This is a hole in the wall authentic diner. Name makes sense because you can literally see what they are cooking right in front of you if you sit at the bar. Came on a hungover Saturday morning looking for a no fuss meal without a horrendous wait in line, and was satisfied. At 10:30, there were a handful of available seats inside. We didn't have the best server (no water refill, didn't seat us or give us a menu) but for the price and zero wait time it was still good. I ordered the bacon and eggs (comes with home fries and white, whole grain, or rye toast), and my boyfriend had the french toast (which was good) and an orange juice. The juice was in the bottle and not poured into a glass. Their omelets looked really good, if I come back next time I want to try those! read more

Avenue Open Kitchen - French toast - Diners Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Avenue Open Kitchen is a Toronto staple, and one of the last remaining "old school" diners. The staff have all worked there for years and the place has hardly changed, as evidenced by the pictures on the wall dating back to the '50s and '60s. We dropped by for breakfast on a chilly Saturday morning and ordered the peameal and eggs, and sausage and eggs respectively. Our food arrived quickly and was just what the doctor ordered - soul food. While not exactly healthy, we left with full bellies and not significantly lighter wallets with our bill coming to $28.50 including tax and tip. I would recommend coming early as it can definitely get busy late morning/early afternoon. Tip: Closed Sunday's. Head across the street to The Coffee Lab for a delicious espresso afterwards. read more

If your looking for a long gem around the area, this is definitely the place to go. You can order ahead so you don't have to be crowded while you wait. Space is tight inside, and only a few tables for dining in. There are also some single seaters along the kitchen too. They have 5 or 6 people working esp during rush hours, so basically you don't have to wait for food. Prices they charge for the amount of food you get is a sure win. They're famous short ribs are special on Thursdays and is something you should definitely get. Good food, great prices! read more

Avenue Open Kitchen - Menu - Diners Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Went back for lunch. Orderd the cheeseburger ($4.75) previously frozen 6oz patty, toasted bun, grilled but mostly raw onions, tomato and my favorite cheese for a burger (though it took me a minute to come around) American cheese. Good overall taste with tax and tip $6.50. If I'd wanted fries they'd have been another $2.95. Worth the snow jog over there from my office over lunch (15 minutes) not worth the two slip&falls I took on the snow-stumble back (20 minutes plus bruising.) Other lunch specials: hot smoked meat/pastrami/roast beef freshly shaved & piled high on rye with a generous bowl if homemade soup ($8.50), braised shortribs/mashed/peas ($10.50), BLT ($4.95), Poutine ($3.95), giant chefs salad ($6.95) This place is really known for its sandwiches, homemade soups and huge lunch specials. The food is all made in-house and really tastes good and whole - not a lot added or taken away. Heavy and big portions for sure, but satisfying and inexpensive and it won't leave you feeling off (like McDonalds, which admittedly I also like.) read more

Avenue Open Kitchen - Cheeseburger at Avenue Open Kitchen ($4.75) previously frozen 6oz patty, toasted bun. - Diners Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This place has your old school greasy spoon feel. The service is a little weird and not exactly up to Toronto standards, but the food is fast and fresh! The peameal bacon breakfast is good (nice thick pieces of peameal), the potatoes are delicious! The eggs are eggs and the toast is toast. My friend said the omelet was underwhelming with the cheese not actually being melted in, but folder into a hot omelet. The lunch/dinner pieces looked delicious (some kind of club sandwich, the steak and eggs and the poutine). Good cheap eats! Excellent for students and the morning after long nights. read more

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Those of us who are lunch regulars at the Avenue Open Kitchen just refer to the place as the A OK. This place is like stepping back in to the past with its tiny little booths, its narrow counters and its big old steam table right in the front window. During the winter months you can't even see inside of it from the street because of the condensation from the cooking. I keep expecting to bump into Ralph Kramden and Ed Norton in this place. I've seen more butt crack hunched over the counter chowing down on monster portions of Mac & Cheese than I care to remember. The A OK is a straight up homage to the original concept of the small local diner/greasy spoon. It is pure and simple food. Blue plate specials. Brisket. Mac & Cheese. Basic comfort with a basic price tag. I absolutely live to eat my corned beef sandwiches at the A OK. My girlie pal who works on Camden will often meet me for lunch. We'll have a couple of corned beef sandwiches, share a plate of fries, wash it down with some ice tea and it doesn't cost us more then $15 bucks, taxes and tip in. Camden St. runs between Spadina & Brant, just south of Richmond. It's a one wayer, from east to west and can be a pain in the ass to get in to but worth the effort. read more

Avenue Open Kitchen - The A OK! - Diners Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

"Avenue Open Kitchen is a clean vintage diner, but calling it just that does not do it justice." "To top off the experience, we ordered their Rice Pudding. What a delight! Milky, tender, smooth - it was served with a container of cinnamon on the side (for those of us picky about what is the ideal amount). " "It has soul given to it by a Macedonian family from Greece who opened it thirty four years ago." Just a few bites of our full experience! read more

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Fantastic greasy eats with sizable portions at cheap prices. It's not going to be the best and definitely not the healthiest, but Avenue Open Kitchen is a diner. And it's a very legitimate diner at that. Service is slow, but the staff are more than familiar and definitely quite friendly. Seating is limited, bar seating and a few booths and small tables. The mac and cheese Friday specials are good! They have a special each day of the week and they all sound wonderful, but I only had the chance to try Friday's. I did find it oily (what'd you expect!) but it also did come with 'chef's salad' (sorta makes up for it) for $8.50 + HST. I do like mac and cheese, but I don't think it's fantastic.... just decent. However, I'm quite satisfied with the value I get here. The chicken souvlaki on a pita was tasty, with a good amount of tzaziki making it a creamy and satisfying lunch. The pita was a decent size and it came at a cheap price too ($5.50). I'd come back again. read more

Found this in Yelp and decided to give it a try. Was not disappointed.... Great meal and reasonable prices. Kids loved the egg bacon sandwich and the Greek omlet was huge. Wife got an egg breakfast and was pleased it came w 3 eggs( we usu see these much smaller) Great spot and reminded me of an older style diner that you'd find tucked away in other big cities. Booths are small as prior reviewers mentioned, but this was not an issue for us as it was 2 adults and 2 kids .There are counter seating as well. Great small, old school diner and I would definitely return when in town. read more

Avenue Open Kitchen - Excellent diner... Family of 4 two kids aged 11 and 8. Excellent portions, quick service. - Diners Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Love this little joint. A little mama's papas diner, a perfect little hideaway in the middle of the city to come have an awesome breakfast, a home made yummy sandwich, and/or a salad. You'll definitely get your money's worth here and the staff is super nice. read more

Avenue Open Kitchen - The open kitchen :) - Diners Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Every once in awhile a place arises out of nowhere because someone points it out. I love that. Kinda goes to show how much neighborhoods supports their gems. This place certainly is one. A greasy spoon with tons of pictures from way back when that let's you know the folks behind the counter have and will always be here. The place is crazy busy during the lunch rush so very happy to have a seat in the booths but I would have been just as happy eating at one of the lunch counter stools. It's fast, cheap and charming. Genuine vintage everywhere. One of the crazy things is the bathroom. You go upstairs instead of down. I dig it. read more

I work close to this place so I try to go here whenever a co-worker is down! FOOD - I have tried: Peameal bacon sandwich - stacked high on rye and comes with fries. - less than $10 Chicken souvlaki dinner / lunch portion - comes With 1-2skewers, salad, potato and rice - less than $14 - big portion and amaZing taste / seasoned well. Cheese burger - less than $10 for a 6oz , good quality (not the cheap kind from a low budget store) - There is always a hot table going With roast / ham or other home cooked meals. Service is always fast and friendly. SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS LIKE THIS ONE!!! read more

I've been here a couple times as well but I'm not going to say that it's amazing... it's good. It's kind of the old diner you would go to on a regular morning, read the newspaper, have your coffee and start your day. The lady has always been nice to me and has offered me tons of coffee so I think service has been great. I usually go earlier so I get tables that are quite clean. I usually get steak and eggs and it's pretty decent but it's nothing special. Fair prices and I would come back maybe two times a year or something so I can get some steak and eggs in me. All in all, good diner. read more

Tiny little traditional dinner that is oddly quiet inside. I ordered a bacon egg and cheese sandwich. Asked for the bacon to be crispy and it was served sorta done; had to pick it off. Nice thick bread, would of preferred it to of been toasted on the griddle as opposed to the toaster. Egg was well done, which is perfect for me. Overall was disappointed but after seeing how good everyone else's meals were, I think I just ordered the wrong thing for me. Will def give it another try. read more

Avenue Open Kitchen - Diners Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

A hole is the wall but the food was good as was the service. Nothing fancy here just good at what they do! I had the Greek fries just to taste them - too much for one person to eat! I upscaled to the Greek side salad - I had the chicken pita and it was very flavorful! My guys had the pastrami said it was good not great and ask for your bread to be toasted. Check your bill too because I chose to ignore the mistake in mine and only Looked carefully Because the people leaving before us asked for it to be refigured. It was good - fast - reasonable - flavorful food read more

Superb smoked meat sandwich. Worth going across town for it. Friendly staff. Will go back often.

Great diner in downtown Toronto. No frills for breakfast - the omelette was perfectly cooked and the hash browns were really delicious. Thick cut peameal bacon was tasty too. There are no healthy options, but this breakfast is worth the extra gym time. read more

Avenue Open Kitchen - Diners Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Plain and simple they tried to rip us off and the staff was nasty. They told us they would not exchange American money and the price of the bill was the same in US dollars as it was in Canadian which we knew it wasn't. Too bad they were unfriendly and dishonest because the food was actually good. Be careful if you are not Canadian. read more

I truly am a fan of this place. They are a small family run business but Gosh they are soooooo busy all the time. I always think how do they manage all the rush they get. It's steps away from my office and so far my favourite lunch spot in the area. I have tried so many dishes from their menu and all the dishes are soooooo good!! I have tried their challah french toast, chicken salad sandwich, tuna salad sandwich, roast beef sandwich, montreal meat sandwich, clubhouse sandwich, fish & chips, hot chicken plate, hot beef plate, greek salad with chicken souvlaki, steak on bun with fries and soup, chicken souvlaki pita and fries, chicken fingers and fries, chicken breast on kaiser, gyros on pita. Yes, so pretty much I've had all their menu and I love it. Don't judge me, I am a foodie and all their dishes are soooooooo yummmm and I can't just enough of it. If you are in Toronto do come and visit this place and you won't regret it a bit. This can become your favourite breakfast or lunch spot, it's a very deserving candidate ;) read more

Wonderful old school diner. Cozy small space where you can watch your meal being prepped on the flat top. Went on a Friday for a late breakfast and was taken to a table, and offered water and a cup of coffee immediately. The menu is easy to navigate and ranges from omelettes, burgers, deli sandwiches, poutine and dinner platters. I decided on a bacon, green pepper and onion omelette. It comes with a side of home fries and toast and was SO DELICIOUS! The prices are very affordable and the portions are generous. The place started to really pick up and became busy around noon, seems like it's a go to lunch spot for people in the area. The burgers and the pastrami sandwiches looked amazing! The staff was friendly and welcoming. Loved this place for its hometown charm and classic diner vibe. read more

Avenue Open Kitchen - Diners Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I am a sucker for greasy spoons. Fortunately for me, the Avenue Open Kitchen is right around the corner from where I work. Unfortunately for me, I can't resist the poutine and the grilled cheese and therefore, I have to spend extra time at the gym to balance it out. The people who work there are just as authentic as the old fashioned diner experience itself. The old diner counter, the historic news paper clippings on the wall, and the chef hats the cooks wear, all help blend this amazing diner into something completely unique. The Poutine is made with real cheese curds and the gravy you could drink with a straw (maybe a gross visual but I am ok with that.. don't judge!) I am yet to have the Smoked Meat but everyone who has it says it be best Montreal smoked meat outside of Montreal! Their daily special could have you coming back every day. If you want to go there for dinner however, don't bother, they are only open until 5pm so make sure to go there on your way home from work to avoid disappointment! read more

It's 7am and my glasses are a foggy frenzy when my nose first catches a whiff of the griddle. It's 7:05 and I've made my way to the back table, and ordered sausage and eggs "over." Not over easy, just over, as my ball-capped wearing, grampy aged server classified it. It's 7:10 when an oval plate lands on my table: 4 links, 2 big eggs and hashbrowns. Brown toast and a packet of jam on the side. By 7:11 am, I feel at home. Stuffing myself with greasy-in-a-good-way sausage, gloriously runny eggs, ketchup-y taters, drinking my coffee, free with breakfast before 11am. It may have been because of the jetlag, it may have been because it was my first taste of Canadian food after two weeks in a foreign land, it may just have been because it all tasted so damn good. It's only when I had command enough of my senses that I took in my surroundings. Two older gents un-ironically discussing moose knuckles, a shuffling, yet hustling kitchen staff who likely have tales of similar mornings dating back decades prepping for lunch and a small assortment of other diners, looking like they share similar tales of decades gone by. By 7:15am, I'm lost in the nostalgia of it all. I dedicate this review to the memory of my own papa. I think he would have applauded them for their sausage too. read more

Don't judge by the appearance. For 5 bucks you can take-out every kind of food (I had a giant caesar salad, supposed to be "small", while friends had from perogies to poutine) and a can of pop. My salad was very good and probably was made with one entire lettuce. Friends were very happy with their choices also. A good tip: don't eat inside (dark and packed), order take-out, there's a nice park close enough and during spring/summer you can have a quick lunch picnic with your friends there! I should go back and have poutine on the park! Theirs looks amazing! read more

This place is such a go to for me that I take it for granted. So much so that I've completely forgotten to review it until now. I've pretty much been coming here sporadically over the last 3 years but now almost every week. Avenue is just solid and consistent and, believe it or not, reasonably priced for an eatery smack in the middle of the king to queen overpriced lunch zone. You can actually have a sandwich AND soup or fries for under $10 instead of paying $13+ for a burger with a side of diddly squat with a fat 20% tip expected for a whole lot of nothing. The peameal bacon is a bit nuts though. Half an inch thick and greasy as hell but you can't say they don't hook you up, even if I like my peameal thinner, like at insomnia. The navy bean soup is awesome and straight up like your dad telling you to "listen when I'm talkin' to you, son!" Have it with a pastrami sandwich and scud missile amounts of mustard. If you're dining alone, sit at the bar like a mensch. Don't take up a booth because you'd rather be at Weslodge nibbling on fennel and wondering why the waiters wear gun holsters. read more

Basically an authentic NY Deli in Toronto. High quality food, they just know how to do it right

Our office moved to Camden St. and I had to give this place a try. Ordered the Montreal smoked meat sandwich on rye. *THAT* was good. Generous amount of meat and a big plate of really good fries came with it (crisp on the outside, tender and not soggy on the inside). What a time machine, it's like 1974 in there, but, it's not like they're putting it on, it's just real. Good stuff. read more

4.5 stars We first visited the AOK on our "Spoon Tour" in June 2010. I forgot to review it at the time, but remember being slightly underwhelmed. However, after visiting over 100 breakfast places in search of great "greasy spoon breakfasts" (see my Yelp lists or my blog), I can say that this place stands out for authenticity and food. The three of us had (3) eggs, either over easy or sunny side up, and they were prepared nearly perfectly. The home fries were chunky, crisp and neither over- nor under-cooked, and I'm told the bacon was just crisp enough, and tasty. The coffee was average diner fare, but at 1.05, including 1 free refill, fairly priced. What really sets this place apart is the authenticity. Preparation and service was handled by 3 men, and I was told by one of them (an owner?) that they had been running it for 30 years, but that it had been there since the 50's. A half a dozen booths fit 4 people each, while 6-8 stools at the counter complete the seating. The grill, fryer and all the prep tools are in full view. It's an "open kitchen", after all! They serve home made rice pudding, and on our way out we saw a huge pan of freshly made macaroni and cheese, browned on top. Mmmmm. Time for a lunch run? read more

Truly a gem in the King/Spadina area. I came here for some take-out brunch on a Thursday and ordered the eggs/bacon/home fries. The food was exactly what you would want from a late breakfast/brunch - oily, hearty and savory. As a plus, the diner is also cheap and family-run. My only complaint is the limited hours - Avenue Open is ironically, not open on weekends when I would have needed it the most! In terms of seating, there is a long bar for larger groups and only 3 booths. I regret not finding this diner sooner, but will definitely be coming back for more! read more

The kind of sandwiches with the meat overflowing off of the bread or bun, and make you say to yourself "how the hell am I going to get my mouth around that???" breakfast or lunch ... this place is sensational. I think these old dudes that run it have served up 1,000,000s of eggs and sandwiches and poutine and down home cooking in their past 60 years they've been doing this. This place is perfect. read more

I came here on a Friday, feeling under the weather and craving comfort food. Even though it was close to lunch time, I had a goal in mind: eggs and bacon, with brown toast on the side. The restaurant is small; I was one of two people who ate in though it's not to say that it wasn't busy. A line had formed outside with people who waited patiently in the cold but the staff's quick service didn't keep them waiting for long. Four middle-aged men worked hard at the fryers churning out orders of what seemed to be the popular items of the day: fish and chips, poutine, Caesar salad. I glanced over at the menu list on the wall and the prices are cheap. I didn't see a thing that was over $10. I'll definitely return here. Both my wallet and belly will thank me. read more

The Avenue Open Kitchen stares at me through my office window everyday and it is hard to resist it's pull. While it might not be the best diner in town (I miss the Stem as well) it is consistent if nothing else. You know what you're going to get and what day you'll be getting it. If you're really lucky they might change things up and throw in something odd like Jerk Chicken day, but most days it's short ribs, perogies, mac n' cheese, shepards pie or chicken fingers and poutine. I will say this, they make a good burger but you might have to ask them two or three times if want anything fancy like a tomato or mustard. Their soups are also really really good with lentil being my favourite. There is seating for about twelve people in the booths and another ten or so at the counter and rear table so your best bet is to order and get out if you're looking for any kind of elbow room. Price wise they are hard to beat. You can get a large lunch for as little as $5 if you don't order a drink. read more

Oh my stars! Finally a place with REAL cheese curds that SQUEAK!!!! This poutine was so awesome...thick cut fries, delicious, light gravy, and real curds. With a canned pop...only 5 bucks! The rest of my group also loved their food...roast turkey dinner, salads, pirogies, and of course....more poutine! Will definitely be back here to try the rest of the menu! read more

Classical deli sandwiches with a ton of meat between two thin slices of rye bread. Absolutely delicious simple formula and these guys do it really really well. The Mac and Cheese (Fridays only) is the best Mac and Cheese I have ever had in my life. It's like the macaroni and the cheese blend together into one greasy delicious entity. If I'm disciplined, I can split it over several meals (or I could just finish it in one go. actually that sounds a lot better). I've heard great things about their chicken fingers, but I haven't had a chance to try them yet. Sandwiches are higher priority! Minus points for: - cash only - short assortment of premium sandwiches: pastrami, smoked meat, roast beef - mac and cheese being only once a week - extremely limited hours. I don't work in the area so their weekdays til 4 is extremely problematic - that one grumpy waitress (the guys who work there though are super-friendly and helpful) So good all those shortfalls can only bring it down to 4-stars. read more

Greasy spoon diner it definitely is. This place is only open weekdays from 7am-4pm, basically when I'm at work, so I didn't get a chance to try it until I decided to take a day off recently. They have a variety of diner style food like sandwiches, burgers and breakfast. I grabbed a chicken souvlaki in pita with fries for takeout which came to $10, it's less if you just get the chicken souvlaki. The chicken was quite good and portions were decent too. It's a small space with a few booths that would seat 4-5 people each plus a couple seats along the counter. Not the best for larger groups but takeout is pretty quick. Hoping to stop by for breakfast next. read more

I've been eating here for quite awhile now, since I live in the area. The poutine is just heavenly! The fries are always made to order and the cheese curds are squeaky and ample. Gravy is delicious too! Also, can't beat the value and the portion size! The place is quite small and can get hectic during lunch time, but the guys who work there are extremely nice and service is always prompt. I've never waited more than five minutes for my food, no matter what and when I order. They are also open on Saturdays now, so perfect place for brunch too, since their breakfast menu is also awesome! read more

This deli/diner is a great spot for a classic peameal bacon or Montreal smoked meat sandwich. Service is fast and friendly. If you are coming for lunch, warning to either show up early or be prepared for a short wait: there are only a few tables so the place fills up quickly. read more

Good place for breakfast. The portion is generous, price is reasonable, taste is above average, and service is ok.

Since the Stem (on Queen) closed last year there aren't many traditional "greasy spoons" left where you can just walk in sit at the counter and order without having to look at the menu. The Avenue Diner is the perfect lunch spot for a Saturday afternoon. The food is excellent, the service is fast and the price is very reasonable. They make a very good pastrami sandwich and homemade soup. Not much to look at but I'm comfortable in a place like this. read more

Lovely little joint within walking distance from work.. this place was small and spaces were tight. The booths would not fit 4 people unless you were all skinny like sticks...Lol..nonetheless the food was amazingly good. Size, portion everything well balanced..they didn't go cheap on anything...which way too many restaurants do nowadays... It's more or less like a fast food joint owned by an the previous generation...the chicken kebobs were juicy and flavourful, salads were fresh with more than adequate pieces of chicken, burgers were juicy and delicious...the prices are very reasonable! It's becoming a mission to find places that provide above average quality and quantity. Overheard, that this place is being secretly taken over....hmm... hope that's not the case becuz if it is...the quality and quantity will be at risk... This is the place for lunch and it's always packed...when you see a line going in such a small restaurant, you've gotta eat here! Definitely coming back without doubts... read more

As far as open kitchen diners go, this is tops in my books! Authentic, family run greasy spoon with huge portions, cheap prices and those adorable low seating rolly bar stools and vinyl benches make this diner a treat. It's got all the charm of a show I watched as a kid - "Alice" - where you feel at home and welcomed every time you enter this smell filled steamy little diner. Daily specials like mac and cheese, roast beef or turkey dinner with all the fixings, great club sandwich and westerns, grilled cheese, fries, a decent (although frozen-deep-fried) fish and chips, freshly shorn reuben or pastrami sandwiches - enough to give anyone a heart attack that asks for it! A frequent (a-hem, sleepy/tired/hungover) lunch spot for my co-workers and I as well as a great all day breakfast spot - they serve the business crowd and closed the odd time for a family vacation - well deserved! during the week. Mmmm...grilled cheese on brown with fries and a coleslaw...I'm salivating just thinking about it. NOTE: CASH ONLY read more