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Westcliffe Grocery & Lunch
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
15 reviews for Westcliffe Grocery & Lunch
15 reviews in English
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Review from Kristie P.
Halifax, NS
4/18/2012
I guess it's like a poorly kept secret how awesome the Westcliffe is. I head it from a friend ages ago, and today finally got to try it out. The recommendation was more than warranted. We went well after the lunch rush so it was pretty quiet when we arrived. I had heard before about the slip ordering system, so I wasn't surprised. The owners were gracious and friendly and the service was quick for us. The diner itself isn't fast, greasy spoon is definitely accuarate. They've always been a favourite of mine. Two booths (unfortunately full when we arrived) a long diner counter and some cafeteria style table are the seating options.
After dropping our order slip off we chatted while our food was prepped. The owners chatted with us and other patrons and the atmosphere was nice and relaxed. I ordered the Clubhouse and onion rings with a Strawberry milkshake and my boyfriend had a bacon cheeseburger, fries and a chocolate shake. Everything was delicious. The chicken was real, the onion rings and fries cooked perfectly. The burger was grilled nicely. It was simply food done incredibly well.
It's not fancy food, it's not a fancy restauarant, it's not expensive, but it is a place we will visit again or again. Our experience couldn't have been better. -
Review from Charles T.
Halifax, NS
2/19/2012
Going to a diner for a club sandwich is always something I enjoy and when I heard of Westcliffe I was excited to give it a try.
I love a good deal and if you want cheap eats, the prices are the lowest I have seen. But I also still want good and I just didn't find the food good. Perhaps cheap and good are mutually exclusive, for me I will always always opt for the good over the cheap, so will not be returning to Westcliffe.
If you are on a tight budget and just want some food, not terrible but not very good, it would be a great place to visit. -
Review from Murray W.
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Although not actually one of the older diners in the city, the Westcliffe has the look and feel of a simple, old school diner and not a kitschy throwback to the 60s with linoleum everywhere and junk covering the walls. I'm talking about a yellowed menu board with blue lettering on it and a TV with knobs and rabbit ears; that's right kids, there was a point in time when buttons did not exist. Then there's the prices - you will not find anything cheaper and good quality anywhere in the city.
I wander in on a cold day, hungry and looking for something to eat. I actually get off the bus early because I've wanted to eat here for a while and didn't feel like the post-McDonald's shame. When I come in and sit down at the counter, there's only two other customers, both at the counter and chatting with the the only two staff here, Bev and Tyler. One of the gentlemen at the counter asks if I've been here before, I respond that I haven't, and he kindly explains the ordering process whereby you write your order on a small piece of paper and pass it to Bev. It seems a little odd, but it seems to suit the place.
I order a cheeseburger with the works and poutine. Being the epitome of a mom and pop place, I order this knowing that I'm not going to get a fancy pants poutine or even a traditional poutine. The poutine arrive first and I was right; in lieu of cheese curds, there's shredded mozza and even some cheddar. I don't care. I'm cold and hungry, and I want some melted cheese, gravy and fries. Speaking of the those last two, the gravy is a little thinner than I generally like, but it tastes homemade and isn't too salty. The fries, although they're your generic, somewhat thick, from-frozen variety, are crisp and tasty and stand up well to the deluge of gravy and cheese.
The burger is served straight from the griddle onto my plate of fries (where else does this even happen?) and Bev, noticing that she forgot to put the cheese on my burger, opens it up in front of me and slides it on in. I couldn't see this happening anywhere else, or accepting it anywhere else, but it's like your grandmother is fixing your burger, and how can you argue with that? The burger itself is delicious, and is everything a diner burger should be - good tasting beef in a hand made patty that gets a little bit of a crust from the flat top. The loose, crumbly texture is a nice change from pre-formed patties or places that grind their meat too finely which leaves you wit a meat paste puck. Topped with mustard, relish and grilled onions it's simple and not over done. The onions especially shine with a sweet richness to them.
Forgoing getting a can of pop for myself from the cooler, I order a cup of coffee to fortify myself with caffeine and warmth before facing the cold January weather. I was happy that I finally stopped by the Westcliffe and that it was everything I wanted it to be - simple but great tasting diner food at rock bottom prices, with as a friendly environment as you could imagine.Listed in: The Great Halifax Burger Hunt
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Review from Chad V.
Halifax, NS
1/7/2012 ROTD 1/20/2012
One of the best place to get a cheeseburger in Halifax hands down, if not THE best. Hand made patties, not flippin' machine pressed. Chicken fingers are nice an big (sadly not hand made, but delicious none the less), fish hand battered. And sides ( fries and rings) quite plentiful.
The decor is not most professional, it has a great down home feeling though. Bev and Tyler are a great pair to get to know, my daughter loves visiting them just to say "hi". Sure gets busy during lunch though, but with the fry and one fry top, it can be alittle slow. Have patience and you end up with a great cheap eat.
This is the greasy spoon that beats all other 'spoons in Halifax for cost and taste. -
Review from Sorren I.
Dartmouth, NS
2/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Amazing cheeseburgers and great prices. Get burgers with lettuce, tomatoes and mayo and they're even better! I also LOVE the milkshakes.
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Review from Sarah A.
Halifax, NS
11/4/2011
I'm a fan because, it's good food and cheap.
The down sides, are;
It's small
The husband and wife are the only workers
I have to write down my order and hand it in, which is confusing for the first time
It's always busy (But this is a good thing, it gives them the reputation that it's a good place to eat) -
Review from Drew M.
Halifax, NS
1/11/2012
Best damn burger and shakes in town -- made fresh and unbeatable value... McDonald's costs more! Wish I knew about sooner - making up for lost time on our near weekly visits.
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Review from Vanessa J.
Halifax, NS
5/8/2011
A greasy spoon type place, that unless I had reviews of, I would never have visited. They always have the blinds down in the window, so you can't tell what it's like until you go in. You can help yourself to the fridge at the back for a drink, but I can't go to Westcliffe and not get a milkshake, thick, delicious and cheap.
I don't eat red meat so I can't comment on the cheeseburgers, but my friend said his was delicious. I had the chicken fingers and fries combo, and while basic was very tasty, the chicken actually had some taste to it, and the fries were nice and crispy. The onion rings were yummy as well, they are the thinner diner style, compared to the thick battered style A&W and other places serve.
The prices are incredibly cheap, which means they keep their costs low by not having any service staff, mismatched plates etc. If you're looking for a cheap, but delicious dive food, this is a great spot. Warning, they close early, around 6! -
Review from Jill M.
5/8/2011
Last summer, a friend and I made a habit of trying out new diners for lunch every couple of days. Nothing we tried compared to the first place we visited, the Westcliffe.
It's the epitome of a mom & pop type place. Dingy, tacky, and filled with regulars. I think my friend and I were the only people in the place who didn't know the owners by name. The first visit can be a little disconcerting - you have to write down your order on a scrap of paper and hand it to the cook, and if you want a can of pop don't wait for anyone to get it for you.
So why go? Food and prices. Seriously, I think I could order every item on the menu and still get change from a $50. The menu is just chock full of delicious, greasy, diner classics. Cheeseburgers, club sandwiches, fish & chips, grilled cheese...you name it, they make it. Get french fries AND onion rings! You might as well, they're so damn cheap! -
Review from Ella M.
Halifax, NS
4/14/2011
I was hestitant to try this place, despite good reviews, because of the exterior. PLEASE do not let it fool you. This place is adorable and cheap and they make THE BEST burger in town. Milkshakes are awesome, burgers are awesome and it's the cheapest you're likely to find in the city!
GO ALREADY! -
Review from Jennifer C.
Halifax, NS
7/28/2010
I had heard all this buzz about this place being the best place to eat. "Oh isn't it cute how the couple who own it seem disorganized"
No actually I can't say I was impressed with this place. We stopped in for lunch one day. We put in our order. A fish and chips and a burger with two milkshakes.
Forty minutes later (count 'em, 40!) we got our food, which I now needed wrapped to go so I could go back to work.
After the two owners proceeding to argue over if they needed to hire a waitress, they told us it's best to call ahead if we wanted food on our lunch hour and they'd have it ready. Of course this was contrary to the fact there were two other people who had both called in their order, and yet they were there for about a half hour waiting for their food.
Anyways, I figure, "alright this is a busy day for them" and I assume the food will make up for the disaster in service.
Wrong again.
The batter didn't stay on my fish and chips and really... meh. In a city where you can get fish and chips everywhere, they were nothing special. The milkshake was good, but, man was it ever not worth the hassle. -
Review from Melanie M.
Dartmouth, NS
3/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Westcliffe is the little hole in the wall place you pass by everyday but never enter. Let's face it - it's kind of a dive.
I had heard amazing things about their cheeseburgers, so I decided I just had to try it out. I was not aware of the "system" on that first visit. It was a busy supper rush. I sat at the counter. And waited. And waited some more. It wasn't until someone else arrived later and ordered that I realized you had to write your order down on the piece of paper and then give it to the cook. Once I got that out of the way there was a sort of comedy of errors with my order. Particularly the milk shake. The owner started making my shake at least 5 times but kept getting distracted by phone calls etc. When I finally got it, it was the wrong flavour. He made a new one - no problem. Both owners were a little gruff and there was lots of hollering going on between them (partially just to be heard over the noise), but it's all part of the experience I guess. I'll admit by the end of my first visit, I couldn't wait to be out of there. But the food? Excellent. Amazing burger, yummy onion rings, and a fantastic shake. And on the cheap too.
Since that first visit, I started working not far from the diner. So I've grabbed takeout a couple more times. I call ahead and order, pick up without having to deal with the ordering system, and enjoy the food in the comfort and quiet of my apartment (or car if I can't wait that long!).Listed in: Dairylicious
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Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
10/6/2009 1 photo
The Westcliffe is about a thirty-second walk from my front door, and yet for years after I moved to this neighbourhood, I had never set foot in the place.
I guess that was because the exterior of the restaurant is nothing short of run-down, and the interior - minimal in terms of warmth.
But, guess what - I found out after finally being convinced to give it a try - it's not about the atmosphere. It's about the food: old-school grill foods like burgers, fries, onion rings and - of course - old fashioned banana splits.
And let me just say that the burgers are exactly what you crave when you crave a burger. Greasy, yes. But meaty, salty and delicious.
I always say it's a bit like stepping back in time at the Westcliffe - especially when you look at the prices. Two people can walk away with full bellies without spending much more than ten dollars between them.
It's also fun to watch the owners bicker like a married couple (although, apparently, they're not). And there's no ceremony when it comes to ordering. Write your order out on a pad of paper and hand it over to the lady at the grill.
Added bonus: they call you "Hon." -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
2/11/2010 8 photos
The Westcliffe has been here for over 11 years. Who knew? I should have, I grew up around the corner. I have to admit I have driven by numerous times, but I guess the saying goes, "Don't judge a book by its cover".
My mistake and full apologies to Beverly Griswold and Tyler Slaunwhite (the owners) for not stopping by sooner.
Warning, when you walk through the doors of the Diner , you will think you just came through to another era. The interior and the prices are from back in the day. Funny enough I heard the owner saying to a customer, yes" we feel we are stuck in time". Well lucky for us!!!
I was lucky enough to see the diner in full action. I went in at lunch time. I was the outsider , everyone else there were regulars. None the less, I was welcomed. I took a seat in one of the booths, I am such a booth junkie. Even though it was just me, I took the booth.
Tyler came over to take my order, or so I thought. No , he brought me a piece of paper and said, when you are ready, write down your order.
Hmm, that is different. So I was told about the famous Cheese Burger and Fries for $3.99. I proceeded to write it down and then Bev says , hey sweetie you have to bring that to me. Oh yes, you will have to go retrieve the order as well. It is part of the charm.
I thought wow , this is an experience. In comes another regular, he ordered ahead ( called in), smart guy. He had a friend with him, first time. They order the cheese burger and fries, However, as he pointed out, " a cheese burger is not a burger without the bacon" my mistake, I did not get bacon.
Oh, I went all out , I ordered the Chocolate Milk Shake, $1.75. It was awesome. The cheese burger was juicy and tasted great. One of the best burgers I have had. It is made from Fresh Meat , Not Frozen Patties. The fries hit home as well, although they were not homemade, they were not greasy.
I have to say, between the comedy act between Bev and Tyler, or Tyler signing and dancing behind the counter, or maybe just the talk about the kids from the locals, Westcliffe will give you a full tummy, satisfied taste-buds and you will definitely have a smile on your face throughout your meal.
We have a few Celebrity owners here, they were written up in Readers Digest around five years ago. Of course a good review. The were also in The Chronicle Herald and The Coast. All these reviews were deserving for this "Diner". Especially this one!
Yes you can go here and eat :
One Cheese Burger and Fries with a Chocolate Shake = $6.50
Yes , I even took a picture of the menu on the wall for all you nonbelievers. Oh yes, on Thursdays you can have the homemade lunch from 11:30am , $6.00, cornbeef and cabbage (2 week cycle) then beef (2 week cycle)
Now , I have promised to make a mention, and I believe this has been put out as a challenge from Beverly. She said that "THEY HAVE THE BEST FISH AND CHIPS IN TOWN". It is fresh Haddock with a homemade batter. Sounds good , and I can say the two things that were flying off the menu when I was there, were the cheeseburger and the fish and chips. So, it is now part of my research to order the fish and chips when I return. Yes I will go back.
PS: The Diner does a Rockin Business on Good Friday with the Fish and Chips. So if you are lookin for a place to go , try it. -
Review from Dan F.
Dartmouth, NS
3/9/2010
The Westcliffe epitomizes the mom & pop diner experience. Totally unassuming on the corner of Oxford and Bayers Rd. You've definitely driven by it a hundred times without noticing.
This place has it all. Tyler and Beverley are running the whole show, so they leave you to seat yourself, get your own menus, write your own order, and come pick it up when it's ready.
You've made your mark when they start calling you by name when they have questions about your order. Tyler loves kids and is always making faces and making them laugh.
And you can not beat the prices. Cheeseburger and fries for $3.99, milkshakes for $1.67. Everything is homemade. They use local beef for the burgers and make them themselves.
It has all the creature comforts of a mom and pop operation, a prominently displayed lost and found if you leave something behind, a buy and sell if you are in need of buying or selling motorhomes, chainsaws, or lawnmowing service, and a space heater by table number 4 if you're a little chilled.
