Chew Chew Grill — Restaurant in Toronto

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Chew Chew Diner, a charming establishment that took me back in time with its old-school ambiance and mouthwatering menu. Nestled in a cozy corner of town, this diner provided an unforgettable experience that left me craving for more.

First and foremost, the corned beef sandwich at Chew Chew Diner was an absolute delight. The thinly sliced, tender corned beef was stacked generously between two slices of perfectly toasted rye bread, creating a sandwich that oozed with flavor and nostalgia. The combination of the rich, savory meat and the tangy mustard was simply irresistible. It's a must-try for any sandwich lover.

What truly impressed me about Chew Chew Diner was their all-day breakfast menu. With a plethora of options, I found myself spoiled for choice. The variations of ham they offered were truly outstanding, and each dish was prepared with care and attention to detail. Whether it was a classic ham and eggs or a creative twist on the traditional breakfast platter, the quality and taste were consistently exceptional.

The diner's atmosphere was another standout feature. Stepping into Chew Chew Diner felt like entering a time capsule, with its retro decor and cozy booths. The vintage signage, checkered floors, and nostalgic memorabilia created a warm and inviting ambiance that transported me to a bygone era. It was a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

The staff at Chew Chew Diner deserve special recognition. The moment I walked through the door, I was greeted with genuine warmth and hospitality. The waitstaff were attentive, friendly, and went out of their way to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Their knowledge of the menu was impressive, and they were more than happy to provide recommendations and answer any questions I had.

While my experience at Chew Chew Diner was undeniably fantastic, I felt that there was room for improvement. The menu could benefit from a wider range of options beyond breakfast and sandwiches. Including more diverse dishes would provide even more variety for diners seeking something different. Additionally, it would be wonderful to see some vegetarian or vegan options added to cater to a wider range of dietary preferences.

In conclusion, Chew Chew Diner is a delightful spot that transports you to a bygone era. The delicious corned beef sandwich and extensive breakfast offerings are definite highlights, while the nostalgic atmosphere and exceptional staff make for a memorable dining experience. With a few tweaks to the menu, this charming diner has the potential to become an even more sought-after destination for both locals and visitors alike. I highly recommend giving Chew Chew Diner a try – you won't be...

This was my first time visiting this restaurant, and the experience was, unfortunately, disappointing. When my mother and I arrived around 1 p.m. on a Saturday, we were greeted by a hostess who quickly seated us at the back, where there were five tables in total; four two-seaters and one four-seater. We were initially placed at a table cramped against the wall, but we politely asked the young woman serving us if we could move to another spot once it was cleaned. She happily accommodated our request, which I appreciated.

As we settled in, I noticed that the other four tables began filling up, all with white patrons. Since moving to Canada, I’ve become more aware of how many ethnic or non-white people are around me in certain spaces, especially restaurants, because it often reveals differences in how people are treated. Unfortunately, this visit was one of those times where the contrast was hard to ignore.

The young lady (who wasn’t white) took our order and was friendly, but I noticed that every other table was being served by a man. Throughout our meal, he frequently checked in on the other tables; refilling drinks, asking how things were, and ensuring everyone was satisfied. Meanwhile, he completely ignored our table, even as he passed by multiple times.

At one point, a woman at the table behind us sneezed without covering her face, and the same server immediately went over to ask if she was okay and whether they needed anything else. Yet he never once checked in on us, refilled our coffee, or cleared our plates once we finished eating.

We shared the Conductor’s Breakfast, which was fine and fairly priced. However, when it came time to pay, the same pattern continued. The table behind us finished around the same time, and the male server promptly brought their bill and card machine. He even glanced over at us but made no effort to assist. We eventually had to call the young lady back to ask for our cheque.

By the time we were leaving, even the hostess (who made eye contact with me) seemed to deliberately avoid engaging. It left me with an uncomfortable feeling.

Overall, while the prices were reasonable and the food was okay, the service and atmosphere made me feel unwelcome. If I’m spending my money somewhere, I expect at the very least to feel respected. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case here. Unless the staff are trained to treat all customers with the same courtesy, I wouldn’t...

Update posted April 2024 Has been closed since before mid-February 2024..see photo posted by another reviewer.

• Original Review Posted August 2023* Have been a loyal customer for over 2 decades but no longer. Since new owners took over, Prices have sky rocketed. May be okay for the Breakfast or Brunch crowd, but for takeout orders it's utterly ridiculous! For a once loved neighbourhood "greasy spoon" diner it seems those days are over. It seems to cater to the Breakfast & Brunch crowd and everyone else be damned. A couple months ago an elderly friend went there to get a slice of Pecan pie to take home to enjoy with her dinner. She paid over $7 for the tiniest sliver of pie that barely filled a teaspoon. There was more whipped cream (2 dollops) in the takeout container than pie. Today I had a friend pickup a takeout order for 3 Small Salads (price was raised a little over a year ago, when new owner took over, from $4.95 to $6.95)... I was shocked to see they have raised their price yet again to $9.99 each!!! For a SMALL SALAD!!! They also "forgot" to put any dressing on any of them.. so i just paid $36.87 (w/tax & a $3 tip the p/u person left) for 3 small Dry Salads. Now this may seem trivial to some folks.. but this neighbourhood is not a high income area of Toronto. We are just south of St Jamestown, on one corner from the Diner is Dixon Hall, another has a large church with a food bank & many other Low income services, Allan Gardens is very close by with a large homeless population. Many people in the neighbourhood are living on Pensions, Disability, and other forms of fixed incomes. I think Chew Chews days are limited. If they keep going on the path they are currently travelling, with high prices and inconsistant service/food quality, they will not last long in this neighbourhood. They have already lost many of their loyal Customers, who kept their business alive during the pandemic shutdowns, who are no longer able to afford to eat there. Save your money and walk a couple blocks over to Parliament Street where there are some nice restaurants that will give u better quality food & service at a decent &...