There’s something about small-town Alberta that just feels different. The vibe is more laid back, the streets are a little slower, and the food (when you find the right spot) always seems to hit just right. Out here, you don’t stumble into endless chains or flashy restaurants where you’d struggle to get a reservation. Instead, you find the kind of place that doesn’t need to shout to be noticed, where the regulars greet each other by name, and where the menu hasn’t changed much in years because it doesn’t need to.
Tucked away in the village of Myrnam, about 300 kilometres east of Edmonton and just 25 kilometres from Two Hills, sits one of those places. CJ’s Café is as unassuming as it gets, the definition of an “if you know, you know” destination. You could easily drive right past its modest exterior without realizing you’ve just missed one of Alberta’s best small-town eats. In a village of just a few hundred people, where Ukrainian heritage runs deep and homemade perogies are as much a tradition as they are a meal, CJ’s is a community hub with a steady flow of loyal locals and curious travellers.
Myrnam itself is worth a visit for the small-town charm alone. Settled in the early 1900s, the area became a gathering place for Ukrainian immigrants, and that influence is still easy to see in the food, the festivals, and even the architecture. The village name comes from a Ukrainian phrase meaning “peace to us,” and walking down the quiet main street, it feels fitting. There’s a museum dedicated to local history, a nine-hole golf course, and a slower pace that makes a quick stop feel like a reset. It’s the kind of place where you can still leave your car unlocked without thinking twice.
Inside CJ’s, the first thing you notice is that it feels genuinely homey. There’s no attempt to recreate some faux rustic style; it just is what it is. The walls hold a bit of local personality, the tables are simple, and the service is exactly what you hope for in a place like this: warm, efficient, and unpretentious. The prices are almost shocking if you’re used to city menus. Milkshakes for four dollars, full breakfasts just fifteen, and dinners that leave you stuffed without hurting your wallet.
The menu is sprawling-yet-simple in the best way. There are diner staples like BLTs, clubhouses, and burgers, including the much-loved C.J. Burger, a must-try according to just about everyone who’s eaten here. There’s poutine, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, and dry ribs, all served up hot and crisp. Breakfast covers all the bases: bacon and eggs, omelets, French toast, even the kind of hearty, no-nonsense plates that make you wish you were a regular. Dinner might mean veal cutlets, a rack of ribs, or burgers with hand-cut fries. And because this is Myrnam, you can also order a plate of perogies with kubasa, onions, bacon bits, coleslaw, and sour cream, or grab a bag of frozen ones to take home.
The dessert options are just as tempting. Reviewers rave about the cinnamon buns, the pies (lemon is a standout), and the milkshakes, which come in classic flavours like chocolate and root beer. In summer, the ice cream counter is a draw on its own, with soft-serve and hard-scoop treats at prices that feel frozen in time.
People love CJ’s for more than just the food. Nearly every review mentions how fresh and homemade everything tastes, from the bread to the buns. One visitor called it “a gem of a place” after stopping in for the perogie special and a Greek salad during a road crew lunch break. Another said it was “worth a drive to support a homemade lunch spot” after discovering the pies and cinnamon buns. There’s a theme here, people don’t just stumble into CJ’s once. They come back. And they tell everyone they know to make the trip.
It’s the combination of small-town friendliness, honest cooking, and prices that make you do a double-take that turns CJ’s into something special. In a village with deep roots and a close-knit community, it’s the kind of place that feels like it’s been there forever, quietly doing its thing, feeding neighbours and travellers alike. And if you’re lucky enough to be driving through Myrnam, it’s the kind of place that can turn a simple meal into the highlight of your day.
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for Great West Media's Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
