The Diner at Shorty's — Restaurant in Town of Crossfield

Before I begin, I'm stating that I'm a regular at Pelican Pier in Calgary so I somewhat knew what to expect as the Diner was opened, owned and operated by the original Pelican Pier owners. With all the recent stories of the Diner and top notch fish & chips by the original PP people, I was quite interested, and in a recent road trip to my cat's vet in Olds (look for my review on Olds Pioneer Vet), it was my opportunity to try it out. First off, the place is quite charming. Part of an old mechanic's garage, the place is a bit of a blast to the past paying homage to that small town mechanic that everyone knew and respected. I don't know much about Swifty, the original owner of the space, but it looks like he was loved. Next up, this is a Diner first and foremost in the classic sense, and not a seafood shack. Burgers and fries are the stars, with modern additions of tacos and chicken breast (raised locally I might add). It just also happens to serve the original PP recipe fish (cod only) and chips. There's no other fish or seafood dishes aside from the fish taco and fish burger.

And now for what you were waiting for, the food review. Well, my wife and I, as previously mentioned, are regulars to PP, so we had to order the fish and chips. And while we weren't disappointed in the slightest, we were a bit surprised on how the breading and prep was almost perfectly identical to PP. The fish coating was crispy, golden and light, The fish itself was moist with the overall end result being a very tasty fish. The fries, all fresh cut, was crispy and firm. In other words, if I closed my eyes, it was exactly the same fish and chips I have enjoyed for the last few years. As such, it was both not surprising and quite surprising that the recipe is exactly the same with no variations. If anything, the only difference my wife discerned was that the Diner at Shorty's was slightly crisper in both fish and chips.

So what's the end recommendation? If you're looking for a great fish and chips and don't mind only having cod, then it's worth the occasional charming road trip or if you just happen to be near. As I didn't try anything else yet, I'll have to try the burgers and chicken next trip to get a better idea.

But as it is 35-40 minutes north of Calgary, PP is just nearby in the city for Calgarians looking for the full seafood menu. It's a good reason though to visit Crossfield during my Calgary to Edmonton and...

We tried the burgers today before heading to the markets, Nov 5 2022. Arrived around 2pm. Initial counter service was good. Seating was adequate. However, this is when the wheels fell off. The cost of 2 burgers, 1 fry and one onion ring order was a bit steep at $32. It was busy, the meal took about 20 minutes to make. I will accept both wait and cost if the burgers were exceptional, unfortunately, they were not. I think they were superstore bought patties, not hand made ground beef. The onions on the burger were listed as "onions" on the menu, however, they were RED onions, that should be listed. If anyone knows onions, white and red DO NOT taste the same. The toppings were fresh, however stingy. The fries and onion rings could stand on their own. I do like an interesting atmosphere but I have to say, the cost of the materials to decorate that place must had cost a small fortune and that cost was transfered to the substandard meal. I would appreciate better food for less expensive interior decorations. To sum it up. I did not order drinks because the food was costly enough. The burger patties should be home made beef and charbroiled for that cost. The fries were good and the rings were good too. Since I only had the burgers I can not comment on the fish or other food. Unfortunately, the day was a bit ruined by this substandard and expensive meal. I will not be...

We've been devoted patrons since their days at Pelican Pier, where we fell in love with their cod and chips. Now, we happily make the drive from Calgary to enjoy the same fantastic dish at their new location. Shorty's Diner has managed to retain the charm and quality we cherished at Pelican Pier, ensuring that their cod remains as delicious as ever. The fish is always perfectly cooked, with a crispy, golden batter that complements the tender, flavorful cod inside. The chips are equally impressive, perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The ambiance of Shorty's Diner adds to the overall experience. The interior is neat and brimming with character, adorned with an array of car-themed decor, petroliana, and hot rod memorabilia. It's like stepping into a nostalgic time capsule that celebrates automotive culture. The diner even has a garage next door, which adds a unique touch to the atmosphere. Every visit to Shorty's Diner is a treat, not just for the taste buds but for the senses. Whether you're a long-time fan from the Pelican Pier days or a newcomer, you'll appreciate the welcoming vibe and the consistently outstanding food. The drive from Calgary is always worth it, and we look forward to many more visits for our beloved...