Argentinian twist in dishes like the tableside ceviche mixto, beef fat fries with aji picante aioli, and a selection of fire-grilled steaks.
618 Confluence Way S.E., 403-452-3115, charbar.ca, @charbar_yyc