Magpie & Stump is a since-1983 Banff Mexican cantina built around tacos, tequila, margaritas, late-night bar energy, and a weekday taco happy hour. Order the LA Taco first, add ceviche or Baja fish for brightness, and use the carne asada platter when the table is sharing.

The Maple Leaf is a Banff Avenue steak-and-seafood room with a Canadian center: Alberta beef, bison, B.C. salmon, oysters, brunch until mid-afternoon, private rooms, patio service, and a serious Canadian wine list. Best read as a polished full-service pick for visitors, celebrations, and brunch.

A 1967 Banff fondue institution with table phones, hot rocks, Swiss-Canadian fondue dinners, and a game-meat menu built for visitors who want the room to be part of the night.