This Small-Town Bistro’s Cream Pies Will Ruin You for All Other Desserts

By Britanny Burr on June 7, 2024.

If you love exploring Alberta’s small towns and discovering lesser-known eateries that keep you coming back for more, we’ve got the perfect spot for you. Tucked away in Linden, Alberta, Country Cousins Restaurant is a charming local eatery that draws a serious crowd with its delicious offerings. Known for its home-style cooking and small-town hospitality, this bistro is celebrated for some of the best pie the province has to offer.

Stepping into Country Cousins feels like arriving at Grandma’s house, where the inviting smells of home surround you. This welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by the restaurant’s legacy of home-cooked recipes passed down through generations, ensuring each bite holds the warmth of flavorful comfort. But it’s the pies at Country Cousins that truly steal the show. These aren’t just any pies; they’re culinary masterpieces that promise to delight your palate with every slice.

The Village of Linden is located in the heart of central Alberta, north of Calgary and east of Red Deer. Known for its parks, friendly community, and this hidden gem of a restaurant, Linden offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Country Cousins is home to delicious food at reasonable prices, with a menu that boasts a DIY breakfast where you can create your ideal plate. Choose from eggs, bacon, sausages, tots, pancakes, German pancakes, toast, muffins, and more. They also offer combo options, wraps, bowls, and omelettes to satisfy any breakfast craving.

For lunch and dinner, the options expand to include comforting bowls of borscht, fresh salads, a range of sandwiches, hearty burgers, and delicious pierogies. And let’s not forget about the dessert menu, which is a true highlight. Indulge in their famous cream pies, with the peanut butter cream pie and coconut cream pie being crowd favourites. These pies are so good that people make the trip just for a slice. Additionally, you can enjoy fruit pies, carrot cake, cinnamon rolls, and muffins.

The restaurant’s history adds to its charm. Country Cousins has been around since 1986, and it has seen several owners over the years. The current owners, Garret and Karen Rempel, bought the restaurant in January 2020. Having worked in the restaurant previously, they were committed to continuing its legacy rather than starting over. The Rempels have kept the beloved legacy recipes alive, ensuring that staples like the peanut butter pie and honey lemon chicken remain favourites among patrons.

Country Cousins doesn’t have a formal website yet, but you can find plenty of photos and reviews online. The reviews are a testament to the restaurant’s enduring popularity. Garret and Karen frequently update their Facebook page with weekly specials and announcements, making it the best place to stay in the loop and plan your visit.

One of Country Cousins’ highlights is its variety of comfort foods. The Mennonite platter is a popular choice, featuring local sausage, sautéed red cabbage, cabbage rolls in tomato sauce, and potato, cheese, and onion perogies smothered in creamy bacon and onion gravy. This hearty meal is a fantastic value and offers a delicious taste of traditional Mennonite cuisine.

For a lighter option, the stacked clubhouse sandwich is a hit. Made with fresh sliced grilled chicken, farm ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, Canadian cheddar, and mayo on toasted sandwich bread, this sandwich is served with a side of fries, soup, or salad. It’s perfect for those who want a satisfying yet not overly heavy meal.

But let’s talk about those pies again. The pies at Country Cousins are legendary, each slice a testament to the art of pie-making. The peanut butter pie, a custard-based dessert with house-made peanut butter crumbs, is particularly noteworthy. The crust is thin and crisp, and the pie is garnished with fresh whipped cream. The peanut butter crumbs add a delightful crunch to the smooth custard, making it a must-try for any dessert lover. It’s no wonder people travel far and wide just to get a taste.

If you find yourself near Linden, make sure to stop by Country Cousins Restaurant. It’s the perfect place to indulge in delicious food, enjoy small-town hospitality, and take home some incredible baked treats. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, a visit to Country Cousins is sure to leave you with a satisfied stomach and a smile on your face.

Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers 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.