Patrician Grill

I used to come here about 12 years ago when I worked downtown Toronto. I would come in for breakfast before work. It was always amazing. I now live in Ohio, but I have been itching to come back and show my girlfriend this iconic place. As always the food was amazing. Hospitality was even better. Amazing diner food at great prices. If you are in Toronto, please stop in. We got burgers this time (amazing!) we will be back for breakfast.

If i show you a finished plate, that means it was prettyy tasty! I was looking for a breakfast, I got recommended to check this grill. Hearing about its history and successes. I went to check it out. It has history. The wall, decor, its food has history. I kinda felt I was brought back to 1952 sort of haha. The employees and owners were pretty nice too. It was nice eating there!

Food was good, coffee was good and friendly service. Don’t across old fashion dinners anymore. Try it!

This might be my new favourite spot in Toronto. Delicious all-day breakfast, very friendly staff and it has a wonderful old-school diner feel to it that just made me happy to be there.

If you are not normal and woke and take offense to everything - dont come here. This diner has the most amazing club sandwich I have ever had. Have had various meals here throughout the years and each have been great. Old school diner never disappoints. Terry and his brother-in-law are awesome people - very kind and friendly

Everything you could ever want from a Diner! Perfectly uncomplicated delicious menu and service that makes you feel right at home. I Walked in on a slow afternoon to jazz music and a couple regulars chatting away with the staff. Couldn’t have asked for a better Diner experience. If i lived in Toronto this would easily become my go to Diner.

100% old school diner vibes. Came here on a Saturday morning at around 11am and was able to get a booth seat for 2 immediately. I saved this place on my list of places to try after seeing it on blogto's 100 must try list. We ordered the staple banquet burger deluxe and our clubhouse. Both were really good, but also not mind blowing. Great portions and reasonable prices. Would recommend and come back for a classic breakfast. Note: prices include taxes and CASH ONLY

I'm crazy about Patrician Grill. Always loved the diner concept. It's very local, like know your regulars (customers), and all that. The owner has that dry wit and he's friendly as heck. I always go for the 3 eggs with sausage (or ham or bacon), and this is the only place that consistently gets my preferred runny scrambled eggs. They're cash only but have an ATM just in case.

Enjoyed breakfast with family on a a long weekend trip. Each of us got different items on the menu. The service was fast at the counter and we could see meals being made. I enjoyed the old school vibe and modern mix with unique paintings for sale on the wall it's a must stop if you are in the area.

Service was strong but food was very disappointing, especially for the price. Seemed like the breakfast was cooked in advance and reheated for service.

I've been a few times and like the classic diner feel. The club sandwich is good and the breakfast too. I always see this soul waitress and she is very nice courteous. I also see, I assume the owner, at the register and this odd guy call the server a b***ch. I don't know for what but it seemed like she gave someone a wrong item. I don't think it was a joke because she wasn't laughing. I was going to get in the man's face but asked the server if she was OK. She said he doesn't mean it. I said are you sure? She said yes. I left her a tip ​and gave the man a fake smile because I didn't want him to think she did anything wrong. When he asked if everything was good. I said yes I like the service. Then walked away. If I hear him say that to an employee again I'm going to do more than give a fake smile.

Heads up, cash only, but an awesome restaurant. Not too many gritty diners like this around the GTA. Great deals for breakfast before 11 am.

The dining area isn't fancy but comfortable, the well-padded vinyl banquettes overlooks the kitchen and if you really want to be where the action is, there's a row of stools for couples and single diners. What makes the kitchen's proximity great is everything arrives fresh and hot. The fluffy vegetarian omelette ($11.75) was packed with diced tomatoes, onion, green pepper and enough cheese to give it that signature gooey pull. With a choice of home fries, French fries, or mashed potatoes (yes, it can be a hearty breakfast), we're advised the home fries are cut in house and then the diced pieces are slowly cooked over the flat top developing a golden crust without feeling greasy. I ate every single piece. Interestingly, breakfasts also come arrive with a small cup of coleslaw, the vinaigrette based greens adding a nice refreshing crunch and splash of acid against the heavier breakfast. As a table, we decided to forgo the toast that comes with breakfast and shared an ordered of cinnamon French toast ($10.50) for dessert. It was an amazing idea as a slice of the custardy hot toast was an ideal sweet ending. They're also thin enough that it wasn't too filling. If only it was served with maple syrup, instead of the thick artificial corn syrup variety, it would be even better.

Ambiance: like I've travelled back in time a couple decades. Most customers (when I was eating there) were old AND greeted like regulars - I got a shot of serotonin everytime a new (but old) customer would come in, greeted by a belted welcoming by the front man. I felt pretty alive in a dead era. Food: I got the french toast. Beautifully made, soft and slightly ooey centres with a slight bite on the crust. Topped with icing sugar sprinkled on the bread, and around a wide, white, ovular plate. The white contrasts the pale yellow and oranges like my iPhone 13 sitting on a 1950s table. Price: I guess I can understand why it's patrician, cus IMO, its pretty expensive. Their french toast tasted fabulous, but an over 10$ price range for 3 pieces of toast sliced diagonally is pretty gnarly. Coffee (bottomless) itself is on the cheaper side of breakfast spots though. Beware: Cash Only, but I guess it's appropriate with the theme 3.5/5 rounded down for overprice

Patrician Grill is a real diner that's been around forever and serves comfort food like club sandwiches, burgers, omelettes, bacon and eggs and so on. Food quality is great and I love their burgers and fries with coleslaw. Service is fast and friendly, so good for breakfast on the way to work or a good sit down lunch. Mid twentieth century Toronto decor is warm and comforting. No pretension here! There are not many places like this left so I enjoy it whenever I'm in the area.

The food is just okay, and it's cash only. There are no signs saying cash only, and no one tells you that when you sit down. It's clearly deceptive, so customers find out only after they eat.

I bumped this up from a 3 star to a 4 star review because of the ambiance - old school all the way! Came here hungry and the time travel to the 70's diner made the experience that much better. Nothing fancy, just the old favourites reliably prepared and served just like they used to. No surprises, just good food and an entertaining mix of staff and clients. Enjoy!

Classic, old school diner. Friendly/fast service, and a speedy kitchen. Definitely recommended for any greasy spoon cravings-- don't understand why they'd be closed on a Sunday though, since that's prime brunch time.

The best food! Very nice people! Nice and cozy finer. Definitely recommend. I got the western omelette. Great taste and portion size. Tasted like homemade food.

Stumbled upon this place while searching for some hangover breakfast food, and couldn't have found anywhere better! The inside is pretty small and has a classic diner vibe going on. The grill and cooks are right behind the counter and cook everything great and fast. I ended up ordering a cheese omelette with a side of poutine, and both were cooked exactly how I like it. It is a little pricier than what you would normally pay for breakfast, but you're in downtown Toronto so it's expected. Great classic diner, I'll for sure be coming back!

I love supporting local businesses and the Patrician Grill fits that bill. Breakfast anytime, great burgers and good, hearty food all around. I've been going a few years and the owners are great. Always a warm welcome. It's cash only so be prepared!

This is a true hidden gem in Old Toronto. A family run old school no nonsense diner. Bacon and eggs, hearty sandwiches, amazing onion rings, and lots of other amazing comfort food options. It's not fancy, but that's exactly the point! They close early so this place definitely caters to the breakfast / lunch crowd, and don't forget to bring cash - No debit or credit cards accepted at The Grill!

Just moved to the area and very thankful for little gem! Went in on a Saturday morning and even though it's busy and full, I didn't have too much trouble getting a spot because everything moves quick. The inside is so cute and old school, and the booths are great for big parties but also just if you wanna go in for a bite by yourself. Food came quick and was good. The bacon is amaaaaazing. Only thing I wish were different were the coffee cups were so small! But they refill often :) Will be back for sure.

My first review was a bit amateurish, so I feel like i need to revive and revamp this review so here we go, second review (don't remember how many times I been here 4?) I had the breakfast special once again 3 eggs, toast, home fries and coffee all 8.75 including tax. That was probably the best thing about this. Eggs: I had them over easy, thou too much of fried egg and not enough run with yolk, they were decent after I add salt and pepper. They werent bad but they werent the best eggs I had so 3/5 there Home Fries As people have read in my past reviews of breakfast places, the home fries are what usually the issue, either they are really good like I have had at The Bus Terminal or bad like I have had at Egg Smart. Here I would put it on better end of the scale they were good, decent and i didn't hate them 3/5 Sausage This is what is probably the most disappointing, i felt like I was eating a breakfast sausage drom the frozen section of the supermarket. Atleast it tasted good but it wasnt anything special 2/5 And there was coffee and toast. No issue there. So that why I would give this place a 3 plus .5 for price so 3.5/5

This is a great-looking little diner, but it's sadly lacking in a few respects. When I go to a diner I don't expect to pay over twenty dollars for a club house sandwich with fries. I also expect some jam or honey to go with my toast (should have been Texas toast) if I order bacon and eggs, and I'm fairly certain those 'home fries' were frozen, again something I wouldn't expect in a top notch diner. Tepid water for tea in those awful clunky metal containers drives me crazy too. And cash only? Stupid. This is mediocre diner fare at best and with prices higher than any other diner I know in Toronto except perhaps The Senator, why bother going back?

If you're wandering around king east on a cloudy Saturday morning after an especially rough night with your friend Vodka then this diner is for you. The staff is pleasant, the diner is greasy and the food hits the spot. In terms of breakfast selection it's pretty bare bones from your egg/bacon/toast options, omelettes, or breakfast sandwiches. The sales tax is included in the menu price. A breakfast for 2 with coffee came to 23$ inclusive of tax. They only take cash here so hope you didn't spend it all the night before.

As far as diners in Toronto go, this is one of the best. Popped in for a cheap lunch after spending way too much on furniture a few blocks away and we were not disappointed. I got the Patrician sandwich which is a pumped up BLT with cheese and an extra slice of mayonnaised white bread in the middle. It comes with their house slaw, and it's a god damned masterpiece. If you like comfy plastic booths, surly men who know their way around a griddle and the smell of bacon in the air, this place is for you. If you want to pay $23 for an eggs Benny with a whimsical twist, you and Patrician probably won't jive.

Cool neighborhood coffee shop that's not open at night or on Sundays. If you're looking for a greasy breakfast joint for eggs and bacon, this is it. this is not a place for fancy brunch with your girl.

Hugely underrated and a true Toronto institution. I was hesitant to dine here the first time I came across it, but I'm glad I went in. A true, old school diner with great food. Nothing fancy, just the classics, like burgers, sandwiches, and all the staple breakfast items. Go for the classic breakfast - eggs, meat, potatoes, toast, and coffee and your day is made. Excellent atmosphere, clean throughout, and beyond amazing staff.

Just like the menu says - nothing fancy since 1953 and it's perfection. Ordered The Patrician special with salad. Beautiful and delicious. Bottomless coffee as a great diner would have. I'm full and happy.

Not a bad breakfast just nothing special, the eggs are what you would expect from anywhere else the bacon is nice and crispy the sausage was a little to soft for me I like it to be a more well done. All in all I had the the 3 eggs breakfast special with coffee for roughly $9-10 The meal felt a little smaller compared to other places.

Good inexpensive breakfast, comfy booths. On King Street on the way to work. Parking on King permitted after 9a. Great service!

Best Turkey Club in Canada - seriously. Great spot for lunch while on the King East strip. Really good food, classic setting and friendly staff. Old school awesome - kale eaters need not apply.

We went for late breakfast on Saturday, it was not too busy, great ambiance - not noisy, nice lively jazz playing quietly in background. As for the food, oh man we got stuffed. These portions are big but not that large that you cannot finish. I got greek omelette with home fries - home fries are amazing, omelette is bit bland but pretty tasty (I guess I would've made something like that at home). My partner just swallowed his three eggs with steak which he had medium raw and was impressed with it. I also got chocolate milkshake that a nice waiter refilled free of charge:) And we shared pancakes. Nothing spectacular but for that price, and with super friendly, easy going customer service, I will definitely come there again. Highly recommend for breakfast and/or brunch. They have homemade apple pie and homemade rice pudding - I was eyeing those and will definitely try next time.

This place is kind of an establishment on King East. A place that ppl will fight tooth and nail for if they are ever threatened to go out of business. It also has really mediocre food. But it's that kind of old school, surly customer service that you kind of love/hate from a diner that has been there since forever. Fairly affordable, but definitely not the most affordable in the area Alright, definitely not the worst or best in the area. A place you kind of both love- b/c of the old diner experience and hate- because of the old diner experience. Worth going either once or being a regular at- if you get what I'm saying. I'll stick with once.

Sitting in a booth at the Patrician Grill is kind of like being on a roller coaster. Somewhat cramped, a little uncomfortable and you're never sure exactly what's coming down the line. I've eaten here dozens of times over the years, and have had some really good experiences and some not so great ones. The menu is expected - regular greasy spoon/diner fare, with no real extra surprises. The one thing that never fails to amaze me is that the fries taste so so so eerily like McDonald's. My go-to grilled cheese is definitely decent here and everything else I've tried has also been diner tasty. The service is friendly and wait times vary depending on how busy they are. The one thing I really hate about this place (like many other diners) is that you leave the place reeking of grease. There is nothing I hate more than walking around for the rest of the day with my hair smelling like I just took a bath in bacon and eggs. The atmosphere is fun and makes you wish you were walking out into Toronto 50 years ago - but only if you weren't so gosh darn stinky.

I'm writing this update WITHOUT reading my previous review. The Patrician was the first stop in what has ended up being a 2 1/2 year long, weekly breakfast get together with friends. We've been to almost 120 different places, all of which qualify as greasy spoons, or they at least offer a greasy spoon style breakfast. Authentic greasy spoons or diners are our priority, but we are running out of those. This update springs from a new perspective...that of someone who has a bit of experience in this department...and over 100 other places to compare it to. The Patrician is an authentic greasy spoon. Built in the 50's and run by the same family since 1967, this place is great. It's got a lunch counter with an open grill, and a number of booths. Coffee was offered before we were even seated, and the server/owner was very friendly and efficient. The eggs were done perfectly (over easy, and sunny side up) and I'm told by my comrades that the bacon was "above average". Average bacon, but cooked perfectly. Crisp, but not dried out...and very flat. The toast was standard, Wonder-style brown bread, home fries pretty good, and the coffee was about average. It's the authentic vibe that makes this place. If you are trying to find traditional Toronto greasy spoons, add this one to your list.

Authentic diners have achieved dinosaur status in the city. Within the last few years, popular greasy spoons have been forced to close their doors with only a few surviving members, one of them is the Patrician Grill. Opened since the late 60s, the Patrician Grill offers no frills in its decor and food. Quick and simple meals are found on the menu in the family-owned and run establishment. Sit at the counter to watch the cooks create your meal or retreat in one of the leather booths while sipping your morning coffee. All day breakfasts are a popular order, as well as homemade burgers and their classic BLT sandwich, which is cheap and full of flavour. Local business people and college students from nearby George Brown flock here for no-nonsense comfort food. "Eat here, diet at home" is the motto at the Patrician Grill and is practiced daily by its loyal patrons.

I think in order to really appreciate this place, one needs to be a frequent visitor/resident/employee in the King East area. There's really nothing spectacular about the Patrician, yet it remains somewhat of an institution for those in the area. Terry, the owner, is a charming, yet abrasive individual who remembers his regulars and appreciates his customers. The rest of the staff are friendly and accommodating to their clientele and offer a friendly neighborhood experience that you don't always find this close to the downtown core anymore. The interior of the place doesn't look like it's changed since the place opened some 40 years ago, which definitely adds to the appeal. I think the nostalgia and friendly environment keeps the locals loyal and excited about their mediocre, greasy spoon offerings. And considering their very reasonable prices, that's more than enough reason for me to keep going back again and again.

This is a greasy spoon folks, everyone knows what that means. The breakfast is cheap and good. There is one guy trying to serve everyone coffee and breakfast so relax. I'm giving this 4 stars for being one of the last true diners in the city. **don't expect anything but booths and simple food. If you go here expecting more, I don't want to hear your complaints. :D **

Totally a dive, and totally awesome! We stumbled in here just before it closed on Saturday at 2pm. The place is an old-school diner with a menu that has all the basics you'd expect in such a place. I had the grilled chicken on greek salad ($11), and it was super yummy and surprisingly filling. Good portions. My friend had an omellete platter, and his food was equally cheap and tasty. 2 meals with 2 drinks came to $22, plus tip. Great value!!

I can't stress enough how bad this experience was. In a city with so many options, do yourself a favor and go anywhere else. I tried to order a grilled bacon and egg sandwich, which is on the menu and he told me he couldn't do that. Without cheese it wouldn't stick together. (The menu item didn't have cheese). So, I am a good sport. "Okay, thanks for the recommendation. Bacon, egg and cheese then." He charged $1 extra for that cheese. Making my sandwich $7. Someone else asked if the egg in their sandwich could be scrambled instead of fried. He said "maybe." There is only 1 other customer in the restaurant, not table of customers--just one old man. My husband wanted decaf coffee. The had instant. I ordered tea. It was the sweetest syrup-y poured from a bottle of tetley that I could imagine. One sip. I didn't drink it. $2.25 wasted. The bathroom downstairs is something to experience. You have to duck to get in. Clean though.

Great breakfasts at a good price. All cooked to order. Best bacon in TO. Home fries are fried on the flat top and delicious too. as far as greasy spoons go this is one of the best. Interesting staff / owners with some character.

This is a very laid back, traditional greasy spoon diner. It seems a bit like time has stopped. This diner definitely has some edge compared with the posh furniture shops nearby. The food and service are straightforward. A cheese burger tastes just like a cheese burger should. Actually the customers seemed very non-fancy too. Keeping it simple, great!

Breakfast is cheap at $8.75 taxes in for 3 eggs, 3 sausages, potatoes, toast and coffee. We received our food quickly but never checked up on. No offer for more coffee or juice refill. Whoever served us didn't really make eye contact with us when we ordered but seemed friendly and social with others in the restaurant who were regulars. Its a nice, nostalgic establishment with simple food, just wish they gave us more of an experience to come back. Cash only. There's a sign that says "ATM" but I didn't see the machine.

Discovered this place when I had an hour to kill. It is amazing to see a place like this still going strong in this neighbourhood. As far as greasy spoons go this place is tops in my book. It is pretty much what you hope for when you walk through the door. Coming back here soon and often

I'd like to go with it higher but I can't... The price is great for the breakfast (it's all I've had their) I mean for being on King St I appreciate theyve maintained the greasy spoon price... But don't expect quality service, same guy (assuming owner) but he gets the job done so I won't complain... I will however negativity comment on the cleanliness and fruit flies... I stopped going for that reason.

Perfect Diner food with a great breakfast! Western was perfect - coffee always topped up.

Jaaaaaaaaaysus. Dat burger was so good I had to get me One to go! Quick and friendly service, definitely coming back!

We found this breakfast restaurant on Yelp! And wasn't disappointed. It was exactly as described: quick, affordable, and greasy! We chose this diner as it was close to our hotel and was inexpensive. we both ate for under $25 tip included. Highly recommend if in the area and want a hearty breakfast for a fair price!

This place is a gem. How many authentic diners are left? Good food and good service at very reasonable prices. It deserves 4.5 stars.

Great little Italian diner perfect for an easy breakfast or a delicious burger. We got the burger (yes it's homemade) and the breakfast special. Cheap and delicious. Efficient service. Great posters on the wall :) sit at the counter and get the real diner experience. Don't miss out on the coleslaw either!

Tried it for breakfast today, can't say I was at all impressed. The server was kind of pushy and had pretty sarcastic answers, and not in a charming way. They don't refill soda, even though they have it on fountain. Weird. I asked for a glass of water, which she never brought. Eventually had to get up and take a glass and water pitcher back to our table. They forgot to give my companion his toast, it sat on the counter until we had basically finished our meal. I love diners, but I could do without going back here.

Not a whole ton of variety but the food is quite good. For about $2, you get a big plate of onion rings! Staff are really nice and friendly. There are lots of old Hollywood posters on the walls, giving the diner a vintage, all-American vibe. Sucks that it's cash only but it adds to the diner's old-school charm.

Don't come here with food allergies. We're regulars here and they made a mistake today by putting cheese on my husbands burger after I specifically ordered no dairy. Hey scraped the cheese off and reserved it. Cheap. What's worse is when we told them the waitress asked if it would be ok to scrape it off!! We were embarrassed FOR HER. Never been bold faced asked that before and we've dined at some dives. UNREAL THAT THEY ASKED AND THEN ACTUALLY DID IT. Now my husband is sick. Allergies are as real their ignorant asses.

One of the things I love most about my job is it's across the street from the Patrician. Classic Toronto diner. If you do diner you can't go wrong here.

3.5 stars. I don't have much to say about this place...this is a open kitchen operation, and most of the customers here are from the neighborhood. I came here for brunch...everything is just mediocre...my tables and water glass are not shining. My fish and chips is just not worth of my hard-work money.