TikToker shows big line for new Calgary restaurant ELYMI

A new restaurant opening can always generate some buzz, but a new all-you-can-eat place has people lining up around the block.

ELYMI, a new family buffet in northeast Calgary, had its grand opening on April 30, but word has spread fast and the line is not for the faint of heart.

The all-you-can-eat venue offers several different themed meals each week, starting with Mediterranean fare on Thursdays and pub nights on Wednesdays.

However, the surf and buffet dinners on Fridays and Saturdays draw crowds. It's relatively affordable, $49.95 for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays, with some of the best prime rib you can eat, lobster tail, crab, and more.

One TikTok user, @ruchino70, shared a video of a lunch line at ELYMI, while Calgarians came out in droves to surf and turf.

@ruchino70Elymi calagary crazy line to enter this restaurant♬ original sound – rutidisi

The line starts at the door of the restaurant and runs down the side of the building before turning into a parking lot with dozens of groups patiently waiting to get inside.

“This is crazy,” TikToker said.

“It's worth it,” another person can be heard shouting.

In the following video, @ruchino70 walks through the food on offer and says he waited about 2.5 hours to get in.

@ruchino70Elimi This is all the fuss after waiting 2.5 hours in Calgary♬ original sound – rutidisi

And, in the comments, people questioned whether it was really worth the wait. One user claimed to be online at ELYMI at 5pm and they sat down at 8pm.

“The 3 hour wait is not worth it, but the $50 dinner is worth it,” they added.

“I waited 2 hours last weekend and I'd say it was worth the wait. I was a fan of the lobster, but everything was amazing, especially the snow crabs,” added another.

Others have shared buffet dinner alternatives, such as Thursdays at The Gray Eagle Resort & Casino, where all-you-can-eat seafood costs $58.99 per person.

Another compared the recently opened Hello Kitty Cafe in Vancouver, which drew huge lines for opening day.

So be prepared to arrive early or plan on a long wait if you're looking to surf and turf.

Address: 3010 23rd Street NE, Calgary

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