Check out Betty Lou’s Library, Calgary’s top-secret 1920s jazz bar
After we saw Narnia, we convinced our sister to climb in our grandma’s wardrobe and told her she couldn’t come out until she had Turkish Delight. Instead, she found a spider and a fur coat, and as it turns out, she’s allergic to mink. True story. Understandably, when we told her there was a magical place through the bookcase of an old building, she didn’t believe us. Welcome to Betty Lou’s Library!
Betty Lou’s Library is a Calgary favourite among those who know where to find it. We’ll give you a hand there- you’ll find this 1920s jazz speakeasy just in the basement of the Devenish building, behind an antique-looking shelf. Yup, you’ve gotta go pushing around antiques to get in here. Just make sure it’s the right shelf.
The bar itself is decked out in velvet and gold and smells like bourbon and campfire. It’s practically impossible not to melt into the aesthetic of this place. Honestly, these guys could probably teach a master class on cozy decor.
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The cocktail list at Betty’s is small but mighty, featuring classics with a unique twist and original sips curated by their incredible bartenders.
The Josephine Baker (think bourbon and apple pie syrup) and the Lucy Stone (cherry vodka and rhubarb bitters) are our two favourites, but we also can’t imagine that anything on that menu would be less than primo.
Their food menu, much like their cocktail list, is the furthest thing from extensive. In all honesty though, you don’t go to Betty’s for the food. That’s not to say their baguette isn’t crazy good or that there’s anything wrong with fondue. Quality over quantity, as they say! It’s about doing a few things really, really well here.
Betty Lou’s is a solid date destination, catchup spot, or wind-down lounge. Just be warned, it might ruin all other bars for you.
BETTY LOU’S LIBRARY
Where: The Devenish Building, 908 17 Avenue Southwest, Calgary
