Urban Diner has been around for a long time and is a pretty sold staple in the Westmount breakfast scene. Serving up American-style grub, they do it in just the right way which makes everything somehow perfect. They were even featured on the first season of You Gotta Eat Here! There was a point in time when they had a second location south of the river that has since closed, but honestly all you need is the original. While they do remain open until 8pm each night and have a great menu for lunch and dinner fare, what you really want is the brunch (served on weekends and holidays). Brunch is where it's at.

I arrived first thing on a rainy Saturday morning. I had hoped to sit out on the lovely patio out back but the weather had different ideas. Instead we took a table indoors and were seated by a friendly staff member. The space is somewhat large with different seating areas within the dining room, all centered around the kitchen as a focal point. There are tables and booths collected within a decor that is simple and easy-going. The restaurant is laid-back and reliable.
I started my meal with a warm cup of Red Rose tea, just the small caffeine boost that I'd been craving. Like most brunch offerings, the menu consists of items that are more like breakfast as well as items that are more like lunch. They also post their specials on a chalk board above the kitchen window (I once found a Beef Brisket Benny on the specials menu that blew my mind). But today was going to be about the classics. There are four items on the Sweet Tooth section of the menu but you only need one: Dutch Poffertjes (Little dollar sized pancakes with icing sugar. Served with chocolate sauce & orchard fresh syrup for dipping. 12 per order - $8.00). I'm pretty sure that if they ever took these off of the menu that the restaurant would just shut down. Each pancake really is hardly bigger than a toonie, making them extremely easy to pop into your mouth, devouring each and every one. Cooked to a fluffy perfection each tiny pancake is golden brown with a light crisp on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. The warm chocolate sauce is especially sensual to dip into. If Urban Diner has a signature dish, it's probably this (or maybe the breakfast burger made with meatloaf instead of a patty). Also, look no further for an ideal kid-friendly plate.

Can we just talk about the music at Urban Diner for one second? Because it was the ACTUAL BEST. They were playing the best 80s hits and each song was better than the last. I probably spent more time dancing in my chair than eating my food. What a great way to start the day!
I do have a favourite dish to order and it's from the Mains section of the menu. I've ordered it many times before and I ordered it again on this occasion: Diner Hash (Corned beef, potato, caramelized onion, hollandaise, poached egg - $15.00). I don't know what it is about a dish like this but it just speaks to me. I was given a choice of different types of bread as an accompaniment and chose the sourdough. I was also asked how I wanted my eggs cooked and requested them "medium." For me, this plate takes what's good about eggs benedict and sends it in a different and delicious direction. The crispy golden potatoes are tossed in a savoury mix of sweet onions and tender, flavourful corned beef. The eggs are just runny enough and the whole thing is drenched in hollandaise sauce. Everything tastes fresh and homemade. Even the bread on the side (which is normally no more than an afterthought) was soft, warm, and clearly baked in-house. The jam on the side? Definitely homemade. This relatively simple dish is an explosion in comfort. Somehow Urban Diner takes their classic plates up those few extra notches which elevates the entire experience.

I've been to this restaurant many times before in the past and there is something to be said about the places that stay exactly the way that you remember them over the years. Urban Diner is consistent. The food is just as delicious as the first time that I tasted it. They are truly able to provide a sense of "coming home" and that's a beautiful thing.

I am in absolute disbelief that I have not rated this place yet. I’ve been coming here for brunches since I was old enough to go to brunch. Urban diner is a must go for brunch in Edmonton. A quaint little diner in a quiet corner of downtown. urban diner is a wondrous place of many delights, from their mac & cheese, brunch menu and the variety of pies and desserts they have. The service is always on top and very friendly. Summer brunch is the best on their patio with their fresh brewed iced teas. Must try menu items Huevos breakfast burrito, sour cream pie, and the vegetarian bennies. I’ve also had a pastrami eggs Benedict that was the feature of the day which was also absolutely amazing, you need to try their hashbrowns and fresh orange juice. You must come here at least once in your life... or twice... or ten