Hot Summer Guide: If you're looking for a classic, retro diner that's widely known for its fantastic home-cooked food, you'd better plan a trip to Edmonton in the near future.
High Level Diner has been a favorite of locals and tourists for nearly 40 years, and the popular restaurant gained national fame after being featured on the TV show “You Gotta Eat Here.”
You may not know it, but Alberta is home to a wealth of amazing restaurants. From hidden gems in small towns to cult favorites in major metropolitan areas, Albertans seem to be big fans of home cooking and love to get a little nostalgic with their meals. One of Alberta's favorite restaurants is High Level Diner, located at the south end of Edmonton's High Level Bridge. The restaurant is known for its great atmosphere, super friendly staff, and hearty menu full of mouthwatering home-style dishes. Two of the restaurant's signature dishes are its famous cinnamon rolls, baked daily, and its signature dill pickle soup. While it may seem odd to put the two together, both are definitely worth putting on your must-try restaurant list.
The diner has an extensive menu that includes a hygge comfort food menu, a breakfast and brunch menu, a lunch and dinner menu, and a dessert and drink menu. Comfort food options include black bean chili, tourtiere, and their famous cinnamon rolls. If you visit in the morning, you can enjoy a variety of egg dishes including benedicts, huevos, and omelets. If eggs aren't your thing, there are plenty of other options.
If you're not up for an early riser, lunch and dinner might be just what you're looking for, with a menu that includes salads, classic sandwiches, burgers, fish and chips, curries and steaks, plus an extensive beer menu for those who want a beer to go with their homemade dishes.
What's great about this place is that they have specials every day except Mondays. On Tuesdays you can get cheap tequila cocktails, on Wednesdays you can get wine at a super reasonable price, on Thursdays they have beer specials, on Fridays they have cocktail specials, on Saturdays they have Caesars on sale, and on Sundays they have a sangria special. Plus, on these days they have happy hour from 2pm to 7pm with great drinks prices.
You wouldn't expect this from a traditional diner, but the High Level has plenty of options for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free guests. Everything served here is locally sourced wherever possible, even the sauces are made in-house. The staff are incredibly helpful and friendly, making you feel at home as soon as you walk in and sure to have you coming back for more soon.
If you're having trouble deciding where and what to eat in Edmonton, this is a great option because there are so many great dishes to choose from, and every dish is executed to perfection.
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and contributor to Great West Media. This content was republished for a Hot Summer Guide advertising feature in Great West Media and Southern Alberta Newspapers. The Hot Summer Guide is a feature on summer activities, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events and road trip-worthy food and drink destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
This article was first published on August 31, 2023.
