Best spots for an after work drink in Calgary

It's quittin' time in Calgary, and brokers, bikers, and oil barons are looking to wet their whistles. As exhausted executives scurry from office buildings, the city's assortment of drinking holes come to life to quench the thirsty workforce.

Murrieta's Westcoast Bar & Grill, 808 1st St. SW
Those who don a suit and crave a touch of class head to Murrieta's Westcoast Bar & Grill. Located on the second floor of a vintage brick building, this chic establishment brings patrons back to the Big Band days of the '20s and '30s. Equipped with a balcony overlooking trendy Stephen Avenue, Murrieta's boosts the longest bar in Calgary (more than 50 feet) and has a live pianist during happy hour Wednesdays through Fridays. Don't expect to be wolfing down nachos and wings at this fine dining spot. Instead, chase your wine spritzer or martini with fabulous Westcoast fare highlighting the best of the land and sea. Dig into fresh-shucked oysters, crab cakes or an assortment of flatbreads. If finger food doesn't fill your hunger, Murrieta's has a full-scale restaurant with gourmet entrees.

Ceili's Irish Pub and Restaurant, 513 8th Ave. SW
Down the road at Ceili's Irish Pub and Restaurant, a slightly more rambunctious crowd, scattered with ex-pats, take in the quaint décor of this two-story tavern. A definite throwback to the Green Isle, the all-wooden interior and Celtic tunes make every day feel like St. Paddy's. Nestled in the heart of the oil towers, Ceili's offers happy hour hordes classic Irish food -- curried fries, fish and chips and Celtic platters - and, of course, pints of Guinness to wash it all down. This is a favourite with the 30-something business crowd, and regulars know to come early, especially on Thursdays and Fridays, if they want to find a seat.

The Ship and Anchor Pub, 534 17th Ave. SW
Couriers, musicians, and everyone in between, flock to the Ship and Anchor Pub at the end of the day. Commonly referred to as "the Ship," this laid-back venue offers great beer prices and draws boisterous crowds, from ages 18 to 80, into its smoky interior. The quintessential English pub, complete with international football games on the weekends and classic pub fare, the Ship is home to one of the liveliest patios in the city on warm evenings. As the music throbs through the air, relieving your work-related stress, you may want to enjoy a bowl of the best-selling Bloody Mary Soup. Made from tomato, vodka and herbs, it's a great way to start off your evening.

Bow River Barley Mill Neighbourhood Pub, 201 Barclay Parade SW
When the stock market closes for the day, brokers head north -- to Eau Claire Market, to be precise. The Bow River Barley Mill Neighbourhood Pub is a popular spot for the after-work antics of the high-finance crowd. Noted for its lively atmosphere, though quiet enough to hold a conversation, the Barley Mill offers 22 beers on tap and tasty pub grub, including one of the city's best steak sandwiches. Located on the shores of the Bow River in the hip neighbourhood of Eau Claire, all the seats, including the balconies, are usually filled from 4:00 till 7:00.

by Trisha Lees

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by Joe Smith

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