Fran's Restaurant — Restaurant in Toronto

Fran’s is the kind of place you end up at more than you plan to. It’s 11pm. You’ve survived a Raptors game, a Tinder date, or your own thoughts. And there it is—lit up like a beacon of bad decisions and bottomless coffee.

The menu reads like a love letter to cholesterol. Eggs, bacon, pancakes, burgers that haven’t changed in a decade—and shouldn’t. The signature here isn’t innovation. It’s reliability. You don’t come to Fran’s to be surprised. You come because you know the waffles will be crispy-edged and drowning in syrup, and that somehow feels like a home away from home.

But let’s talk real.

Prices? They’ve crept up. It’s diner food with a downtown tax and you’re left doing the mental gymnastics of whether nostalgia is worth an extra $3. (Spoiler: most nights, it is.)

The staff? A roll of the dice. One night, you’ll get someone who treats you like a regular even if it’s your first time. Another night, your server will vanish like they’re dodging a warrant. It’s not personal—it’s just Fran’s.

The floors could be cleaner. The walls could use a little less grime and a little more soul. Ketchup bottles shouldn’t be crusted shut like ancient relics from the condiment underworld. And if I’m being honest, the place sometimes smells like yesterday’s fries and ambition.

But still—I like it. I like that it’s there. That it doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. Fran’s is diner theatre. A backdrop of weirdos, loners, lost tourists, and locals who are hungry and want a reliable meal.

So here’s some unsolicited advice from the ghost of late-night dining:

Clean the place like Gordon Ramsay’s about to walk in with a camera crew. Because people notice. Teach the staff to smile like they mean it—even if they don’t. Diner service is 50% food, 50% charm. Charge us downtown prices? Then give us downtown dignity. Wipe the table, refill the coffee, and pretend like the Rye and butter is made with some care.

Fran’s will probably never win awards. But it wins in ways that matter—late-night cravings, greasy comfort, and the quiet satisfaction of a hot breakfast when the...

Before covid this place was great. I had to be at st Michaels for a family member who is very sick. I thought some good old comfort food from Frans would help me smile. Wow I had to ask few times if there was a server. The girl who sat me said sit and wait. WOW ! So few minutes later waitress asked are yuh ready to order ? lol yes a while ago. Then while being served a man came to the waitress and said that that was his table she said do you want to take over. Wow !! The first coffee was great I was tired up for many hours I did enjoyed it. After a while I was asked if I wanted another coffee. Yes please. Well I had to add three milk as it was old coffee not good at all . The eggs Benny that used to be great had little sauce and no lemon as well the fruit was hard inedible shame !! Ok but you know what your service sucks and your food is 3 rd rated. Do not go here. Senator up the street way better. Close down stop shaming a good memory. Your workers suck and are rude to be honest. Worst experience !!! Avoid oh and that’s not all I had to ask to pay. And was told by greeter to sit and wait. I am 60 years old. That was a disgusting way to be treated. I even gave 18 % tip making my bill over $23.00 for garbage. So upset how you people are ruining our good spots to eat. So selfish.Just ate at the Senator Restaurant one block from Fran’s. Amazing food service 5 star. Worth the walk. Just north of Fran’s on Victoria. Best ever. And you will leave aiming not disappointed like crapy Fran’s ew. So bad there. I heard from my brother a few years ago a rat walked through the place....

I've been going to Frans since I was in highschool. Every night out I would always take my friends to Frans as its open 24hours. I've been to Frans and always had a good or decent experience. Last week my cousin and I went to Dennys but shortly after we sat down and ate Nachos I mentioned Frans to her and she said lets go there since they offer Chicken & waffles. I ordered a waffle that was under cooked with scrambled eggs, bacon and caramelized "apples". When the food came their was 1 small slice of apple on top of the bacon and no other apple in sight. The menu said apples so I was very disappointed, aside from the waffle being under cooked and the 1 slice of caramelized apple, the bacon was dried out completely it was like biting a cracker, the eggs were to wet for me on the inside. The whole meal was very disappointing, I tried to eat it but just couldn't. The waiter came and asked if everything was okay when I asked for the bill. He gave me $4 off my bill, and didn't bother to ask if there was anything else I'd like to try on the menu. Aside from the food, my cousin and I saw the cook/chef eating while cooking in the back which i thought was very unprofessional. I guess that should of been our que to leave before the food came. I normally don't write reviews unless the service and food is at an all time low. It's sad I really used to love this place but after this experience I wont be returning. I live downtown with my family and friends and I wont be recommending this place to...