r/Calgary • u/Futuresobright_21 • 6d ago
Eat/Drink Local NW-friendly breakfast spots that won't disappoint? (Looking for consistent, reasonably priced recommendations)
Hey everyone,
My girlfriend and I have been on a bit of a quest for a while now trying to find a delicious, reasonably priced, and consistent spot to grab breakfast. We live in the Northwest, so finding something relatively close by would be a huge bonus, but we're open to suggestions if it's worth the drive.
To give you an idea of our baseline: our latest trial was Queen's Breakfast & Cocktails. While there were definitely things we genuinely enjoyed about it, we walked away feeling like we're still not completely thrilled with the experience as a whole. (my thing is someone who can poach eggs the way I want them, her thing is a really good breakfast potato )On the other hand, Phil's is ‘pretty good’ on both counts. I'm usually pretty happy with what they do.
As for the rest of the usual suspects:
Not really into: Smitty’s or CORA (both were pretty disappointing).
Off the list permanently: Monki and Brok’n Yolk.
Where should we add to our rotation next? Any hidden gems or reliable favorites up in the NW (or nearby) that hit the sweet spot for quality and value? Would love to hear your thoughts!
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u/CrohnsCastle 6d ago
Diary Lane in Hillhurst is a great little spot
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u/Czeris the OP who delivered 6d ago
Diary Lane sucks and you should never go there taking up a precious table.
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u/Competitive-Local728 6d ago edited 6d ago
Me and my bros are gonna make it our hang out. Our thing is talking on our phones on speaker and being bros.
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u/Remarkable_Two8799 6d ago
LOVE Dairy Lane!! I mean, it sucks... don't go ;)
Brouhaha is another great spot in the NW.
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u/jimbowesterby 6d ago
Second this, super good brunch and the quality is pretty consistent, been going for years. Their hash is my gold standard brunch
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u/Bobatt Evergreen 6d ago
I used to live in Hillhurst and my wife and I would walk over almost every weekend. We moved to the burbs like 15 years ago and went back last month. Its basically unchanged except the have an awning over the patio and still great. The breakfast burrito here is one if my favorites.
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u/Hypno-phile 6d ago
SHHHHHH!
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u/featheredfish Quadrant: SW 6d ago
This place has been a Calgary mainstay for many, many years. There’s nothing to gatekeep here. lol.
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u/Unable-Youth 6d ago
You know… I am a sucker for brunch and breakfast. It’s my favourite meal of the day and I genuinely enjoy weekends for this reason alone.
You should go to the Hyatt Hotel downtown on a Sunday morning - located on centre street right off the train line. Thomson’s has a really wonderful breakfast buffet with exceptional quality items… it’s a sleeper buffet for sure and I almost don’t want to recommend it out loud.
Another sleeper is Earls believe it or not- their brunch menu is very good and they serve a potato pave in place of boring hash-browns. They inspired me to make it at home and these do not disappoint for people who love a breakfast potato.
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u/-UnicornFart 6d ago
Honestly you should try pub breakfasts or casinos. They have the best and most affordable breakfasts in town.
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u/f1fan65 6d ago
I enjoy Leopolds in Bowness.
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u/nonemorered 6d ago
Yes and it's only $12
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u/canuckalert Beltline 6d ago
Yes and it's only $12
With a beverage but it doesn't have to be alcohol.
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u/ButterTheMuffin 6d ago
Not sure how nw you are but cadence cafe in Bowness is our go to locally
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u/immigrantlearner 6d ago
I like Stacked Pancake & breakfast in beacons hill with a good variety of breakfast options at a reasonable price.
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u/yyctownie 6d ago
I enjoy their breakfasts and they are always out fast. OP mentioned they like medium poached eggs and the ones I got the other day were perfectly medium.
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u/United88s 6d ago
John’s Breakfast and Lunch 🥓🍳🥞
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u/Futuresobright_21 6d ago
you know I totally forgot that place and I used to live just down the street from it. They are always good too. Never had a problem there
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u/RepeatAffectionate93 6d ago
Cafe Le Matin in Silver Springs is one of my faves. The brioche French toast is amazing.
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u/Genre-Slur 6d ago
Good old Phil’s!
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u/Futuresobright_21 6d ago
I mean it’s always good 🤷♀️
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u/Genre-Slur 6d ago
I had not been in years, then recently had occasion to. Much better than I remember! It’s still 20th century diner style fare on offer, but I could tell it was local and not a giant transnational industrial food node.
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u/Futuresobright_21 6d ago
I really love the chunky hashbrowns, and I know that some people really love that you can also get shredded
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u/NoNameKetchupChips 6d ago
The only thing with Phil's is I take my own maple syrup with me. They have table syrup.
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u/83franks 6d ago
Edmonton trail so technically NE but Namos is great
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u/TheLovelySardonyx 3d ago
This place is great. You absolutely need reservations for this place though because it's tiny. You will almost certainly get turned away from their waitlist if it's after 10:30.
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u/asscraq 6d ago
The two breakfast places that immediately come to mind is Brekkie and Sharp Music Cafe, wouldn't say reasonably priced but worth the mention anyway. Brekkie came to mind because they serve Korean style potatoes that are so good I genuinely sometimes just go there just for that so your gf might like that. Sharp Music Cafe is the overall better experience. The food is really great and the atmosphere is top notch, the owner herself performs the violin every hour. These are NW friendly, just exit off Bow Tr from Stoney.
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u/foxghost_translates 6d ago
Following this thread because I also want to know. The only hole in the wall that I kept going back to is Dell Cafe in Bowness. It's a canadian chinese restaurant but it serves egg benny. And an all-day pancake breakfast. And really good ginger beef.
But if you're willing to drive a bit, have you been to Tim's cafe? (worth the drive and the browsing of local bookshops and pawnshops)
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u/Meikkhaell 6d ago
Technically still NW but it’s in Kensington … Red’s Diner. Has been fantastic every time I’ve gone. Definitely a step up from the Smittys/Cora type places.
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u/Roid-a-holic_ReX 6d ago
The sweatered Hen on 17 ave is probably my fave right now. Queens on Edmonton trail is good too.
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u/Futuresobright_21 6d ago
we went to Queens for the first time yesterday and while the food was tasty and came quickly, my plate wasn’t hot ,my eggs weren’t warm , and the potatoes were room temperature. 🤦♀️
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u/Roid-a-holic_ReX 6d ago
Ok. Sweatered Hen it is.
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u/Futuresobright_21 6d ago
definitely will look into it, tks!
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u/Roid-a-holic_ReX 6d ago
I also like reds diner. Prefer the Ramsay location.
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u/yycmoose 6d ago
I find reds so overpriced for an average meal anymore.
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u/Roid-a-holic_ReX 6d ago
Ok. I still like it. Maybe that’s cuz I always went after a race and am full of endorphins
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u/yycmoose 6d ago
Foods okay, it’s just very expensive especially if you make and changes or substitutions on the menu.
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u/gaanmetde 6d ago
I also was extremely disappointed with Queens when I went there a couple months back. Not worth the shit show parking by any means.
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u/Futuresobright_21 5d ago
The server told me yesterday that most people park across the street… Meaning across Edmonton Trail 🙄🤦♀️
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u/bmxican138 5d ago
Ive been to queens about 10 times and i would say they've nailed it every time. Definitely worth another try, if you haven't already. i think if anything is ever wrong (once?) the staff is awesome at making it right. I've been to many of the other spots being mentioned and Queens beats them hands down.
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u/Futuresobright_21 4d ago
you know, you’re the second person to tell me to give them another try. And to be fair, I did not complain that my plate was cold. It just seemed so busy I couldn’t bring myself to do it. But I’ll keep an open mind.👍🏻👍🏻
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u/SpiffyMcMoron Coventry Hills 6d ago
Jumping onto this conversation to say that we were going to go to the Sweatered Hen last weekend, but the lineup was too long so we changed plans. We ended up going to Brouhaha in Kensington instead and really enjoyed it.
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u/Si8u 6d ago
I mean Smitty's might be disappointing but at least I didn't have to put on a wait list.
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u/Futuresobright_21 6d ago
true story. it’s not awful and that’s more than you can say about some 🤷♀️
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u/rizkybizness 6d ago
There’s an OEB near the university. Assuming it is of similar quality to the bridgeland one the food will be excellent and the coffee passable.
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u/helena_handbasketyyc I’ll tell you where to go! 6d ago
Deer head cafe! Nothing fancy, cash only, locally owned and exactly what you need without any foofiness
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u/Futuresobright_21 6d ago
I love that place and I hope they’re able to make a go of it after this Go fund me. The food is always fantastic, never comes cold. And she always make sure your coffee is full. Absolutely no notes. 👍🏻
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u/helena_handbasketyyc I’ll tell you where to go! 6d ago
I wish I lived closer, it’s such a gem of a place!
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u/Sweaty-Beginning6886 6d ago
Rise N’ Shine. The District location has good food and excellent service.
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u/Retrrad Tuscany 6d ago
There's been a few recommendations for Stacked, we like it there as well. If you're willing to head down Stoney a ways, we've also tried Pur & Simple in Buffalo Run a couple of times and it was quite good.
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u/Tsifter 6d ago
For me, breakfast means good coffee - specifically, good espresso beans. It shocks me that so many so called breakfast places serve terrible coffee. Anyone can scramble eggs or throw together some toast and potatoes, but a breakfast place should prioritize quality beans and good coffee.
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u/pastmybestdaze 5d ago
So you are looking for espresso based pay by the drink vs plain old drip diner style. I don’t know any place that will pour you a second cortado or flat white without an additional charge.
We rarely go out for more than a yogurt/granola bowl and a flat white for me and a tea and fruit bowl for her.
When we were younger and the kids were young it was always the Denny’s at Crowfoot. Sure, diner food and coffee but the quantities were large and prices were reasonable.
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u/OkTangerine7 6d ago
Exactly. Coffee is the foundation. I'm not showing up to a place with bad coffee no matter how good the food is.
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u/simp4sappho 6d ago
Oooh… got any recc’s for places that deliver on the coffee front?
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u/Tsifter 6d ago
Yes, several great coffee places in Calgary lately, but most of them don’t serve what you’d consider a “traditional” North American breakfast. A couple that do offer great coffee and serve breakfast too - off the top of my head - Alforno in the SW and downtown I think is pretty good. Their coffee is solid and their breakfast choices are great. Ladybag bakery and cafe in the SW was also pretty good. Great coffee.
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u/abn1999 6d ago
Namo on Edmonton Trail is great
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u/Puzzleheaded_Dot_571 6d ago
Over hyped. Their sausage had a hair strand, the server took it away - not a single word of apology. They returned the same plate with a new sausage, rest of the item's as is - just colder.
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u/silkroadsocialite 6d ago
Bonjour Saigon!
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u/ParaMythos 6d ago
Stacked in Beacon Hill and Sunset Grill in Sage Hill are reasonably priced and have fantastic traditional breakfasts. OEB in University District and Bro'kin Yolk in Symons Valley are also good but higher in price. I like breakfast... morning, noon or evening lol.
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u/escanor4-4-4 6d ago
Chocoberry in Kensington is actually surprisingly good. Some of their reviews are pretty bad but the food and service are consistently good whenever my wife and I are there.
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u/CloakedOlive 5d ago
Red's! I've only been to the Ramsay location, but I know there's one in Hillhurst too. Good coffee, great food, even make their own hollandaise, and it's delicious.
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u/gaanmetde 6d ago
Give ‘The Sharp’ in Aspen a shot. They also have a violinist play a short set every hour.
Sorry I realize it’s not NW.
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u/Dontyellatthat 6d ago
Deer head cafe
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u/Futuresobright_21 6d ago
definitely very close to the top of the list. It’s always consistent, the service is great and the food is cheap
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u/rohoho929 6d ago
It's not open very early (10 am weekends, 11 during the week) but Our House on 4th St. is usually decent.
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u/CarelessStatement172 Bowness 6d ago
Pür and Simple is our go-to as people who used to love OEB and Reds before they both got enshittified.
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u/Wonderful_Car_7925 6d ago
Queens
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u/Futuresobright_21 6d ago
was there yesterday. it was good in a lot of ways except the room temperature food 🤷♀️
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u/Comenius791 6d ago
Rise and Shine is technically in the NE, but it's on the border. https://maps.app.goo.gl/8mkRvQyjiWWW4GgQ7
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u/BearCorp 6d ago
I used to always get Holy Grill when I worked in the Belt Line. They have a location in Crescent Heights which is just a few blocks from being NW.
Breakfast Panini + hashbrowns was my go to. It’s not posh, but good quality and quantity for price.
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u/Mahoumike1 6d ago
Ryuko west, really good Japanese fusion brunch
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u/bigcoffeeguy91 4d ago
It’s a bit further into downtown but highly recommend ZCrew! You would most likely need a reservation in advance though.
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u/SnooPeripherals6429 4d ago
Have you tried Maven on 17th yet? I’ve only been there once, but that time was great and I recommend them for sure!
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u/keeper3434 6d ago
I enjoyed Mcgriddles with Americano, can't go wrong for $6
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u/Calzephyr Quadrant: NW 6d ago
Hee, after trying so many breakfast places, my hands down favourite is our local A&W. Does the job for a great price and our location has lovely staff.
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u/Brilliant-Welcome252 6d ago
For poached eggs ask them to do 3 minutes, most places will do it if you tell them exact time you want. My ex was same about breakfast potato, she always asked for extra crispy and if they came soft we knew not to go back
That plate in your pic looks decent but bacon seems bit floppy, maybe just photo. In NW my rotation is mostly diners and small cafes, not the brunch places with cocktail menus cause those always charge too much for what is just eggs
If you can drive to Bowness there is couple spots near the river that are consistent, nothing fancy but they remember you after 3 visits which is nice when you sober and just want coffee and food without whole production
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u/simp4sappho 6d ago
Which places in Bowness are you referring to? Ain’t no way you’re recommending Seasons Of Bowness…. I hope lol
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u/BohunkfromSK 6d ago
More NE but we’re a city who drives…
Queens for a traditional (assuming white) breakfast or T-Pot for dimsum.
I’m in the deep SE and happily drive to booth for a meal.
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u/Futuresobright_21 6d ago
Queens 💩 the bed yesterday on our first visit. 🤷♀️ Room temp eggs and potatoes 🤷♀️
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u/theanamazonian 6d ago
That's incredibly unusual for Queens. They have always been excellent when I have gone. Strongly recommend giving them a second chance. And if you didn't try the mimosa with the raspberry foam, strongly recommend that as well. And those lemon ricotta pancakes are to die for.
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u/Futuresobright_21 6d ago
funny you should mention it. On the advice of the lady sitting next to me I did have the raspberry mimosa, and it was exceptional for sure 👍🏻
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u/iRebelD 6d ago
Bro’ken yolk is pretty delicious but the coffee is awful
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u/turbo-fister9000 6d ago
They tried to charge me $2 for syrup to go with my waffles. Fuck Bro'ken Yolk.
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u/Futuresobright_21 6d ago
The last time I went there which was only my second time being there, they were rushing us out as we were lingering on our coffee. The bus person came and said to us can I take those cups? And we’re like, nooo…
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u/eldubinoz 6d ago
It was SO LOUD in there when we went. Trying to catch up with people was impossible.
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u/Place-Short 6d ago
Same issue in mahogany. My husband and I can handle, it but my sister and mom cannot. Its also really tight in there and the tables are bolted to the floor in the booths so I can sit in the booths cuz Im a tubby bitch
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u/Futuresobright_21 6d ago edited 6d ago
I loved the breakfast I got there. With pork belly and rice under the eggs was fantastic. The first time we went was on parade day around 8:00 AM so it was dead and it was great 🤷♀️
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u/rikkiprince 6d ago
I must be out of the loop: what did Bro'Kin Yolk do to go on your "never again list"?
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u/Futuresobright_21 6d ago
so the first time I went, it was early in the day on parade day. It was very empty. And it was great. The food was great and I liked the Filipino influence to the menu. The coffee was good and plentiful, the service was great. I took my friend back there a couple weeks later it was busier, the food was cold, the service was adequate but they did try to rush us out at the end and tried to clear our coffee cups off the table while we were still drinking so that’s a no from me dawg 😉
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u/rockinsocks8 6d ago
A and w canadian is the best in my opinion. Switch the toast to pancakes and it is 10/10. Best $11 meal in the city.
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u/Super_NowWhat 6d ago
Fair enough, but I suspect the OP was referring to sit down brunch spots.
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u/Not_A_Mermaid2 6d ago
Brekkie up in West springs(?) is pretty good, I haven't been in years because it is pretty far from me and I can hit up good places that are closer. Diner Deluxe is also good, but ive only seen locations in the south. The zoo has a half decent weekend buffet, plus you get access to the zoo Eggsmart, Reds, and Egg & Spoon all have a couple spots around town as well
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u/Latis_Natasha 6d ago
Bonjour Saigon is one of the best breakfasts I’ve found in Calgary. Unreal Vietnamese coffee.
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u/Hilltop5620 6d ago
Pelican pier on 14th Street has a weekend breakfast that is great, plentiful and not horribly priced. Their French toast is awesome.
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u/deekaypea22 6d ago
Have enjoyed Pür & Simple by the Tza Costco. Not NW but not bad taking Stoney.
(Also spill the tea: why not Bro'kin yolk?)
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u/ZeFrenchTickl3r- 6d ago
Cafe du denny. I think that’s it. They are close to the sandman hotel. Really close.
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u/Alternative3lephant 4d ago
I really like Brekkie (: it’s S.W., but still close to the NW, it’s in west springs area
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u/BrainDancing 3d ago edited 3d ago
Denny's across from C.O.P.
My go to meal: The All-American Slam. Replace the bacon with sausage. Replace the toast with tomato slices. Plus a side of pancakes.
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u/AngelaYYC 5h ago
What is the herb on top of your photo?
Following the chat and sorry nothing better to add (yet!)
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u/mcfoolnew 6d ago edited 6d ago
Make it yourself, it’s by far the easiest meal of the day to make.
Stock the staples and you will literally never go out for a disappointing $40-60 breakfast again.
Or just go to Dennie’s, seriously, breakfast food is not that complicated and brunch is the biggest culinary scam in existence.
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u/CloakedOlive 5d ago
Why do people do this? Answer if you have a relative answer, or move on, it's just obnoxious.
I fuckin' love brunch, I cook it for myself, but sometimes it's nice to go out because other people are better at it than me, and I don't have to clean up. Let people enjoy things.
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u/calvin-not-Hobbes 6d ago
Not..Monki. they steal the servers tips