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Blue Star Diner
Categories: Restaurants Diners Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Diners, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
809 1st Avenue NortheastCalgary, AB T2E
(403) 261-9998
- Hours:
Mon 8 am - 2 pm
Tue-Sun 8 am - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
25 reviews for Blue Star Diner
Review Highlights
25 reviews in English
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Review from Jillian G.
Calgary, AB
4/21/2012
Great place for breakfast or dinner! Local ingredients are used as much as possible, & they are all super yummy!
The space is fresh & welcoming. Excellent service, even when you are waiting in line!
My fav's on the menu - lamb burger & eggs Benny! -
Review from Blake C.
5/5/2012
Sitting at the bar, I wasn't hungry enough to go all out as much as I'd liked to.
I went for the classic 2 eggs, hashbrowns and toast. Added chicken sausage to it for s*its and giggles. Nummy. The eggs were a bit dry and overcooked. Shame. The rest was bang on. Tasty sausage, fresh 'browns, and good toast. Me likey likey. The food is a bit pricey on the breakfast side, but their board showing local suppliers makes the extra hit worthwhile.
Overall I would go back in a heartbeat. It would be a weekend since I enjoy parking in the lawyer's spots. Blue Star is always busy for these reasons of good food. The owner is fun and fast to seat and/or put you on the waiting list. The server was constantly back refilling drinks. I truly appreciate when owners work like he did, pouring coffees, juices, waters etc. Great people. Good food. Fun place for all and family friendly. -
Review from Starsia E.
Calgary, AB
I'm not a huge fan of breakfast foods but I could eat them every day if they were cooked at this diner.
When we arrived the diner was full but we only had a short five min wait for a table. The restaurant is small and yet it has a very comfortable and light feel to it. There are pictures of food on the walls which is always nice in a restaurant. They have a black board with where all their ingredients from Alberta listed. I was impressed by this. I love to support businesses with local background and supplies.
I absolutely love tea and I drink it all the time. I was pleasantly surprised to be offered sweetened or unsweetened ice tea. Ice tea made to order is to die for. The blue star diner sweetened ice tea was really tasty.
I ordered the salmon Benedict and it was very flavorful. You could tell it was made with fresh organic ingredients. My one big complaint was with the eggs. They asked me specifically if I wanted soft or hard poached eggs. I was very clear that I like mine as soft as possible. When my breakfast arrived the eggs were very over cooked. Still my dish was delicious. Had my egg yolks broken as they should have the dish would have been perfection.
My second favorite part of my dish was the potatoes. They were crunchy on the outside, soft in the middle and seasoned perfectly. Also they put some fresh tarragon over the potatoes.
My experience at this diner was fun and filling. The service was a little slow with regards to the breakfast but well worth the wait.
This diner is a diamond in the rough. If you are looking for a delicious and fresh meal then this is the place. I am excited thinking about the next time I try a dish at this restaurant. -
Review from Tiffany N.
Calgary, AB
I had never been to Blue Star Diner before, but I'm glad I got to visit with 3 lovely ladies. They fix a terrific vegan burger here, and I enjoyed their black bean soup. Beautiful, slightly breezy, sunny day. Three awesome, witty funny ladies to spend a late morning with. Delicious coffee and a friendly waitress. An unfamiliar hot sauce. Seeing an old friend with a mysterious lady sitting at the table behind me.
The visit ended with three warm hugs. Life is beautiful!Listed in: F, F, D, HK, Delightful WPF
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Review from Jonathan A.
Calgary, AB
One of my best friends took me here for my birthday breakfast this year...and let me just say that it was actually some of the best breakfast food I've ever had...like ever!
I actually melted all over my chair eating. I could barely even work that afternoon.
I went back about a month later and actually fell asleep on the way home (not sure if that a 100% good thing lol)
I'm simply in love with this place, the atmosphere is cool and trendy, the staff is super friendly and the food....let me put it this way, if i was a plate of food and was looking for a spouse i'd definitely try and pick me up a sultry plate of food from Blue Star Diner!
I'm in love, the starry eyed kind.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Maggie D.
Edmonton, AB
4/1/2012
I went here this past week and had a lovely little lunch with my family. It has a wonderful atmosphere, the decor is calming and relaxed.
The seating is pretty limited so be prepared to wait during the peak times for sure..but I found glaring at people who were almost done to be a very effective way to get a table, jk! :b
I had the blue star salad with bacon, it was lovely..could have been slightly bigger, seeing as it was the full (meal size), but very tasty for sure. Their selection of tea is wonderful and you get your own personal little steeper, which is a nice touch...and that is what I love about this place the nice little touches! :) -
Review from Wendy P.
One star, two star... red star... BLUE STAR!! Of *course* a Dr. Seuss reference works for this place. You're going to think of it now every time you head on over to Blue Star, right? ;)
I popped in for lunch with a colleague on Tuesday. Well, technically we both ate breakfast, so I guess it was brunch. But I always think of brunch as something that happens before noon, not right around noon. Although, I'm pretty sure we ordered before noon... no matter. Brunch!
The menu was plenty full of options, and I had difficulty trying to decide what to eat, but eventually landed on the back bacon and tomato eggs benny. Yum yum! Served with hash browns and plenty of sauce on those eggs, it filled me up in no time.
Decor is bright and super cute, I can imagine this is a busy spot on the weekends. Service was prompt and friendly... yet another great breakfasty diner place to try out in the neighbourhood.
Oh, and for you gluten free folk, easy peazy to sub out for GF substitutes!Listed in: Brunching out in Calgary, Cool Places in Bridgeland
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Review from Danelle W.
Calgary, AB
3/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love breakfast and I've been hearing about the Blue Star Diner since it opened, so I knew I had to make a visit. Last weekend we got up to watch/photograph the sunrise so I figured a stop for a nice breakfast was the perfect idea.
At 8am-ish parking wasn't really an issue... we got a spot on the street right outside the restaurant. Similarly, only about half the tables were taken so we got seated immediately. Everyone was nice & friendly, water served right away (and bottle left on the table, which I love) and coffee was good.
I had the tomato & basil omelette and it was divine. A perfect mixture of everything and very tasty. The potatoes were also cooked to perfection and I very much enjoyed the (sourdough) bread and what appeared to be homemade jam. Yum! My dining partner had the blueberry banana pancakes and, although not a whole wheat fan, thought they were delicious - the whole wheat was not overpowering at all.
All in all, I'll definitely be back (I like to walk my dog on Tom Campbell's Hill!) and would recommend it to my friends.Listed in: Five Star places, Breakfast places
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Review from Diane F.
3/21/2012
I had been hearing rave reviews about this place and with having a not so great experience at my previous fave brunch place I set out to find a new favorite. This place definitely is in the running!
I went with hubby and three friends on a weekend which apparently can cause for long waits in huge line ups. We got there close to 11 and the wait was not too bad. Our friend got there just before us and put our names in and we maybe waited 20 mins, but other members of the party had yet to arrive anyhow.
While waiting they served us coffee and it was quite tasty. Once seated the service was prompt and friendly.
I couldn't decide what to eat so hubby and I split two items. One being the stuffed french toast. We chose the cinnamon and cream cheese one... so good. Our second choice was the eggs benny. I'm not a huge hash browns fan so hubby took those, but I did sample a few and they were actually very tasty! The eggs benny were delicious of course. I also got the fresh fruit as a side instead of hash browns. It was your typical bowl of fresh fruit... melons, grapes, and blueberries I believe.
The portions are a good size. I was too full that I gave hubby half my fruit.
One big plus is they support and only use local suppliers as well as credit them. Nice! I will be back! -
Review from Corey W.
OH. EHM. GEE. The hot fudge sundae has made me a better person.
I have nothing bad to say about Blue Star Diner except that the food is too good (this is only bad because it makes me overeat). I guess I could also say that for weekend brunch the line up looks like a Rolling Stones concert, but I cannot fault them for success - it's well deserved.
Last night five friends and I attended Blue Star for some dinner (my first time for supper after many bfasts and lunches) and it was a success indeed. We all had a round of beers (some which proved cheaper than we expected - Wild Rose Raspberry was only 6$) and placed our orders efficiently, quickly and successfully thanks to the great attention of the cute server who had to try and grab the attention of six ADHD adults who had too much conversation for one meal.
The dinner menu consists of a variety of items with a taco menu and burger menu dominating the choices. We placed orders for pulled pork tacos, veggie tacos, a lamb burger and a bison burger. I personally had the bison burger which had the most delicious homemade ranch sauce, delicious pickled onions, a bun to die for and don't be talking about the fresh homemade shoestring fries (they were nicely browned!). The burger was perfectly cooked and deliciously flavored. My meal was thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish (lord - the fries were good.). The tacos looked delicious with the veggie ones having a large piece of avocado that was pointed out to be "beautifully green" by Meghan H and the pulled pork ones had a mango salsa and fresh jalapeno which made me a little jealous.
Now, on to the bigger and better - the dessert. If for no other reason, go to BSD and have the HOT FUDGE SUNDAE. The "ohhhs" and "ahhss" and "oh my god's"...countless. So good we had to ask for a description of what we were eating. So to quote the waitress:
"Its two scoops of vanilla ice cream, with layers of homemade mocha fudge, topped with Chantilly cream, chocolate shavings and a maraschino cherry"
The fudge was an outstanding concoction. GO TRY IT.! I need to redux this one very soon.
A+ for Blue Star Diner from me - again. -
Review from Erin S.
3/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have driven past Blue Star Diner many times. Always a line up, right out the door. As such, I have never stopped. I am often pressed for time, so when I do have time, I don't like to waste it waiting around if at all avoidable.
So on a recent weekend morning, when I was awake absurdly early and my head had time to shake the cobwebs, found that it was early enough to consider driving past Blue Star to see what lines were like. Being 8:30am on a Saturday, there were several tables open. Yippee!
Service is quick! We had coffee within moments of being seated. (& the coffee is goooooood!) Within seconds of deciding what we wanted, our orders were taken. Staff were very friendly, but not at all obnoxious.
Servings were generous - I had the all-in omelet & J had a breakfast burrito. Both were tasty. I especially loved the hashbrowns. Big, homestyle potatoey goodness.
I especially love the blackboard, that lists all their local suppliers - first names & all. Pretty awesome if you ask me (but I'm a localvore whenever possible.)
I will be back! -
Review from Kate B.
I am so down with breakfast and I am down with this place. Bridgeland has some wicked breakfast choices and blue star is worth checking out.
I came a bit early and had a few minutes to kill while waiting a bit for my date. My friendly server hooked me up with a nice earl grey tea with soy milk on the side. Their tea comes in it's own individual size bodum - which I love!
We both loved the decor of this place - it's so fresh and bright. While we were waiting for our food to come, seeing other peoples orders lets me know there are some amazing things to try. The stuffed french toast looked so awesome - they have both a sweet option and a savoury option. My date and I both had the traditional breakfast with bacon and we both fell silent as we tucked into the first few bites, following that initial taste with a solid "mmmmm". Loved it all, good bacon, great potatoes, a nice rye toast, awesome jam on the side. There wasn't so much as a scrap left on either of our plates by the end of
This lady loves brunch and this place rules.Listed in: Best of...., Brunch Diaries
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Review from Scott Y.
Calgary, AB
4/16/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Best breakfast place in Calgary. Amazing service, fantastic coffee and great breakfasts. I'm never shy to recommend this place.
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Review from Merry K.
4/4/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Decided to stop in for lunch with my husband. The restaurant was full so we sat at the bar. I had an AMAZING chicken burger and salad. We were really impressed with their large selection of bourbon behind the bar (which is pretty unusual for Calgary). We asked about it and the owner (I think) came over and chatted with us about it & even showed my husband his favorite. We had a great meal and we can't wait to go back in the evening for a bit of a bourbon tasting.
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Review from Cassie N.
Calgary, AB
This Diner is absolutely amazing. I've accompanied a friend here a few times, and each time we've gone, we've been greeted by a extremely friendly host (not to mention good looking Host - for all the ladies out there). If you go on a weekend, prepare to wait a good 30 40 minutes, there is a huge demand for this place "the morning after" or even for those early risers who want to enjoy a nice breakfast. If you go during the week you can almost be certain that you'll be walked right in and guided to a table of your choice.
If you end up waiting, you're offered a cup for Joe to wake you up and keep you warm as you wait on the street for a table to open up, or a pot of tea to tide you over also.
The interior is super cute, clean lines, nice bright tile and well lit room with a bar you can sit at or an assortment of tables scattered about. The menu items are all your typical breakfast items from classic double eggs to pancakes to french toast or Omelettes. I'm a classic Bacon and Eggs girl myself so that what I've gone for both times I've been.
The servers have the mindset to serve everyone, regardless of it being "in their section" or not. If you're low on coffee you can be certain to have someone asking you if you'd like more. Everyone appears happy to be there, which I believe emanates on their customers.
Bonus points to them for a Glutten Free menu and Bonus, bonus points for using fresh natural product. I highly recommend going, and will be back!! -
Review from Jane S.
Calgary, AB
4/26/2012
Tried lunch and dinner there. I thought their use of organic food was great.
I found the selection and variety okay. Burgers, salads, chili...Don't mind eating that once in awhile but thought the variety was commonplace. Their twist on food is neat though. Don't mind them, but don't find the concept original. I guess i've been to small hole in the wall restaurants in the southeast of calgary with greater variation in menu choices. It's a chic, hip looking place so i'm sure alot of people will be into the trend or fad of it...but I want to look past that. Their breakfast menu looked good. So that is a good thing. Nice people that work there though and nice decor. Don't mind going there once in awhile. The menu was okay in general. The variation lacking. At night, during dinner I found the music too loud. I had to speak over the music to have a conversation. Can be fun but didn't find that too relaxing. -
Review from Mia T.
3/14/2012
I really wanted to give a great review of Blue Star as I love Dairy Lane, but unfortunately, my first experience wasnt stellar. I will give 5 stars for the service, and the coffee, as well as the cute venue. Its probably my fave decor of all the breakfast places I've been to. It reminds me of being in a cottage in Virginia, with the pastel yellows and blues.
I ordered the Banana Pancakes and my friend the Huevos Rancheros. My server asked it I have had the, before, to which I replied no. She told me they were awesome....which got me excited. They turned out to be only ok. I actually think they were a bit undercooked. The fruit served with it was beautiful and fresh, but came in a very small portion.
My friend said his Huevos were just average as well. Again, all the ingredients were fresh, but didnt have much flavour.
Blue Star is a bit pricey and gets very busy, as mentioned by other reviewers, but Im definately going to give it another chance the next time Im in the area. -
Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
We heard about this newly opened little diner while staying in Calgary for a long weekend. I'm always excited to try a new restaurant, even with a twenty minute wait to grab a table. Besides, a wait time is usually a good sign.
My friend and I both ordered the Triple Double - eggs, toast, potaotes, ham, bacon and sausage for an affordable $15. The food is fresh, doesn't taste processed, and is definitely worth the price. Our other dining mate ordered a salmon and avocado benny that was very generous on the salmon and avocado (he gave it two thumbs up).
The staff were very friendly, I loved the personal Bodum I got for my tea, and I loved that we got to drink tea and coffee while we were waiting for a seat. For such a busy place, the food came pretty fast.
Decor is bright, happy, kind of Ikea-like with a homey farm twist. Love the photos on the walls.
Would have been five stars but I got a dirty utensil. Still, I'll definitely go back next time I'm in town and I'll recommend to any of my YYC friends if they're looking for an awesome breakfast joint.
They have a lunch menu, too, that looked amazing. I think I'll definitely have to try it next time I visit. -
Review from Sarah Louise F.
Calgary, AB
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Dairy Lane now has a little brother in Bridgeland- yay!
That being said, expect the same wait times as one may experience at the Kensington joint, because I sense this place has caught on quickly. My friend and I ventured over here for Friday brunch, which was awesome.
There are three vegan friendly options on the menu aside from fries and such; salad greens, black bean soup, and a tofu scramble. Naturally I shuffled towards the tofu scram.
This vegan scramble is a coconut curry tofu scram with daikon cakes. When it arrived at the table it looked lovely but I wasn't completely satisfied. This seemed like more of a stirfry than a breakfast dish, and I could not stand the apples in the dish. I also wish I would have subbed the daikon cakes for potatoes as hey were not the best I've had/
For being one of the most expensive menu items, this scramble was nothing to write home about, with a smaller portion size than many of the other dishes. It is, however, unique and you will probably make your friends jealous for a few minutes; a very classy dish.
Service was great from the gentleman who seated me, but our serve could have smiled. -
Review from Al B.
Calgary, AB
I've been going to Blue Star since they opened. I *hate* waiting in line for any place but I find I don't mind it here. They offer to get you a coffee or tea plus they bring refills to you on the street while you wait. That's a nice service touch and a welcome one when you're desperately needing that caffeine fix before your breakfast.
I've been trying a different menu item each time I've been and that hasn't been easy. Most times I recall what I've had before and want to return to those items to revisit them. Soon...
Portion sizes are generous, their philosophy of using as many locally produced ingredients is a good one. They even have an extensive selection of items that are gluten free and designated as such on the menu. That's not an issue for me, but I do have friends who have that sensitivity and it's really appreciated by them.
It's become my go to brunch place in the city. I've introduced many friends to it and everyone has since been back and enjoyed their follow up visits.
2/30Listed in: My November challenge reviews
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Review from Maria V.
Calgary, AB
8/15/2011
Turns out Blue Star just opened today, so my idea to stop by and check it out worked out pretty well. This small, charming little diner was surprisingly steady for a place that just opened up, but with the Dairy Lane name behind it, it's no big surprise.
They have a really big breakfast menu, but since my friend and I stopped in at around 1pm, we stuck to their lunch food (note to self: come back for breakfast). I had a grilled cheese with pesto, roasted red peppers and gouda cheese on rye bread, which was super tasty. It could've used a little more cheese, but I like my grilled cheese to be over the top, so that could just be a personal preference. My friend had their chicken burger with yam fries and also thought it was really good. Both meals were under $15, so reasonably priced too.
The staff were really friendly and helpful and even the owner/manager stopped by our table to see how we liked everything. Overall, cute little place with great food and a great atmosphere! -
Review from Orpha C.
Calgary, AB
10/7/2011
Sad to say, but my last experience here wasn't nearly as good as it was the first time.
I ordered the Huevos Rancheros, which were okay, but the pan fries that I was SO looking forward to were replaced with those horrible little deep fried (previously frozen, I'm sure) potato nuggets that looked like a French fry that you get at places like Dennys, etc. with their breakfasts. My husband ordered an omelet, which was obviously overcooked, and he was just as disappointed as I when he saw the pan fries were M.I.A.
My husband decided to give it another try as he was meeting some clients in the neighborhood and that was a close restaurant for them to meet. Again, no one liked the tasteless little potato thingies and my husband's omelet was overcooked. He wasn't about to send it back as they were on a time schedule. One fellow had the egg sandwich and apparently there wasn't much to it at all and the other fellow had the Eggs Bennie, which were good so that was something. That fellow may return there again as he lives in the neighborhood.
My husband won't be returning any time soon, I'm thinking. Me - you can get okay breakfasts at a lot of places in Calgary and I like good pan fries with my breakfast so it's back to the other places that have them. If I'm going out to eat a big not-inexpensive breakfast one day on the weekend, it has to be super special! -
Review from B C.
Calgary, AB
2/1/2012
I've been a frequent patron of Dairy Lane for several years, going there several times a week since I discovered them in my own neighborhood! I was delighted when Blue Star (Dairy Lane #2) opened. Perfect for when you want something that's just a little bit different, but mostly the same. Consistent, high quality diner fare delivered with personable service in a comfortable setting is their specialty.
Usually when a place I really like gets established, their standards start to falter. You can literally see the turning point where a decision is made: "We've made it! Now let's cut corners for mucho profit!" This has NOT happened at "the Dairy," and I don't see it happening at the Blue Star.
Behind the friendly, casual approach of the staff, the frequent patron begins to see how deliberate and professional they are about delivering exquisitely attentive service--all the while making it look effortless. Not once have I had a coffee cup sit empty, as an example.
Now to the food. Amongst many favorites, the soft-shell tacos (6 different kinds) are truly outstanding. The steak and frites is a terrific underpriced bargain. Blue Star do a unique spin that breathes new life into the ubiquitous nachos and salsa. You won't be disappointed, even if you though you were tired of nachos! -
Review from George L.
Calgary, AB
9/12/2011
Had lunch here yesterday and was very impressed! Service, vibe, food was all stellar. An obviously conscious effort to find quality, fresh ingredients. I will be a regular.
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Review from Janna L.
11/30/2011
Not normally a breakfast kinda girl but a friend of mine and I wanted to eat somewhere in Bridegland with a casual diner feel, somewhere we had not been before. I had driven and walked by Blue Star diner enough to know that it looked like my kind of place. Prices, no, not cheap but I have not really found ANY place in Calgary that feeds one cheaply! In London ON, we could get breakfast deals for $3.95 a person - do these places exist anymore? Anyways, I went early as there was a line up and I wanted to be a nice friend and get us a seat. The server was SO busy but had the time to greet me when he could and brought me and anyone who else in line wanted one, a coffee or tea. The diner is small and they count on quick patron turnovers to get the people in and out. Finally I was seated after about 15 minutes, my friend showed and I realised how HOT it was in the place. BUSY! My friend ordered the stuffed French Toast and she loved it, she said she would order that again. The hash browns on her plate looked so good but she was too stuffed to touch them and I refrained from stealing any of them somehow. Ha! I ordered a lunch type meal, that being the chicken club with avocado. I cut it in half right away to bring half home to my husband as he is the TRUE tester of a good club sandwich!!! I got the bean soup instead of fries and I quite liked it. $1 upgrade for that. Coffee cups never went below half without a refill from the staff and they were very accommodating, making sure that we had everything we needed. Of note - if you wish to have egg white with your meal (I originally wanted 2 fried egg whites, toast and hash browns) they will not do it unless the whites are scrambled. Ick, I passed on that, not for me. And not for any amount of money would I ever be able to choke down an egg yoke! What we did have to eat was very good and we will likely be back. Everyone else's plate in the joint looked better than the last! With tip and everything, $40. Not something I would partake in each weekend (as this cost of course did not even include a boozy drink!) but the Blue Star Diner was what I would consider a treat. They do a great job!We left at 3:00pm and the line was still out the door! Oh and my husband gave 2 thumbs up on the half club sandwich!!!!
