Kathy's Grill is a Scarborough staple, offering quick and affordable eats for hungry families, busy commuters, and students on a budget.

Opened in 2016, this unassuming diner has since become a popular spot for takeout. Lunchtime line-ups often extend into the parking lot, which I'm told is just as packed at dinnertime.

The restaurant is named for its founder, Kathy Nikopoulos, who has run the business with her family for the past seven years.

Kathy's daughter, Dina, is the de facto kitchen manager and has developed a good rapport with both the staff and the regulars. During blogTO's visit, Dina greeted almost every customer by name, even when she had her hands full with orders.

"Some of these people come in three, four times a week," Dina tells blogTO. "I figure the least I can do is learn their names."

With the exception of a small lunch counter overlooking the street, Kathy's Grill is standing-room only. A clear plastic barrier separates the cooks from the customers, giving them some much-needed space and you a front row seat to your food's preparation.All meals are made-to-order — you won't find any heat lamps here.

The menu is somewhat limited, with hot dogs, hamburgers, and fried fish making up most of the offerings, but a wide variety of sauces and toppings prevent the food from feeling predictable.

Kathy's Grill also serves a number of Greek dishes, a nod to the Nikopoulos family's Greek roots.

Homemade burgers ($4.55) are thick, juicy, and highly customizable. I got mine loaded with onions, tomatoes, and shredded lettuce, but there are many other options to choose from, including pickles, cheddar cheese, and peameal bacon.

The chicken souvlaki dinner ($11.25) is a three-course meal in a box. In addition to the souvlaki itself (which is expertly grilled and marinated), the meal comes with seasoned rice, lemon potatoes, Greek salad, and a side of tzatziki. The Greek salad ($7.25) is good enough to stand on its own, coming with all the usual fixings: fresh lettuce, sliced peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and tons of feta cheese.

Pro tip: add grilled chicken or extra feta and create a miniature version of the souvlaki dinner. You'll be getting the same taste for a lower price. The feta cheese poutine ($5.45) is exactly what it sounds like: Greek dressing and feta cheese poured over a mountain of hot, crispy fries. This simple but satisfying snack was my personal favourite. I continued to pick at it long after the fries had cooled down.

Everything on the menu comes in sturdy white takeout containers, complete with plastic cutlery. It's not the most elegant method of presentation, but it lends some character to the already endearing restaurant.

"We’ve just been incredibly lucky," says Dina, reflecting on the restaurant’s history.

"COVID didn’t really hurt our business, since we only do takeout. On top of that, our regulars are really devoted. We’re really grateful for that."Kathy's Grill is located at 1158 Kennedy Rd.