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1
Skyline
1426 Queen West, Toronto, OntarioSkyline is deliciously nostalgic. In this spot chock-full of history, artifacts from the 70s are on prominent view: a vintage register, puffy vinyl bar stools and a knobbed radio (!). If you’re hankering for a hot liver or hamburger plate doused with gravy, this is the place. Or get the classic that made owner and chef Louie famous, his homeburger with fries. It’s a thin patty with a delectable charred crust that packs some righteous flavour. And, oh my, those beefeater fries. Cue “crunch” sound bite.
Open Wednesday to Monday 8 am to 8 pm.
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2
Frankie’s
994 Queen West, Toronto, OntarioThose in the know come to this neighbourhood gem for the generous portions and familial hospitality. Although the prices are cheerfully cheap, the dishes are thoughtfully prepared, visually pleasing and usually delicious. For all-day-breakfast seekers, the pulled-pork Benedict is a must: English muffins blanketed with homemade pulled pork, topped with quivery poached eggs and silky hollandaise. The burgers are as big as your head. Try the Texan, a moist charbroiled patty slathered with chipotle mayo, homemade guacamole, jalapeño havarti, deep-fried jalapeño slices and topped with Doritos for a mega-crunch factor.
Open Monday to Saturday 8 am to 1 am, Sunday 8 am to 6 pm. @Frankies_Diner.
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3
Bus Terminal Family Restaurant – CLOSED
1606 Danforth, Toronto, OntarioIt’s easy to channel some “Greased Lightning” at the Bus Terminal in the presence of chrome counter stools, teal booths, retro wall art – and for kicks, a random dragon’s head perched on high. It still has a 1950s Rock Around The Clock ambience. All-day breakfast is homey and comforting. Fluffy stacks of hotcakes with sweet, buttery bananas cause many to swoon with delight. Savoury-seekers find satisfaction in the butter chicken poutine, a pile of golden spuds and plump poultry nuggets glazed with creamy Indian butter sauce.
Open Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 5 pm, Friday 8 am to 9 pm.
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4
Gale’s Snack Bar
539 Eastern, Toronto, Ontario M4M 1C6Another relic, this is the ultimate no-frills spot for diner eats. It may be a cramped shoebox with decor harking back to the 70s, but wait till you see the prices on the canary menu board, also dating from that era. Where else can you find a steamy hot turkey sandwich for $3.75? The bird is roasted on site daily, the meat tender and juicy. Slices are piled on starchy white bread and slathered with gravy. Save room for dessert that won’t break the bank. A slice of homemade pie of the day with ice cream costs a mere $1.50.
Open Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday noon to 5 pm.
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5
The Lakeview
While elements of the original 1932 resto like the mahogany wood panelling and cushy green vinyl banquettes have been preserved, the latest owners have elevated the menu to gourmet diner status. And, no, this is not an oxymoron. Chef Randy Hamilton’s team make everything from scratch and are not afraid to experiment. Consider Wonka-worthy creations like cornflake-crusted fried chicken and waffles or apple pie in a milkshake (!). The former is a pounded chicken cutlet that’s dunked in an egg wash, dredged in crunchy cereal flakes and deep-fried into a bronzed beauty. Add a fluffy waffle, a heady ladle of thick mushroom-mornay sauce and that’s southern hospitality – northern style – in your mouth.
Open 24/7. @Lakeview_Lunch.
The Diners
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