The Bus Terminal
(1606 Danforth, 416-463-4680)
Don’t be surprised if your food comes with a little bit of axle grease. Housed in a renovated bus station, this bastion of East Toronto living was once the end of the line. Oh, how we’ve grown.
The Detroit Diner
(389 Danforth, 416-461-0136)
Hipsters and locals brush elbows at this Motor City–themed mainstay. Even the Stanley Cup stopped by for a spot at one of the diner’s classic Formica tables.
George’s Grill
(1329 Woodbine)
See: Goodbye greasy spoon
Good Bite
(2463 Yonge, 416-483-8432, www.goodbite.ca)
Opened in 1970, Good Bite is probably the youngest diner on this list. What it lacks in age it more than makes up for in its “just like mom used to make”–style cooking.
Lakeview Lunch
(1132 Dundas W., 416-694-3056)
A rare original left in the increasingly trendy area of Ossington and Dundas.
Mars Café
(432 College, 416-921-6332)
The old-school vibe, grilled cheese sandwiches and bacon ’n’ eggs make this a favourite on restaurant-jammed College.
Patrician Grill
(219 King E., 416-366-4841)
With a motto like “eat here, diet at home,” you know what you’re getting yourself into. The shepherd’s pie will help soothe last night’s wounds while the beer will get you right back on that horse.
People’s Food
(176 Dupont, 416-972-0195)
The giant sign says it all: hamburgers. Damn good ones, too, with homemade onion rings. What else could you ask for?
Vesta Lunch
(474 Dupont, 416-537-4318)
Toronto’s quintessential 24-hour diner. With only a counter to sit at, this is as close to Nighthawks as you can get.