BEST OF CALGARY

Well guys.

It's coming to my last days in Calgary.

The fall chill is in the air.

Boots and sweaters and filling up the stores.

And to that I say:

 "HAHAHAHA

SUCKERS

I'LL BE HERE"

I am getting a little nostalgic about Calgary though. 

Just a wee little bit. 

Even though this town is generally a year round meat fest, there are a handful of good places to veg out.

So I though I would do a round-up of my favourite locally owned Calgary spots to nosh. 

Cafe Koi

Cafe Koi is located in the Beltline, walking distance from most of the noteworthy clubs. Their menu is incredibly vegan friendly, but has some omnivorous options as well which makes it a good choice for mixed groups! It's asian fusion, so there are naturally a lot of Gluten Free options. Cafe Koi has a small stage and hosts live music, including a weekly open mic night. 

Vegmaren recommends: The Buddha bowl, The buddha burger (ask for vegan modifications), Yam fries. 

Gratitude Cafe 

Gratitude Cafe is located in Kensington and specializes in specialized diets. There is no meat on the menu, and has lots of vegan, raw and gluten free options. If you ask, the kitchen can adjust most of the menu items to accommodate allergies. Gratitude is a really relaxed environment with puzzles and games everywhere for you to get in touch with your inner child. They also leave a bucket of pens in the washroom for you to leave messages of encouragement to random strangers. Their food is fresh and healthy and moderately priced. I've had mixed experience with the friendliness of the staff, however. Gratitude has the best vegan milkshakes in the entire world and you can get them in almost any flavour you can think of.

Vegmaren recommends: VEGAN MILKSHAKE (chocolate/banana/espresso flavour is the best), Raw pasta,  soup/sandwich/salad combo (so many choices!) 

The Coup

Located on the hip part of 17th avenue, the Coup is one of Calgary's best restaurants period, and without a doubt the best vegetarian in the city. The menu is all vegetarian with many vegan and raw options. The chefs use as much seasonal, local and organic as possible which makes their classic dishes different every time you order them. 

The Coup is one of the best parts of Calgary and is beloved by it's hipper inhabitants. There are also only about 10 tables, and they don't take reservations. Come prepared for a pretty long wait any night of the week. Even tuesday. 

You can always go next door to their lounge sarcastically named "Meet" for some appetizers and a creative cocktail or fresh pressed juice. 

Vegmaren recommends: EVERYTHING but mostly; Coconut chai latte, Rabbit Pate, Yam fries (w/tahini miso gravy), Dragon Bowl (w/tahini miso gravy),  Vegan Apple Pie

Honourable Mentions

Cafe beano: 

Beano has great coffee, and you can sub Almond milk for soy or milk in their lattes. They also have good bagels with peanut butter and banana. 

Steeps/Oolong tea houses: 

These sister cafe's located on 17th and in Kensington respectively are a great place to go if you like tea. They also have vegan brownies (sort of lackluster, but vegan brownies amirite?) and vegan curry pies from Simple Simon. I find the staff at steeps to be a little rude, and I much prefer the atmosphere at Oolong. 

What are your favourite Calgary spots to nosh?