Une soirée entre amis à Calgary, AB

There’s something satisfying about biting into a big burger that can barely contain its massive patty and toppings, even when it happens to be meat-free. From goat cheese and pesto to fried eggs and aioli, the burgers listed here are bursting with just such adventurous ingredients. Some of the restaurants below, in fact, some of the best in town.

Hot dogs and sausages aren’t just for summertime grilling or easy kids’ meals. Plenty of meat-happy haunts around the city are dressing them up in new and delicious ways as well as simply refining the classics. Read on to get the skinny on our favourite franks.

Feeling a little peckish during happy hour? Nothing in the world complements that glass of wine quite as well as a chic cheese selection! Explore the world of cheese within reach of home at these restaurants offering top-notch cheese boards.

Good margaritas are easy to find, but other lass-familiar Central and South American drinks are now getting the respect and admiration they deserve. Calgary foodies (and drinkies) are happily enjoying fine tequila and mescal selections at city bars and restaurants as well as sipping South American wines. These venues feature Latin-inspired drink selections. Salud!

There’s just something about fireside dining that makes a meal special. They probably won’t let you roast any chestnuts in the fireplaces of these cozy Calgary restaurants and bars, but you can at least keep the winter chills at bay while enjoying an extra-comforting meal.

As Alberta’s other signature meat, bison is more popular than ever in grocery meat aisles, and city restaurants make beautiful use of this lean and delectable red meat. Take a walk on the wild side at these notable Calgary restaurants serving bison dishes from tartare to slow-braised short ribs and grilled striploin.

Variety is the spice of Calgary’s contemporary restaurant scene, and the charcuterie plate is an edible ambassador of local tastes. Whether enjoyed as a starter or as a snack paired with drinks, charcuterie is a means to sample a restaurant’s pickling and meat-curing prowess as well as gain an appreciation of regional and specialty treats.

What makes a good “girls night out” spot? Only the girls know for sure, but you can bet that it involves a combination of great music and wine, fun atmosphere and a lot of laughs. These Calgary venues offer all this and more.

The Beltline – that neighbourhood directly south of downtown that is essentially the “middle” of Calgary – is rife with eateries, shops and, of course, places to drink. If you’re looking for a spot to park yourself and enjoy a pint, these joints are great for having a drink in the heart of the city.

Ever face the dilemma of having to please the differing tastes of a bunch of friends while dining out? The eateries listed here solve this culinary complication by serving small-plate snacks or tapas dishes that are perfect for sampling and sharing.

“We’re lucky here,” says wine and food writer, educator and commentator Linda Garson, referring to the exciting wine menus on Calgary’s fine-dining scene. Several of the city’s high-end restaurants maintain wine lists that are as big a draw as their food. “I call them the big guns, because they go in blazing,” says Linda, who shares her insights on these vino giants here.

Brown liquor is here to stay, with bourbon becoming a staple on drink lists and rye on its way into the spotlight. What was once considered your grandfather’s drink is now one of the most popular libations among both men and women. So when you want to reach for a sweet bourbon, smooth Scotch or a home-grown rye, here’s where to go in Calgary.