There’s something comforting about old-school diners — the atmosphere, the tried but true menu, the classic big breakfast that comes with 1,000 condiments. Having been open for 13 years, Hathaway’s truly withstands the test of time. It may not be flashy, or a complete embodiment of a 1950s diner, but it does serve hearty meals and delightful pies in a simple and relaxed setting, and you can always count on it being inviting and warm. Anything you order is guaranteed to be filling — if you’re not a fan of a classic breakfast, you can build your own omelette, with a side of homemade pancakes or hash browns. (The owners of Hathaway’s Diner announced in February that the business is for sale.) — Kateryna Didukh
13225 132 St. NW, 780-488-5989, hathawaysdiner.com
When Blue Plate Diner moved west of its central downtown spot, regular patrons reasonably wondered what would change. With a base of white paint, it’s definitely brighter, and the layout’s more open, making the new place feel bigger. The large windows facing Stony Plain Road only add to the expansive feeling. Beyond that, Blue Plate has stayed the same in the way that matters most; the food. Burgers, soups and shepherd’s pie — the menu is stocked with comfortable, often breaded, filling food, and may be best summed up by the veggie spring rolls’ spicy side sauce, made with soy and ginger. It’s simple and straightforward, and shows that what was downtown’s loss is 124th Street’s gain of a great diner. — Cory Schachtel
12323 Stony Plain Rd., 780-429-0740, blueplatediner.ca
Edmonton is filled with modern diners that offer gourmet or elevated takes on comfort food. Route 99 is not one of those places. The walls are lined with artwork from hit albums of the 1960s, the booths are well worn but comfortable, the milkshakes are pretty darn big and the diner favourites are up to snuff. The burger is great, and the breakfasts are big enough for you to skip lunch and maybe dinner, too. With all of the rock nostalgia and old-school diner items on offer, this is one place where Elvis hasn’t left the building. — Steven Sandor
8820 99 St. NW, 780-432-0968, route99diner.com
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This article appears in the March 2020 issue of Avenue Edmonton
