Michelle was awesome. BLT perfect, rueben delicious....grilled cheese wonderful...real mashed potatoes! Love a 50's diner! Thank you for a fun find! Ontario friends read more

The workers are super nice! They care about what you order, small talk even added in. Amazing food, fun names. My kids love the names. The place was well decorated, fun antiques and aliens. read more

We visited the Starlite on a Saturday afternoon around 1:00pm. The diner was steady, but we were able to get a seat right away. The diner is super cute and retro. I had always wanted to visit here and heard good things, so I'm glad we came and experienced it, but wouldn't ever come back. It did take a few minutes for our server to come over and take our drink orders. I asked him a couple of questions about the menu, and he seemed like he really didn't want to be there. We ordered the grilled cheese sandwich with fries and a hot hamburger sandwich with onion rings. To drink, we just had a coke/pepsi and a water. It took a good 20 mins to get our food (again, it was steady, but not crazy busy) and as soon as I saw my meal, I was disappointed. The gravy on my burger was this dark brown, not appealing look or flavor to it. You could tell it was just a bad powder mix and it really did not taste good at all. The burger patty itself was fine. The bread that came with it, was just a white piece of bread and if it was toasted that would have made a bit of a difference. The one thing I did like about my meal were the onion rings. At least they were good. My spouse's grilled cheese and fries were decent. Nothing special. Just a regular grilled cheese. That's kind of his go to when nothing else looks great on the menu (and we just had a good burger the night before). While we were eating, I was watching the staff and the incoming clients. The diner's computer system went down, so they weren't able to put in orders or calculate a bill. They were telling clients that orders wouldn't be submitted for at least a half hour or 45 mins. The system was definitely down at least 40 mins (while we ate and waited for our bill). We asked for our bill, and our server said they wouldn't be able to give it to us for another half hour. I said, no, you should be able to calculate it manually. Especially that their debit card system was still able to process payments. So this wasn't payment issue where they couldn't accept anything. This also doesn't make sense that they couldn't take people's orders and just write it down to give it to the kitchen. I understand that an online system may calculate inventory and orders, but as a temporary solution, just give the kitchen a hand written order and then enter it into the system later. Like how did they do it before the system was installed? We ended up paying cash and left. A couple of things to note, I wish I would have ordered breakfast. The menu says it's only available until 11:30am, but another couple came in and ordered some breakfast items. I wish I would have asked if there was all day breakfast. Overall, I'm glad we visited the diner, but we wouldn't go back. The food was not good at all and it was pretty disappointing. (I don't give 1 or 2 stars very often, but this definitely was a 1 star review). read more

Starlite Diner Car - Open hamburger sandwich with onion rings - Diners Near Me - Bowden, Alberta

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Glad to finally stop in. Reminds me of men in black and Paul movie, the atmosphere. The waitress were funny and prompt with service. And check in making sure we were good. Food was definitely a 50 dining experience. With a little bit of today menu you come to know. We had the monte cristo and Caesar salad both were as to be expected. Had there spin of a chef salad but called a crop circle salad portion size was fair for both. As well had a side order of fries with gravy. The had a strong flavour of beef which is nice for a change. We both order pies and fair size see pictures. All in all great dining experience! read more

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Met the family for lunch and now during CoVid the Diner has every second table roped off so it might be a wait during peak times. Luckily we got a seat without having to wait. The steak sandwich was still great and no complaints from anybody else at the table regarding the food. Service is always friendly- ish. This is just a follow up, mostly because their prices have changed and I wanted to post the updated menu. read more

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Outstanding breakfast with great atmosphere. I had the Alien Classic omelette which was light and fluffy an really "out of this world". Scully and moulder would love this place. The coffee was great too! E.T. Phone home and tell the whole family to beam in for a visit! read more

Just above average. It's too bad this place could be so much more. Great location great staff but the foo is sub par. I mean for a great diner, and a railcar diner at that I would have expected great burgers great shakes etc. Its always disappointing when you don't get the mixing cup your shake was made in...it seems unnecessarily frugal. This ace has all the potential in the world, I will give it another chance but it's hard to hold up much hope. read more

Starlite Diner Car - Diners Near Me - Bowden, Alberta

New fave road trip pit stop! A diner car on the side of the highway which is a great half way point to stop when driving to the mountains for us. It serves home made food with an alien theme. The retro dining cart fits about 8 booths and some bar seating. I ordered a cajan burger which was a really tasty chicken on a bun loaded with salad. The fries were good too but the burger was so massive I hardly touched them. My daughter was a fan of the food too. She opted for alien (chicken) fingers and devoured with all the ketchup. The decor is such a mix of 50s diner and classic alien movie fan club. Cool posters all over the place, a blow up alien above the bar and a flying saucer mounted on top of the car. It's pretty fun! The milkshakes looked great. I want one next time. Can't wait for the next mountain road trip. read more

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Little shiny UFO gem diner just off the highway. A nice stop along the way. I've visited before, and it was around lunchtime, so I popped in for a bite. This is a shiny shiny diner, and a UFO theme to boot with novel decorations, including the signs on the washroom doors. Don't leave without checking that out! My first interaction with my waitress led me to believe that gluten free dining was not high on awareness. But! I discovered overhearing the conversation with a couple at the corner table and their waitress, the diner has gluten free buns, and they changed their burgers to make them gluten free! Menu doesn't whisper a thing about it. Chef says cross-contamination possible. Not sure about spices. On a previous visit, I found that if you bring your gluten free bread & toaster bags they will toast for you and use for sandwiches. Great comfort food - the special of the day sounded great but not gluten free - goulash too! Old fashioned milkshake maker! Prices are good - great chef salad $7.99, + soda & tax... $11 + tip. Breakfast served until 11am... 3-egg omelettes look good. Great pit stop along the way for a break on Highway 2 read more

Starlite Diner Car - Wall art - Diners Near Me - Bowden, Alberta

Good coffee and friendly service! Breakfast took a surprisingly long time to be served considering it we were the only table, and the hashbrowns were a bit dry, but otherwise a tasty meal. read more

I love diners so I try to stop in here on my way back into town whenever I can. Who can resist a fun space themed restaurant? My top two picks would be the Cajun chicken sandwich and the BLT. Make sure to get their delish gravy for dipping your sandwiches and your fries! Although advertised that they're "known for their milkshakes", their machine is usually out of order whenever I'm there so I can't confirm this - although I hope to one day! I like the small town feel of this place, and the waitresses always make you feel welcomed here. read more

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Step back in time....The burgers and homemade shakes are just like you remember as a kid. The retro diner has a fun alien theme and the staff is very friendly. We passed it by for a few years before giving it a shot. Now it's one of the highlights of every trip we take. p.s. The page says they are closed on Sundays but the are open till 8:00 daily. read more

Starlite Diner Car - Tickle your innards at the Starlight Diner! - Diners Near Me - Bowden, Alberta

I have always passed this place while driving to Calgary with the intention of going there, so this long weekend we decided to take the plunge and go. First of all, super cute place. Red booth, long silver bar with red stools, and 50's horror movie posters all over the place. A 50's/Alien theme which really works for the place. Well worth the stop if you like either of these things. We started out with milkshakes - vanilla and strawberry. Excellent milkshakes. Thick, rich, creamy made with real products without any filler. This was the clear winner of the day. The rest of the food was a little above or below average. My husband had the Meteor Burger..double patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, bacon, mushrooms, cheddar and Swiss cheese with mayo and mustard. Really large burger, okay for taste, a little undercooked (pink inside). He had a side of fries and gravy which were average. My daughter had the clubhouse which was a triple decker with crisp bacon, ham, turkey, lettuce, tomato and cheese. Looked amazing and fresh, and my daughter polished it off no problem. She also had the cabbage rice soup which tasted to me a little sour and on the heavy side. This was not finished. I had the beef dip and clam chowder. Again it was okay. My soup was pleasant enough...lots of seafood but a fairly bland stock but nice on a cold day. My beef dip was inoffensive but unremarkable. Plain white bun, decent meat, the dip was nice, however no lasting taste. My little one had the hot dog and fries and it also looked really fresh and she ate the whole thing. Our server was friendly and helpful and the prices were really reasonable. My suggestion is this would be a great place to meet midway with friends for breakfast or if you are feeling peckish and do not want to drive into Calgary to grab something. Or, in the summer grab a milkshake to go. read more

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I travel a lot. Both for work, and recreation. This place was a wonderful experience. I had steak and eggs, my wife, the Monty Crisco. I wish these guys were in my city. If eat there once a week. It is just very good, honest food. read more

Really good for a stop in the highway, it is now my mandatory stop when going/coming from/to Edmonton/Calgary

Just finished a great meal with great friends in a great place. Its clean, good food, good atmosphere, nice staff, this will be a regular place whenever I go by Bowden now! My friends were too busy eating their food to contribute to the review, but you can take that as a compliment on the establishment. Great pie too! read more

Starlite Diner Car - Piiiiiiiie!!! Saskatoon black currant w. TWO scoops of ice cream! - Diners Near Me - Bowden, Alberta

Great diner car. Drive past it all the time. Stopped in and had breakfast. Steak and eggs. Medium rare. Cooked correctly and a good cut. Love most diner cars. This one didn't disappoint. read more

Good diner food, well worth the stop. Prices were decent and portions were good. I've looked this place over many times while driving down the highway but would definitely come back. Service was good. read more

After a long night of shenanigans and tenting, me and my friend woke up to an absolute downpour about half an hour from Bowden. We hastily packed up our soaking wet gear, and headed for home. We decided to stop along the way and eat at Starlite. I have to say, we were very impressed. Tasty greasy spoon breakfast, friendly servers, and an affordable price. Next time I'm through here, ilk definitely be stopping again! read more

Really cute dining car in Bowden, just off the QEII. Stopped in here while on a rainy camping trip for a hot meal and break from camp life. We had noticed this diner on drives between Calgary and Edmonton but hadn't had the chance to stop in before. The other reviews are really quite accurate for this diner, you'll find breakfast (until 11) and other classics on the menu. I don't really have much to add on the atmosphere or food front that hasn't already been well stated. Food came out quickly and there are loads of neat things in the diner to look at while you wait. I had a clubhouse with fries and gravy on the side - and it was pretty perfect in my books! The only thing I will add is that the service is a bit odd. The ladies were great and really nice, but you could tell it was disorganized and that the servers seemed flustered. That being said, I'd still come back for the kitsch and classic diner fare. read more

Second visit. Food was very much better than the first time. Food would have got a four stars. It really is quite a neat place. Service is still really mediocre . Considering how small this place is and how many staff it is hard to believe. Worth a try. read more

Cool decor., but that does not overcome the bog standard food and indifferent service. Passed it many times driving between Edmonton and Calgary and plan to keep driving by in the future. It's also a hamburger and sandwich place and not a true diner. The menu is too limited for that. No entrees whatsoever. Summed up in one word. Meh. read more

We stopped here on our way home today. After seeing the reviews, and the talk about the gravy and milkshakes......well I had to give the place a try. I'm sure glad I did! I had the sweet and sour meatballs with a side of fries and gravy, as well as a caramel milkshake. The meatballs tasted like my moms! Trust me that's a major compliment, and and the gravy tasted like it was made with leftover broth from a roast.......I could have drank it with a straw. My boyfriend had the roast beef sandwich, great roast, it was just all homestyle and delicious. The service was great as well. Oh and they have an old school milkshake machine! I thought it was awesome. Stop in and grab a bite to eat, you'll enjoy yourself. read more

Ah the Starlite Diner Car. Whenever I would drive to Calgary I would drive right past it and always tell myself that one day I would stop there and eat. SO finally on a road trip with my boyfriend I told him to stop here. It's the cutest diner from the outside and inside its also very funky and decorated with lots of aliens, ufo's and old movie posters. Gave you a weird but cozy feel. ANYWAYS once we got in we were seated right alway. After waiting for quite some time for someone to come and take our order a rushed server came over and asked what we wanted. She was quick, not friendly and seemed bothered by the fact that she had to serve us. I ordered a BLT which was okay. Nothing special and my boyfriend ordered a burger. He ate the burger and we both agreed that although the diner was very nice looking the food was mediocre and the service we received was awful. Not once after receiving our food were we asked how anything was, if we wanted anything to drink aside from water. Nothing. Once we left about 2 hours later we started feeling not well. Turns out my boyfriend had gotten food poisoning from the burger. He was super sick our whole trip and couldn't keep anything down. Never ever again will I stop at this place and I will always warn people about it now. SO IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A PLACE WITH BAD SERVICE, MEDIOCRE FOOD AND A CHANCE TO GET FOOD POISONING BY ALL MEANS STOP AT THE STARLITE DINER CAR. read more

Lovely place that we have driven past 100 times and finally stopped in today. Great fries, onion rings, and soup. And the Gazoo burger was great. Didn't expect to see a budget here with egg on it. read more

Starlite Diner Car - Gazoo burger with egg and ham. - Diners Near Me - Bowden, Alberta

Super fun decor, super fast and friendly service, the staff are lots of fun too! Menu is typical road side fare but is tasty if you don't mind breaking the diet. Have to access via the roadside turnout side road right after the Bowden penitentiary but it's worth the detour. read more

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Wanted to stop and eat at this quaint little diner. It was busy and we arrived ay 11:00 for breakfast. By the time we got done waiting and were given menus it was 11:20. The very unfriendly waitress came to take our orders at 11:27 and then told us we couldn't have breakfast because it shuts down at 11:30. So after another 20ish minute wait for our orders when we asked if the younger waitress could check on our orders she said we have a timer and it's only been 20 minutes and that's average. Then we were approached accusingly by the other waitress who asked who was complaining to her daughter (waitress). After all the terrible manners and poor service she screwed up our bills and charged us twice for one item. So if this is what you're looking to pay for then by all means enjoy read more

The diner was decorated really nicely. It looked VERY vintage! It's decorated with all sorts of movie posters from the 50's and all sorts of neat things like that. The staff were super friendly and the service was good too. The milk shakes were really good and even made with a vintage milkshake maker! I ate the clubhouse sandwich. The sandwich was a tad dry but it was still really good. I was really looking forward to going and it did not disappoint. If I ever get the chance to go again I will definitely take it! read more

Starlite Diner Car - Inside the diner from a stool. - Diners Near Me - Bowden, Alberta

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I have driven passed the Starlite Diner in Bowden many times and finally stopped there for lunch today. All I can say is amazing! I love the retro chrome and red decor, plus the sparkly vinyl seats. This is what a true roadside diner should be. Our waitress was a sweetheart and the service friendly and prompt. The food was great! My Reuben on marble eye was toasted to perfection and Ryan's beef dip nice and meaty. Plus the homemade hamburger soup was burying with flavour! Next time I am going to save room or dessert, which will be tough to do as these home cooked meals were nice and filling. read more

Novel train car burger place just a quick stop when heading south on Queen Elizabeth Highway. Efficient staff with small town friendliness. Busy on a Sunday night at 7:00 pm! Good homemade soup and freshly made burgers, seasoning salt on the probes( aka fries:)), would certainly stop again:) read more

Saw the Starlite Diner driving through through Bowden on the way to Calgary. Thought we may stop in on the way back to Red Deer. We both had the clubhouse and fries. Fantastic! Will be back again Mike read more

Three of us stopped here on a cold Monday afternoon. This place was wonderful. A retro looking diner with a fun alien theme going on. The food is basic diner food and it is fresh and delicious. We had burgers and onion rings and the special of fish and chips. We all left full and happy. Our server was a young lady who, I'm guessing, is working her after school job. Usually someone like this is less than helpful and friendly but not here, she was so cheerful, enthusiastic and friendly. We'll be back. read more

We stopped in for lunch on the way to Calgary. My daughter had the beef dip, my husband had the Reuben, and I had the clam chowder. All of it was fabulous!! The service was great, very friendly! Was so good we had to stop again on the way home :) read more

Cute atmosphere. The kids loved it. Standard diner fare, but fun and glad we stopped.

Starlite Diner Car is really cool concept - retro diner complete with UFO theme. The service was great and the food was really good. The only drawback is that they don't serve breakfast all day; however, the burger made up for it. read more

Brought the family here on a Sunday morning, and everyone was definitely very impressed. The food was great and reasonably priced. The food was a little slow, but they were obviously short-staffed, so kudos for getting the job done, because the place was nearly packed. The do have wi-fi, in this place, so it should be updated in their listing of services. read more

I've driven past several times this year. I made a plan to stop this time. Very cool place loved the decor. I had the clubhouse, made with real cheddar,turkey,and ham. Fries were average.The service was okay, don't be in a hurry this is not fast food, it's good food. I would give five stars if the server had been more attentive. She didn't ask if the meal was good, didn't offer any refills, and we had to ask for a bill. read more

Easy to get.to right off their highway, lots of parking to. Nice little diner, have eaten here a handful of times. Food has always been good. Service is pretty quick. Definetaly worth stopping by. read more

Been meaning to stop here for years and never got to it...now I wish I'd stopped by sooner; food is great and the waitresses are fantastic.

We have driven by this restaurant so many times on our travels between Calgary and Edmonton and you can't miss it with it's "50's dinner" appearance as you drive by. We finally decided to stop and try it out for breakfast and were not disappointed. It is very clean and although it has the 50's look you don't feel like you are in an old building. The staff are very friendly and attentive. We had the omelette and it was very tasty, was served hot and and was a reasonably size portion. We are looking forward to trying their lunch menu and plan on stopping there more often as we travel between Calgary and Edmonton. We are Celiac and cannot eat gluten. They were "gluten aware" and knew how to accommodate our dietary restrictions. read more