Duster's Pub — Restaurant in Greater Highlands

BEWARE SIT WITH YOUR BACK TO THE WALL AND BRING CASH ONLY.

When we arrived, they were short staffed and the bartentder was working her tail off. The owner, (a short asian lady) was very rude, and the men's washroom was totally disgusting with vomit all over the toilet seat and urine on the floor. Since we took an Uber Lyft there, we decided to roll the dice and give Duster's a chance.

We cashed in a winning ticket from the VLT, (which are way too close to each other) and the bartender tried to short change us $5.00. After I recounted our winnings in front of her she appologized and gave me a $5.00 bill. Make sure you re-count your winnings if playing the VLT's.

For drinks and food, they only take cash and if you're short on that, you have to use their ATM which there is an extra fee for, not to mention what your bank charges. I don't mind the fees, it's just the inconvenience.

When we arrived, there was a fight outside and sadly there was no security in the place. Some of the shady characters inside looked like gang members, not to mention all the smokers loitering and spitting out front. Once we were seated, an older native male was making his rounds trying to bum a free beer off the patrons. The female bartender never said anything to him.

The cheap prices for drinks obviously attracts local transients and gang members which is pobably their main support. I'm sure if they increase their liquor prices, they'll go broke. There are way too many street people and transients coming and going, hence it's location on 118 Ave. Having said that, we were concerned about our nice car while we were inside, as the only parking available was in the lot where there was no surveillance coverage.

After our visit, we will definately not return, in fact, we will gladly pay more and go to a decent establishment. The only reason we stopped here was because it was conveniently located off the Yellowhead and our appointment location. After reading some of the negative reviews, it didn't surprise us.

FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY - WE SUGGEST YOU...

I moved to Edmonton 3 and a half, 4 years back, and this has been my spot since. I tried going to other local pubs and bars to me (Mona Lisa's, Wing's, Smilie's/Touchdowns/whatever it's actually called?) and they just do not have the same vibe or personal touch. I quit drinking for a bit, and still came here. It's like going to a buddy's house, this is not just another bar/pub business. The 4 big points are Staff, Customers, FOOD!, and Karaoke (now that I'm singing and breaking out of my shell). There is only 1 negative I can think of, and it's not even about the place. I'm not the biggest fan of The Ave. (Honestly, simple solution, just keep to yourself when walking there. Problems only follow those who follow them. Once on site, I honestly feel 'safer', in the sense that the Owner doesn't let the problems enter the site. Check your s**t at the door, you know?)

The regulars are awesome and accepting of new patrons. The Duster's family, as I refer to the regulars, are an amazing bunch of people, with all sorts of personality. The food is amazing, their kitchen is the cleanest I've ever seen. Try the Chef's in-house Pizza special ($5 with any drink, non-alcoholic included). $5 shots across the board, cheap beers. Management and staff are so personal, you know you'll be treated like a friend, instead of as a "customer". They host events as well, that just keep you coming back. Karaoke every night as well! (Come listen to me sing terribly! I say that jokingly, but everyone there knows I haven't sang until very recently. The support I got, despite how bad I felt I sang, was AMAZING. Again, the family here is amazing) Even the maintenance guys and bouncers are friendly awesome guys. I personally have beef with one of the bouncers, but within the bar, you would never know. The owner only hires professionals, and you can tell.

Summery: Best Pub In this area, heck I'd say City. As the song goes, I...

"A place that makes the Creature Cantina in Mos Eisley seem safe" - Han Solo.

This place used to be a average neighbourhood bar/pub where once could go for a good deal on a beer, hang out, and possibly sing some karaoke. You could see the Candyman hanging out and the place was friendly and relatively safe.

Things have gone downhill there and it really has become unsafe if you go there past the witching hour. So if you are going to go, then go before night falls.

The Good: Good beer specials. Good karaoke. Service is good or bad depending on who you get.

The Bad: Expensive and crappy food. Hostile treatment if you bring in any non alcoholic drink from the outside, even if it is sealed. Staff seems to fear the owner/manager's Wrath of Khan. Even trying to get tap water in a glass seems to be an issue, so good luck getting tap water in a glass.

The Ugly: The drama that can unfold there. Can be dangerous. Put your back against the wall and don't enter the bathroom at the wrong time. The place has gotten worse and more dangerous over time so I no longer go there.

I totally cannot recommend this place, even though the service is fine and the beer is cheap. There are too many other factors that make this a place you may very well want to avoid. But the choice...