Some mornings you want the breakfast joint where the staff makes you feel like a queen as you eat your smashed avocado on sour dough toast. Other mornings, you just want affordable and satisfying.
There are lots of places in Calgary that do great breakfast, but it’s harder to find places that are actually, really cheap. We’ve found 10 spots where you will spend as little as $5 and no more than $11 (before tax and tip).
1 spoon: Not-the-cheapest food and simple décor.
2 spoons: Cheap food and simple décor.
3 spoons: Really cheap food and décor that’s either kitschy or no-frills.
23rd Street Café
All the usual breakfast items you could want are on the menu here. There are also lunch options including subs, hot sandwiches, and cold sandwiches. The décor is simple, but not kitschy or old-fashioned in any way. You’re here for the cheap food rather than for a vintage diner experience.
Cost for two eggs, bacon and toast: $6.50
Greasy spoon rating: 2 spoons
2323 32 Ave. NE, 403-250-7262
Blackfoot Truckstop Diner
If you’re looking for a satisfying meal, the Blackfoot Truckstop Diner is a must-visit. It’s open 24 hours a day and serves breakfast at all hours, but also has lunch and dinner items on the menu like burgers, veal cutlets and a roast beef dinner. As well as good-sized portions, the décor is pleasantly kitschy with its pink walls, a train that circles the restaurant above the diners, vintage posters and booth-style seating.
Cost for two eggs, toast and hash browns: $5.95
Greasy spoon rating: 3 spoons
1840 9 Ave. SE, 403-265-5964, blackfootdiner.ca
Deerhead Café (featured above)
This unassuming diner in Highland Park serves breakfast until 2:30 pm on weekdays and until 2 pm on weekends. There’s nothing fancy about the Deerhead Café: its décor is no-frills (some might call it run down), it has a simple menu and prompt, friendly service.
Cost for two eggs, bacon, toast and hash browns: $6.50
Greasy spoon rating: 3 spoons
3704 Edmonton Tr. NE, 403-276-7221
Dell Café
If you love greasy spoons, the Dell Café in Bowness is a hidden gem. There’s nothing fancy about the décor here, but the service is fast and friendly and you can expect a satisfying breakfast for a low price. This is a good place to stop if you need a quick bite to eat before heading out of town toward Banff.
Cost for two eggs, bacon, toast and hash browns: $8.50
Greasy spoon rating: 2 spoons
7930 Bowness Rd. NW, 403-288-3606
Eggs and More
If you’re looking for an authentic greasy spoon in the traditional sense, this isn’t quite it. The prices are good, but the menu has some flair. You can get pancakes, fruit or perogies instead of toast with your egg dish here. While it’s mostly about the eggs, there are also pancakes, waffles and French toast. It’s not quite no-frills, but Eggs and More is worth a visit if you’re hunting for a good deal and good service.
Cost for two eggs, bacon, toast and hash browns: $10.95
Greasy spoon rating: 1 spoon
5441 Falsbridge Dr. NE, 403-280-9488, eggsandmore.jimdo.com
John’s Breakfast and Lunch
There’s nothing pretentious about this family-owned diner. It’s simple and cozy, and the food is the same — you’ll get a generous portion for a low price. Unlike other greasy spoons in the city though, the menu is a little more extensive. As well as the eggs and bacon and toast, there are also eggs Benny and French toast on the menu here.
Cost for two eggs, toast and hash browns: $8
Greasy spoon rating: 2 spoons
2614 4 St. NW, 403-277-0255
Kane’s Harley Diner
This diner has both a 1950s theme and a motorcycle theme, which makes sense considering it’s located in a former Harley Davidson dealership. After your big breakfast, stick around to play pool or pinball.
Cost for two eggs, bacon, toast and hash browns: $9.50
Greasy spoon rating: 1 spoon
1209 9 Ave. SE, 403-269-7311, kanesharleydiner.com
Mom’s Place
This little place along 17th Avenue SE has a similar menu to the Blackfoot Truckstop Diner. There’s all-day breakfast but also lunch, dinner and desserts, including huge pieces of pie. The décor is simple, the service is familiar and the prices are low. It’s essentially an ideal greasy spoon.
Cost for two eggs, toast and hash browns: $5.75
Greasy spoon rating: 3 spoons
5016 17 Ave. SE, 403-452-0228, momsplace.ca
Tim’s Café
You could drive right past this café if you didn’t know to keep your eye open for it. The prices are low and the food is memorable: this café makes its own bread and baked goods, and the $5.95 breakfast special (where you can choose between bacon, sausage and ham) is offered every day of the week. This spot is well worth a visit.
Cost for two eggs, bacon, toast, hash browns and a beverage: $5.95
Greasy spoon rating: 2 spoons
4210 17 Ave. SE, 403-273-3464
Yummy Café
This is the best breakfast deal we could find. You have to venture into an industrial part of Calgary for it, but you’ll be rewarded with industrial-sized portions, fast service, and a full belly.
Cost for two eggs, bacon, toast and hash browns: $4.95
Greasy spoon rating: 3 spoons
2725 12 St. NE, 403-291-3696
By Elisabeth Kellisdottir
