If you’re craving an enormous plate of decadent pancakes or French toast, a delicious omelet or eggs Benedict, or a hearty serving of sausage, bacon, and eggs, may we recommend one of the best restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and brunch in Edmonton:

Barb & Ernie’s Old Country Inn

Why You Must Eat Here

It may be a family restaurant, or fall into the diner category of eating venues, but the German heritage of Barb and Ernie’s Old Country Inn is what sets them apart. On the menu you’ll find smatterings of German influence such as wiener schnitzel, bratwurst sausage, and potato pancakes. They even make their own condiments which have gained popularity with patrons over the years.

Although Barb and Ernie’s may strive for consistency and tradition, they also surprise with new offerings. To the delight of customers, they have experimented with breakfast specials like rouladen eggs Benedict, or the Christmas inspired French toast with pears, white chocolate and cranberries. Yummy indeed!

For those desiring a beverage of the alcohol variety, the restaurant offers traditional German beer along with brews from many of the local craft breweries that have popped up around the neighbourhood in recent years.

A Rich History in the Ritchie Community

Barb & Ernie’s is an Edmonton culinary institution! In operation since 1975, the restaurant gained notoriety in the 1980s through the talents and colourful personalities of its hosts, original owners, Barb and Ernie Feuchter.

Many in Ritchie have fond memories of breakfasts at Barb and Ernie’s, being greeted by Ernie and savouring the wonderful meals prepared by Ernie and Barb. Some of us also remember Ernie being quite a local celebrity in the 80s-90s through his appearances on cooking segments on local TV morning shows. (An annotated timeline of the history of Barb and Ernie’s restaurant appears on their breakfast menu. It is worth a read).

The tradition of excellence continues with second generation current owners, Thomas and Charlene Feuchter. Thomas, being the oldest of Barb and Ernie’s four children, grew up working in his parent’s restaurant. Together, he and wife, Charlene, honed their restauranteur skills as owners of Thomas’ Fisherman’s Grotto, a delightful “labour of love” for the couple, in the current location of the Blue Chair restaurant in east Ritchie. It was during this time that the couple began to raise a family, mingle with customers, and establish their own unique identity within the community. Thomas’ Fisherman’s Grotto operated for 12 years in Ritchie.

With Ernie suffering health issues in later years, the time was ripe in 2008 for Thomas and Charlene to take over ownership of Barb & Ernie’s Old Country Inn. To this day, the name of the restaurant remains the same, as well, the tradition of excellence. The vision and passion of the Thomas and Charlene, continues to endear the restaurant to existing and new generations of patrons.

Their Amazing Staff

Integral to the success of Barb & Ernie’s is their manager, Chris Morris, who has been with the restaurant 41 years. Chris is the official greeter of every customer who walks through the doors, and Thomas and Charlene are quick to point out that her people skills are unmatched by anyone they have ever met.

Charlene and Thomas run the kitchen. So, how does a married couple work side-by-side, day-in-and-day-out? “It's something we still work on, but we are getting better the older we get”, says Charlene. She lovingly refers to Thomas as her "Connor McDavid" in the kitchen There is no one who can run a grill like him. On any given Sunday, Barb & Ernie’s Old Country Inn pumps out up to 400 breakfasts, accommodating swarms of hungry patrons. Pretty impressive for a restaurant where the kitchen and grill space the size of a regular home kitchen.

The majority of serving staff is under 20-years-old. Barb and Ernie’s have a history of hiring and developing the hospitality skills of their young wait staff, and that tradition has continued through the years. Charlene and Thomas take pride in admitting that their staff are like family. “We never forget them, and they never forget us. We have ‘kids’ who worked with us 10 years ago coming in to visit with their own kids now”. Even today, you will seldom find a more welcoming an enthusiastic serving staff then the young people working at Barb and Ernie’s.

Great Food and a Welcoming Vibe

For Barb and Ernie's Old Country Inn, their goal is to make you feel at home. Warm hospitality with quality comfort food, coupled with efficiency is what they strive for every day.

Barb and Ernie’s Inn has always been a place for patrons to gather, dine, and connect with one another. Few restaurants can boast of the large demographic that the Old Country Inn attracts, with customer relationships that span years and even generations. A common sight are the weekly groups of families, friends, retirees, and business partners meeting to enjoy the great food and service that Barb and Ernie’s provides. Food will always connect people. Barb and Ernie’s Old Country Inn is a stage for those connections. For Thomas and Charlene, it makes the work and challenge of running a successful restaurant business all worthwhile.

New Directions and Partnerships

The Feuchters have recently decided to slow things down a bit, taking more time to enjoy family, and the fruits of their labour. The Old Country Inn may close after 2 pm, it’s created opportunity for another amazing family restaurant to offer take out service in the evening hours. Langano Skies Ethiopian Cuisine joined Barb and Ernie’s Old Country Inn this past October after closing their Whyte Avenue location. Thomas and Charlene are quick to admit that Paul and Amsale Sumamo have been a joy and pleasure to share space with. It was a natural fit. Langano Skies offers take-out Thursday to Saturday 4:30-9:00 pm and have also been doing special dine-in evenings once or twice a month.

Barb and Ernie’s are proud to be a part of the Ritchie community and the business community on Block 72 most notably, the What's New on 72 Block Party held on Father’s Day weekend highlighting all the great businesses, products, and services in the area. In January 2023, Barb and Ernie’s was honoured to participate in the successful "hilli for Charity event held at Longroof Brewing Co. for Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS).

Let’s continue to show Barb and Ernie’s our appreciation for being a valued part of the Ritchie community. If you haven’t visited Barb and Ernie’s yet, or it’s been a while, you might want to plan your next breakfast or brunch at the Old Country Inn.

Barb & Ernie’s Old Country Inn

9906 72 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 0Z3

Hours: Mon - Closed

7 am – 2 pm Tues - Fri

8 am – 2 pm Sat and Sun

Website: oldcountryinnedmonton.com

Phone: (780) 433-3242

Email: oldcountryinn@gmail.com

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More Ritchie businesses worth visiting are listed in out shopping guide!