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Highlevel Diner
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants Canadian (Traditional) Breakfast & Brunch, Canadian (Traditional) [Edit]
10912 88 Avenue NorthwestEdmonton, AB T6G 0Z1
(780) 433-0993
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7:30 am - 10 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 11 pm
Sat 8:30 am - 11 pm
Sun 8:30 am - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
32 reviews for Highlevel Diner
Review Highlights
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"Baked to perfection their Cinnamon Bun has the perfect..." In 3 reviews -
"I enjoyed my lunch and so did my lunch date." In 2 reviews -
"...either yet, but I'd love to check out Ukrainian Thursday." In 3 reviews
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32 reviews in English
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Review from shawnna p.
Edmonton, AB
Updated - 1/21/2012
We got the window seat! Sis and I ate an early dinner. I was able to park easily in the validated lot across the street.
I had the spinach pie and fries and sis always gets the cheddar chicken sandwich. I was hoping they would have the corn chowder as their soup of the day, but they had pumpkin or borscht. I like those selections, but when you have your heart set on corn chowder....
Our server was nice and the tea was hot. (I really dislike lukewarm beverages.) There's always way too much food here. I took home a pound of fries. I don't know why. I won't eat them and my hubby and kid have the flu. How long can you keep fries in the fridge? Sis paid. I think it's time they get the remote inter ac device.
This place is always nice and clean, but I'm always cold in there. Anyone else notice that?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/1/2011
I've been eating at this diner for 26 years.
The coffee still sucks, but dang! the food is good. If… Read more »
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Review from Phil G.
Edmonton, AB
4/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Being new to Edmonton, I was told I just had to eat at the Highlevel Diner to truly experience one of the city's best dining experience offerings. I went in with high expectations. After all, to me, the diner is the quintessential eatery, somewhere between a fast food place and a fancy restaurant.
Well, let me start off by saying that the Highlevel Diner caters to a certain crowd... a crowd that hates to be labelled, but if I had to (and I will), I would call it sort of a hipster, intelligentsia-type crowd. That it is located near a university campus speaks volumes about this crowd. Probably not my crowd. And don't get me wrong, I'm sure they are a great crowd. The have mothers, and love their food. Nothing wrong with that. But it's not what I'd call a "diner crowd". Yes, the art on the walls is nice; the jazz music makes you feel smart (I think); and the organic / gluten-free options will make picky food-lovers ("f**dies" is a four-letter word, in my book) slobber.
Did I like the food? Yeah, it was okay. My baseline for new places, especially diners, is the old standby: the club sandwich. This one was alright, though I found the tabbouleh (tabbouleh with a club?) a little lacking in flavour. The whole wheat bread was overly crusty. The organic, free-range chicken was a nice detail (as opposed to the processed stuff one often gets in a club). The wait staff was nice. And the price was what I'd expect. Good and not-so-good. But nothing bad.
And yet, I couldn't help yearning for regular fare. Like I said, it was probably my expectation going into a placed calling itself a "diner". Perhaps "Highlevel Highbrow" might be a better name? (Yeah, yeah, I know... blasphemy. Suck it, Garneau-area Edmontonians.)
To sum-up, if you like wearing linen scarves over a t-shirt, prefer vinyl to digital, pronounce foreign words with a foreign affectation, and have corresponding tastes in food, you will love this place. But if you're into more authentic *diner* fare, you may wish to explore Whyte Ave, a few blocks away.
(Oh, and buy a bottle of their homemade ketchup. It's delicious!) -
Review from Lasha T.
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
I knew from past reviews that I would really like the Highlevel Diner. I just so happened to go on a day when it was Ukranian Thursday! There is a platter for $15 which includes perogies, cabbage rolls, Ukranian sausage and a small cup of borscht. I really enjoyed the entire platter except I wasn't a fan of the cabbage rolls. I like mine to be savory and they made them sweet or you can get them sour, no thanks. Otherwise, YUM.
Parking also SUCKS, but that's pretty typical for the cute little places so mute point.
The decor was pretty typical of a local diner, very eclectic. The server was really nice and as attentive as she could be with a full section. I'll go again! -
Review from Franchesca L.
Edmonton, AB
4/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Service was quick. My friends are gluten sensitive and we ordered the Farmer's Omelette and asked for no toast. We were then offered tomato slices as a substitute. The substitution was very welcome and unexpected.
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Review from Nadz Z.
1/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Oh shrimp keish, how I love you. Add the home made ketchup to the fries if you like the taste of actual tomatoes and you have a little plate of happy. The prices reflect the home cooking attitude, but it is not unreasonable. Too bad the parking lot is so damn small. Free parking if you can find it, but do try to carpool if meeting others for lunch. Pretty cosy, not too bright, sure can get crowded.
I like the rotating dessert menu, and I think I have to go back and try more! -
Review from Emma G.
12/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
My brother, his girlfriend, my roommate and I all came here while we were visiting from Calgary. It's a really cute place that wasn't too loud, so we could hang out and catch up. It was also quite cozy which seems nice in a chilly place like Edmonton!
I ordered a quiche with Caesar salad. Honestly the food was kind of underwhelming, I didn't really love it. Everything on the menu looked tasty but I think I wound up with a dud. That said they give you a HUGE portion of quiche, so I had some to take home and munch on the next morning.
This is a cute joint! -
Review from Kaeleigh E.
Calgary, AB
10/25/2011
I was visiting from out of town and my friends took me to the Highlevel Diner. It was a really nice setting to have a conversation and catch up because it wasn't too noisy and it was nice & cozy too. I decided on the soup & salad because the soup of the day listed on the board was a cheddar & sausage which sounded soup-er good (hehe so bad, I apologize). The waitress informed me, however, there wasn't much left and it was a little bit stale (we were there quite late at night) - I really appreciated her honesty and I went for the fresh batch of cabbage roll soup they had brewed up. It was really delicious. It tasted more like a thicker & heartier tomato soup. I really enjoyed it, I ate every last drop! I paired it with the tabouleh salad. It was lemony and refreshing, a perfect partner for the rich soup.
I would come here again if I happened to be in town, definitely a good dose of comfort food! -
Review from Adam R.
8/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been going to the High Level Diner for so long, I remember when their weekday breakfast special was $5.99.
Even at $6.99, it's still tough to beat. It'll leave you full and fulfilled in the morning.
But they don't just do breakfast well. HLD is a seasoned culinary veteran in Edmonton, with fantastic homestyle lunches and dinners. Their evening specials are almost always worth every penny you pay for them -- which isn't that much -- and the staff are adept at turning over tables quickly, and ensuring that their brunch line ups are always moving.
Decorated with artwork from local creators, the HLD is the embodiment of the small-town feel of big-city Edmonton: friendly service, home-cooked meals, and booze on the menu. ;) -
Review from Alex P.
7/18/2011
I'm not sure if this place deserves all of the hype it gets.
The first time I went, I was with family, and we decided to try the place out after reading some good reviews. I liked the atmosphere and the staff were friendly, but the problem was the state of the food. It was so greasy! My sister's salad was pretty much drowning in greasy dressing, my meal was deep fried but excessively greasy even for something deep fried... none of us could finish what we ordered.
The second time I went with a friend. The food was fine, but nothing really stood out in my opinion. The food was tasty, but nothing special. The service was fine, but nothing about that stood out either. For failing to elicit a real opinion from me, I give this place three stars. -
Review from Mark L.
8/17/2011 1 photo
I'm a pretty picky brunch guy, but this place exceeded my expectations. The restaurant was quite bumping (i.e., busy) for brunch; despite that, service was very speedy. My water glass was filled after almost every sip. The service bordered on obsequiousness.
The food was also quite good, but a tad on the greasy side. A bit of grease is great if one is a bit hungover and I got the impression that hungover diners make up a fair amount of this diner's clientele. I had the veggie omelette and it was pretty loaded with vegetables. Kind of hard to screw that one up. I really liked the homemade ketchup. It's a bit more flavourful but less sweet than the Heinz kinds.
I got the cinnamon bun to go. It was fine. A chewy bun that tasted of cinnamon. Not too sticky. Maybe it's better when it's warm.
One thing I didn't like: there was a pipe overhead dripping water (I hope) fairly regularly. Maybe that's why my water glass stayed so full.Listed in: 30 day challenge
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Review from Jo-Ann S.
11/22/2011
I have liked it there in the past but went yesterday and every part of my experience was pretty dismal. The table they sat me down at was right beside a counter/buffet with dirty dishes in a bin that took them almost my whole meal to remove. The waitress took my order by merely staring and smiling at me, not asking what I would like or telling me what the specials were. When I got my veggie wrap, the sauce was sweet and really strange. Not very tasty. The wrap itself was not wrapped properly and was dry so it cracked and tore open leaving me to have to eat it with a knife and fork after spilling the contents all over my skirt and table. When i told the waitress that it was impossible to eat, I got no response, just a smile. The cesar salad was crisp and fresh and generally pretty good. My overall experience there has been mediocre to good.
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Review from Carina Z.
3/29/2011 ROTD 1/4/2012
This popular eatery is the perfect brunch location. There are many options for you to select from but the MUST HAVE is the Cinnamon Bun. Baked to perfection their Cinnamon Bun has the perfect ratio of bread to cinnamon to sweetness. I find many cinnamon buns too sweet and there is no worry of that with these ones as they use a sprinkling of brown sugar on the top and no icing. They are baked fresh daily in house and always go fast so be sure you get here early to get one.
The overall feel of the restaurant is casual. Meaning I would not select it for a date - it is more the "meet up with friends" location. The inside is very open so, when it is full, it is noisy as the sound easily travels throughout the restaurant. The staff are very friendly and attentive - refilling water and coffee several times throughout the meal. You also won't feel rushed as they create a comfortable environment to sit chatting with your party for a long time.
The Highlevel Diner is on my "regular" list of brunch locations in Edmonton and it will soon be on your list too! -
Review from Denèle R.
Edmonton, AB
7/15/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I have a feeling I will become a regular at High Level Diner - just moved to the neighbourhood and I've already gone twice in one week!
I love the casual, cozy home feel of the restaurant. The tables are close, tucked into nooks and crannies. You feel like you are among friends.
Thursday nights during the summer there is the Ukrainian special - perogies, sausage, cabbage rolls and borscht. It was very delicious and and very close to home-made Ukrainian food I have had in the past.
I had very positive experiences here, and will definitely be coming back again! -
Review from Garnett S.
Edmonton, AB
2/14/2011 ROTD 5/21/2011
I enjoy this restaurant quite a bit. The menu consists of a reasonable variety of healthy dishes, with an emphasis on local and organic ingredients. The menu is just right because there is enough variety, and yet not diluted a la Americana restaurant. Make what you know and make it well I always say.
Last time I stopped in I was pleasantly surprised by a skyline view of downtown Edmonton during dinner. Who knew that Edmonton downtown had a nice skyline? Must be only from this angle.
I have yet to stop in for breakfast on account of my not waking for breakfast hours, but I hear good things about HLD's (yep, that acronym oughta raise my street cred) breakfast menu. -
Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
2/1/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I usually visit Highlevel when all my other favourite cafes in the area are full, then think to myself, why is this place not my go-to?
The food is top notch. (Especially that Skor cheesecake). The servers are really nice and helpful. And the atmosphere is 100% local.
Great for both a lunch date (business or personal) or some late night coffee and dessert, I'm definitely going to be spending some more time here.
Super kudos to the staff who found my jacket and held onto it for me until I could come back to retrieve it!Listed in: Four-Stars, Lunch Break, Devouring Desserts, Breakfast
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Review from Ted S.
Calgary, AB
3/18/2011
The breakfast special is a great deal and the coffee is good as well.
I recommend the cinnamon bun - the bun itself is very fresh and moist, however, it doesn't have that extra gooey filling that I like my cinnamon buns to have. That might be a good thing, though, if you don't want your dessert to be too rich.
As for the Ural Burger, which I tried on a separate occasion, I didn't think it was especially flavorful, and I wouldn't order it again, but that's likely because the burger patty is made from extra lean meat. If you're looking for something light (by burger standards) it might be for you.Listed in: Best Food in Edmonton
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Review from Jenna-Marie L.
Edmonton, AB
9/12/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I am a huge fan of this place. Their breakfast special for $6.99 is always delicious and you can never go wrong for Sunday brunch here. Actually their lunches and dinners are great as well! I really love their Thursday night Ukrainian dinner, probably some of the best borsht I've tasted!
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Review from Karlie M.
The Highlevel Diner is one of those rare restaurants that I consider as close to perfect as it gets.
The menu is really well rounded. It's not like one of those restaurants that have five things on the menu, but there's not too much so that it's overwhelming to decide. A couple of sandwiches, a couple burgers, salads, some Mexican dishes and some other ethnic dishes (curry, Greek). I had the chicken fajita last night and it was great. Two big fajitas covered in sour cream, guacamole and salsa, with rice and beans on the side. And since it was Mexican Monday (only Feb. and Mar.), I got $2 off! Always love to save money. I've also had the Ural burger in the past, which is a little special because it is made from "local antibiotic & hormone free super lean seasoned beef", so I don't feel quite so guilty about eating a big burger. The fries are great and the homemade ketchup is to die for! The menu is kind of like a big old list of comfort foods, and everything I've tried or even seen on other people's plates looks delicious. Anyone I've ever dined with has also always been happy with their meal. I have one friend who swears by the Grilled Chicken and Cheddar sandwich. It's like a grilled cheese with chicken, dipped in egg. There are a couple of special nights each week - for example, Turkey Tuesdays and Ukrainian Thursdays. I haven't tried either yet, but I'd love to check out Ukrainian Thursday.
The room is average sized, but very cozy. It almost feels like someone has invited you over to their place for a home cooked meal. There are some beautiful paintings all over the walls, and right when you walk into the restaurant, between the doors, there are lots of flyers advertising local shows (art, music, plays). The tables are almost always completely full, but I've never had to wait more than five minutes. Some of them are kind of close together, but it's not a big deal. They don't take reservations for parties less than six.
You can tell that the servers really enjoy working there and are proud of the diner. I've always had above average service here, and I really appreciate that.
Parking can be a pain. There are very limited spots on the street (if you're lucky), and a lot across the street that customers across the street can park in if they write down their license plate number at the restaurant. We did so last night, but still got a ticket. If that happens, take the ticket to the restaurant immediately and they will deal with it for you. -
Review from Jennifer P.
Edmonton, AB
Updated - 9/18/2010 1 photo
It's been a while since I crossed the bridge and hit the Highlevel Diner, and since tonight's an evening of "elevation" - in the Saturday night sense of the word - both Highlevel and Transcend Cafe are on our hit list.
OK, first of all, hello super-cute waiter! Your smouldering eyes are making me blush and want to look away. (Thank God for big menus at times like these!)
As I regain composure my girlfriend chokes knowingly on her glass of agua, and I order a Lemon Hart rum & diet to douse the flames while she opts for Raspberry on the rocks - a feisty mix of vodka, Sour Puss Raspberry, cran and soda.
My main dish is the Diner Club - real, juicy breast of chicken, savoury bacon and tomato on toasted multigrain - and a side of their Mediterranean tabbouleh, so delicious I am grateful for the generous heap on my plate and this evening's willpower to forgo my usual side of fries. What diner gives you side options of fries, salad, Caesar AND tabbouleh?!! That tomato-parsley-bulgar concoction is serious five-star stuff!
My dining partner orders the Middle Eastern Appetizer Platter, and although we both cringe at the menu typo of the word "tzatziki" (we writer-proofreader-marketing-media types can be so pedantic) the food, I can happily say, was up to snuff; in fact, it exceeded snuff.
Ambiance: cozy, classy, bustling and artsy. Loved the paintings and dangling stained-glass sun-catchers. Price point: fairly reasonable - although I found the nacho pricing silly: $10 for nachos but $2 extra for guacamole, $2 extra for sour cream, $2 extra for salsa and $2 extra for beef. Why not just call a spade a spade?! They're 18-dollar nachos!!
Now that we are well-fed - with room left over for dessert - it's on and up to Transcend. I will be back to Highlevel in a heartbeat.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/9/2008 First to Review
The highlevel diner is aptly named. You're at one of the city's highest peaks, and you can see out… Read more »
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Review from Tim D.
8/2/2010
First time to the High Level Diner and it will not be our last. Very enjoyable meal. Was a very busy day and yet we had great service, the atmosphere in the restaurant was very relaxed - as brunch should be. The staff were exceptionally friendly even though they were busy. Our meal was superb, served on hot plates (a huge bonus with hot food). Quality and quantity were first class. A nice eclectic menu.
You will not be disappointed. -
Review from Jason L.
Edmonton, AB
5/20/2010 6 Check-ins Here
This is a neighbourhood spot for me, so I probably get to eat here more than anyone who has to drive and park (which is had to find in this area). The Highlevel Diner is a foodie's restuarant and I mean that in a good way. They have a solid menu and everyone has a favorite off the menu. Mine is the grilled chicken sandwich - chicken salad, comfort food.
The menu is a good choice, but to really appreciate this place, have the special of the day. So, at lunch have the quiche of the day and the daily soup, have the muffin of the day and the daily special for dinner. Dinner specials can be more substantial than the menu items (there is little difference between the lunch and dinner menus). I've had lamb shank and steak as a special, but you won't find these kind of items on the menu.
This is also a place that I'm not embarrassed to meet vegitarian friends at. Their vegitarian selections are not "real food lite", but honestly well constructed no meat offerings, so non-meateaters aren't stuck with the veggie burger (uugh) as their only option.
While this is a foodie destination, don't expect oblong plates with truffle oil and wine reductions squirted on them or fancy plating with ring molds. They do comfort food really well and with a gourmet twist. It is the Highlevel DINER after all. Expect a diner/cafe vibe: old wooden tables and mis-matched wooden chairs. It's small, it's tight and has a really mixed crowd. More than that, enjoy ... I certainly have over many years. -
Review from santo c.
Edmonton, AB
6/28/2011
Kinda like the Sugar Bowl minus the music and all the people under 30. Food is great. Lots of vegetarian organic stuff. Place really hasn't changed in close to 30 years. Patio is low profile and best in neighbourhood. Nice place to take my mom. Service is good. Normal beers. No large tables of students. Can be romantic, and cozy . But don't go for the espresso or coffee. Lots cool bulk take out stuff (salads desserts, ketchup) that they make is very good. All in all Edmonton needs way more cool places like this.
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Review from Paula K.
1/15/2010
I'd been meaning to try the Highlevel Diner for a while now, but every time I arrive I am greeted with a huge lineup. Finally, I found a free table for supper on a weeknight. The place was still quite busy, with servers working very hard. I liked the slightly artsy atmosphere and variety of the menu. I have heard about the excellent brunch served here, and many of the staff have been here forever.
I settled on a veggie burger and fries. Like just about everything at Highlevel Diner, the patty and the fries here are home made. The patty was huge and full of grains. It somewhat reminded me of felafel - in fact, it would have tasted great with some tahini sauce. Accompanying the burger was a tray of unusual condiments, like beet relish and hot mustard. The fries were plentiful and delicious.
My friend had the jumbalaya, which was a thick stew of rice, shrimp, sausage, and various other ingredients. I noticed other patrons having this dish, and while it is not my thing, it looked great. It was served with two thick slices of corn bread.
The prices are reasonable and the service was good considering how busy the place was. I wish I was more hungry, because I wanted to try a dessert or some of the many non-alcoholic beverages on the menu. That will have to wait for another day. -
Review from Tim R.
Edmonton, AB
2/1/2010 2 photos
Recently went here to meet up with a few friends and thought the place was alright. From what I heard from other people, this restaurant was over hyped.
The lighting was quite dim, which normally would be alright in a romantic restaurant, but it was loud too. I'm not talking music, I'm talking about the general conversation level in the restaurant....I was not expecting it to be bar/pub level.
For dinner, I ordered the Jambalaya and was not impressed. There was very little spice and it had a lack of flavor. My friends ordered the Coconut curry chicken and I heard comments about how they could not taste the curry, plus it looked like a regular chicken. Service was not too great either. The restaurant was about 3/4 full, yet it was hard to get our waitresses attention, even when we wanted to pay.
This place is good, but nothing sticks out at me. -
Review from Jack G.
Edmonton, AB
12/12/2009
I have heard a lot about Highlevel Diner but I think people may have over hyped it a little bit.
I went here for lunch and had the Mexican Lasagna and it was good, not great. They have a nice little patio area which is really fun in the summer and they have many drinks. The service is very attentive unless it gets really busy then its a little bit tougher to get there attention.
Overall it is a good place but I didn't think it was amazing. -
Review from Francesca K.
Edmonton, AB
Updated - 3/26/2010
My boyfriend and I went here for lunch today and we were both impressed. We came at 11am, so the breakfast lunch had just died down and the place was so quiet. It was a nice change because I am so used to this place being filled and bustling.
I ordered a greek omlette but wanted it made with only 1 egg and the rest egg whites. Our waitress said that would be no problem at all, and when my boyfriend ordered the breakfast special with no eggs, she offered to sub in fruit for not extra charge.
The food came super quick and my coffee cup was never empty. It was really nice to be waited on like that. The place started to fill up again as we were leaving and the lunch patrons came in.
As per usual, I will go here again and again.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/1/2010
This is a great place to go for dinner, breakfast, brunch or lunch.
My sister and I used to go here… Read more »
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Review from David T.
Calgary, AB
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Friendly staff. Good breakfast but pretty basic menu. Good coffee.
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Review from Nicole B.
Edmonton, AB
10/13/2009 1 photo
People always rave about the Highlevel Diner but I just don't understand the hype. I went for lunch on a Saturday, I had to wait for a table, and when I finally got seated, it was a table smooshed up against a wall (walls on two sides of the table). The cream for coffee sits on the table in a cute little china cream dish. I thought it was incredibly charming until I poured it into my coffee and it came out in chunks.
Our server didn't smile once. It might have been because we asked what the soup and sandwich of the day were and she had to trek into the kitchen to find because she didn't know.
Aside from all of that, the food was good. I enjoyed my lunch and so did my lunch date. The portions are huge - at least mine was. I was only able to eat about half of the food on my plate and I was starving when I sat down to eat. I guess I'm one of those people who wants an experience - not just good food. I was really disappointed because I have always heard amazing things about the Highlevel Diner. I wish I could have experienced it for myself. The hassle to find parking just wasn't worth it for a mediocre time. -
Review from George L.
8/7/2010
We were going to a movie nearby so we had a meal here. The food quality was very good here.
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Review from Ash R.
Kingston, ON
7/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
Very nice and friendly atmosphere. Food portions are huge!
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Review from John D.
Edmonton, AB
7/5/2009
I like the Nachos as an entree. And the bread pudding for desert. Others seem to like the salmon quesadillas, but I don't know first hand. The staff is nice and the food is reliable. And they are the number one restaurant in Edmonton, in terms of keeping my water glass filled, which is a big deal to me.
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Review from Ayla B.
Edmonton, AB
3/9/2009
This is definately one of our favorite spots to frequent. My husband raves about the prime rib sundays and I for one have never been dissapointed by their salmon entrees. This is a cozy spot. It's great for breakfast, coffee with friends or a nice dinner. Their bread pudding is fantastic and the service is always great. There's often a line-up when we go, which is usually on the weekends. This restaurant attracts an eclectic mix of students, intellectuals and people who have been regulars for decades (which is how we heard about this spot.) This is a spot that once you go you are addicted and will continue going back.
