The Bloordale Pantry has replaced The Dale on the South-East corner of Bloor and Lansdowne. (I'm not sure where the dealers and addicts will loiter now.) The Bloordale Pantry keeps all the diner charm of The Dale, while updating the space so it's not so busted looking. There is a nice mix of new and old in the diner.
I arrived on the evening of their first night being open. Unlike the Dale, The Bloordale Pantry has a full blown espresso machine. I tried an americano and chatted with the waitress about the newly opened space. There aren't too many spots to get a good coffee in Blansdowne, so this new addition is welcome. Americanos pair will with Brunch, which the Bloordale also serves. I'll have to come back and check that out soon.
The americano was good, and the wait staff were friendly, so I decided to come back for dinner a few hours later. I had the pulled pork sandwich, with fries and coleslaw. It was really good; the fries in particular were really tasty. Apparently the menu will change week to week. Everything is made fresh in house.
I've been since for both brunch and dinner. For the brunch I thought i'd be adventurous and try the vegan pancakes. It was an experience, though i'm not sure i'd try them again. For my second dinner there I tried the burger. It's 100% ground chuck, no filler. Now that's a tasty burger.
This place is definitely one more reason to venture out to Blansdowne.