The Dining Car at High River Station — Restaurant in Alberta

2 nd time..... Tiffany (wifey) was off today (nurse) and we decided to gallop down #2 to the Candy store in Nanton BUT we wanted to have breakfast at The Dining Car on our way.

We arrived around 11:15am and as we were seated the chef even greeted us and called me the chili man cos the last time we ate there I raved about their chili. I had intentions to buy and take home some chili.

So, I ordered to go, 3 bowls of chili and also we ordered their continental breakfast. Every bite was “exactly” what we had ordered. Tiffany could not finish her meal and they kindly packed it to go.

Also, to point out the service provided was nothing short of “exceptional”, The servers name is Page. Tiffany and I have eaten at several eateries since we moved from Vancouver to Calgary and must share with you Page is one the best if not the best server we had the pleasure being served by.

She invented the words “attentive, personable & customer service "101”, Page, thank you for being an outstanding server!

Will we return, zip-a-dee-doo-dah, I reckon so…

First time....

Tiffany and I (fairly new Alberta residents-Calgary) took a leisurely drive down #2 South, popped in to our favorite Candy store in Nanton and bought a few goodies. After leaving Nanton, we had not visited High River and thought it could be a good place to try and grab a bite before we head back home.

We had an appetite for fish and chips and drove around the down town area and spotted this old rail car. We thought it was part of the museum next door. We had the time to visit and quickly surmised it was an eatery. The owner greeted us at the door and we peeked inside it looked like a kool eatery and thought well let’s try it.

We had the good fortune while approaching The Dining Car, we chatted outside with two older women that were so sweet and we both enjoyed our brief conversation with them. They later came in for a bite also.

We did not have reservations as we were asked but the owner was gracious to permit Tiffany and I a table. We waited for only a few minutes and sat on an old railcar couch that was extremely comfy.

We were seated shortly after.

Tiffany and I ordered our food as the server was very responsive. I ordered the chili. It was sooooooo delicious and thick you “almost” needed a knife-just kidding…no spoon needed just a fork. This chili was the best restaurant chili I have ever eaten. My only regret that I did not order more to take with me.

The coffee was freshly brewed and Tiffany’s chicken fingers were very tasty as per her reflection.

On our next trip we will dine there again for sure BUT I will make certain to buy two additional Chili bowls to go!!!

Thanks to the owner, sever and to the chef that prepared our meal and especially the chili (yum...

We tried to visit this cafe a few years ago and found it had closed for the day....we failed in our intention to return, given that it is a quaint and historic re-visit to one of our favourite memories of riding the train as children...way back in the day! Today we almost repeated our fail, arriving six minutes before closing time.

The owner/manager/main man graciously made the decision to allow us to come in as other guests had also recently arrived. We are so grateful for the kindness, and for how that kindness was carried on throughout the time we spent inside the diner, housed in a clean and beautifully kept dining car from the train era. Even the walk down the hall to the bathroom brought back fun memories.

The food was delicious with a lovely home-made flavour to it. I asked for the "house dressing" on my salad and was told there were three to choose from! A creamy "Green Goddess" dressing was offered, made from the herb garden growing on the "other side of the station"....being a lover of all herbs, I was delighted to opt for this. Green Goddess dressing was deemed out of favour a few years ago—dated, old, unwanted—by who?? And why!? Fresh herb salad dressing....more nostalgia! This one arrived in a tiny bowl, fragrant with the scent of garden herbs. I wanted to lick the bowl clean—so good!

If you want tasty food, simply and recently made (not pre-fab), with a little slice of history on the side, and potentially a whole serving of nostalgia, I recommend the Whistle Stop. Worth the effort to drive down from Calgary or up from Claresholm.... with the bonus of seeing some of the ways our history developed and our pathways knit us together as a province.

Thanks, everyone at the WS, for making time and space for us today...we...

The gentleman that owns this place has his locals heart in mind but will not be bothered if he does not know you. Asked 3 times for water for my dog on a plus 32 degree day finally got her some myself and got a lecture for it. Stop talking to the locals and do your job. Took two hours to get a meal and I knew it was busy but then I was refused a second drink, I do not even drink two drinks I was just there so long I felt I should. Who refuses a 65 year old lady a second drink, it was a long wait and a very hot day and I watered them both down when I eventually got water myself. When I told him I was old enough to have two drinks he told me to leave and the waitress had the nerve to ask me for the 16 dollar change as her tip. No tip No return. (You might ask why? well it is hot, I needed guaranteed shade. A car show is a long day, a nice lunch is a treat.) (Plus I honestly was hoping that it would be a better outcome) CHAPTER TWO of the locals vs the others. I made a reservation on the 23rd for a patio table for the 28th. Again the car show. I got a call at 7:58 am on the morning of the 28th, the day of the car show. They told me the PATIO would be closed today. I waited till 11:08 and called they now tell me the PATIO is open on a first come first serve basis. That is two lies in just a few short hours. Not to mention short notice for a cancellation, so I had to stay home. I personally would not go to this restaurant solely because there is no integrity or honor in their word or respect for other people than who...