Rating: NNNNN
AUNTIES AND UNCLES (200 Bathurst, at Queen West, 416-703-9378) Unpretentious atmosphere, cool classic tunes. Best: thick, pink-centred pork chop sided with lumpy spuds, vibrant-green sautéed spinach and sugary caramelized apple and pear compote; dense Mom-style meat loaf with tomato gravy over buttery, lumpy mash; cookbook-correct rice pudding. Complete dinners for $25 per person, including all taxes, tip and a glass of wine or pint of beer. Open Sunday to Thursday 5 to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 5 to 11 pm. Closed Monday and holidays. Fully licensed. Access: four steps at door, washrooms in basement. Rating: NNNN
DANGEROUS DAN's (714 Queen East, at Broadview, 416-463-7310) Located across the street from a peeler palace, this no-frills steak 'n' burger joint looks kinda scary. But the friendly kids behind the counter and rock-bottom prices won't frighten away the value-conscious. Best: the humongous 24-ounce Homeburger -- yes, the equivalent of six Quarter-Pounders -- served with crisply golden chunky fries; Bronto Ribs Dinner featuring 21/2 pounds of meaty dinosaur-sized beef ribs in spice-spiked barbecue sauce; char-broiled 11-ounce New York strip with grilled mushrooms, a credible Caesar and fries enough for two; poutine -- cardiac arrest in a box; Massive chocolate brownie piled with chocolate ice cream, chocolate syrup and real whipped cream. Complete dinners for $20 per person ($10 at lunch), including all taxes, tip and a domestic beer. Open Sunday to Thursday 11 am to midnight, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 2 am. Fully licensed. Access: ramp at door, washrooms on same floor. Rating: NNN
THE PURPLE ONION (603 Keele, at St. Clair West, 416-760-8208) Funky 40s diner complete with soda-fountain bar and wooden booths. Best: New York strip loin -- 10-, 12- or 14-ouncers -- served with lumpily perfect new-potato mash and rich garlic gravy; thickly sliced roast beef with creamy spuds and crunchy coleslaw. Complete dinners for $25 ($12 at lunch or brunch), including all taxes, tip and a domestic beer. Open Monday to Saturday 8 am to 9 pm, and Sunday 9 am to 4 pm. Fully licensed. Access: one step at door, washrooms in basement. Rating: NNN SD
