The west entrance to this prominent southwest retail district is graced by a large “Marda Loop” banner. A perhaps more realistic sign: Welcome to Hell.
That’s because a considerable stretch of 33rd and 34th Avenues was under construction for several years, prompting a merchants’ lawsuit against the City of Calgary. Even with the detour signs finally removed, it’s often a slow slog for drivers to get through a chokepoint on 33rd. I avoid the area as much as I can.
And yet, there seems to be new businesses, especially eateries and cafes, popping up all the time. I’m guessing the owners are anticipating a return to normalcy, with Marda Loop cementing its status as one of Calgary’s most prominent commercial communities. You have your choice of about five coffee shops and, in one block, three burger joints: A&W, Boogies and the new Rosie’s smash patties.
Vaycay Brew Pub is a new Marda Loop spot
Here’s a long list of Marda Loop eat and drink establishments worth visiting (from west to east), perhaps most enjoyably on foot. I’ve divided them into two parts, along 33rd and 34th Avenues.
33rd Avenue SW
Master Chocolate (2403 33 Avenue) is the 40-year legacy of Calgary’s father of chocolate, Bernard Callebaut. Choose a box of world-class chocolates and order an in-house mug of, you guessed it, European hot chocolate.
Masa Mama (3429 22 Street) is an upscale taqueria, with a focus on imaginative tacos such as chicken tinga and Korean fish, served on four-inch corn tortillas.
Diner Deluxe (2252 33 Avenue) was at the forefront of chic Calgary breakfast restaurants, now with three locations. Step beyond the usual morning meal with a brunch bowl of heavenly bacon and Brussels.
Diner Deluxe
Vaycay Brew Pub (2248 33 Avenue) is a new Calgary taproom. Chase a juicy ale with a fine short-rib taquito.
Choux & C (121, 2215 33 Avenue) is a refuge of elegance in a little French bakery and cafe, featuring delicate cream puffs and choux lattes.
Doughnut Party (109B, 2205 33 Avenue) is an Edmonton import with two Calgary locations. How about something exotic like a cherry chai vanilla twist doughnut?
Sammie’s Cafe (2205 33 Avenue) is a wee brunch destination, where a pork belly bennie goes down nicely.
Boogie’s Burgers (2129 33 Avenue) boasts solid Alberta beef burgers every which way (most with fried onions and mushrooms) and an equally long list of shakes.
Blush Lane Organic Market (2044 33 Avenue) is a sizeable natural foods store, featuring a small coffee bar, Connie and John’s Pizzas and an impressive selection of deli takeout dishes such as sausage rolls.
Established in 2000, Belmont Diner (2008 33 Avenue) is your classic diner, with counter seats overlooking hard-working chefs cooking standard breakfasts.
The flagship location of Calgary coffee juggernaut Phil & Sebastian (2043 33 Avenue) is surprisingly bright, with wood panels, a high ceiling and a long coffee and laptop bar. Get some ouzo butter toast or a doughnut to go with that exacting double espresso.
Aroma Cafe Bar (1845 33 Avenue) is a bright, spacious coffeehouse, with local art on the walls and a Mexican menu focus. In that spirit, order a Mexican hot chocolate and chorizo burrito.I
Marathon Mouth 