Grey Cup 2018 in Calgary: where to watch the Stampeders face off against the Redblacks
Game time — with a kickoff around 4 p.m. — coincides nicely with happy hour.
The game will likely stretch into the night, hopefully with a happy ending for the Stampeders, who are trying to win their first cup for head coach Dave Dickenson and perhaps say so long to quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, a free agent whose consistent, clutch plays may have landed him in the sightlines of a few NFL franchises.
Can't make it up to Edmonton Sunday? Here's where to watch the Grey Cup in Calgary, and where the real party might be, starting around 9 p.m.
Authentically Texan barbecue
Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey, is the place for meat sweats.
Football and meat are kindred spirits of a sort, and no one serves it better than the Hayden Block, the palace of pulled pork and authentic, homemade Texas-style barbecue on Kensington Road.
There are no specials on offer for Grey Cup Sunday, despite the fact Stampeders star quarterback, Bo Levi Mitchell, is authentically Texan himself.
Don't worry, the game will definitely be on. Perhaps Dan Clapson, in the Globe and Mail, puts the appeal of Hayden Block best: "I don't often reach Fred Flintstone excitement levels when it comes to big slices of meat, but this is the best, gloriously carnivorous plate I've enjoyed this year."
1136 Kensington Road N.W.
Craft brew crew
Last Best Brewing, for Alberta-crafted brews.
If you're in it for the beer, check out the game at Last Best. This 11th Avenue brewpub is highly-regarded for its attention to detail when it comes to brewing things like Beltline Blonde Ale, Tokyo Drift IPA, Brett Saison-Athon, Ol' Beautiful Kettle Sour, and Equinox Wild, as well as a sampling of other brands from Last Best's sister locations such as Jasper Brewing Co.'s Crisp Pils, and the Wood Buffalo Brewing Co.'s Babe Blueberry Vanilla Ale.
607 11th Avenue S.W.
Hobbit-ish house of Kensington
Kensington Pub, for the family-run bar's cozy neighbourhood feel.
Located in a house off Kensington Road, the K-Pub has always been reminiscent of a hobbit house like the one that belonged to Frodo Baggins in Lord of the Rings. It's all twisty and tunnelled down, narrow and cozy, with lots of nooks and crannies to park yourself and enjoy the game on one of the many big screens situated throughout the bar.
Hankering for a Yorkshire Pudding to go with your Canadian football championship game? This is the place.
207 10A Street N.W.
Longtime city favourite
Schanks, for the sports bar buzz.
If your idea of going out to watch the game involves participating in a few, Schanks is the ultimate in interactivity.
Both Schanks locations in the city offer mini golf, virtual golf, billiards, video games, NTN trivia, and off-track betting, so if things go south for the Stamps early, there's still plenty to do at Schanks.
103 Crowfoot Terrace N.W., or 9627 Macleod Trail South.
Sports bar cuisine with a twist
Home & Away, for four star sports bar culinary delights.
For an imaginative spin on sports bar cuisine, try Home and Away, the 17th Avenue meeting place that offers, among other things, Home & Away Corn Dog Lollipops (made with Brant Lake Wagyu beef), poutine, and other dishes such as Szechuan crispy cauliflower, Banh Mi, and a Cubano sandwich.
1331 17th Avenue S.W.
75 screens
Shark Club Sports Bar, for the TVs, and comfy chairs.
With 75 TVs, three floors and room for close to 400, the Shark Club Sports Bar at Deerfoot Meadows figures to be one of the liveliest places to watch and see if the Stamps defence can put the brakes on Trevor Harris, the Redblacks' sensational young quarterback, who tossed a record-shattering six touchdown receptions against Hamilton in the Eastern Final Sunday.
Deerfoot Meadows 7995 11th Street S.E., or North Calgary 2493 27th Avenue N.E.
Wing wonders of the west
Mugshotz Sports Bar, for the astonishing array of wings.
Make the trip to Mugshotz to try out a few of their prize winning wings, including Sultry Ginger, Louisiana Garlic Parm, Mango Chili, Blueberry Asian, Tequila Lime, Dill Pickle, Whiskey Maple Bacon, Salt and Vinegar, Electric Honey and Teryiaki Suicide.
Watch some football between bites, and hope that Bo Levi was fake-limping his way to the bench in Sunday's Western Final against Winnipeg.
12-2808 Ogden Road S.E.
