We’ve all seen Calgary’s dining scene growing leaps and bounds in recent years and with growth comes a dilemma for food lovers: where do I eat, what kind of food do I feel like, and do I even want to leave my house to eat.
With the potential to become Silicon Valley North, it’s no surprise we are seeing several food apps being created and based out of Calgary. From home delivery to beer, ordering from your phone while seated at your table in a restaurant, to saving your spot in a line up, there’s several apps to choose from to help you navigate your way through Calgary’s culinary scene to ensure you don’t go hungry.
We’ve rounded up the hottest food and beverage apps currently in Calgary available on both iOS and Android.
Click Dishes
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to get to know Click Dishes by trying the app first hand in a restaurant. The newest kid on the Calgary block has recently launched and redefines your dining experience yet again. From your phone you can order your dinner while sitting at your at your table. When ready to go, pay from your phone. It’s perfect for an introvert since the only time you see the server is when your food is delivered or if you have a question. Future dining at it’s best.
International Avenue
Just Beer App
Just Beer is an app for those who love their beer. Discover and save beers from your favourite brands or new ones. This community was made specifically for beer lovers everywhere and is a forum for sharing local events, recipes using beer, pub talk, industry news, beer banter and more. Note: upon installation of the app you have to set up an account. Bygones.
Just Eat
Long gone are the days where you could only order in pizza. Today the world’s your oyster, literally. With the click of a few buttons, Just Eat offers up a large variety of food cuisines willing and ready to deliver you some good eats. Doesn’t get much better than that.
NoWait
If you dislike having to wait in a line up to go for breakfast, brunch or dinner, then this is the app for you. Pick a restaurant listed in the app and if there is a line simply add yourself to the line up. Follow your progress and when you get close, an automated text is sent out advising your table is almost read. Having recently been purchased by YELP in an all cash deal, we are eager to see what happens to one of our favourite Calgary food apps.
Open Table
These days it can be hard to get into a popular restaurant without a reservation. Or you call in the morning and they don’t open or answer the phone until noon. With Open Table you can make a reservations any time, from any where. Traveling? No problem, search the app by cuisine, category, area, local attractions, and even earn points for every booking you making.
Skip The Dishes
Avoid crazy restaurant lines and skip the dishes (see what I did there). This food app offers both delivery and pick up for those wanting options. Skip The dishes delivers food hot, or not (in the case of salad) from the restaurants available. Some will offer free delivery when you spend a certain amount of dough.
Street Food Calgary
Calgary’s mobile food trucks are a delicious experience to have, if you can find them. Street Food Calgary is an app helping make your search for a food truck much smoother. Trucks are listed in order by distance and whether opened or closed. Discover exact locations, hours of operation and a description of what each food truck offers so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive.
Zomato
The Zomato smart phone app makes finding food destinations easy. Whether you are going on a road trip or want to find a new place to try in your own city, Zomato zooms in on restaurants, bars and cafes showcasing reviews, photographs and ratings. But there’s more. Discover what’s trending, newly opened, and even find mealshare supported restaurants.
Yelp
Yelp is particularly useful when you want to try a new place but have no idea what to expect. Whether you are traveling, hanging out in Calgary or planning your next vacay, Yelp can help take the guesswork out of where to stay, eat or get your tire changed. Read reviews, see pictures, get contact or website information before making your decision.
