Whether you’re heartbroken or hungover, nothing offers comfort like the greasy embrace of classic diner food. Montreal’s got an embarrassment of riches when it comes to artery-clogging eats, but these diners stand above the rest as the finest places to find your bliss – and get change back from ten bucks.
Green Spot
Will that grilled cheese come with Elvis Presley or Elvis Costello? Mini-jukeboxes at every booth in this St-Henri diner mean you can DJ as you dig into diner classics – and house specialties, like the not-so-classic pizzaghetti. Mains, $6.95 – $12.95. 3041 Notre-Dame St. W, 514-931-6473.
Beauty’s
This old-school spot is the classic diner to which all others aspire. Grab a powder-blue barstool, and dig into stellar barley soup and an unbeatable club sandwich. Or opt for the Special: A bagel with cream cheese, red onions, tomato and lox. Simple. Timeless. Perfect. Mains, $6.95 – $11.25. 93 Mont-Royal Ave. W, 514-849-8883.
Patati Patata
Alongside delectable mini-burgers, this distinctly Quebecois diner screws with tradition beautifully, creating items like the Patatine, a poutine which includes peppers and red onions, chopped just before serving (like all fresh ingredients at this thirteen-seat Plateau joint), by possibly the most chipper cooks in town. Mains, $4.50 – $6.50. 4177 Saint-Laurent Blvd., 514-844-0216.
Cosmos Snack Bar
Four eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, salami, tomato, onion, cheese and a wee slice of toast on the side… can you handle the Mish Mash? The dish, originated by Beauty’s, is served to perfection at this NDG hole-in-the wall, which nails all the classics with gusto. Mains, $5.50 – $9.50. 5843 Sherbrooke St. W., 514-486-3814.
Image courtesy of Charles Nouÿrit on Flickr.
