The Amazing Ted's Diner
The Amazing Ted’s Diner may be tucked away in a remote area of Toronto that feels more like a little village than the big city, but you’ll spot it as you drive past the blaring shade of teal that adorns its awnings and exterior.
The place has been around since 1954, and the menu feels straight out of that era with all day breakfast specials, blue plate specials, and plenty of liver to spare.
It feels kind of like your grandma’s living room in here: mostly charming, just a little bit creepy, and with lots of stories to tell. The teal awnings have the effect of bathing windowside tables in a slightly eerie green light.
An extensive shrine to bacon sits behind the cash at the end of a classic long bar lined with stools.
The 222 combo ($8.95, a dollar extra after 11 a.m. in true greasy spoon fashion) feels like the stuff of suburban diner legend. Two fluffy pancakes come with three eggs any style (scrambled, not quite as fluffy) and meat (bacon, duh).
The breakfast combo ($9.95, again dollar extra etc.) is as simple as it sounds but meatier than most. Three eggs come with the works of breakfast meats: bacon, sausage, ham, and peameal, all sweet, nicely greasy and crispy.
Al that’s rounded out with homefries, toast and some tomato (if your breakfast meats touch them, that counts as a serving of vegetables, right?)
Our clubhouse sandwich ($9.45, $11.15 if you get it “deluxe,” served with fries or a chef’s salad) is as plain jane as they come. Three layers of toasted white bread are piled high with turkey, bacon, lettuce and tomato and segmented into classic quarters, with a heap of mayo on the side.
While you’re at it, you might as well dump several creamers into all the hot coffee you’re likely downing.
Of course you can also get a number of deli or breakfast sandwiches including a burger roll grilled with ham, tomato and cheese called the “Tropical Desire,” omelettes, and entrees like chili or veal parm.
Hector Vasquez