BY RACHAEL FREY

17 Avenue SW

1 . VINTAGE CHOPHOUSE & TAVERN

Consistently receives accolades for the best steak in the city , including Where Calgary ’ s 2017 Where to Dine Awards . 320 - 11 Ave SW , 403-262-7262 , vintagechophouse . com

2 . NATIVE TONGUES TAQUERIA

Known for taco platters with traditional fillings like achiote-marinated , slow roasted pork belly and grilled octopus with chorizo rojo . 235 - 12 Ave SW , 403-263-9444 , nativetongues . ca

3 . TEN FOOT HENRY Vegetable-focused dishes that are perfect for sharing — the roasted tomatoes and whipped feta on sourdough toast is a local favourite . 1209 - 1 St SW , 403-475-5537 , tenfoothenry . com

4 . FORMANS MENSWEAR Everybody ’ s crazy ‘ bout a sharp dressed man . Find lifestyle-driven , European men ’ s fashion from renowned designers such as Ermenegildo Zegna , Antonio Valente , and Dirk Bikkembergs . 1202 - 1 St SW , 403-252-1189 , formans . ca

5 . YELLOW DOOR BISTRO The weekend brunch buffet at this stylish bistro is a can ’ t-miss experience , especially the chef ’ s surprise dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients . 119 - 12 Ave SW , 403-206-9585 , yellowdoorbistro . ca

6 . BRIGGS KITCHEN + BAR Comfort food with some creative upgrades , in a relaxed atmosphere . The Newf ’ s poutine smothered in east coast lobster is recommended . 317 - 10 Ave SW , 587-350-5015 , briggskandb . com

7 . AVEC BISTRO Contemporary French cuisine such as foie gras torchon with a sour cherry gastrique , plus an inviting wine menu . 550 - 11 Ave SW , 587-352-0964 , avecbistro . com

8 . O ’ CONNORS Men ’ s and women ’ s clothing and footwear are the focus at this independent store

that carries brands such as Bugatti and Ted Baker London . 1415 - 1 St SW , 403-269-4996 , oconnors . ca

9 . ST . JAMES CORNER RESTAURANT & IRISH PUB

As the only pub in Calgary certified by Guinness to pour the perfect pint , they ’ ve got some serious Emerald Isle cred . 1219 - 1 St SW , 403-262-1157 , stjamescorner . ca

10 . NATIONAL ON 10TH Bowling alley in the basement , hidden bourbon lounge with absinthe fountains , tons of local brews on tap — this place has it all . 341 - 10 Ave SW , 403-474-2739 , ntnl . ca / national-10th

11 . PAMPA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE

This place specializes in rodizio-style dining , meaning servers will keep coming to the table to carve tender slices of meat until you can ’ t take another bite . 521 - 10 Ave SW , 587- 354-3441 , pampasteakhouse . com / calgary

Well-stocked shelves line the walls at Shelf Life Books . Head to this indie bookstore to find literary events and books you won ’ t find in big box stores . 1302 - 4 St SW , 403-265-1033 , shelflifebooks . ca

PHOTOGRAPHS : ( CLOCKWISE FROM TOP ) COURTESY VINTAGE GROUP ; JOEY CAMACHO , COURTESY BRIGGS KITCHEN AND BAR ; NEIL ZELLER

16 where . ca JULY / AUGUST 2017