Bear & Kilt Freehouse

Calgary, Alberta

Field Note

Calgary’s 8th Avenue pedestrian mall is the heart of what is a fairly dense city as far as major North American metropolises go, the area a hive of activity packed with bars and restaurants. In true Calgary dive bar fashion, Bear & Kilt Freehouse features a single, unassuming sign and a subterranean location, a vibe that very much fits with the old school decorations found inside. More of a semi-hidden British-style sports pub than a true dive, Bear & Kilt is perhaps the best drinking option in the area.

Visually, Bear & Kilt Freehouse is little more than a pair of double doors and a sign above the door from the outside, the swinging wooden doors set below a stained glass depiction of the bar’s name. A narrow stairway opens up into a deceptively deep layout of connected rooms that all feel quite snug thanks to the low-ish ceiling and ample breaks between spaces creating semi-secluded drinking alcoves.

Those familiar with British & Irish pub layouts will find familiarity in Bear & Kilt’s goal, carving up what could be a large open space into small bursts of seating more conducive to small group conversations. Of course, that small bit of seclusion goes out the window during Calgary-based sporting events when the sports bar aspect of Bear & Kilt kicks in, serving as a magnet of sorts for Calgary Flames games in particular.

The food options at Bear & Kilt again hit on the classic pub vibe, running from Canadian classics like poutine to sports bar staples like wings. Bear & Kilt does roll out fresh offerings every month, tailoring selections to the season. Happy hour specials available daily typically pair a food option with an accompanying beverage, most variations a version of a hearty pub food item and a pint of beer. Notably, happy hour applies on Saturdays as well during the afternoon and early evening hours, making Bear & Kilt one of the more affordable food options in what can be a pricey part of Calgary.

A long, classic bar dominates most of the underground Bear & Kilt space, surrounded by a handful of sectioned off tables and chairs. A game room in back includes a pair of pool tables and a little more open space, making this section of Bear & Kilt perhaps best for a large group watch party. Meandering through the space is well worth the trip thanks to an absolute explosion of wall decorations that cover nearly every available inch of every available flat surface. Pay special attention to the rafters, where lines of old beer canes and vintage coasters line the wooden beams that support the ceiling.

Perhaps thanks to its stature as one of the few Calgary dive bars found downtown, a handful of celebrating sightings have been reported at Bear & Kilt. Rumor has it that the bar is one of LeAnn Rimes’ favorite options in Calgary. Most notably, Keifer Sutherland was spotted during a long night in 2013 that ultimately resulted in Sutherland stripping his t-shirt off and playing to the crowd.