You know we love to share inside scoops about amazing, under-the-radar hotspots around Alberta. With that in mind, we've got an extra special gem for you today. This retro diner is located in Crossfield, Alberta, and deserves a ton of love.
This beauty is owned and operated by husband and wife duo Lindsay and Colleen Harder. If those names seem familiar, you may have visited their past venture: Pelican Pier Seafood Bar. Pelican Pier Seafood Bar was originally a kiosk in Calgary's Eau Claire Market, which eventually expanded into a full restaurant in North Haven. After selling in 2016, the pair now have a brand new venture: The Diner at Shorty's in Crossfield. The diner is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday through Friday each week and for lunch on Saturday afternoons.
You can expect top quality and unbeatable flavour at this retro hotspot. The interior is filled with memorabilia collected from years in the food and beverage industry. It is bursting with nostalgia and will seriously make you feel like you've stepped back in time. There is a car theme that's rich in history and specific to the area. The place is laid-back, inviting, and perfect for folks of all ages. The menu is small, but that means that they're really good at what they do. You can find salads, dry ribs, popcorn shrimp, and other classic appetizers.
As for mains, they've got a range of burgers, tacos, fries, and poutine. But, the main event is really the fish and chips. You can get cod dinners in one, two, and three-piece baskets. Patrons absolutely rave about this part of their menu. If you're a fish and chips lover, you know that some places just do it right. The Diner at Shorty's is one of those places. Moist on the inside and crispy on the outside, it's simply cooked to perfection. If you're not feeling fish, we suggest you try the chilli cheese fries.
Customers rave about the friendly staff and cool atmosphere, two things you'll notice immediately upon entering the eatery. The fries are hand-cut, the portions are generous, and the kid's menu will keep your little ones happy without question.
We love a hidden gem, but not as much as we love fish and chips, so this place is what we'd call a win, win!
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the 2023 Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
