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Urban Diner
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 11 am - 9 pm
Sat 9 am - 9 pm
Sun 9 am - 3 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
32 reviews for Urban Diner
Review Highlights
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"Come for brunch on Sunday mornings/early afternoons." In 15 reviews -
"Stuffed French toast sounds divine." In 7 reviews -
"I absolutely LOVE love LOVE the Eggs Benny." In 3 reviews
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32 reviews in English
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Review from Jessica M.
Edmonton, AB
3/30/2012
I really love Urban Diner, it's got a great, casual atmosphere and really yummy food. The only downside is that there aren't too many vegetarian options. There are only a handful of items on the menu that my husband and I can order, so even though we live a few blocks away we don't go as often as we would like- there's just not enough variety for veggie folks.
We do really love the veg chili though, and the gourmet mac and cheese- even better when you order both and mix them together, with sour cream on the side. OUT OF THIS WORLD. One of the servers suggested this, and it's our favourite comfort food. The bruschetta is also really really good. Top this off with a chocolate milk shake, yum!
All in all a really great diner, I just wish there were more veg options because I'd love to go more often. -
Review from Andrew H.
12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Can't find a restaurant open around 15:30 on a Saturday afternoon?
Look no further than Urban Diner off Stony Plain.
Situated by some really cool eclectic shops (Paddy's Cheese, Tin Box, Kettle Black), the Urban Diner has a unique retro feel to it. Upon walking in, you are presented with a display of what looks like homemade pies and desserts.
The menu was actually decently priced. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich (more like a burger) with the soup of the day: curry vegetable soup.
Their list of beers and specialty drinks were different and interesting to see.
The only downside was the wait. It seemed like our meal took longer than it should. A table of four had ordered after us (party of 2) but got their meal sooner?
The meal tasted very good. The sandwich, albeit a bit greazy, was filling and a tad on the salty side. The soup was well balanced and had nice texture filled with bits of corn and carrots.
Too stuffed to try their desserts, I left pretty satisfied. I'm really interested to come back and try their desserts to see if it gets bumped to a 4. -
Review from Arc P.
12/5/2011
Urban Diner. Now that's something. I thought by the limited dictionary in my head that those two words were oxymorons. Doesn't one go to diner to escape the urban pace of life? Is not the function of said dinner to bring you back to simpler times? I think about movies where the calm of the diner was used to accentuate extreme actions (Pulp Fiction, When Harry Met Sally both of which date me). So UB wants to challenge my ingrained, and dated, perception. OK, bring it on!
My significant other had the Dinner Gilled Cheese ($12) which was a triple decker and could crack your jaw bone if you are not used to stuffing three pieces of bread in your face (she's small) and a side of the Vegetarian Chilli ($2 extra). The Chilli was pretty thick for something vegetarian and she couldn't finish it. I had the Mac and Cheese ($10) and the weird Ice Tea that kind of tasted like pie filling. The Mac and Cheese was very good and satisfying, but I could of done without the Ice Tea. It just wasn't for me.
All in all, I found this place a decent diner. Though it wouldn't be my first choice in the area, it certainly would satisfy me. However, I didn't really find anything special about the place besides the mirrors at each table which allow you to make sure you hair is just right before leaving. Nice touch! -
Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
The original Urban Diner is definitely among my favourite casual restaurants in Edmonton.
The decor is diner style without bordering on tacky. The bright yellow walls are especially cheery, and so are the staff (especially for 9 AM on a Sunday)!
It is, after all, a diner at heart, so there really aren't a ton of healthy options on the menu. But if you're up for a creamy omelette or greasy sausage, these delicious meals are for you.
An affordable and tasty spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Wholly recommend it! -
Review from Lornel L.
Edmonton, AB
9/21/2011
I gotta admit, when I'm heading to the Urban Diner for breakfast with my BFF's it's usually more like Brunch as it's after a nite of clubbin! However, no matter how we are feeling (or how some of us are still dressed) we tolerate the wait to get in with laughter and anticipation because we KNOW how satisfied we are going to leave. The ambiance I love as it does have that Urban Diner feel to it. The hosts and waiters are always cheerful, accommodating and quick on the service.
I absolutely LOVE love LOVE the Eggs Benny! I've had most of the variations and each one satisfies my love of the perfect Benny! The Hollandaise Sauce is to DIE for! My butt tries to rebel, but I win every time! (please note; so far the Sauce has not landed on my rear...thankfully!) The French Toast is truly amazing and again, I win over the buttocks.
I question the cost for the Freshly squeezed OJ as there is sits in a big VAT in the dessert cabinet at the entrance....maybe freshly squeezed at some point that morning; but not as you order it which is what I believe Freshly Squeezed infers. I don't ever order it so no skin off my back.
I have yet to indulge in any of the delicious looking desserts as after the yummy Benny and the fabulous potatoes...alas...the butt wins for a change and I decline the temptation.
The 10-15 min wait is well worth it and it has become one of my most favorite breakfast spots in the City of Champs...well; hopefully I'll live again to see the Stanley Cup/Grey Cup come back home!
Ciao! -
Review from Antonella C.
Edmonton, AB
9/27/2011
On this evening of the 19th of August, I ventured, with my companion to the Urban Diner I off of 124th. I have to admit, I had high expectations given some of the reviews I read in the past. Sorry to say, they really didn't live up to what I expected.
It is a nice enough space and the people are nice, however, the overall rating for MY food, as "okay". My companion enjoyed his Salmon Burger and his Banoffee Pie, however, in my case, yes, I would go back for the Tiramisu Cake (a misnomer really since it has OREO cookie in it....for me, being who I am, they misnamed it by a GALAXY....it should have been called something like "Oreo Cookies and Cream Pie" since that is what it was and it was VERY good. My "special", which was the Chicken Quesadilla, NOT so much.
Would I go back...well, perhaps....am I chomping at the bit....no. -
Review from Adam R.
4/24/2011 3 Check-ins Here
While a little on the pricey side, the Urban Diner is still one of my brunch favourites. It gets very busy on weekends between 10 and 11am, so be prepared for a bit of a wait.
Staff here are friendly and attentive, and the food comes out pretty quickly. I love their eggs benedict and their frittata. Both really excellent dishes. On any breakfast or brunch dish you get where there's an option to choose your type of toast, I recommend the marble rye. So good, and it always comes with excellent saskatoon berry jam.
The Diner's desserts are to die for. If you're looking for something super rich, try their banoffee pie or their oreo cheesecake/tiramisu. If you're looking for something a little less rich than those, I recommend their sour cream lemon pie. All desserts are made fresh and in-house. You won't be sorry you tried any of these. -
Review from Lea A.
Like people mention, it is a bit on the pricey side, but I think the location, ambiance and quality of food makes up for it. The portions are also generous. The environment feels shabby-chic, leaning more heavily on the chic so don't expect cheap, greasy food here. It's a real quality setting, with well dressed patrons and a nice view of the outside, too.
I absolutely love their eggs benedict. I think they have the best tasting Hollandaise sauce from what I've tried (and I've been to Barb & Ernie's) -- just a hint of tartness, right amount of creaminess. I also appreciate the presentation. My hubby had their breakfast burger which was a towering monstrosity but he enjoyed every bite.
I really want to go back and try some of their carby offerings. Stuffed French toast sounds divine! -
Review from Laini G.
10/15/2011
If you have any sort of dietary limitations, do NOT eat here. We've had breakfast here twice. The first time, I wasn't super picky, but this time, I wanted a little less junk on my plate, having just lost loads of weight, and I was trying to have a light breakfast. Fried potatoes are a danger food for me, and I didn't want them on my plate, for fear of inhaling them all.
Don't count on doing that here. Not only do they absolutely REFUSE to do any type of substitution of the sides you get, there was no other fruit but what I couldn't eat (melon of any kind).
I addressed this with the manager on duty, and his basic reply was that potatoes were cheaper, and that's why they did it. Fruit's expensive. I told him plenty of places in town do substitutions. He gave me a sob story about them being a small independent restaurant. Okay, so what about some other choices for sides? Nope. They serve cole slaw at lunch. How about one poached egg? Or a piece of turkey sausage? A dish of bananas? He continued to shake his head regretfully without really doing anything. Even after I told him we wouldn't return, there was no offer to comp anything, nor did I feel the concerns meant anything. So, basically what it comes down to is the bottom dollar for these people, and customer satisfaction means squat. Ever think that extra dollar or two for those 3 chunks of pineapple might be well spent when it means repeat business and possibly recommendations to others who might eat there? Evidently not. Guess we'll be spending our money at Upper Crust, High Level or anywhere else in town where I can enjoy my meal. -
Review from Jeanette B.
Edmonton, AB
Updated - 10/25/2010
I still love this place, and they are now open on Mondays!!
I've been here countless times since my first visit, and I've never been disappointed. My favourite dish is the deep fried chicken with sweet potato fries and that delicious gravy. It's so so so good. This particular dish is a bit pricey, but they give you an abundant amount of food, which makes it well worth it. I usually share this with a friend, and we'll order something small along with it.
I think this may just be my favourite restaurant in the city. It's super YUM =)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/22/2008 First to Review
For years I wanted to try the Urban Diner, and I finally did! It took me a while to finally try this… Read more »
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Review from Aditya R.
10/25/2010
I cannot believe that I haven't reviewed the Urban Diner yet! I've been here a few times. I really like the ambience, decor, food and plating. Although there are several nice diners and brunch places in town, the Urban Diner has it's own unique style of recreating a classic diner experience, with a modern, organic touch. I guess they lack the grease of a local diner experience, but that's also a good thing.
The waiters are friendly and there's always something on the specials that's worth looking out for. The fritata is pretty good, though I wouldn't say it's my favorite. I also like the way they make their bennies. I haven't tried their fish & chips kinda food and would love to show up late in the afternoon to try it out. -
Review from Lasha T.
10/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
My mom decided to come and visit me so I wanted to take her somewhere comfortable, but still with a great menu. This was the perfect place.
The decor isn't what you would expect from your regular 'diner'. It is clean, comfortable and still trendy. Of course, there were some areas for improvement. Would I like to see the dish rack down the hallway holding that evening's dirty dishes? Probably not, but it wasn't completely out of place for the atmosphere.
The thing that caught my mom's attention the minute we walked in was the large display of desserts. We were seated right away, even though it was a Saturday night, which was a nice change. The drink menu was lack luster, but I ordered their Chilean white Sauvignon Blac and my mom ordered a glass of the red. We decided on the Black Angus burger for herself with coleslaw and the Club sandwich for me with fries. The coleslaw had no taste, it was like a soupy water, but the fries were thin cut and delicious. Her burger and my sandwich were fantastic. I tried a bite of hers, and it really was the dijoin aioli that put it over the top. The bun was so fresh that it squished under my fingers. I wish at this point we had time for dessert, maybe next time.
I think we were in and out of there in an hour. The service was great. The guy we had followed perfect timing and was quite nice. I wish I would have gotten his name.
I would really like to come back and try their brunch, wait for my update! -
Review from Louis M.
Edmonton, AB
7/24/2011
My daughter and had a lovely Sunday brunch. I had the Diner Hash which was a little different from what I was used to but was very good. The eggs were done right, the blueberry jam was quite good as was the coffee. My daughter had the Eggs Benedict with side of potatoes, she seemed to enjoy them very much.
Our waiter, Dave was prompt and friendly and kept the coffee cups refilled.
Overall our experience was pleasant, the noise level was low so we could have a nice chat.
I this was my only visit but will return to sample their daily menu. -
Review from J C.
Edmonton, AB
8/29/2011
Urban Diner is a nice place for a casual dinner meal. I had the meatloaf and it was a bit crisp on top but otherwise very tasty. The Roasted Corn Chowder soup of the day was also very delicious with a hint of heat to kick it up a notch. It's so close to me I should be here more often.
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Review from Lisa C.
Devon, AB
8/18/2011
Service was way too slow, and the food does not live up to the hype. I found this place kinda pricey. Wouldn't recommend it to anybody. I've had better meals (and service) at Red Robin.
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Review from Robin S.
Edmonton, AB
Updated - 9/27/2010 1 photo
Brunched at Urban Diner this morning and it was delish, as per usual.
But there's a couple new autumn additions to the menu: pumpkin lattes, pumpkin pie, and.... are you ready for this? PUMPKIN MILKSHAKES. A concoction nothing short of brilliant. I'm not sure I could stomach a whole one but I swooned over a few tastes of someone else's.
Yam count today was much better than on previous visits. Woohoo!Listed in: Hunger Fix
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/3/2010
Visited the Urban Diner early yesterday afternoon, my boyfriend's chosen location for a good start… Read more »
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Review from Robyn W.
8/13/2011
Urban diner is one of my go-to breakfast spots in the city.
I have tried just about everything on the menu and am never disappointed.
I always go in planning on trying their quiche of the day (which always sounds amazing) but, inevitably get wooed by the breakfast sandwich or the sticky sweet banana french toast.
I haven't been there as much for dinner, but the couple of times that I have, it has also been good. The meatloaf is a clear standout with terrific dark brown gravy.
The service is generally quick and friendly, and ready to answer any question or requests you might have.
I only have 2 complaints:
1) they really need to fix their toaster. Each time I go, the "toasted" bread seems to get lighter and lighter, and the last time, the bread for my breakfast sandwich was barely even warm. For such a hearty sandwich, you need a good toast on the bread for it to be able to hold up.
2) I find the coffee to be, pretty much, undrinkable. No amount of cream and sugar can make it palatable - so I usually cross over to Starbucks for a cuppa before I head home.
But those are minor quibbles in the face such good, homey food. -
Review from ron e.
Edmonton, AB
4/20/2011
flavor=7 $7 service=6 atmosphere=6 menu=8
avg=6.8
saw them on vue weekly for their french toast so decided to visit
for a sunday brunch.
first of all there is a considerable amount of wait. to sit 10mins
and to get your order perhaps 30mins.... so be prepared if you
are starving.
i understand it was busy....but service was minimal to almost
poor. our waiter comes back to repeat our order after a couple mins,
despite the fact that it was only two items....brings it with no
silverware... (table next to us too) and the check we received
the check after asking twice. dislike!
food was ok....i found the french toast which goes for $11.50
a little dry...could've thrown in more of their jam in it and drench
it a little longer. busy is no excuse for poor execution. fritatta was
fine. we liked the chicken sausage.
the atmosphere...i love kids but there were a lot of them....
and this place echoes! plus the music plays so softly its
almost annoying....
but their menu seemed impressive nevertheless....
so i might go there on a different time when a little
slower and give them another chance. -
Review from Alouise D.
Edmonton, AB
10/17/2011
Urban Diner is one of those places I pass by all the time, but never checked out. I decided to stop by for lunch in between classes one day. The restaurant is very nice inside. I got a table right by the window, so there was a lot of natural light that came in. I wanted to order the curiosity cola - which they said tastes just like the cola candies - but they were out. Instead I opted for a regular coke and the dinner mac 'n cheese. The mac 'cheese was really good. I liked the used of the spirally macaroni noodles (you may have guessed that I'm not Italian). The was extra cheese shredded on top, which gave the mac 'n cheese some extra cheesiness. Sometimes you just want something simple like mac 'n cheese, and Urban Diner did it right. This is the real deal, no KD here (I mean KD is fine, but in a restaurant you don't want to order mac 'n cheese and get KD). My meal and drink came to just over $13 (before tip). Considering the portion size is pretty large, the food was delicious, and the service was fast and friendly I'd say the price was very reasonable. One day I'll try to come earlier enough to have breakfast here.
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Review from Liv V.
Edmonton, AB
5/10/2011
Urban Diner is a bit of a paradox. Its name implies something, well, urban but the interior screams relaxed, semi-weathered neighbourhood diner. An urban-shabby paradox. And I like it. I've dined there several times and left quite satisfied. Their cinnamon buns are served warm with a tiny tub of orange icing - a pleasant surprise. The citrus and cinnamon are ideal plate-mates. Their stuffed French toast is among the most decadent brunch dishes in the city. I can't even finish the full portion. It is as rich as cheesecake and leaves me with a slightly guilty/happy sense of satisfaction.
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Review from Paula K.
9/30/2008
Urban Diner has all of the warm ambience of a coffee shop, with a menu that is almost fine dining. While not a huge menu, there is osmething for everyone, from mac and cheese to a hot dog to meatloaf.
But these are not dishes prepared any ordinary way. They all have some sort of gourmet twist to them. Prices are in the midway range, and desserts are extensive. Most of them are baked right there and the aromas of freshly basked goods can fill the restaurant.
Come for brunch on Sunday mornings/early afternoons. The weekday lunch menu also features numerous brunch items. Urban Diner closes early on Sundays and is closed on Mondays, so you might have to plan a "spontaneous" visit. Reservations are recommended for brunch. -
Review from Lauren N.
9/30/2008 2 photos
I finally had the chance to try the Urban Diner, and it didn't disappoint. The Diner salad was delicious, with heaps of grilled chicken, roasted ham and red peppers. Yummy!
The Urban Diner is a modern, upscale version of your average diner. It's got black and white checkered floors, and plays the local radio to give it that diner atmosphere. The service is fast and friendly; I like that the waitress came to check on me now and then.
The prices are pretty reasonable for the amount of food you get. I only ordered a salad, but the serving was huge. I was absolutely stuffed at the end of it. My lunch came to about $15, not including tip.
They've also got a display case of their desserts, which looks heavenly. Brunch is served on Saturdays (9am to 1:30pm) and Sundays (9am to 3pm). -
Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
10/20/2010
Ok I have only eaten brunch here a bunch of times, as I stay in the neighbourhood when in town. The food is ok when not cold due to lack of motivated staff. I chatted with the manager once and she said good staff hard to find in Edmonton, everybody want $25hr, well a good waiter makes $25hr in their tips if they give even basic service, what shocked me even more was the manager never pitched in to set an example of what the wait staff should be doing. Hire them train them and they will make money or you will go out of business.
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Review from Jack G.
Edmonton, AB
12/3/2009
The atmosphere here was very welcoming and just right for a group of friends to sit around and catch up.
As soon as you walk in, they get your mouth watering by the placement of the delicious looking deserts in the front (Sneak bastards!). The menu has a homemade thing going on, kind of like a mom and pops but classier (don't worry it makes sense). I have to mention the diner fries. They were amazing and made just right. Golden and crispy. The server was great at offering up suggestions about what to try and the desert was GOOD! Try the lemon cream pie for sure.
I heard great things about the brunch, so I will be checking that out next time for sure! -
Review from Francesca K.
Edmonton, AB
2/13/2010
This place is decent, but I don't think it is anything special.
There was a while back, where we would go here for brunch anytime we went out for brunch, but that has since changed. I find that the service here is not the best. They don't take reservations for brunch, so unless you end up going out for breakfast super early, you are bound to wait in a colossal line up.
The food is good, but again, not really worth the wait. I have never had reason to complain about the food and I think they have a great brunch, but the atmosphere is so hectic and busy in here on a Sunday morning that it sort of ruins the experience for me. -
Review from Bernie G.
Edmonton, AB
4/28/2010
I kind of liked the food, until a homeless native man came in and they physically threw him onto the street! I mean, they didn't just escourt him out, they threw him and he fell and it looked like he hurt himself!!! I was very offended, and thought that if they're going to be physically violent with the homeless people, then they don't need my money. I've never been back.
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Review from Toquester C.
Edmonton, AB
4/17/2011
I've been here a few times and the only menu item I've enjoyed was the shrimp club sandwich. The brunch is seriously blah and the coffee has always been un-choke-downable. Ordered the chili once and the beans were not cooked through.
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Review from D T.
Leduc, AB
8/18/2011
My girlfirend and I are expecting our first child woohoo..scary but exciting but ok I am off topic already. We were walking around in the area visiting a few of the baby stores and many of the cool little shops in the area when we both realized that we were starving and decided to get something to eat. I see Urban Diner across the street and remembered from my many visits to Yelp that I had read many good reviews of the restaurant. So we went in and asked to be seated on the patio. We were greeted and ordered a couple of waters to start and they came promptly and then I ordered a bottle of beer. It seemed to take forever and ever before our waitress came back..but she finally did and we ordered. Now I have to mention that I love diners and I love comfort food-I seen the Reuben and I was happy but when I seen the Monte Cristo I was very excited! It had been a long time since I had one and I thought "what better a place to have one than a diner!" My girlfriend ordered the "Mac & Cheese". Our food came out reasonably quick and looked delicious..upon tasting looks had been somewhat decieving. Now as I mentioned I had read many positive reviews about Urban Diner so I am not sure if we just caught them on an off day or what but we were both a little dissapointed with our meals..The Monte Cristo looked amazing, it looked full of meat and cheese and delicious but.the taste just fell flat..it was just so plain and ordinary it didn't have any pop or zing or any flavors that stood out. This made me a little sad I have had Monte Cristos before and they were so unique and delicious this one really din't hit the mark at all I thought. The fries that came with it were good tasted like home cut real potato french fries-and they were the star of our visit. The Mac & Cheese was also just so boring for a lack of a better word..it was bland and a little on the dry side. It may have been better if there was more sauce and more cheese my girlfriend commented-I tried it and I seconded that motion. It wasn't really creamy and wasn't really cheesy and sharp and yummy and delicious as we've all come to expect from a good mac & cheese. We both love mac & cheese (and who doesn't) we have all been eating it since we were kids and the new grown up versions out now are a big improvement and it's just so comforting and really brings you back to when you were a little kid..but this particular dish on this particular day just was lacking in a number of different regards.
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Review from Tracey S.
Edmonton, AB
8/18/2011
I love urban diner. Went there today on a whim. It is is not over the top fancy or expensive and it always delivers a reliably great meal. The Diner Mac and Cheese and Fried Chicken are my favourites for dinner, and there are way too many delicious things for brunch for me to name. Try anything with the delicious chicken apple sausage...yum. Now I'm hungry all over again. :)
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Review from Jennifer P.
Edmonton, AB
11/7/2008 1 photo
The Urban Diner is a brunch hot spot in Edmonton. If you're looking for a great meal on a weekend morning, Urban serves up a fabulous plate of pancakes, delicious omelettes, salmon eggs benny, fresh fruit and French toast. But bear in mind that others have the same idea as you. There's always been a wait here, about 15 to 20 minutes. It's kind of annoying to have to huddle in their small entrance while people relax and eat right in front of you, but it is worth the wait. The space is very fresh and open, lots of light and the waiters busily weave in and out of the tables tantalizing trays of delicious plates of food. I've also been here for a late lunch and had a great steak sandwich which was smothered in mushrooms, mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables. The prices here are equivalent to Original Joe's across the street but less than Lux Burgers.
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Review from Rebecca S.
Edmonton, AB
11/11/2010
The Urban Diner has never disappointed me. Great comfort food. I like their macaroni and cheese too much.
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Review from Maria F.
12/16/2009 1 photo
After recently having my first pleasant dining experience at Urban Diner, I wonder why I have never been to this fantastic eatery before. The décor of this place is very simple: plain but comfy tables and chairs, neutral colored walls, hardwood floors. The place looks clean and well kept. The food is just as simple and nice. The menu consists of such comfort foods as chicken fingers, mac'n'cheese, shepherd's pie, spaghetti and meatballs, chili and tons of sandwiches. I didn't get a chance to try any of Urban Diner's mouthwatering looking desserts as after consuming a cup of chili and salmon burger, I couldn't possibly fit in any more food. Vegetarian chili was so good that I tried to replicate it at home (with success by the way!). Smoked salmon with cream cheese on top was simple, fresh and delicious. Most of the main dishes on the menu come with soup or coleslaw and French fries, which makes them a great bang for the buck.
