diner deluxe - Marda Loop — Restaurant in Calgary

DD in Aspen was one of our favourite places, so we've been cheering their move to Marda Loop on for a while. Things have improved iteratively since they opened and have done so quite a bit. They're still pretty rough around the edges but it's been great to watch the slow return to excellence.

Cleanliness and hygiene like super dirty old radios, condiments never being wiped off, and bathrooms being out of material or being dirty constantly is a problem (sometimes missing a trash can entirely).

The wait can be difficult— not to get in (that's understandable), but sometimes to order or pay.

Some struggles have been slightly out of folks' control. This building, for example, has massive windows, which often face the sun during peak times. With blinds being expensive, DD likely had to prioritize continuing their active construction on other areas of the restaurant and secondary adjoining space instead. That doesn't save your eyeballs when the sun is out, nor has it helped some of the rough around the edges bits during construction.

Many of the dishes are still improving, having gotten much better since opening. Several original items from the Aspen location, like the waffle, have lost their luster. But if things continue their constant improvement we are hopeful this once amazing Calgary diner will meet and even surpass...

The food is good but the wait is long (usually) worth waiting for? Yea, I think so…

Overall, a pleasant eating experience. Only qualm with an establishment like this in my opinion is they don’t accept reservations. A small disadvantage I initially thought.

To my surprise this detail added an additional hour to my brunch. I know I’m nitpicking with this but when you’re either hungover or strapped on time you don’t want to go through the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for a table here. Sidebar- the bar seating was available at a quicker interval but for those who are looking for a table. This was a real struggle.

The food- it’s solid. The prices are what you expect and it’s consistently good. They don’t skimp you on the avocado portion size either which is a nice touch.

All and all, solid...

This's my second visit at this restaurant. The very first one was during the week and I had eggs Benny. It was delicious! Encouraged by this good food experience I took my friend for the same meal on Sunday morning and it was just AWFUL. The plate looked like dog’s breakfast with dry cold hash browns all over the place. The hollandaise sauce was sour and tasted like vinegar. Supposedly fresh tomato was mushy and unappetizing. This dish was just horrible this time around. I wanted to talk to the waitress but my friend who’s really shy asked me not to. She barely touched her food. It looks like this restaurant is inconsistent with their food quality. Be aware. I must say though the service was really...