For decades, 17th Avenue SW has been a hot spot, full of lively eateries, fine dining restaurants, and take-out joints along with great coffee houses and cool shops to poke around. There are far too many outstanding eateries to cover in one story, but here are a few spots - old and new - worth seeking out.
Naina’s Kitchen relocated to 17th Avenue a year or so ago, and has been struggling with ongoing construction out front this year. They make those enormous stuffed burgers you’ve probably heard about, which have won awards and international accolades. Run by a mother-daughter team, it’s worth stopping in for a burger, mac & cheese, or other classic comfort food. They even have parking in the back. Naina’s Kitchen is located at 121, 17 Avenue SE; nainaskitchen.com; @nainaskitchen
Between Anju and Cilantro, the new Calcutta Cricket Club is a fun new eatery inspired by the cosmopolitan cuisine of Calcutta, with a Wes Anderson meets Gilligan’s Island vibe. They have plenty of smaller sharing plates so you can experience more on your visit, but also more substantial dishes you can share or keep all to yourself! Calcutta Cricket Club is located 340, 17 Avenue SW; calcuttacricketclub.com; @CalcuttaCricket
Sam Friley, brother of Village Ice Cream founder Billy Friley, opened his own waffle shop, Buttermilk Fine Waffles, a few years ago. It’s a great place to stop and have a little something sweet or savory, and they even have the occasional movie night. Of course, Buttermilk Fine Waffles (they’re all buttermilk, made with Sam’s aunt’s recipe) also has Village Ice Cream on-hand for their waffle sundaes. Buttermilk Fine Waffles is located at 330, 17 Avenue SW; buttermilkfinewaffles.com; @ButtermilkYYC
Caffé Beano has been a hip hangout for creative types for decades. They brew Fratello beans, including a dark, rich espresso that has been custom blended for them since 1990. Baked goods and sandwiches are made in-house, and it has a vibe that makes you want to stay and chat. Try the café mocha made with dark chocolate shavings or the espresso milkshake (even if it’s cold out). Caffé Beano is located at 1613, 9 Street SW (just off of 17th Avenue); caffebeano.ca
Across the street from Caffé Beano, Made by Marcus Microcreamery is scooping up some stellar ice cream. If they have it, try the spectacularly smooth and brilliant pink raspberry-beet. Made by Marcus is located at 1013, 17 Avenue SW; madebymarcus.ca; @madebymarcus
The area farther west on 17th, toward 14th Street, is filling up with new eateries, too! Las Canarias is a great little tapas restaurant with authentic paella in the style of the Canary Islands. Next door, a new public house has opened up: Chronicles specializes in local brews and good pub food. Both eateries have great patios when the weather warms up. Las Canarias is located at 1129, 17 Avenue SW; lascanarias.ca; @LasCanarias. Chronicles is located at 1127, 17 Avenue SW, chroniclespub.com
Julie is a best-selling cookbook author, food writer, cooking instructor, and the food and nutrition columnist on the Calgary Eyeopener on CBC Radio. For more information and to subscribe to Julie’s ‘Free Lunch,’ delicious deliveries right to your inbox, visit dinnerwithjulie.com.
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