OEB Breakfast Co. — Restaurant in Edmonton

I actually first visited OEB in Calgary, prior to them opening in Edmonton so I was quite pleased when I heard Edmonton was getting one... and then two and three

There are currently three locations in Edmonton. One on 100a ave, near city centre, one on 124st and one in the south. I haven't been to the one in the south though. I usually visit the 124st one and I, personally, like it better because of the parking. I find the one by city centre to be atrocious for parking whereas there are more options near 124st.

The menu at OEB is pretty big and there is something for everyone. They have basic "farmers" breakfasts, more "hipster" like dishes and then their own delicious creations so there really is something for probably everyone. It's really too hard to describe any particular dish or to generalize the options. OEB is probably one of my go to breakfast/brunch establishments and I have had some dishes that I definitely loved more than others. For example, I found their banana cream pie French toast to be too sweet and over the top (still good but just too much for me) but I really love their duck perogies and their lobster scramble poutine.

Service has always been pleasant and quick. The staff there are friendly and do a great job of checking on you regularly. The establishment is brightly lit with natural lighting. There are normal tables, bar seating, tabletop seating, a patio in the summer and, on the weekends, they open up the restaurant into the open foyer on the adjoining side.

I think it's probably also notable to state that OEB can be a bit more expensive compared to somewhere like Ricky's or other more typical breakfast places. Most dishes are probably around the $20 mark, if not more, and a standard cup of coffee is $4. In addition, there can also be extra charges for simple things such as syrup ($2.50) if you want it for a French toast or sweet breakfast option but it doesn't come with it.

Overall, I do enjoy going to OEB for a special brunch/breakfast but just know that you will probably spend more than some...

Dined here this afternoon and unfortunately I’m not sure I’ll ever return. Upon arrival the wait for a table was 45 minutes. We decided to wait, and when we were finally seated we were seated in the lobby of the building next door. The lobby has no music, small patio tables and chairs, and really misses the ambience that the main restaurant gives. We waited around 10 minutes before another table was sat, and we still had not seen our server. The server finally came, but served the other table before us, resulting in them eating and leaving before us. We received our drinks, and she took our order. The server did not return to check on our drinks at all afterwards, so I had to get a jug of water for the table from another staff member at the bar area. After the other table had received their meal and was halfway through, our server came over and realized that our food was taking a long time, only to let us know that she didn’t ring it in, and was having the kitchen put a rush on it. The food came out around 12 minutes after, and all the veggies in my breakfast poutine were completely raw, and the French toast we ordered was cold. The server also forgot my friends side of toast, and when it did arrive, it wasn’t the right toast. The server did not check on us while we were eating, and when she did come back, I let her know my food was not up to the quality I would expect. She brought the bill with a discount, but after a frustrating experience I was not interested in paying for food I didn’t eat. The manager came by and paid for our meal, but also promised us 3x25$ gift cards to invite us back to try again. Upon his return, he let us know the restaurant was out of gift cards. From seating to leaving our experience took us nearly 2 hours, and we left feeling like this restaurant needs to further train their staff, and potentially expand their space. If you wish to eat in the main dining room, you will need a reservation on the weekend, otherwise you will be sitting in a lobby next...

I’m disappointed with OEB. I used to be a regular back in 2021 and 2022, ordering at least twice a week. Everything I tried was incredible, too. Portion sizes were generous, quality was top notch, and I never had a single complaint. It was amazing every time, and I was happy paying a little more than usual for that experience.

But things have really changed. I ordered breakfast this morning, and the portion sizing has definitely shrunk while the prices stayed the same. Twenty dollars for a small handful of potatoes, one slice of toast, one strip of bacon, and two overcooked eggs is just not worth it. You can order the same thing from any other breakfast spot for less than ten dollars.

And this isn’t the first letdown. Last year, I took my dad out for brunch on his birthday and ordered the Florentine Benny. It used to always come with fresh avocado and a good amount too, like half a whole avocado, house made tomato jam, spinach, and hollandaise on a today's croissant. Instead, they gave me a scoop of pre made guacamole, which was disgusting, and there was no tomato jam at all. I had to send it back because the menu clearly described what was included, and they dropped the ball.

This used to be one of my favorite breakfast spots, but the quality has gone downhill, the portions are smaller, and the prices just don’t match the experience anymore. OEB once had something unique to offer, and now they're just like everybody else, cutting corners on quality and skimping on portions to save a buck. I would have been totally willing to pay the twenty dollars, maybe more, if I had gotten what I expected. It's really disappointing.

Edit: I’ve seen a lot of other reviews mentioning the same issues, and it’s ridiculous that the owner doesn’t offer any kind of follow-up or invite guests back to make things right. Do yourself a favor and...