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Dairy Lane Café
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants Burgers Breakfast & Brunch, Burgers [Edit]
319 19 St NWCalgary, AB T2N 2J2
(403) 283-2497
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 3 pm
Wed-Sun 4 pm - 8 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
44 reviews for Dairy Lane Café
Review Highlights
"I got them with avocado and roasted red pepper."
(in 2 reviews)
"...say The Dairy Lane Cafe makes Calgary's best Eggs Benedict."
(in 6 reviews)
"So worth the wait to get in."
(in 5 reviews)
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44 reviews in English
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Review from Kate B.
It's small and quite bustling on weekends. I like busy places when I'm brunching, I think that's kind of how brunch should be. All the chaos and clanking cutlery, the hung over folks mixed with the rise n shiners. This is that kind of place, with a mix of people all making the pilgrimage for the same reason: brunch.
I have been to Dairy Lane a few times, mostly for brunch. I have also tried their burgers on an evening stop over - which are excellent.
As everyone says, be prepared to wait a bit. It's a small resto and the owners know this and do their best to make it a comfy wait. While you are waiting, the staff will hook you up with a hot drink and there is a bit of space to wait in the back of the resto. If you are outside, there are blankets to keep you warm - such a thoughtful touch, I love it!
The food here is always bang on. I have never had a bad meal and this place never fails to please the company I bring. The menu is littered with local ingredients (Spraggs, Silverstar) and Dairy Lanes offerings just sound so darn good. I pretty much always order the traditional breakfast: 2 eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and toast. I love it every time and always have a big smile after that breakfast. I always say I will try the breakfast sandwich, stuffed french toast or even a special - but it's always one of those " I'll try that next time" because I can't resist the traditional and I know I'll be back. I am seriously considering rocking it out hobbit style, with second breakfast just so I can try more of the menu.
Yummy eats, spot on service and lovely atmosphere - I say add this place to your list of brunch places to hit up. -
Review from Angelo T.
I rolled in here on a fresh sunday morning, a winter day where it gets pleasantly warmer after a long spell of sub zero days. I was a bit late for a *cough* but before I could send an apologetic text, she beats me to the punch with "I'll be 10 mins late...sorry", so I naturally played it off like I was there on time all along :P
Dairy Lane Cafe is one of those brunch joints you know you're going to have to wait and despite the recommendations I've received from people, they say the wait is always worth it. The waiting itself provided a great experience. You can stand around with a coffee cup in hand and a blanket (to maybe share with) in case its too cold.
The dining room is surprisingly small but all the more active and vibrant, encouraging conversation for people who harbour the "low Sunday energy vibe". Their staff was very friendly and offered not only great suggestions, but humour and conversation. We shared an elk burger w/ fries, and a pan scrambler with sausages. Everything was delicious but I wasn't as inspired by other brunch cafes. The prices were quite fair.
Oddly enough I heard from a friend that this place went wayyyy back to when it was really a diner dive joint and breakfast cough be bought with the change in your pocket. Is this true? -
Review from Jason H.
Calgary, AB
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Wow! This is certainly a place worth the wait, a wonderful little restaurant with high quality food. I love that everything is local and the food is not only hearty but it makes you feel good! 100 mile diet anyone? If I could get into this place more often, I would love to make the 15 minute drive down to it.
That being said, it is such a small place. The wait is rarely short and I've come by a few times before finally waiting the 40 minutes to have a seat! Oh and the price is pretty steep but hey, it's local and tastes fantastic! If you have a little patience and really like your brunch food, drop by! -
Review from Vishal M.
Calgary, AB
I just moved to Calgary and wanted to checkout a breakfast place. I went at 11 am on Sunday morning and had about a 45 minute wait. I was greeted by a friendly waitress who presented me with a great cup of coffee. This place is tiny! 8 tables. One thing I did notice was the extremely young crowd. I am in my mid 30s and was probably the oldest person there. The wait outside probably deters more mature patrons.
I ordered French toast with hash browns. It was delicious. When I got my final bill, I was surprised that that cup of coffee was $3...that's not much but I am cheap. All in all this should be a dining experience for those who are in Calgary.
That $3 coffee has still left a bitter taste in my mouth...should have used more sugar.... -
Review from Tara M.
1/14/2012
Calgary has a great breakfast culture. Give us big eggs on our homemade toast, thick bacon with our fluffy pancakes and bottomless fresh coffee. Maybe it's the rancher in all of us that likes a good hearty breakfast on the weekend, maybe we just like good food, but whatever the case, Calgary likes its breakfast and it likes it good.
This produces a city full of demanding breakfast patrons; and when seasoned breakfast eaters meet locally sourced ingredients, the result is Diary Lane.
Dairy Lane's fresh, local, ingredients, fast service, hard-not-to-guzzle juices, cream-cheese stuffed french toast and eggs benedict creates a city-meets-country farm-fresh breakfast joint that can keep even the most seasoned breakfast eater satisfied.
Unfortunately, even though Diary Lane has the word 'diary' in the title, there are not many unique, diary-inspired menu items and because of it's popularity, Diary Lane often is very busy, so expect long waits on weekends.
But if you are willing to wait and don't care that there isn't a lot of cheese to choose from, a breakfast at Diary Lane can satisfy that farmer in all of us, adding another great breakfast option to Calgary.
T. -
Review from Brianne K.
Victoria, BC
1/21/2012
Dairy Lane used to be one of my favourite breakfast places. It was the kind of place I would tell all my friends about and stand in the cold for. My last visit completely changed my mind.
I got the same thing I always get, the stuffed french toast with a side of fruit. I ordered an extra piece of french toast to take home to my boyfriend without any sides.
The corners and edges of my bread were incredibly stale and two of my blueberries were moldy. To add insult to injury, not only was there no discount or attempt to fix the moldy fruit problem, the server charged me the cost of a second entire meal just to get an extra piece of french toast!
All in all it was entirely expensive and disappointing. I can probably dumpster dive and find the same quality for free.
It really is unfortunate, Dairy Lane used to beat every breakfast joint in Calgary hands down but after that miserable meal I don't think I'll even give it another shot. -
Review from Mitch P.
Calgary, AB
1/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This place rocks!!!
But please don't tell anyone, it's too busy already - lol
Seriously, in all four seasons, people line up for breakfast and lunch outside.
So much so that they have blankets and coffee urns and heaters.
It's just that good!!!
Local ingredients
Organic
Fresh
Flavourful
Quaint
Cozy
Fun
Lively
Topped with a serious helping of AWESOME staff
The tables turn over fairly quick so take a chance and wait - you will definitely be happy you did.
Nice small menu.
Daily specials
I think they even have gluten free pie every day now.
These guys just know what good food is all about.
Keep it simple and flavourful - HOMERUN!!!
Ok, remember, I said don't tell anyone else!! Got it!! -
Review from Wendy P.
It's tiny, it's cute, and it's busy even on a Monday morning. Today was my first visit to Dairy Lane. I figured a Monday would be a safe day to avoid lineups and enjoy a quieter morning meal. Though it may have been quiet by Dairy Lane's weekend standards, there was still a solid queue of people waiting for tables the whole morning.
When I got there, there were only a couple of people waiting ahead of me. We were both in the back waiting room (yes, there's a back waiting room!). They even gave me coffee while I waited. How nice is that?
Once we were seated, our server was prompt with more bevvies and menus. I've been hearing wonderful things about the eggs benny, so that's what I got! So did one of my breakfast mates. I'm not sorry I did. They were delish! I got them with avocado and roasted red pepper. The portion was filling, and ran about $12.75 for the dish. The coffee we were drinking required some cream and sugar though. But I'm finding that to be the norm with most diner/breakfast place coffee.
If you can, I'd save your visit for an off-day too. It's a great little spot (and by little I mean they have like 8 tables total... maybe 10), but it sounds like the lineups get a little ridiculous on the weekends. -
Review from Gabe A.
11/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am glad Kat and I got married in August. I could imagine bringing her here for breakfast on our anniversary, and standing for 45 minutes in a blinding blizzard - not my idea of a fun time. The Sunday we came down here was a typical busy period, with a half hour wait. We were offered refreshments while we waited in the cloudless sunshine, and we played Sudoku while our tummies grumbled back and forth in a noisy competition to determine who was the hungriest.
Finally, when we made it into the restaurant and ushered to our quaint little table, we were surprised at its size; tiny. Maybe 500 sq. foot tiny. And the turn-around at tables was impressively quick, a system honed through the generations. The decor was loads of fun, and a blackboard above the kitchen listed the local locations where their fresh ingredients come from.
Needless to say, you could tell the difference local makes. My Tex-Mex omelet was fluffy and succulent, and Kat's eggs benedict were perfectly done, runny as she likes them. It was a great breakfast, and I would definitely come back to try their other offerings. Perhaps take up Dan's recommendation of the burgers?
5/30Listed in: The 30-Day Challenge
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Review from Nyssa R.
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Conveniently located and quaint. A little small but it's a quick turnover so it's not a big deal and you get a coffee while you wait.
Our first impression wasn't great, the person who greeted us seemed annoyed by our presence and for inconveniencing them as we waited for a table. Luckily it just got better and better from there. The selection is moderate, the prices are a little more than average, but the food was delicious.
I actually really didn't find it extremely different from other breakfast places in terms of the food, which isn't really negative but its probably hard to screw up breakfast. The Holladainaise sauce was good, eggs were cooked properly to order, but I think maybe the coffee is really good? I only had a sip but it seemed pretty good. Excluding the first person we dealt with here, the rest of the servers and staff were really pleasant, upbeat, and friendly. They kept water/coffee topped up and were quick & efficient.
I'd love to try a few other things on the menu! -
Review from Thomas M.
Calgary, AB
1/25/2012
tried going once at 8:30 am on a saturday. opened the door into a TINY little room where every table was full. the server looked at us and said "sorry, we don't have any room as all of the tables just filled up 5 minutes ago." we then asked if we could sit on the patio outside, and she told us "I don't seat people out there until later, because their food gets cold." (i'm, sorry, but if we're asking to sit out there, we're not going to blame her for the weather LOL.) she didn't even ask if we wanted to be put on the waiting list (we would have happily done this), so we left and drove to chuckwagon cafe in turner valley instead. boo.
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Review from Joanne I.
Calgary, AB
11/12/2011
Dairy lane burger with yam fries - DELISH! A classic burger dinner you can truly enjoy. I usually get mine with sautéed mushroom added to it. I think it gives you that extra flavor that you'd fall in love with.
Prices are little bit more on the pricey side so I would eat at this place, here and there - whenever I crave it. Decent services, their drinks are also amazing. Not too sure about coffee. I've come here about 10 times so far over the past year or two and they have yet to disappoint me! -
Review from Dan D.
8/4/2011
Oh man!
After hearing so much about Dairy Lane's Burgers, my expectations were pretty high.
And I gotta say ... they lived up to the hype.
It is exactly what you want (or at least ... what I want!). Super fresh ingredients (mostly, if not all, local I might add) and perfectly seasoned, delicious meat.
Well worth the price you pay.
The decor is adorable. Such a cute little restaurant. VERY clean.
And the place is ALWAYS packed. For good reason.
The service is really good too. Friendly, well balanced. Classy.
I like Dairy Lane because you are getting really good quality food, very well prepared in a quaint, friendly environment. I will definitely be back. -
Review from Elizabeth B.
Edmonton, AB
10/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was my second stop at this busy little cafe.
My friend and I enjoyed the daily omlette special and the breakfast burrito.
Our food arrived hot, fast and delicious.
The menu could use more gluten free options.
Service was great right up to the moment we ordered, it's easy to forgive not seeing our waitress again, when I reflect on how busy this little cafe was, and how tasty outed food was.
We arrived at 10 am on a Monday, and did not have to wait for a table. -
Review from Crystal W.
Calgary, AB
8/20/2011
Wow, I just had an awesome breakfast here and wish I hadn't waited so long for my first visit. The weather was amazing and I was lucky to be able to sit on the sidewalk patio. I must say, the traffic is low enough that I was able to enjoy my visit and meal without distractions from vehicle noise and exhaust fumes. I also liked that they provide blankets to sit on if you find the metal chairs too uncomfortable or cold. I'm glad I wasn't sitting inside because it was very busy and noisy.
I had the Mexicali Omelet with multi-grain toast, which also came with hash browns. Everything was very flavorful, so I took my time eating it so I could actually finish it all. I didn't want to leave anything behind! I thought it was reasonably priced for the quantity and quality of food. -
Review from Sabahat N.
Calgary, AB
8/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been to Dairy Lane Cafe twice.. Once for breakfast and once for dinner. Breakfast was good, dinner was great!!
When I went for breakfast, it was packed - so we had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. Once we were seated, I tried this dish with eggs and nachos and it was excellent! Very tasty. Service was alright, a bit on the slow side, but its a small restaurant with limited staff, so you have to know this when visiting this place.
A few weeks later I had a craving for a burger so we popped in there to check out their burgers. I had the first burger on the menu, which is their standard beef burger and my dining partner had a bison burger (special of the day). I remember mine absolutely delectable. I might have taken a bite of the bison burger too, but cannot remember much of that because my tastebuds were swimming in the pleasures of my beef burger. It was seriously good. I had a glass of wine to go with it too, but I found that to be a bit expensive.
Overall, I would most definitely go back here for burgers! Be prepared to wait though. -
Review from Alouise D.
Edmonton, AB
8/3/2011
A couple years ago my friends and I came down to Calgary to see a musical. We stopped at the now closed Nectar for a late night dessert and started talking with our waiter. We asked him for a recommendation for a breakfast or brunch restaurant and he said Dairy Lane Cafe was the best place to go to in Calgary. The next day we drove down for brunch, but the place was packed. We couldn't wait for the time they needed (we had to drive back to Edmonton by the early afternoon) so we went somewhere else.
Flash forward to the present (well about a week ago). I'm in Calgary with another friend and for lunch I suggest trying Dairyland, because I've wanted to go for two years. It's about 2:30pm, but still in the mid-afternoon there's a 15 minute wait. I've come to learn that often if there's a wait for a restaurant it's because the food is really good, or service is really slow. Luckily for Dairy Lane it was because the food was really good.
My friend and I sat outside. I ordered a lemonade and the veggie burger. I love how the cafe uses locally produced food, and they even list the farms and suppliers where they get their food from on the menu. The lemonade was very nice, not too tart and not too sweet. My veggie burger was delicious. It was served on a pumpernickel bun with feta, spinach and a sundried tomato jam. All the flavours complimented each other rather quite well. For my side I went for the French Fries and they were they only slightly disappointing thing I had. They were rather thin, which is fine, but were not crisp. My friend ordered yam fries with her burger. I stole a couple and the yam fries were delicious. I'd definitely order those the next time instead of the fries.
Don't know when I'll be back in Calgary, but I'll definitely come back to the Dairy Lane cafe. -
Review from Sam F.
Calgary, AB
6/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been hearing about Dairy Lane for a while now, and so when two friends came in from Saskatoon we couldn't pass up the opportunity for lunch. Let me say it was a wonderful experience!
First off, the Dairy Lane logo is nice: clean, compact, and engaging. The menu is organized well, and the local supplier list at the bottom gave me a feeling of sustainability. Nice. Hip. Cool.
Emeka, Becky, Sam (the Greater), and I ordered the following: Two Dairy Lane Burgers ('meka and Becky), Spicy Chorizo Burger (Sam the Greater), Turkey Burger (me), and some Grizzly Paw sodas. The Turkey Burger and Dairy Lane burgers with yam fries were excellent! The only slight "blip" in our meal was that the Spicy Chorizo burger was not that spicy. Also, it didn't seem that there was any special dip for the yam fries...but I'm just being picky now. I need to be so picky with minuscule details because the meal was just THAT good!
So worth the wait to get in. Enjoy!!! -
Review from C T.
Calgary, AB
9/2/2011
I've been dying to try out this restaurant and there's always been a long line-up or it's raining cats and dogs. This morning, we had the opportunity to finally eat at this restaurant. The wait for our table was not very long, about 20 mins. Free coffee was provided while we waited.
Soon, our table was available and service was quick. We ordered:
- Eggs Benedict with Avocado and Roasted Peppers - eggs cooked to perfection - poached soft was the style we ordered and that's what we got! Love it!! Came with these wonderfully roasted potatoes - nicely seasoned and not oily at all!
- All in omelette - I was told that it was fantastic and packed with lots of meat.
- 2 eggs plus side of avocado - cooked to specifications
- Coffee - good
When we left, there was a wait line of 10 people.
Note of interest: the cafe has been opened since 1950!! -
Review from Crystal E.
Calgary, AB
If you have not eaten here yet, you are missing out! I would have to say that this is my favourite breakfast place in Calgary right now - and I am a breakfast LOVER!
I can't comment on too many dishes as I usually always get the same meal here - the eggs benedict. I know that's bad and I need to venture out a little more, but the eggs bennie is SO good, it's the only thing I usually want (and they have 3 types)! I have also enjoyed the triple breakfast when I am super hungry, as it is very filling.
Even though the prices are a little higher than some other breakfast places, I don't mind this because they get their produce/meat/cheese locally. Always feels good to support local businesses and farmers. Plus, the customer service is phenomenal every time! You may have to wait a little longer to get seated, but they are always very helpful and you can sip on tea/coffee while you wait. I cannot say enough about the great service I have received here every visit!
During my last visit on Tuesday, I found out they are offering gluten free bread now which makes me very happy. A step in the right direction for those of us out there with dietary restrictions.
So I say, go there for the eggs bennie... or you know, another meal... as soon as you can! ;) -
Review from Chris S.
Calgary, AB
2/13/2011
The food is fresh, organic, and delicious!
I have been looking for some place like this for a while! Everything on the menu is purchased from local farmers and businesses. The restaurant is small and intimate and that makes it well worth the wait - You can actually hear yourself and your companions without having to talk loudly.
I had the Eggs Benedict with roasted red pepper and avocado - It was to die for! I am not sure what it is with most places in Calgary but they do not know how to make eggs Benedict right; there is usually too much hollandaise sauce, about 1/3 more food on your plate than you really should eat, combined with lame fruit or package-cooked hash browns. Some places even go as far as using a margarine-made crescent: not cool people!
I can without a doubt say The Dairy Lane Cafe makes Calgary's best Eggs Benedict!
First off portions: You get two half English muffin slices each topped with a medium sized egg, and just the right splash of hollandaise. You get all the flavor and don't feel sick afterwards for consuming 1/4 cup of butter. The fruit it came with (you can also have the standard hash browns) was fresh with a hearty portion. When I finished the meal I was full and pleased.
Next flavor: homemade delicate yet tasty hollandaise, multi-grain freshly baked English muffin, locally sourced free-range eggs, fresh vegetables. The toppings (in my case red pepper + avocado, but also you can choose back bacon + tomato or smoked Salmon) were perfectly cooked and placed appropriately.
Awe yes and the coffee is fresh and a good blend, bottomless with attentive service.
So come check out an amazing breakfast Calgary! -
Review from Devon B.
Calgary, AB
9/18/2011
Fresh, delicious food made with locally sourced ingredients. What's not to like? It's a great, laid-back vibe that fits the restaurant so well. I just wish it was bigger, the lines can get long.
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Review from Sarah Louise F.
Calgary, AB
10/31/2010
Love this place! So tiny and adorable, but I believe that it's long line ups are a good indication of how delicious it's breakfast is. I will occasionally hop over to Dairy Lane with my Dad, or my coffee loving friend who adores that they actually serve decent coffee here. I find that if you come in groups of two, you get in faster than other larger groups, which is slightly unfortunate, but I'll live with it for delicious eats.
The wait generally doesn't last too long, and you're provided with coffee, and blankets if its particularily chilly I used to frequent for the vegan tofu scramble, but it would seem it's changed slightly and is now a little spicier than I can handle for breakfast.
However, I now like to go around lunch for the delicious black bean soup, and the super hospitable server informed me the garlic toast was also safe for me to eat.
I love this little gem. -
Review from Roz M.
Calgary, AB
What a great little place for breakfast. Wow! My boyfriend and I went to this quaint place because of it's great reviews and we were not disappointed.
I had the Yogurt and Granola and the boyfriend has the Eggs Benny with red pepper and avocado. Both were amazingly delicious. The fruit and yogurt was perfect. It was plain yogurt seasoned with home made granola piled with a variety of fruits including pineapples, oranges and grapes. I've never seen so much colour on a breakfast plate.
The Eggs and Benny has a side of hashbrowns, but we suggest you skip the hashbrowns and replace it with a side of fruit you might believe you're eating a healthy breakfast. There wasn't too much hollandaise on the Eggs Benedict. It was the perfect amount ((considering how fattening the hollandaise is in the first place)).
We'll be back to check out the dinner and definitely back for breakfast. -
Review from Mia T.
6/17/2011
Dairy Lane is cute, small, popular and always has consistently great food. Im always a fan of a store that uses local product. I just wish I lived closer by!
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Review from Melissa L.
Calgary, AB
Dairy Lane is a tiny, fifty-year-old cafe and restaurant located just outside Kensington on cozy 19th Street NW. We arrived at eleven thirty on a chilly October Sunday, to find ourselves facing a very reasonable ten-minute wait. As you wait you are welcome to sit down and chat over a coffee at one of their outdoor patio tables that are complete with snuggly blankets.
Upon being seated indoors (in a tiny room with seating for only twenty or so customers) we scoped out a menu of inspired breakfast and brunch fare, including a yummy-looking French toast dish and a vegan jerk tofu scramble. I opted for a veggie omelette topped with their bruschetta mix and served with a side of hashbrowns, rye bread and locally-made jam. In fact, the entire menu had a local focus, from the produce to the cheese to the sausages! My omelette was great- it was big, stuffed full of veggies and the bruschetta mix on top was the perfect compliment. My friend enjoyed her "All In" omelette as well.
Service was quick and friendly (and cute too!). There is plentiful street parking for those arriving by car. All in all, Dairy Lane is the type of restaurant I hate to review... because I wish I could keep it my little secret! -
Review from Angela L.
8/24/2010
It took no less than the estimated twenty minutes before we finally sat down, but with so many people to patiently wait along side with and the promise of a scrumptious meal to look forward to, queuing in front of Dairy Lane on this lazy Sunday afternoon wasn't so bad after all. In an attempt to lessen the wait time, we agreed at check-in to take a take inside or out, but almost regretted doing so as we realized how unexpectedly chilly it was. The patio diners seemed happy enough though. Not even everyone was using the cozy-looking blue blankets that were provided. Luckily, we got a table inside.
Two waters each (why I'm not sure, but we weren't going to make a fuss) as well as coffee (with a side of milk) and tea (with a side of soy) were brought pronto to warm (and wake) us up. The benedicts we opted for - mine with smoked salmon and pickled asparagus, my brunch date's with avocado and roasted red pepper, both with medium eggs - were just perfect. Simply sided with tiny little cubes of crispy home fries and a gooseberry garnish, the dishes were deliciously filling.
Besides the varied menu, fast and friendly service, and cozy decor, the fact that Dairy Lane sources almost all of its ingredients locally and organically leaves pretty much nothing else to be desired (except for the ability to wake up earlier to beat the crowds). -
Review from David T.
Calgary, AB
11/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Get here early. It packs out quickly on the weekends, with a long line of people happy to wait it out. Great quality, great price. And a place where we could easily stick to our low carb diet kick. Very friendly. Have become a devoted regular.
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Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
11/14/2009 1 photo
Dairy Lane. Kind of sounds like a business that delivers milk to your door, doesn't it? Well, it's not. It's actually one of the best little breakfast shops I've been to.
They have a HUGE breakfast menu, which is served all day long. I just love all-day breakfast, it's my favourite. And Dairy Lane certainly hits the top of the list for that one. They've got all different sorts of dishes from healthy ones to super greasy ones. You can get your basic fried eggs and ham, french toast, eggs Benny's, yogurt and granola, or even the classic breakfast sandwich.
Careful now, a lot of their food is a little messy, sloppy, or hard to eat, but well worth the mess. One of my favourite things is that they actually advertise on the menu that you can substitute your usualy hashbrowns for half a grapefruit, fresh fruit bowl or fresh tomato. I absolutely love that!
They also have a great lunch menu with a bunch of different burgers and sandwiches. I've only ever tried the breakfast stuff (because I'm addicted to breakfast) but the burgers all look huge and quite appetizing. I'll stick with my breakfast, thank you very much!
Seriously, Dairy Lane is one of the cutest places ever! It can get a little crowded, though, since there's only seating for about 20, and usually a bit of a line. It's well worth the wait to enjoy a meal at Dairy Lane, though. Hello new favourite breakfast joint! -
Review from Ernest B.
Calgary, AB
8/27/2010
Had a great breakfast there this morning. Although the place itself is pretty small, their turnover is very quick and the staff is great. Our server was quick and helpful and the eggs benedict, even though a bit on the pricier side, are AWESOME.
Definitely worth a visit. -
Review from Cori L.
Calgary, AB
2/28/2011
Did you know you can be happily fed vegan at a "burger place" called Dairy Lane without even having to eat a veggie burger or boring salad? It sounds counter intuitive but it's true and not only do they have delicious vegan options but I can take my meat loving friends and they are as equally satisfied.
It's strange to describe -- it's trendy but traditional - eco-hippie-health conscious but in a neighborhood mom and pop and still urban and almost a touch gourmet.
I've taken probably 7 people here, none of them have heard of it, and all of them say it's a terrific find and would return on their own. My only concern with spreading the word and writing a review is it's already hard to get into and it's quite small (which is my major issue here but worth it).
I like to be ecological minded when it's easy enough to do so and DL buys from the best of local producers and organic when possible. It's like they shop at a farmer's market every day. All their beer is small market micro brewed for example. The price only reflects this a bit, it's not cheap but won't break the bank either.
I've never actually done breakfast here ... usually lunch and a couple dinners. It's "famous" for breakfast so maybe I should actually give it a go one day. I'm glad they are now open for some nights for dinner but they close kind of early... it's strange to show up at 7:15 and be told the kitchen is closing soon so order right away -
Review from Neda C.
Calgary, AB
2/9/2011 2 photos
My husband and I decided to try this place for brunch based on the reviews. It is a small and friendly place. There is a 15-20 min wait usually but I would say it is worth it. Our food was really exciting and we would definitely go back again.
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Review from Katie C.
Calgary, AB
11/26/2009
When I was in High School, the Dairy Lane was a run down diner with the best milkshakes in Calgary (bar-none) and a five minute walk from the school. At any given point in the day it wasn't unusual to see sullen teenagers waiting in line for diner food and the always good milkshakes, and best of all, it was cheap!
Nearish to my last year, they closed down for renovations. It opened up again and it was beautiful on the inside (I didn't know it COULD be clean!!) but I can't forget what it used to be. How beautiful it used to be. I get seriously distracted by nostalgia everytime I go back. So I'm biased. I want to give it three stars. I want it to go BACK.
That said, I like breakfast (+1/2 star) and I feel sustainability is the wa of the future (+1/2 star). It looks nice inside. The milkshakes are ok. I'm bitter, can't you tell? -
Review from Francois C.
Calgary, AB
1/1/2011
One of my favourite places for breakfast in Calgary!
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Review from Philippe G.
Calgary, AB
10/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
Simply exquisite each time I go here. I am always tentative to give a 5 star, but this is as close a place for casual dining in Calgary, as I have seen. The food quality stands alone.
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Review from Victor P.
Tried Dairy Lane for the first time with my family - and while we waited outside for a table, we were served yummy hot chocolate to take the edge off the late winter / early spring morning chill. Once inside (it's tiny!) we were spoiled rotten by brisk, attentive, oh-so-friendly service, and the food is to die for. I had eggs benny (medium poached) with smoked salmon + pickled asparagus + hash browns, my wife had an omelette all-in, and my son had the four-cheese grilled multigrain sandwich with tomato basil soup. Best breakfast I've had (and that's comparing with The Palliser, the Danish Canadian Club, and Diner Deluxe). I'm most definitely coming back!
Listed in: Dining Out
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Review from arinn w.
3/18/2011
was pleasantly surprised by the many vegetarian options available at dairy lane! i ended up getting the carribbean jerk vegan scramble and it was incredible. the restaurant is tiny, so it fills up fast & you might end up waiting for a table, but the food is worth it! service was friendly and the coffee is quite nice.
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Review from Jason G.
Calgary, AB
5/7/2010 2 photos
You'd have to be insane not to dig on the tasty food being dished up at the Dairy Lane.
This little upscale diner in West Hillhurst may be limited in size (in real estate parlance, I believe it would be identified as "charming" or "cozy"), but what the place lacks in size it makes up for by delivering big portions and even bigger flavour.
That equation also brings big crowds, to be prepared to wait for a table. Normally waiting is a drag, but it's actually kind of enjoyable at the Dairy Lane. They have a small patio with seating and drink service available for the hungry masses anxiously awaiting their tables. Your patience is sure to be rewarded when you get your grub.
I got a cheeseburger, fries, and a chocolate shake. The 1/2 lb burger is thick and juicy, and the toppings were nice and fresh. A damned good burger, although I didn't really notice any cheese on it. You'd figure eating a cheeseburger at an establishment that highlights dairy products in their name would result in a thicker slab of cheese. However, the big chocolate shake was a real stand-out - thick and velvety, and the best shake I've had in Calgary bar none. The home cut fries were a little on the cool side, but I'm sure they'd be great fresh. They looked good, but didn't deliver. -
Review from Eric B.
Calgary, AB
6/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
Favorite Burger in the city to date. Worth the wait.
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Review from dante c.
3/2/2010 1 photo
would recommend this be your first option for breakfast in Calgary.
flew up to calgary on business. was in need of clean, filling, hearty breakfast food. i'm a snob. i like things to look, feel and actually present to the table in a clean, stimulating, unique appeal.
dairy lane cafe met all requirements.
i had stuffed french toast and added one scrambled egg with avocado. had a glass of oj and water with the meal and took a brewed organic coffee with soy to go.
most restaurants' orders of french toast will produce 6 or 8 half-slices of toast and tons of butter and syrup to mask for bland taste.
dairy lane's french toast was simple. two pieces of thick crusted bread, battered and grilled perfectly. the filling was tart and tasted like real berries, not like a prepacked sugar serum.
