Twin Butte Country General Store — Restaurant in Alberta

We always try to support local "mom and pop" shops/restaurants instead of a chain restaurant. We stopped by yesterday to check out this local Mexican option with a friend of ours from Pincher Creek. The restaurant itself is small/quaint, with a small store to purchase local goodies and some homemade hot sauces.

Upon arriving, we sensed two things. The customers gathered here were welcoming and friendly. We chatted with other people (clearly locals and clearly regulars!) who gave us recommendations. Lovely folks! As was a younger blonde waitress working that day, who was friendly and helpful.

At the same time, we sensed that we were quite the imposition for the older blond woman who served us. We found out later that she is the owner/operator. There was no smile - no words of welcome. In fact we felt like we were imposing as soon as we asked for a table. The restaurant had some other guests, but it was certainly not overrun and empty tables were available.

After some time had passed (we were starving), we decided to ask about the appetizer of chips and salsa we ordered when we arrived. We received a heavy sigh and eye roll as she went to get the item. The poor "customer service" didn't appear to be limited just to us outsiders, as we watched the other tables.

We all ordered from the Mexican side of the menu. The enchiladas and taccorrita were okay (not great - not awful), the bagged tortilla chips and "salsa" were also just okay. The salsa is very mild - more like a diced tomato sauce with green pepper and onion.

The side dish of the green salad was very lovely. The salads were made fresh, they were large and there were lots of veggies. Truly the best part of the meal and we would highly recommend if you do stop here.

We won't be back. I'm sure the owner will be happy as she did not want us there in the first place. To the local regulars at the next table . . . thank you!...

I really wanted to like this place. And for ambience, it was a winner: ranchers gathered around a bar, an old piano, mountain views. A perfect out-of-the way diner.

My pepsi arrived in a can. It was warm to the touch, which is hard to manage in winter in Canada. In their defense, while not the way I would ever choose to drink pepsi, it certainly met the claim of "authentic Mexican."

And then the food arrived. The "smothered burrito" had no sauce on it at all. None. Not even grocery store salsa. In fact, it had no seasoning of any kind. Not even salt. Just a bit of grated cheese, iceberg lettuce, and some beans and ground beef in a wrapper. The beans and rice were also completely unseasoned. I'd guess the beans were canned, but with canned beans somebody at least attempts to make them taste good. The ground beef was equally tasteless. It was possibly the blandest thing I have ever eaten.

The enchilada, somehow, managed to be even worse. It consisted of grated cheddar melted onto a piece of wax paper, with a mound of pale chicken inside it. Buried deep underneath was a part of a tortilla. The chicken had a white, translucent, almost jellied look and was also entirely lacking in character. I'd almost guess airline chicken except that it was less flavorful and had less texture.

My wife looked at me in disbelief. "I wouldn't even know how to make this," she said. "How do you cook something without giving it any flavor at all?" I had a few more bites. "Do you think we both got Covid and simultaneously lost our sense of taste?" I asked. We actually considered it for a moment. But I could still taste the warm pepsi.

Despite all that, we'll probably go back. It's a neat spot in a great location. But I wouldn't explore the menu...

I’ve lived in Calgary majority of my life. Post pandemic I decided to explore Alberta more this summer. Waterton was my destination. Lodged in Pincher Creek. Went through Twin Butte and was intrigued by the look of this place. I decided to stop for some water before going hiking in Waterton. I saw they had a Mexican restaurant. First thing in my mind was who would have a Mexican restaurant in middle of nowhere. Reluctantly made reservations for tonight just because I wanted to see what it was all about, especially after reading some glowing reviews. While browsing that shop I came across some hot sauces locally made. I was intrigued at some of them and thought it would be a perfect opportunity to try em before buying them if I liked them.

I’m a Deaf person. The server was quite patient and took his time to write down everything without me even asking. He was very perceptive. He suggested the beef brisket Chimichangas. I ordered chips and guac as an appetizer. The guac was decent. Salsa was not my favourite but I asked him if I could sample the hot sauces. Without any hesitation and his friendly vibe he said sure. Took the time to write down every name of the 11 samples he brought out. I ended up buying one bottle (Scorpion’s Garlic Sting!). The Chimichangas were amazing. I was so hungry and ordered two however could only finish one as they were massive and stuffed with good amounts of soft & tender brisket. The Spanish rice and refried beans (silky smooth texture).

I left the restaurant wondering why I took this long to come down south. Definitely coming back again...