9 Retro Diners Around Toronto That’ll Make You Feel Like A Teen In The '50s
Calling all Betty’s and Veronica’s! If you’ve ever thought you were born in the wrong era, this one is for you. There are so many retro diners around Toronto that are sure to make you feel like you’ve walked onto the set of Riverdale.
Whether you’re looking to mow down on burgers and shakes like a regular Jughead Jones, or you’re in desperate need of that greasy diner breakfast, the GTA has you covered.
From cozy booths covered in red leather to those classic round diner stools, these vintage spots will give you the illusion of travelling back in time.
Some restaurants on this list still have those old school jukeboxes in each booth so you can twist and shout while you eat as well.
Not to mention the food is delicious, fast, and comes in huge portions.
And the photo opportunities are bountiful in these spots too.
So if you’re ready to get a blast from the past, why not give one of these joints a try?
Go on then, pull up a stool and start sipping those milkshakes.
Fran's
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Comfort food classics
Address: Multiple Toronto locations
Why You Need To Go: Between the juicy Banquet Burger and the classic big breakfast, it's hard not to order everything on the menu at this respected Toronto spot.
Mars Uptown Diner
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: American
Address: 2363 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Who doesn't love a good eggs benny? Well, this charming diner has a long list of eggs benedict dishes for you to indulge in.
Vesta Lunch
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Breakfast & burgers +
Address: 474 Dupont St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: A staple in the 6ix for over 50 years, this beloved spot is perfect for that retro diner counter experience.
The Senator
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Classic comfort food
Address: 249 Victoria St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This little gem has been serving greasy spoon classics since 1948. And hey, if it's good enough for Elton John to eat here, it's good enough for us.
That 50's Diner
Price: 💸
Cuisine: All day breakfast +
Address: 1660 Kingston Rd., Pickering, ON
Why You Need To Go: Decked out in Marilyn Monroe and Betty Boop memorabilia, this diner definitely lives up to its name.
Melanie Pringles Restaurant
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: American
Address: 80 Thickson Rd. S, Whitby, ON
Why You Need To Go: This diner has the sweetest pink and blue booths and tons of decor that will blast you into the past. The 120-item menu is pretty sweet too.
Diamond's Grill
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Diner staples
Address: 366 Wilson Rd. S, Oshawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you really want to channel your inner Jughead, then you need to try the Jimmy Dean Burger here. That thing is massive.
Three Coins Open Kitchen
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Breakfast & burgers +
Address: 10140 Yonge St., Richmond Hill, ON
Why You Need To Go: The hearty breakfasts here will cure even the most brutal hangovers. And you really can't beat those traditional sparkling leather booths, either.
Lakeview Restaurant
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Diner classics
Address: 1132 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This diner serves 24-hour brunch. I repeat, All. Day. Brunch. Need we say more? At the time of writing the kitchen is closed, but you can still use the diner to film your next movie for free.