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| - Reviewing diners are hard, it is one of those situations where the food is pretty much universal. So when one needs to judge a diner, we need to look past the ordinary food and drink and look deeper.
Located just off Allen Rd at the intersection of Wilson heights and Sheppard. It is not exactly the center of Toronto, it is not even the center of North York. But that spot has been at that area for the past 60 years, that is saying something. The first thing you'll notice when you walk in is the bright colour of the booths and chairs. The walls are full of posters, pictures, memorabilia from an simpler times. If you go often, you can see that the same faces occupying the same seats at the bar, watching TV, bantering with each other, and having a good beer. It really sets the tone perfectly for a place where you can relax and drink in the atmosphere.
The waitress or waiter will greet you and when its not busy, sit where you like, pick a booth or table and start ordering. The menu is a pretty standard diner menu, dotted with classics like breakfast items, burgers, and tons of sandwiches. But since the owners are Greek, the souvlakis are great. If you are into fish and chips, this place is the place to go north of Toronto, huge halibut on top of crispy frenched fries and side of oil and vinaiger coleslaw. These item will satisfy your desire at anytime of the day (not 24hr though :( ). But doesn't matter what you order, the portions are huge and they are delicious. Many of their ingredients are homemade and you can taste it on the first bite. Dare I say one of the best burgers I had next to the burger priest.
The waiting staffs are friendly and fun. You can tell them about your day or just vent, you'll find them attentive and willing to listen. If you go there often, chat up one of the regulars, they have many interesting stories to share as they been around this area for ages.
As you can see, a diner is quite different from looking at other types of restaurant. Each one has their quarks and differences. But these features are what make them fun and interesting and amazing gems in any neighborhood.
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