If your idea of the perfect breakfast is a bowl of mixed berry muesli, lightly toasted brioche with English marmalade and a cup of herbal tea, then the Patrician Grill is NOT the place for you! But, if you're looking for traditional comfort food in an authentic diner setting, all for a great price, then you'll feel right at home here.

The Patrician Grill is truly a family affair. Started by patriarch Louis Papas way back in 1967, son Terry is now captain of the ship. Gruff and warm at the same time, what Terry lacks in polish, he makes up for in personality. Ask what kind of jam they have and Terry's answer is "Red". Ask for rye toast instead of white or wheat and get laughed at. And trust us, you don't want to ask for your eggs poached.

One visit and you immediately feel like part of the gang. Uncle Bill, brother-in-law Chris, nephew Anthony and Dad Louis who still checks in twice a week to make sure things are being done the "right way" (his way), are all busy kibitzing behind the counter.

You get the idea that nothing has changed here since the beginning - same counter, same grill, same vinyl booths, same great music on the stereo and same plastic menus full of the classic diner favourites that we all love.

All-day breakfasts are always a hit. Eggs, bacon, toast, hash brown potatoes, pancakes... Why is it that eggs and bacon taste so much better sitting in a diner than they do when you make it at home?

Not in the mood for breakfast? Burgers ($5.50) are deliciously retro, with no fancy toppings here, just the basics. The Club Sandwich ($7.45) is a piece of purist perfection - three slices of toast (white or wheat), crisp bacon, ripe tomato, cool lettuce and real roasted turkey breast, served with coleslaw and irresistible french fries. This gets our vote for T.O.'s best Club, hands down.

Other diner classics showcase the best of American comfort food - hot turkey sandwiches, liver and onions, grilled cheese, homemade rice pudding and every Friday, for as long as anyone can remember, meatloaf with gravy, mashed potatoes and corn niblets.

But what really makes the Patrician one of a kind is the free floor show that comes with every meal. After so many years, Terry and the boys have their shtick finely tuned. Get too picky ordering and Terry is quick to tell you, "Just 'cause I'm wearing an apron doesn't mean I'm your mother."

Then brother-in-law Chris pipes in, "Yo Terry, aren't I the son your Pop always wanted?" "Stop busting my chops," replies Terry. Then Uncle Bill says... "well, you get the idea."

So come on down and join the gang at the Patrician Grill. They are open Monday to Saturday for breakfast and lunch. And remember, we warned you, don't ask for your eggs poached!

The Patrician Grill
219 King Street East
Toronto, Ontario
Phone: 416.366.4841