Times Square Diner — Restaurant in Toronto

Went for lunch. The atmosphere and old vibe was very cool when we walked in. Then it took us 5 minutes to get menus, then we had two waiters try to take our drink orders. Then we ordered with one guy, he put our orders in, and the other one comes over with a notebook to take our orders. These two were working the same area, so could’ve easily communicated like “Hey, that’s your table, that’s my table,” but no, we just kept getting asked everything twice.

At some point when the place started emptying out closer to 1pm, the music got turned off and it was just quiet and dreary in there.

I got the Canadian burger (on top of which I had to pay $5 for a rather below average sized plate of plain fries), and it was absolutely drenched in grease. The bun and whole burger totally fell apart after 4-5 bites and was just a disaster. It was quite obvious that everything from the peameal bacon to the beef patty to even the fries were frozen. Fries were tasteless, as was much of the burger.

My dad wanted to get chicken wings, but wasn’t willing to pay $19 for what they called “6-8 wings,” so he got chicken fingers for the same price…he got 4 chicken fingers on the plate. They were insanely greasy as well.

Then we asked the one waiter for vinegar and two Cokes. We waited about 5 minutes before the other waiter walked by and we asked him to check on it, to which he replied, “Well since he’s not your server, I will get that myself for you,” with a not-understood attitude. Then he took about 5 more minutes and we were halfway done our meals by the time the vinegar arrived with our $3 cans of pop.

This all came to $57 with a less than 10% tip. The people posting good reviews must’ve gotten the breakfast, because it sounds decent. The actual food is Kitchen Nightmares quality though. As is the service. And the Tuesday-afternoon-at-a-library vibe.

Go at...

I’ve been going to Times Square since 2001. I can’t recall ever having a negative experience. Everyone I’ve recommended the restaurant to has always thanked me for it. Some of the 1 star comments and reviews are surprising to me, but I can’t argue with someone’s person experience. Peter is a great chef. I’ve built a friendly relationship with him over the years, and it is reflected in his service. He lets me know when he has the best fish for fish & chips, or when he picks up prime rib. I’ve had almost everything on the menu, but my ‘go-to’ is always the peameal on a bun, which could easily make two sandwiches (ask to have it cut in half). My second is the prime rib on a bun. Peter will usually serve a nice bone on the side. I’ve always found the portions to be generous, and the price is a little on the high end, but nothing is ‘average’ price at most restaurants. The service can be inconsistent, depending on who you get. But I’ve never been treated rudely or had an awkward moment with any of the servers. Worst case scenario has been slow service with one particular server who shall remain nameless. I’m a big fan of Times Square. I’m sorry to the people who have had a bad experience, but it just means less people to crowd the place, so I can continue to enjoy it. To the person who complained about the ‘COVID police’ who continued checking vaccine passports after mandates were lifted, remember that it’s a private establishment, and some of the people who work there have serious health complications, where getting COVID might be fatal to them. I know this for a fact. Too bad that person fails to think outside the little box they...

I've been coming to this diner for almost two years. It's relatively cheap and the food is very good, so it's the best option for breakfast in my area. Today, my partner and I decided to come for brunch. The food, as always, was great. Better yet, the servers were extremely kind and all-around lovely gentlemen.

We finish our food, the servers clear our table; and instead of chatting, my partner and I decide to play a game of cards. Mind you, it's a Thursday and we're here just past lunchtime so the diner is quite empty.

Less than two minutes after our food is cleared, we're pulling out the cards and shuffling the deck when suddenly this old white guy comes out of the kitchen to tell us to stop playing cards.

Mind you, I work in the service industry - and I've had to kick out my fair share of customers for doing things against the store's policy, but I really can't see how two paying customers playing a game of cards when the restaurant is empty is a problem.

We would have spent about the same amount of time idly chatting as we would have to play the game - worse yet: had we not been so suddenly uprooted, we probably would have spent even more money on drinks.

It's a real shame because I truly do love this place: but I think I will have to find a new breakfast spot. It isn't about the interrupted card game as much as it is about the principle. If you're looking for a quick spot to eat, this is the place for you - god forbid however that you choose to read a book or play a little game after the meal. If an old white guy comes by and asks you to take it somewhere else, don't argue! Just pay your...