East Side
A beloved Italian-American eatery famous for its endless soup, salad, and garlic bread, and festive birthday celebrations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great value
East Side
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great value
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Italian-American eatery famous for its endless soup, salad, and garlic bread, and festive birthday celebrations.
"The food was delicious as always but what really stands out here is the service."
🎯 Go for the AYCE!
Don't miss the bottomless soup, salad, and garlic bread – it's the star of the show!
🥳 Birthday Fun
Celebrate birthdays here for a special song and dessert delivery.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
All-You-Can-Eat Soup, Salad & Garlic Homeloaf
Dining Area
Endless bowls of hearty soup, crisp salads, and warm, garlicky bread. A true Italian-American feast!
Birthday Celebrations
Dining Area
Special birthday songs and dessert deliveries make celebrations unforgettable for all ages.
Parm Fest Specials
Menu
Limited-time transformations of classic appetizers into delicious chicken parmigianas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the AYCE Experience
Birthday Celebrations Shine
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go for the AYCE!
Don't miss the bottomless soup, salad, and garlic bread – it's the star of the show! +1
🥳 Birthday Fun
Celebrate birthdays here for a special song and dessert delivery.
💰 Great Value
AYCE offers excellent value, especially for families and groups.
🍝 Try the Parm Fest
Look out for limited-time Parm Fest specials on appetizers!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go for the AYCE!
Don't miss the bottomless soup, salad, and garlic bread – it's the star of the show! +1
🥳 Birthday Fun
Celebrate birthdays here for a special song and dessert delivery.
💰 Great Value
AYCE offers excellent value, especially for families and groups.
🍝 Try the Parm Fest
Look out for limited-time Parm Fest specials on appetizers!
🚗 Check for Locations
Multiple locations available, check online for one near you.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners consistently praise East Side Mario's for its generous All-You-Can-Eat soup, salad, and garlic bread, and its exceptional service, particularly for birthday celebrations. While the food is generally enjoyed, some patrons have noted occasional slow service for AYCE refills. Overall, it's a popular choice for families and those seeking value.
"It was my boy's birthday and They Played a birthday song with a robot delivering my son's birthday brownie sundae with a candle. Food was good esp my all time fave, their roasted tomato soup. It was our first time to try their chicken and shrimps scampi, and it was Delicious as well. They just made our boy's day extra special."
Kai Silyas
"We brought our son for his birthday because the bread is his favourite and when our server, April, found out she brought out bread with a candle. It was the sweetest thing and he was so happy. Very pleased with the experience overall."
Brittani MacDonald
"The food was delicious as always but what really stands out here is the service. The people that work here are always so welcoming and helpful and Alejandro didn't disappoint. He was an amazing server who didn't just ask about the food and bustle off but actually made it seem like he cared about the answer while still not making others wait. He also thought of things before we could even ask."
Jennifer Brushett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
East Side Mario's has multiple locations across Canada. You can find the nearest one by visiting their official website or using online maps. Some TikToks mention specific regional availability, like the last one in Quebec. +1
Parking availability varies by location. Most restaurants offer ample parking, but it's always a good idea to check local listings or call ahead if you have concerns.
Accessibility by public transport depends on the specific location. Many urban locations are well-served by bus routes or public transit lines. Check local transit schedules for routes near your chosen restaurant.
Driving distances vary greatly. For example, in Alberta, locations in St. Albert, Camrose, and Red Deer are mentioned as being within relative driving distance of Edmonton.
Currently, East Side Mario's primarily operates in Canada. There are no widely advertised locations outside of Canada based on available social media and review content.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are generally recommended, especially for weekend evenings or if you have a large group, to avoid long wait times. Walk-ins are also accepted.
Operating hours can vary by location and day of the week. It's best to check the specific hours for your local East Side Mario's on their website or by calling the restaurant directly.
No, there is no admission fee to enter East Side Mario's. You pay for your food and drinks. The All-You-Can-Eat options provide great value for the price of your meal.
Many East Side Mario's locations offer online reservation systems through their website or third-party booking platforms. This is a convenient way to secure your table, especially during peak hours.
Yes, East Side Mario's frequently runs promotions, such as their Parm Fest or contests like the Pepsi scratch & win cards. Keep an eye on their social media and website for the latest deals. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The All-You-Can-Eat soup, salad, and garlic homeloaf is a signature offering and highly popular. Many also rave about their pasta dishes and specific appetizers like the sizzling squid strips. +2
The AYCE includes unlimited servings of their signature roasted tomato soup, a fresh garden salad, and their famous garlic homeloaf. +2
While many pasta dishes can be adapted, specific vegan options might be limited. The salad and soup can often be made vegetarian. It's best to inquire with your server about specific dietary needs.
Desserts often include classic Italian-inspired treats like tiramisu and brownies. They are particularly known for their birthday brownie sundae.
Yes, East Side Mario's is very family-friendly. They offer a kids' menu with familiar favorites, and the AYCE options are great for picky eaters. The birthday celebrations are a big hit with children.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant atmosphere, especially during birthday celebrations with the robot delivery. The AYCE spread, with its endless bread and soup, also makes for appealing food shots.
Absolutely! Food photography is encouraged. The colorful salads, steaming soups, and cheesy garlic bread are all very photogenic.
The sizzling squid strips, the loaded garlic homeloaf, and the birthday brownie sundae are visually striking. The Parm Fest creations also offer unique photo potential.
The lighting is generally warm and inviting, suitable for casual dining photos. For more professional shots, consider visiting during daylight hours or near windows if available.
While not a tourist attraction in itself, the unique birthday robot delivery offers a fun and memorable photo opportunity that stands out.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents appreciate the value and the relaxed atmosphere, knowing that kids can be a bit noisy without judgment. The staff is known for being attentive and accommodating to families, making the dining experience stress-free. It's a place where kids can enjoy their meal and the celebratory spirit.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the AYCE, the regular menu also offers reasonably priced pasta dishes and entrees. The overall dining experience provides a hearty Italian-American meal at a cost-effective price point, making it a smart option for budget-conscious travelers exploring Canadian cities.
👫 Couples
Consider visiting on a weekday evening for a more relaxed ambiance, or if you're celebrating a special occasion, the birthday song and robot delivery can add a unique and memorable touch to your date.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The All-You-Can-Eat Experience
While the AYCE soup, salad, and bread are the stars, the restaurant also offers a full menu of pasta dishes, entrees, and appetizers. However, the AYCE component often overshadows other menu items for many patrons. It's a strategy that appeals strongly to families and groups looking for a filling and affordable dining experience. Some Reddit users have noted that service for AYCE refills can sometimes be slow, impacting the overall value proposition, but this seems to be an occasional issue rather than a consistent complaint.
Beyond the food, the AYCE experience contributes to the restaurant's lively and communal atmosphere. It encourages a relaxed dining style where guests can linger and enjoy multiple servings. This focus on abundance and shared enjoyment is central to the East Side Mario's brand and a significant factor in its enduring popularity.
Celebrating Milestones at East Side Mario's
Reviews frequently mention the joy and excitement this birthday ritual brings to children, making it a significant part of the dining experience. Servers play a crucial role in orchestrating these celebrations, often adding personal touches like a candle on the bread if they learn it's a child's favorite. This personalized service, combined with the festive atmosphere, makes East Side Mario's a popular choice for family gatherings and milestone events.
The restaurant's commitment to celebrating special occasions extends beyond just birthdays, creating a welcoming environment for various family events. The combination of a kid-friendly menu, the engaging AYCE options, and the dedicated birthday service solidifies its position as a family-friendly dining destination.
Parm Fest and Seasonal Specials
These special events, like Parm Fest, provide an excellent opportunity for diners to try something new and different from the regular menu. They also generate buzz and encourage repeat visits from customers eager to experience the latest culinary offerings. The introduction of such themed events demonstrates a commitment to culinary creativity and customer engagement.
Beyond specific food festivals, East Side Mario's also participates in promotional campaigns, such as the 'Scratch & Win' contests tied to beverage purchases. These promotions add an element of surprise and reward to the dining experience, further enhancing customer satisfaction and encouraging participation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit