The town has a lot of nice spots in the center that attract tourists, including those where you can enjoy a good breakfast.
But it is a well-known fact that some hidden places only known to locals often bring much more.
I will now introduce you to some of the best that I visit all the time.
OEB Breakfast Co.
Location: 222 5 Ave SW #110
Working Hours: 08:00 AM – 02:00 PM
I love this place as OEB actually knows how to do breakfast right. They whip up these ridiculously satisfying and creative breakfast meals that will leave you drooling.
They’re all about breakfast. No fancy lunch or dinner menu here. Just breakfast, all day, every day. Now, let’s talk about the person in charge, Mauro Martina. This guy is a classically trained chef, and he’s got some serious skills.
Growing up in Italy and working as an executive chef in Toronto and Calgary, he knows how to bring the flavor. And he’s not messing around when it comes to ingredients either. Mauro goes all out with the freshest and finest ingredients to take those signature breakfast classics to the next level.
I’m talking farm-to-table. OEB Breakfast doesn’t mess around with those mass-produced ingredients. They only get their hands on the good stuff from local farmers and producers. It’s like they’re on a mission to make breakfast a divine experience.
- Menu Highlight: Their Avocado Toast is my number one choice.
The Bro’Kin Yolk
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Location: 12580 Symons Valley Rd NW #130
Working Hours: Monday – Sunday, 08:30 AM – 02:00 PM
The Bro’Kin Yolk is run by Gil and Jeff Carlos, who happen to be brothers and have been in the restaurant biz forever. This place has three locations, and at each one, you can feel this tight-knit, family-like atmosphere.
I personally prefer the one at Symons Valley, as that one is the closest to my home. Bro’Kin Yolk is a place that is giving back to the community. They’ve partnered up with Mealshare and Kidsport to help out those in need. Pretty cool, right? So when you eat here, not only do you enjoy that tasty food, but you are paying to contribute to a good cause.
- Menu Highlight: Waffles With Salted Caramel Sauce
Galaxie Diner
Location: 1413 11 St SW, Calgary
Working Hours: Monday – Sunday, 08:00 AM – 03:00 PM
The Galaxie Diner is a real rebel. They actually serve breakfast until a mind-boggling 3:00 PM, so, at some point it becomes brunch. Who needs to stick to conventional breakfast hours anyway? And get this, the mastermind behind this daring establishment is none other than Brad Myhre.
You know, the guy who practically lives for smoked meat joints. He’s got this obsession with pure maple syrup and real butter. So, naturally, he insists on slathering those babies all over the diner’s dishes. Gotta have that extra dose of deliciousness in your most important meal of the day.
- Menu Highlight: Eggs Benedict
Namo Cafe Bistro
Location: 824 Edmonton Trl, AB T2E 3J6
Working Hours: Monday – Sunday, 08:00 AM – 06:30 PM
So, if you’re in the mood for yet another international breakfast joint, look no further than Namo Cafe Bistro. This place isall about drawing inspiration from around the globe. It’s a cozy little family-owned spot, with Chef Ashish Damle at the helm.
Now, here’s the kicker. The real highlight of Namo Cafe Bistro is that you can actually make reservations in advance, which is very rare for breakfast joints. No more standing in endless queues at the crack of dawn. Just pick up your phone, give ’em a call, and secure yourself a table.
- Menu Highlight: Ferrero French Toast
Omega Cafe
Location: 5011 11 St SE #1c, AB T2H 1M7
Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 06:30 AM – 02:30 PM
Are you one of those bright-eyed and bushy-tailed people who jump out of bed before the alarm even has a chance to screech? Well, lucky you! Omega Cafe might just be one of the rare spots where you can grab a decent breakfast this early.
This joint proudly kicks off the day in Calgary by dishing out breakfast as early as 6:30 AM. So, if you’re in the vicinity and craving some mouthwatering chocolate chip pancakes, waffles, or breakfast burritos, Omega Cafe has got your back.
Oh, and did I mention the laid-back vibes? Picture this: mellow tunes floating in the air, servers gracing you with their smiles and infinite patience. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time and savor the morning.
- Menu Highlight: Chicken Salad Sandwich
ZCREW Cafe
Location: 401 11 Ave SE, AB T2G 0Y5
Working Hours: Tuesday – Friday (08:00 AM – 03:30 PM), Saturday – Sunday (08:30 AM – 03:30 PM)
ZCrew Cafe is all about farm-to-table. They’re all about using free-range livestock and locally-grown organic veggies. They’ve got a massive menu too, offering everything from mouthwatering bacon wraps to gluten-free rice bowls.
They’ve got a ton of drink options, too. If you’ve got a crew where everyone wants something different, like coffee, smoothies, milkshakes, or even fancy teas, this place has got you covered. They even take reservations for up to six people per table. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can reserve the place online for your own private shindigs. Pretty convenient, right?
- Menu Highlight: Avo Mushroom Benny
Queens Breakfast & Cocktails
Location: 3927 Edmonton Trl, AB T2E 6T1
Working Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, Sunday (09:00 AM – 02:00 PM), Friday – Saturday (08:30 AM – 03:00 PM)
Queens Breakfast & Cocktails, with its fancy name and all, is all rustic and down-to-earth. They’re going for that whole “homey” vibe, using fresh local stuff and catering to vegans and vegetarians. Now let’s talk about the food.
They serve all those classic breakfast goodies like omelets, French toast, waffles, and pancakes. And since they’re surrounded by distilleries and breweries, they also throw in some wines, cocktails, draft beers, fresh juice, and, of course, coffee.
- Menu Highlight: Queens Breakfast
Final Thoughts
We’ve reached the end of our little breakfast adventure through Calgary’s hidden spots. It’s safe to say that there are plenty of great spots to eat your breakfast at the highest possible level. But hey, don’t run around telling everyone about these places, after all, I love to enjoy my first meal of the day in less crowded locations.
Just kidding, of course, feel free to share some of my wisdom. And go ahead and check out these places, I bet you’ll be coming back for more in no time.
