An Inspiration
As the inspiration for the tremendously popular TV shows Cheers, the Bull & Finch Pub in Boston is one of the best-known bars in the U.S., so there’s no wonder they're sprouting up just north of the border in Canada. Now with three popular locations in Calgary (Southwood, Douglasglen, and Bonavista), these watering holes have a lot going for them.

A Breath Of Fresh Air
This southeast location, the former home of the Barley Mill, has a nearby cinema, a great patio, good friends, food and service, lots of beers on tap, and best of all, reasonable prices. All the dishes, including the sirloin and New York steaks, are reasonably priced - a well needed breath of fresh air from the current crop of California-style pub restaurants, whose menu prices are considered a license to print money.

An Amazing and Affordable Menu
They have a surprisingly large menu with lots of choices. And while finger foods, wings, burgers, pizza and other pub grub assortments account for the lion's share of the menu, they offer a selection of dishes that are remarkably upscale, such as the Zorba's Feast, which is comprised of two pork skewers marinated, and served with Tzatziki sauce Greek salad, pita bread and fries or potato. The Jambalaya comes with spicy sausage, shrimp and chicken, and is tossed with penne noodles in a tangy Creole sauce.