What’s your breakfast go to at the Shack? I’ve never tried their breakfast, many many burgers, but not breakfast.
Frankie’s Diner on Queen West is decent. I’d say Frankie’s is a 7/10, if the White Lily ($$$) is a 10, Rosemary and Thyme is an 8.5/10 and the Patrician is a 7.5/10.
I probably wouldn’t travel out of my way for Frankie’s. I used to travel half an hour hour out of my way to meet friends at Rosemary & Thyme, Good Bite, Detroit (RIP), Motorama (RIP), the Patrician.
It’s pretty good for a neighborhood that doesn’t have many diners anymore.
The Skyline Diner on Queen W has served good breakfasts in my experience.
https://www.theskylinetoronto.com/
It doesn’t open until 11 am during the week, which is a little late for a diner.
I like the Canadian Bacon on a bun (with HP sauce), but AmuseGirl switches between several items. Today Bacon 'n Eggs; sometimes BLT (or even Hot Dog or Burger).
On reflection, I think a ‘diner’ serves meals on ‘real crockery/cutlery’ - Burger Shack uses ‘disposable’ (until our politicians get around to banning them), so technically shouldn’t qualify in the category.
Also fair to point out that I visit Rosemary and Thyme when in the area - but a bit far for a regular visit.
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Ya, I only visit Rosemary and Thyme occasionally when I get together with my sisters, also a bit far for regular visits but worth the drive once you get there.
I think it should be included in this thread, using the idea that a greasy spoon , diner, luncheonette, family restaurant or traditional coffee shop serves an affordable breakfast.
Burger Shack belongs in that category regardless of whether the plates and cutlery are disposable. It’s an indie restaurant serving breakfast, it has tables, it sells fried eggs that are made to order.
With current food costs, the disposable plates is a way that Burger Shack can continue to serve a hot breakfast in Midtown at a reasonable price.
I debated whether to include a few places that aren’t diners per se, that are serving a diner-type breakfast. Souvlaki Place in the Annex serves a hot breakfast. Mostly disposable cutlery and plates. There are some tables . I haven’t tried their breakfast yet. The souvlaki and salads are good.
A diner that doesn’t open till 11am? That’s like donut shops not opening before 10 am, preposterous 
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People sleep in on West Queen West. Lol.
Preposterous donut shops on West Queen West, too.
Even around the Annex, when I lived in the neighbourhood, diners don’t open up as early as they once did. Avenue Diner used to open at 8 am, and most other breakfast spots opened at 9 or 10.
Even Insomnia opens at 9 am. Shouldn’t Insomnia be open 24/7?
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I do enjoy the huevos divorciados at Easy, which is open daily from 9-4.
But seriously, I get it from a business point of view. If no one’s coming at 7am, why bother? Doesn’t work for me though, I want my dnuts and breakfast early but I’m a geezer… 
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Also Scarborough, Ted’s Restaurant. 70 years old and still going strong.
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Friends were visiting from out of town for a show at the Elgin. Their preferences leaned towards fairly straightforward and bland, so we ended up at the Victoria and Shuter location of Fran’s. I used to go to Fran’s back in the late 70s and 80s (back then, my go-to was the clubhouse). This location is relatively new and doesn’t have the atmosphere of the older locations. But it was close to the Elgin, which was good for our friends.
I tried the Fran’s Old Fashioned: John Sleeman & Sons Traditional Kentucky Style Whiskey, maple syrup, Angostura bitters, orange peel. Simple and strong. My wife had the chocolate milkshake, topped with whipped cream. She loved it.
We tried a couple of classics. Fran’s Meatloaf was tasty enough, with caramelized onions and topped with a bland beef gravy. It was served with mashed potatoes and veggies.
Better was the Legendary Banquet Burger. I had no idea that Fran’s was the official originator of the bacon cheeseburger. The half-pound burger patty was firm and juicy and topped with melted Canadian cheddar and bacon. It also came with pickle slices, anemic tomato slices, and crispy lettuce. We subbed in a side Greek salad over the fries.
Best was the Monte Cristo: ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese between 3 slices of thick Texas toast, dipped in egg, and then grilled, served with crispy home fries. Delicious, the truck stop version of a croque monsieur.
Desserts were OK. I’m not sure they are housemade anymore. The lemon meringue pie was not very tangy and the chocolate cake could have been moister.
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Funny coincidence I think we were at the same performance at Elgin. I ended up at Earl’s instead of the usual Joey’s at Eaton/financial district which are my usual spots after a show in that area.
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I used to love the grilled cheese at the Fran’s location on St Clair W near Yonge (which closed 20+ years ago).
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