If you are like me, when you go out to eat you like to be in a relaxed atmosphere, and get great value for your dollar. That means, big portions that are not at big prices. Usually the best places to go are family dining establishments, because the menu tends to be large and varied.
Many family restaurants are associated with large chains, usually from south of the border. Denny's is one such chain that has several Edmonton locations. Food that is simple, well-presented, and affordable is the key here. Whether you want pancakes or a grilled chicken dinner, you can find it at Denny's. But you can also at other establishments such as the new Ricky's and the old stand-by favorite Smitty's. Denny's, however, is open 24 hours a day, so fi you get a pancake craving in the middle of the night, you know where to go! Speaking of Ricky's, I am extremely impressed with this new chain, with two franchises here in town. The menu is as varied as Denny's, and the prices are a bit lower in certain cases. But what will keep you coming back are the portions -- they are huge! Smitty's has a smaller menu, and caters to an older crowd. When I go there for lunch there seems to be a lot of senior citizens, which is a good sign, since older people who are on a fixed income are going to be very choosy about where they spend their dollars. Over the years, the food has remained consistant in quality, while the menu has not changed too much. I go there usually for the pancakes, waffles, or French toast, which are really the outstanding menu items. Finally, no discussion of family restaurants in Edmonton would be complete without mentioning Albert's Family Restaurant. Formerly known as Uncle Albert's, for several decades this homey place has attracted young and old alike, starting with their original location on Whyte Avenue through to West Edmonton Mall.
