The Barley Mill has the best patio in downtown proper. Because it is right by Eau Claire Market and Princes Island Park, you get a beautiful view of lush green and some interesting architecture, and tons of people watching. Now that it is winter and minus thirty outside, I can't help but imagine being out on the patio after a long day with a cool beer in the hot sun. When I think of the Barley Mill, I immediately think of sun.
That being said, it's a nice place in the winter too. It's one of the only places in Calgary that is genuinely old, and so it has a wonderful old character. The lower level fills up pretty quickly and the booths are fun. Everything is made up of old dark wood, and it is a pleasure to sit and enjoy. Upstairs you can get more privacy - there is even a little room off to the side which is perfect for small meetings and get-togethers.
But I can't go back until I stop wishing for the sun shine (this is a allegorical statement about how the summer = the Barley Mill in my mind and also that Winter is sad. Also, the Barley Mill is not connected to the Plus 15 system so you have to make a run for it on the final block and running in windy -30 weather isn't worth it in the end, not even for after work drinks. Yeah, I'm a fair weather customer at the Barley Mill.)