Old School

Old School delivers an exceptional brunch experience with rich, comforting dishes made from high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere feels warm and nostalgic, paired with friendly, attentive service that makes you feel genuinely welcomed. A standout spot in Toronto for a relaxed, satisfying meal that consistently exceeds expectations.

Beautiful ambience with retro vibes! Great spot to start your day. We ordered General's fried chicken, Benny & the Jets.. Both were delectable. Bottomless Drip coffee, always! Thanks John for smooth service.

One of my favourite brunch places in the city. You can never go wrong with the blueberry pancakes, they are a staple, and something you have to order for the table as a shareable, if not your own meal. Not on their menu, but they make a really fantastic hot chocolate. The service is always great, and the food always comes out delicious and generously portioned. Something interesting that old school has done this winter is they’ve turned their usual outdoor patio into an all seasoned patio with heaters and blankets. It’s a really smart way to make use of their space and maximize the amount of people they can serve at one time. We did go on an extremely cold day, and because we didn’t have reservations we sat in this covered space. The heaters make all the difference, but it was still cold. Nothing the restaurant can do about that, they were transparent and said we could sit at the bar, but we chose a table. It’s a bit of a tight squeeze in here, and if the other diners in this section are noisy it can be tough to hear the people you are with. Just flagging if you are looking for a quiet spot, I would make sure you make a reservation to get a table inside.

Old School is a fun, laid‑back spot known for its comfort food and retro vibe. The space feels cozy and welcoming, with a classic diner style that makes it easy to relax. The menu leans into dishes like fried chicken, waffles, and all‑day breakfast favourites. The service is friendly, and the atmosphere has a warm, neighborhood feel. It’s a great place to grab a casual meal.

Went to Old School for brunch this morning and overall had a great meal! We ordered the eggs Benedict with peameal bacon, the blueberry pancakes, a biscoff latte, and an Americano. The food was great: the pancakes were fluffy, the eggs Benny was perfectly cooked, and the biscoff latte had just the right amount of flavor without being overly sweet. That said, I was a little disappointed because I’d read so many reviews raving about the blueberry hot sauce and was really looking forward to trying it. I was hoping to ask our server about it, but after he dropped off our food, he never came back to check on us for the rest of the meal, which was a bit of a letdown. Overall though, the food and atmosphere were solid, the place is super cute and I’d definitely come back, if not just to buy one of their mugs, but I’m crossing my fingers for a chance to finally try that blueberry hot sauce next time 🤞

This is the best pancake in Toronto🥞🫐 Pancakes with sweet and sour blueberry sauce and salty bacon are the perfect combination We loved macaroni and cheese too! It was very cheesy, with the cheese melting beautifully When we visited, there was no line and there were not many customers inside I would love to visit again for their blueberry pancakes

Old School never disappoints! Each time I am in Toronto a visit to Old School is a must! The food is fun and delicious! I love their Bennys and this time I tried their smoked beef which was tender and delicious. And despite the snow outside I finished my meal with a blueberry cheesecake milkshake which was just perfect! My server was great and the atmosphere was fun and festive! I thoroughly enjoyed my Old School brunch! Thanks!

The atmosphere is stunning, beautiful decor. Service was great, the staff are all so kind. The food was incredible, and don’t get me started with the coffee! Highly recommend this chic spot, 10/10! *the only thing I would suggest/add is a better wait list system; they did first come first serve and some guests with reservations had to wait. A scan/sign in system would make that much smoother!*

It was Saturday late morning and we tried about 3 different places for lunch but they were all packed. My wife found this place on Google and said we should give it a try. What a great choice. We got there just in time - we literally got the last table available before they started a wait list so we were seated right away - the place was packed with mostly university students but also some golden agers like us. Despite that, the service was actually pretty quick and our server, Delina, was just wonderful. We ordered drinks that came out quickly- the cold drinks were cold and the hot drinks were hot. The menu was pretty extensive with great options for both vegetarian and meatatarians. My wife couldn't decide between two menu items so she asked Delina which one she would recommend the dressed salad with labneh and a poached egg while I had their double burger. My wife devoured her plate and their burger was nothing short of fantastic. I mean both meals were outstanding and we barely talked while we were eating. It was so good. We didn't expect the food to be that good or for the service to be that fantastic. Very popular and very packed but well worth your time. Highly recommended.

Stopped in for brunch. It was nice. Service was good. They were featuring an egg nog latte despite the holidays being long gone. The server said they froze the egg nog to keep it fresh which actually made me less likely to order it lol. Instead I opted for an iced tea. We shared the blueberry pancakes and the halloumi toast. Both were good. I think the prices are a smidge high for some things, like the halloumi toast. Those pancakes are always 10/10 and I will keep coming back for them.

Old school had a cute vibe. we didn't make a reservation so we had to sit in the patio - and it's January in Canada BUT they had heaters and it was covered. With my jacket it was warm enough. The staff was incredibly friendly, but it took a little too long to get service and our food was slow. We got breakfast and they offered bacon or turkey sausage (not regular sausage) the turkey sausage was kind of lame; didn't taste great and their beans were inedible, it was as if someone dropped an entire industrial sized jar of cumin in the pot and just rolled with it. The eggs were good and the cappuccinos were tasty - and the rockstar of the whole meal were the home fries. They were deep fried and seasoned with rosemary.

Got the smoked beef benedict and blueberry pancakes to share with my boyfriend the waitress kindly split it into two separate plates! Benedict was great we got it with their house made blueberry hot sauce which was fun to try! Pancakes were so soft and for $5 we couldn't have asked for more! (There was a Wednesday special) Also sat on their all year round patio which was lovely (was a tad bit too hot though ngl) .

This place was good. Not great, but good. It was a cool place to visit in Toronto and they have good menu options. The service was very slow bathe system went down but the waitress compt us free drinks so that was cool. It was packed so I'd suggest getting there early. We sat outdoors and luckily they had warmers and offer blankets. The French toast and chicken and waffles were the best

This is one of our favourite brunch spots. My favourite here is their Blueberry Hill pancakes. Every now and then we come here for dinner and their food and drinks are pretty good. I like the retro vibe accompanied by '80's music! Service is fast and staff are friendly.

This brunch place is located on Dundas Street west, about two blocks south of Bathurst. The venue gives a chill, bar/ diner vibe. It is a good casual place to go for brunch ~ prices are standard. $20 chicken waffle and $21 smoked salmon Benedict. The chicken on the chicken waffle was amazing, but they give a really small portion of chicken- the ratio was substantially off. The smoked salmon Benedict was standard.

Good brunch deals on weekdays for $4.95. However, service is incredibly slow and they keep pushing to upsell you.

We passed by and the restaurant looked little, people were outside and we thought we'd have a long wait! The girl told us 15 minutes wait time unless you sit at the bar. We were hungry so we said yes to the bar. We were in Toronto for the World Series and yes we were wearing Our Dodger Hats, so everyone was teasing us about the loss of game one! It was all in fun so we went with it! We ordered and then looked around, this small place wasn't so small. It had a bar area,dining room, back room, and outside dining. It was packed and there were four people running from the bar to the dining areas, it was impressive how quickly everyone was served! Our food came and the waffle was so fluffy, tasty and topped with bananas, Nutella and yes Nutella whip cream! It was the most flavorful and perfect waffle I have had! So YUMMY!!!! The blueberry pancakes were also yummy, topped with a fresh blueberry compost and whipped cream. Throughout our meal we kept getting refills and small talk, our bar tender/ waiter was the best! He made the meal memorable. This was the perfect place for breakfast, I would definitely go again. It is a MUST GO when in Toronto!

We were seated without any mention of dog restrictions, then told to move because dogs weren't allowed in that section--even though both areas were similarly enclosed. The switch felt arbitrary and unwelcoming. Our server was indifferent, the food was bland, and the prices were high. Overall, the vibe was cold and inconsistent. Not a great spot if you're dining with a dog--or hoping for hospitality.

We had the Strawberry Waffle special they have on Thursday. Only $4.95....tasted amazing with a side of bacon. Ordered a couple lattes. Very tasty and hot. Service was great. We noticed a lot of people ordering the fried chicken on a waffle. Looked really good. For sure going back to try other dishes for dinner. Seems they have a different special every day.

Came here on Jan. 2nd because it was close to an appointment I had a little later. I've been here before but it didn't leave a lasting impression. This time it did. Just before entering I noticed the insulated heated patio just and when entering there was a good amount of seating with tables and you can also sit at the bar. The interior had hand painted walls with interesting graphics of food and food breakdowns and 3 big TVs plying the news. The service was super friendly and didn't take too long to get us started with drinks then food. Finally the food, I came in with little to no expectations and maybe that's why it was so delicious. We got the breakfast club which comes on a croissant which was a nice light eat, good amount of avocado. I wish the egg was a bit thicker and fluffier but overall really great light bite. I got it was a Cesar salad instead of the fries it usually comes with. The Cesar was really fresh, good bite size pieces of the lettuce with not an overwhelming amount of dressing, croutons, bacon and parm. The chicken club however was my favourite of the two dishes. We also subbed the fries for the Cesar salad. The focaccia was so fluffy with a nice toast where the bun has been sliced. The chicken was great, not dry and there was a good amount of bacon in it. The flavours were flavouring. I'd come back just for this sandwich or to try their beef sandwich which also caught my eye.

Well, if you are ever looking for one of the best brunch spots in Toronto, you ought to bring a bit of patience or wake up early for good reason! Known locally for their excellent environment, Old School YYZ is a testament to their commitment in serving a great brunch for the community! The brunch menu has a few set options which shows their commitment to serving a great dish for everyone! Of course, you have to order the Chicken and Waffles for the ultimate in sweet and savory! I certainly can't wait to go back soon! Be sure to make a reservation in advance!

Old School never disappoints! Each time I am in Toronto a visit to Old School is a must! The food is fun and delicious! I love their Bennys and this time I tried their smoked beef which was tender and delicious. And despite the snow outside I finished my meal with a blueberry cheesecake milkshake which was just perfect! My server was great and the atmosphere was fun and festive! I thoroughly enjoyed my Old School brunch! Thanks!

Old School was, in fact, a New School experience for me and my party. From seating to delivering their tasty food, they made a great first impression. I know only a little about the Toronto food scene, but if it's anything like the experience I had at Old School, I would be happy to return. BB

It's spacious and we got a table for 7 when we walked in on Saturday just before 11am. The blueberry pancakes which is what they're known for is ok, fluffy. The fries are very crunchy. The waffles were a bit too soft inside, the smoked beef eggs Benny is underwhelming, dry meat and not much flavour. Good for groups and a fun vibe if you're looking for decent brunch and don't want to wait in line.

My girlfriend and I decided to check out Old School to celebrate 10 years of genuine classics. Before we even got there, we were already hyped to try the Blueberry Hill pancakes and the chicken and waffles. We started off sitting outside to enjoy the weather, but were greeted by an older gentleman who, to be honest, wasn't friendly at all. For me, customer service is key, and the attitude really threw off the vibe, especially since the place wasn't even busy. We ended up moving inside, and for some reason, the same staff member kept giving us odd looks, which didn't help the experience. Now for the food...the Blueberry Hill pancakes were just okay for me, but my partner really enjoyed them. The chicken and waffles was the highlight. Chicken was seasoned well with a nice spice, and the waffle was warm with a good crisp. I do wish there was a bit more chicken on the plate though. Other than the $10 special, I'm not sure I'd rush back. The food had its moments, but the guest experience just didn't match the hype. Rating: 3.5/5

Went for their February old school prices and got their $5 blueberry hill pancakes! I've always loved this place. So cozy and very nostalgic. In spite of the cheap old school price, the service was pretty quick and the pancakes were still delicious!

Although known locally as a popular brunch spot, Old School is a great option for a cozy dinner. The space is dark but strategic lit with fun neon signs and candle lite. We came for dinner and I loved their waffle and chicken as I am a fan of sweet and savory. Friendly service that provides whatever is needed but leaves you alone to enjoy your evening. They have great dinner specials also to check out!

This is a must try! I understand why it's busy in the morning for breakfast brunch or lunch... I get it!...I had the best experience ever here. The service was great creating an inviting ambiance. The server was so nice he took his time explaining the menu and made the best recommendation ever and I got it. Amazing pancakes! I will be back soon!

Came to tried the famous blueberry pancakes. We made a reservation and table was ready when we arrived. It was pretty busy but service was really slow. It took about 15min to take our order and around 30 more minutes until we had our food. Over time we felt like our wait was prioritizing other bigger tables more than us a table of two. The blueberry pan cakes came with the butter off I assume it should have been on top. It was ok but we had better pancakes at other places in Toronto. The French onion soup was probably a big mistake. It tasted really salty and soup and I could barely finish it. The best part of our meal was the chicken and waffles. Great fried chicken on top of a crunchy and soft waffle. When getting the bill it was another challenge. After asking our waiter for the bill it took another 15 minutes and we can see him going to other tables, filling waters and chatting them up while we still waiting.

We were looking for something fun, casual, and dog friendly so Old School's patio was the perfect spot for a quick dinner. We were greeted and seated immediately on their super cute patio. We sat a few minutes to 7pm but our server was sweet enough to still offer us the happy hour options. We started with a few 5.00 shots- lol just because they were fun and we thought why not. And then ordered a mimosa and some wine. My bf got the steak dinner special which was 35.00 for steak, fries, a Caesar salad and dessert option. We figured the steak would be not great at this price but he commented on how it was surprisingly good and cooked to desire. Being a pescatarian I will note that there were not many options for me that weren't deep fried, so I opted for the veggie burger. The burger patty was delicious- also served with fries- their fries are AMAZING and worth eating something deep fried. lol For dessert we went with the cheesecake w fruit compote- simply and yummy- we devoured it! We were caught in a rain pour and the patio managed to keep us dry which was nice since with our door we didn't have the option to sit inside. I will say the service was sooooo friendly!!! They were super attentive and kind! Would definitely recommend trying this spot!

It has been a while since we last tried brunch here. As one of the rare places that take reservations for brunch, it's a great option to meet with friends. The menu has a great selection of options, and the service was quick and friendly. The pancakes were as great as we remembered - the right combination of sweet and savoury, fluffy and a generous portion. We shared a smoked beef Benedict, which was plated for sharing from the kitchen. The only annoyance - at reservation we were told that it was a 90 min table, but we were hurried out just after 70 mins. Understand that there are walk ups waiting - but in that case don't advertise as 90 mins.

Cute brunch spot! We went on a cold rainy day early in the morning in Dec. They had their outdoor enclosed patio blasting heat already and it was very toasty. The staff are also super peppy and personable--super cheerful compared to the dreary weather and the early morning hour. It was very appreciated and definitely woke us up. The food is all very tasty, not particularly complex for different but it's a solid brunch. Their smoked salmon substitute portions are also quite generous! Prices a bit higher than expected but very much fits in with the usual price you can expect from these spots. I would actually recommend their sweeter breakfast options for cute presentation and delicious food! It was just a savory day for me.

Had a great brunch at Old School on Dundas. We actually ended up sitting outside which seemed strange since it was cooler but they have a closed in patio with heaters. It was surprisingly warm and comfy. Do be prepared for a rather noisy environment during busy period but it's a great place to enjoy brunch. Their Blueberry Pancakes are great as are the Benedict's and regular breakfast. The service is friendly and servers are knowledgeable. I recommend reservations if you don't want to wait a long time. Parking is on the street and there are TTC streetcars across Dundas and Bathurst.

Very cute space with indoor/outdoor seating. Street accessible parking and very unique ambiance. Our server was really fun, since we were out of towners, he suggested a couple spots for us to check out as well. His preferences from the menu were a hit and definitely made an impact on our service. Overall, the food was really good well portioned and the mimosas kept coming. LOVED IT

I was expecting great food and instead got really tasteless and pretty disappointing everything. I got the Lazy E breakfast - the scrambled eggs were sparse with no flavor. Baked beans were straight from the can and the potatoes were so dry I couldn't finish them. Service was quiet . I come to Toronto often and this is a restaurant that will never go back to!

10/10 the food was delicious and filling! The service was great and the atmosphere is welcoming. You can sit inside or on the patios they have.

Great Toronto brunch spot, delicious eggs benedict. Try the home fries. The beet goat cheese salad was well flavored, and adding the chicken was the perfect touch. My only complaint was the volume inside, so try to eat outside weather permitting. Ask for Zach!

Went to check out Old School for their famous Blueberry Pancakes! I enjoyed the first layer with the icing and blueberries, but after that I lowkey got a little sick of it there was also bacon in between the pancakes which was quite interesting! Unfortunately not my cup of tea. However, I really enjoyed their pulled pork grilled cheese! the toast was soft yet crunchy - just the way I like it! And it comes with fries as well, though mine was a little bland and soft-ish. The Chicken & Waffles were amazing too! The chicken is coated with honey and it goes well with the waffles! Combined with maple syrup this dish is everything Their service was REALLY slow on a weekend - our food took almost an hour and asking for the bill is a challenge. However, their patio is really nice and I recommend going in the summer!

I loved my food here--yummy and piping hot! I cobbler together my breakfast: scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, and yam fries with a peach Bellini. We sat outside, where they had fun pillows and blankets underneath the outdoor heaters--a perfect place to dine this morning. Our server was really pleasant, but she didn't ever come back to check on us until someone had already cleared our plates from the table. Had the service been a notch more attentive, I would have given it a 5. I would absolutely come back for this food, though.

Tried it for the first time after keep hearing about it and seeing it all over social media. I had the blueberry pancakes and my partner had the chicken and waffle. The pancake was a little disappointing, had better ones elsewhere. I also found the bacons super stale and hard to chew. The chicken and waffle was good. Wish the waffle was more crispier. DO NOT ORDER the French onion soup, not good at all. I don't know if it's because it's a Sunday, the service was extremely slow, our waiter took a long detour before coming back to us. Even when asking for the bill, it took about 10 minutes while he was serving other newly arrived customers.

One of my favourite downtown brunch places love that they do have reso since I'm not a huge fan of waiting in a long line! Their blueberry hill is def a must try! Super moist and fluffy, and I love the blueberry preserve that comes with the pancakes it also has bacon in between and topped with a brown sugar butter Also featuring one of their OG classics, the Easy-E Breakfast featuring scrambled eggs, mushroom, Beans (my friend skipped it), Turkey sausage or bacon, and homefries Their coffee is also quite decent (love that it's brewed strong) and bottomless too Definitely would go back again in the future for more of their brunch options! Also love the staff, friendly service and atmosphere/ambience. Love the brick wall esp

First visit to Toronto and came here. I am glad I did. The food and service was great. I just wanted to try their pancakes but ended with a whole meal. I tried their avocado and egg sandwich on a croissant. I just added bacon. It was tasty. The pancakes were good but I kept getting attached my bees. There is indoor and outdoor seating. I sat on the outside because it was a lovely morning.

Very much a mixed review. Went for brunch, table for 4. The two of us that had the Blueberry Hill pancakes loved it. The two that ordered eggs Benedict thought it was just about the worst eggs Benny they've ever had. Ambience was good if you like a diner vibe with "old school" tunes which I do. Service was friendly and efficient. Prices reasonable. While I'd go back for the pancakes I'd be careful risking ordering anything else.

Loved the food and service. The Mimosa was so strong that I didn't taste Mango. I would have also liked to see more breakfast options. I would come back, and hopefully, the weather is good so I could enjoy the patio. On street parking, so it's hit or miss.

I had an absolute time at saturday brunch! I made a reservation and was seated right away. I got the drink special which was something like an autumn spritz. I loved it! I came for the blueberry hill pancakes and boy was I in for a treat. These pancakes were extremely fluffy and the blueberry sauce was unreal. Especially paired with the bacon. My friends loved the pancakes as well and the chicken & waffles were a hit. Our server was welcoming and helped up with any changes. Thank you to the Old School team!!

Bring your appetite, the servings don't disappoint. Old School has classic diner foods that make you want to order everything on the menu. The vibes are relaxed with the buzz of a neighbourhood gathering place - serendipitous run-ins and impromptu catch-up. The service is friendly and casual. It can get busy so resos are recommended.

Cute place. We walked a good 20min to this spot on a chilly but sunny Thursday morning. It's sort of near the market so we were pretty hungry once we arrived around 11:30am. I also did make a resy but didn't need it. We ordered the special which was an Egg Avocado Croissant sandwich and the famous Blueberry Hill Pancakes. Pancakes were so good! It also comes with 2 slices of bacon but we put it on the egg sandwich. I loved both dishes and the home fries - the blueberry compote and the most delish brown sugar butter on top of pancakes were a nice touch. Service was good! They offer both indoor and outdoor dining as well- Would recommend!

The coffee was good but the food was not. I got the lobster grilled cheese and there was barely any lobster in it and it was very dry as well. It is also so loud inside i was sitting across from my friend and we had to scream to hear eachother. My friend got the BLT and also mentioned it was very average and they didn't use a good quality gluten free bun.

I had the blueberry hill pancakes, really really good, there's bacon under the first layer so the bacon with the fluffiness of the pancake and the blueberry sauce all meshed very well together, I was pleasantly surprised The ambience is very quaint and it was worth every penny in my opinion

Old school has a nice location right on the corner and offers indoor and outdoor seating. It took more than an hour to get drinks for our party of seven and when they did come, they came in waves. We got our food maybe a few minutes after the first wave of drinks came in for half the table. We sat inside, and the issue was the bartender was also our server. That makes it very difficult to service the bar and to make sure your tables are taken care of on a busy Saturday. The drinks were Separ definitely nothing to brag home about. The food, same thing not much flavor, I had the I think it's called blueberry Hill, pancakes and bacon, and definitely did not exceed my expectations. I made better pancakes at home, and the bacon had no flavor. It did not look as it was advertised. I would only go back to visit this location if my first choice was not available.

I give Old School a 3.5. The staff was super lovely, very friendly which I appreciate. However, the food missed the mark for me. I ordered a latte which tasted pretty standard and then I ordered the pancakes, Blueberry Hill. I barely had any bacon in between the layers which was unfortunate but the maple butter was delicious. The pancakes itself were OK.. extremely dense and tasted like it came out of a box as opposed to a homemade recipe. I'd say check it out but don't expect it to be gourmet tasting.

Food was a bit above average but our server, Ginger, was really great! Very attentive, kind and funny. Although food wasn't anything spectacular, the patio was fun! My group shared the mimosa bucket, and the four of us each had two drinks.

Everything I ate here was the epitome of what comfort food should be. The service was friendly and funny, and the prices were reasonable. The seating outside was nice for the warmer weather when I went, especially since it was shaded. I would go back specifically for the milkshakes; they are phenomenal!

You'll find the best stack of blueberry pancakes in the city right here. The French toast is awesome too.

Food was delicious, so sweet but also savoury with the bacon in between The milkshake was so deadly, I'm usually a chocolate lover but I would take this flavour over any chocolate milkshake. We sat outside and it was a bit chilly that day, it was also super busy so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get a table! Service was great, our server had so many recommendations!

We stopped in for a cocktail in their open air bar. My friend had the feature cocktail and I had a mocktail - an Arnold Palmer. They were kind enough to add muddled fresh mint. It was fantastic. My friend lived her cocktail. We also truly appreciated the vibe, with live music and our gracious bartender Grace.

On my visit to Toronto, there were several highly rated restaurants in the area listed on Eater; and on a weekend, they were pretty much booked up, so I took a chance on this place along the same street. It was underwhelming, walking in. I was the first one in. And no one else came in while I was there, eating. Their sign said live music (Friday night), but there was no music while I was there. I tried one of their specialty drinks, an apple cider-like cocktail, and it was pretty good! Refreshing, and easy to drink, but wasn't too sugary. The menu wasn't that appealing; it's diner-centric, nothing flashy, and I just wasn't in the mood for a lot of their menu items (so that's on me), but their claim to fame is this blueberry pancake stack with bacon stacked in between, so I went for that! It was really tasty, and I can imagine it'd be spectacular, and the star of the show, for a brunch. Service definitely was attentive - our waitress was training someone, and we had their undivided attention since we were the only ones in the restaurant.