Duke’s Diner

Oh, Dukes. How I miss you. Not, of course, because your gone, but rather because I’ve grown up.
Don’t get me wrong, there is a place in your life for Dukes, even when you’re past the age of 20, but it’s definitely better before. Why, you ask? Well, after about 8pm (it used to be 6 but I guess students study now?) on any given night, it becomes overrun by University students. And when I say overrun, I mean at capacity, you can’t get a seat, there will only be a million drunk students around you type overrun. Fun if you’re in the crowd… maybe less so if you’re trying to enjoy a quieter night out.
The interior is decorated like an old school 1950’s dive bar, with red/​white striped booths! I love it! Once when I was there, a group came in with their big fancy cameras and costumes and staged an Archie comic photoshoot (that I’ve sadly never been able to locate online.).
Anyways, as for the food, I’ve heard the donair is amazing. Though, to be perfectly honest, I’ve never had it. I just don’t love donair. But their pizza! Oh man, their pizza. To this day, I crave dukes pizza. Soon, I’ll go grab a slice, I’m sure. I actually don’t recall eating anything there that I didn’t love. The prices are pretty average for what you get.
The only ‘crappy’ thing is the beer — there’s only one kind on tap and God only knows what kind it is. But, I suppose, it’s part of the dukes charm. And the students who flock on the weekends definitely don’t seem to care.
There’s no service or anything, but it’s not a place where you expect service. You order at the counter and they’ll bring your food to you, but not much more than that, which is fine.
Anyways, if you’re in school — go on a weekend for the time of your life! Otherwise, stick to a midday trip if you want to keep your sanity.

We had a late night pizza at dukes diner with my wife and daughter and we all got violently ill overnight. Won’t go back.

«There’s nothing finer than Dukes DIner!»
Years and dollars and memories have been left in this joint. During the University year, this is the local watering hole for the 1800 first and second year students living at Lister Hall next door. It’s full of students playing exciting games with quarters and glasses of water, singing along to the jukebox, or the occasional impromptu dance party.
During the summer the joint serves the best donairs and pizza in Edmonton. I have never had a bad dukes meal. The donair pizza is a ticking cardiovascular timebomb– packed with delicious spiced meat and way too much cheese– the way I love it.
If you are a newbie and looking to branch away from the donair– don’t. The jumbo with cheese is a stable for undergraduate Friday and Saturday nights. If you aren’t ready to take the plunge, the Donair SUB is also phenomenal. I’m sure there are salads and healthy options– but who’s looking for them? If you are at Dukes, go straight for the donair. If your worried about calories, order extra tomato and lettuce.
The booths are full of memories and hilarious photos and art work. If you are ordering out, skip delivery and drive over to check the place out for yourself. I can taste the delicious sauces and think I might head over there now myself!