Question about cool diners in town... - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

jazzinSHIZ · 03-13-2007, 07:31 PM

Hey guys,

new member, just wanted to register and ask where all the cool retro 1950's style diners are in town (you know with the cool juke boxes, elvis nostalgia etc etc). I just recently moved here from Nashville, TN.

Any help would be greatly appretiated.

PS. GO FLAMES GO.

jazzinSHIZ

Table 5 · 03-13-2007, 07:36 PM

It isn't a fancy diner with shiny happy retro things, but the Lido Diner in Kensington sure is old. It has little tiny jukeboxes at every booth, and plays weird sitcoms on the tv....it's sort of a local classic. Just don't look in the kitchen.

Scrambler · 03-13-2007, 07:49 PM

Lido Cafe in Kensington (haven't been there for awhile though) Don't go through the back door and look at the kitchen though...

Nellies 'Secret Garden' on 17th is kind of neat too.

Best of all time has to be Btfsplks in Banff (50's Diner wise anyway):
http://www.banffpark.tv/joebtfsplksdiner.html

Scrambler · 03-13-2007, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Table 5

It isn't a fancy diner with shiny happy retro things, but the Lido Diner in Kensington sure is old. It has little tiny jukeboxes at every booth, and plays weird sitcoms on the tv....it's sort of a local classic. Just don't look in the kitchen.

Lol, oops, I fata'd the Lido!

guzzy · 03-13-2007, 07:56 PM

Diner's Deluxe ( i think)

Right at the top of the hill on Edmonton TR. and 7th st ne

amazing food

SpitFire40 · 03-13-2007, 07:58 PM

Btfsplks was awesome, used to go there as a kid a long time ago.

The Galaxy is a good diner, not exactly 50's style to that extent though.

J pold · 03-13-2007, 07:58 PM

There aren't any really

TheDragon · 03-13-2007, 08:20 PM

The used to be the Rockin' Robin down by the old Costco off of Heritage Drive. The burgers always made me feel sick, but their fries sure were good. Other than that, I don't know of too many 50's style diners in this city.

17th Ave. SW would be your best bet on finding something like that, you'd think.

Be forewarned, though. The drums of fandom echo in the distance. The Red Mile looms.

FireFly · 03-13-2007, 08:29 PM

The Arden Diner... Jann Arden's restaurant on 17th if it's still there.

But I echo the sentiments of the Harley Diner in Inglewood. I live down the block from it and it has delicious food and a cool atmosphere.

FurnaceFace · 03-13-2007, 08:37 PM

Besides what's already been mentioned, if you're looking for the true greasy spoon diner, emphasis on the grease and offering breakfast all day long, visit Jerry's on 12 ave SW and 6th St. It's got Elvis posters and the booth jukeboxes.

Scrambler · 03-13-2007, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FurnaceFace

Besides what's already been mentioned, if you're looking for the true greasy spoon diner, emphasis on the grease and offering breakfast all day long, visit Jerry's on 12 ave SW and 6th St. It's got Elvis posters and the booth jukeboxes.

Ahhh yes, almost forgot about the old 'Husky Diner'

Julio · 03-13-2007, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireFly

The Arden Diner... Jann Arden's restaurant on 17th if it's still there.

But I echo the sentiments of the Harley Diner in Inglewood. I live down the block from it and it has delicious food and a cool atmosphere.

The Arden is an Italian place now...
And the only time I went to Kane's I almost was sick...so I wouldon't go there again.
The Galazie Diner isn't too bad, (although I'd rather go next door to Palace of Eats for some Montreal Smoked Meat) and it's sister diner in Marda Loop, the Belmont, is pretty good as well.

JiriHrdina · 03-13-2007, 10:02 PM

Deer Head Cafe.

RedHot25 · 03-14-2007, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julio

and it's sister diner in Marda Loop, the Belmont, is pretty good as well.

Maybe that is what I am thinking of. I remember - this was a couple of years ago - there being a pretty good retro one in marda loop.

Slava · 03-14-2007, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Deer Head Cafe.

I ate there a few months ago...now that it should be non-smoking I think it would be better though!

Rhettzky · 03-14-2007, 09:14 AM

The Blackfoot Diner or Truckstop (can't remember what it's called). It's located right by the old Molson Canadian brewery. They have some old jukeboxes at all the tables and retro stuff. They also have a train that goes around the ceiling. Here's a review I found...

Quote:

Blackfoot Diner, 1840 9 Ave. S.E. - Calgary's best "cultural" spot for breakfast since 1956! For those of you who remember a little sitcom called "Alice" the Blackfoot Diner is like stepping on to the set. The ladies serving you even wear pink jumpsuits and every jukebox has Johnny Cash tunes. I cannot tell you how good their homemade pies are or how greasy their giant burgers are but I can tell you that I have yet to add a quantity of syrup that cannot be sucked up by their pancakes....and I love every morsel of them. Look, I love the Avenue Diner (my favorite breakfast spot) but if I am hungover, feeling nasty and not wanting to shower before entering a public place there is no other place I'd rather get my groove back. How can you beat a place with a toy train rolling around the ceiling? Oh, and those pies do look DAMN good...even if Flo isn't the one serving you! Ph: Do they have one?

troutman · 03-14-2007, 09:32 AM

Forget the name of it, but there is a diner on the main street in Black Diamond that is just full of old memoribilia.

Here it is (what a wacky place):

http://www.marvsclassics.ca/

A visit to Marv's Classic Soda Shop is a total experience of an era long gone. You will step back to the 1950's as you stroll through an old fashioned candy store. Sit in a booth or at the counter and enjoy an ice cream malt, soda or a milkshake hand dipped and created on an original Hamilton Beach mixer. Marv and staff are certain to make your visit a memorable one.

Marv's Classic Soda Shop is a step back to a happier time. The second war is over and there is nothing ahead but good times and prosperity. The music is carefree, the movies are experimental, Gidget goes to the beach and everyone is enjoying ice cream from our tasty menu. Ice cream cones, sodas, shakes and delicious, frosty malts.

Marv's Classic Soda Shop brings all this together with an original nickelodeon, juke boxes, live music by Marv & friends and best of all an authentic soda fountain and small luncheonette. Bring the family and join the fun or just cruise through our Nostalgic Candy Store and Antique section.

Teh_Bandwagoner · 03-14-2007, 09:55 AM

It's not quite in town, but there's an authentic 50's style Diner in High River. I can't remember the name, but I think it's on Main Street. Either way it's easy enough to locate. Just ask anyone in town. They make their own ice creams. Their banana splits are ridiculously huge. And they have the mini jukeboxes at all the tables. It's a very cool setting.

Actually the whole town kind of has a 50s style to it. In fact, one of the Superman movies (Superman 2?) had some scenes there because it has a very Smallville feel to it. They even painted the name "Smallville" on the grain elevator in town for the filming.

Edit: Found it. It's Evelyn's Memory Lane Cafe.

Circa89 · 03-14-2007, 09:56 AM

Not a 50's Diner but more of a 50's Diner with an 80's twist. Tubby Dogg on 17th.
Just Hot Dogs.
Has the jukebox, plays He-Man Cartoons on a projector, and has Vintage Video Games.
A neat twist on the Diner Motif.