This is a tough one. I think if the conditions were optimal, thisd be a 4. But from our actual experience, it would be a 3. Its run by one older lady who doesn't move very fast. We were the second group in the restaurant. When we walked in, the first's was being prepared. It took us 40 mins to get our food since she had to make the order before ours. Food is pretty mid. The milkshake was great though. But it's ice cream and milk so it's tough to mess up. But then again, each burger is LESS than 2 dollars so who am I to complain? If you I lived nearby and was the first customer, I'd eat here every day. Otherwise, I wouldn't come here except for the experience of it. Limited seating. The booth chairs are kinda broken. Menu is so cheap though so does any of this even matter read more

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Not my first time at Gale's Snack Bar, but this spot is truly the definition of a hidden gem. Located on the corner of Eastern and Carlaw Ave, this small snack bar is one of Toronto's best kept secret for incredibly cheap comfort food. If you look at the menu, there is nothing over $7.00. The owner, is a lovely older lady who will serve you and prepare your food. Just note, theres a limit to three people for seating and that it's cash only. Highly recommend this spot if you're in the area! read more

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I have been wanting to try this place for a while now, but haven't had any luck catching them while they're open. This old-school diner takes you back with their retro decor and insanely low prices. Upon arriving, there were two customers waiting for an order. I was prepared to wait based on the reviews and knowing that Gale's Snack Bar is a one-woman show, with customers served one at a time. About 15 mins later, she came out with their food and took my order. I waited about half an hour while enjoying the A/C during the heat wave, and when my food came out I couldn't wait to eat it. The fries were golden and crispy - I had low expectations but these were delicious and the portion was generous! The cheeseburger was cooked perfectly and filled with mustard, relish, tomato, and a slice of melted American cheese. For $1.95, not only was this an amazing deal, but also quite tasty - I devoured the entire thing immediately. I also ordered a club house sandwich thinking the portions might be small, but I was already stuffed at this point. When I tried it later on, the bacon was still crispy, the lettuce and tomato added a refreshing nature to it, and the chicken with mayo was tender and soft. I would definitely return for the burger and fries alone, as well as to try their milkshakes, ice cream floats, and fish & chips! Just note that this establishment is cash-only. The owner was also super friendly! read more

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I finally got to get some food from here. The clubhouse is definitely the winner. The fries are also great. Depending on the number of people, service will require you to be patient. Eda is not as young as before, but she sure is sharp as a tack. Do not expect any posh place. It is all about the food and prices. The atmosphere is very homey. Like visiting an old relative. I had been trying to come here for months and you can never tell l, unless you show up. You can't beat the food and prices. read more

Gale's Snack Bar - Diners Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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This is an OG place for the east-downtown end. I've heard many good things about this spot, but it was my first time trying it for myself. When I stepped in, I felt like I was going back in time. The decors and price points, just blew me away! Service is extremely slow, as it's operated by a single person. If you're in a rush, I'd recommend driving down the street to Tim Hortons. If you're not in a rush and want to grab some great value food, this is the place. I got their grilled cheese, hamburger and fries for 6 dollars tax in! Note: Cash only. read more

Gale's Snack Bar - Grilled cheesed// hamburger // fries - Diners Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Whenever I drive downtown, I tend to backroad it along Eastern Avenue. For what feels like eons, I have spotted Gale's Snack Bar each time, and didn't know what it was. It wasn't until I had a chat with a friend who said that it was her hangout as a young adult that I needed to check it out. After having a huge meal at Medieval Times, what lingered was dessert. We got a small scoop of vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce. It didn't sustain me. I needed more. I thought of visiting Gale's for my dessert fix. I parked on Carlaw Avenue, just south of Eastern Avenue. I walked over to the cafe and walked up the steps. It was around 2 pm. When you walk in, it feels like a museum from the late 60's or 70's. There was a booth that was free, so I sat down. I sunk into my seat. I don't think any of the decor has changed since it was first built. The Gale part of the business name is Gale Chan. She is a one-woman force and runs the entire show on her own. If you expect fast service, you are at the wrong eatery. I liked the slower change of pace in this I-want-it-now world. She came over to me and asked what I'd like. You look at the menu posted on the wall, which looks like prices have been frozen in time. I asked whether I could get a cream soda float. She didn't have any cream soda, but said that she could make me one with any pop. I went with orange. I also asked for a slice of apple pie. My orange crush float with vanilla ice cream came first. It was so good. The vanilla ice cream was creamy. The orange crush made it perfect. I was a happy camper. And, get this! It was only $2. What?! My slice of apple pie came over next. It was delicious and paired nicely with the orange crush float. My slice was $1.50. How?! One I was done with satisfying my sweet tooth, I went up to the counter and asked to settle my bill. The total was $3.50. She does not slap on any tax. It was mind-blowing and insanely cheap to me. I gave her cash, which is the only way to pay for items. She used an old cash register that still works to give me change. I tipped her generously, as I had a great time here. She appreciated it and asked that I come back again soon. I saw one man sit at the counter roughly half an hour after I had arrived. He ordered what looked like a club sandwich with fries. It all looked so good. I hope to order a meal when I return. After the couple next to me saw my orange crush float, they ordered the grape version of it. It looked pretty. I am such a trend-setting dessert enthusiast... haha! It's not the most stylish place when you plop yourself down. However, every item on the menu is done with love by a special woman. I am so glad that I dropped by. It is a rare gem of a place. I like when I am transported back to a simpler, happy time. This place does just that. (332) read more

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Yes indeed Gales Snack Bar is out of the sixties in every way. In that nothing has been cleaned or repaired for decades. I wouldn't want to see the kitchen. We waited 30 minutes to place our order and 90 minutes to get it. As we waited with no drinks and no washroom I read a lot of the reviews and thought they were delusional. It was like being stuck in a never ending Saturday Live skit. The food was gross and while she cooking or by the sounds of it microwaving a couple came in and waited 30 minutes to order just to be told she was closing. Highlight is the prices are shockingly cheap and I didn't get sick. It be a great idea to recommend this place to someone you don't like. Haha read more

Used to come herein my high school days in 70s. I can afford more expensive restaurants now but.... why? This place e has everything you could wand delight food, olden days prices and an atmosphere that may new restaurants spend a lot of money trying to recreate. read more

Club Sandwich Gales is great a staple in Leslieville It's so nice to have a great establishment like this down the street Gale is awesome ... read more

Never heard of this place until it was suggested to me as a meeting point. There's really not much in the area so it's an unassuming joint. Family run, Gale's has been around for quite a long time (and looks it too!). The decor of this place could get a makeover. The clientele here are folks who look rough around the edges. I was, however, pleasantly surprised by the food. The menu consists of mostly sandwiches and fries, but at extremely reasonable price points. I recommend the club sandwich with a side of fries. I'm seldom in this part of town, but I wouldn't hesitate to return to try their other menu offerings. Good for: cheap eats (super cheap), lunch read more

Gale's Snack Bar - Club Sandwich - Diners Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I grew up eating here with my family ever since we moved into the area when I was little. I am now in my 20s and moved out, but the place is still the same, sure, a bit more run-down than it used to be, but it still serves as a place of comfort and stability. The food is great and homey, usually with big portions, and the prices amazing and have only gone up $1 at the most in the 15 years I have been going there. If you want fast service, this is not the place for you. It is only being run by 1-2 people at all times, so they can only do so much. So, either sit down and chat, or get some fresh air and walk around for a little while. read more

This is a magical place. I arrived an hour before Gale came to open the shop, she got out of a taxi carrying several gallons of canola oil and politely asked me to wait around while she opened. My friend and I wandered the industrial area and braced ourselves against the mid-March wind. When Gale opened the snack bar, my friend and I entered a cozy, warm, genuine time capsule. Prices unchanged from the 60's, great snacks and hot meals, excellent coffee, and great service. Gale is extremely friendly, a wonderful host, and a great cook. Can't wait to eat here again! read more

Gale's Snack Bar - red stools in front of the counter - Diners Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I always drove pass Gale's snack bar and I finally took the time to make a visit. Price was very reasonable on what you are getting. Ordered a few sandwiches which was pretty good. The place itself is nice and cozy in a small shop with a few tables. Would come back and try the rest of the menu. I also got the fish and chips which the portion was huge for what I paid but I think the fish might be from a box or premade. It is still good and the fries was fresh and crispy, just the way I liked it. read more

Yeah this place is cool. A hole in the wall, definition of. But I had an enjoyable experience. Very small. Two booths. Few bar seats. Very very old. The seat I sat in at the booth had a hole in the middle, literally, but was comfy as can be. Reminds me off my 1982 Chevy Malibu whose back windows wouldn't go down, ex cop car, and which over time had a hole in he back seatbelt where you could literally see the front! Crazy prices. Crazy cheap. Burger fries with gravy and a Coke's, just over five bucks. YOu get what you pay for but I enjoyed it. Old school kind of burger you're mom made for you when you were a kid. Very enjoyable. Have two! Fries with gravy were adequate. Not a place I'd specifically go back to but f I was in the area I would for sure. Just to try everything on the menu! Doesn't wow but doesn't disappoint. I can't tell you how many places pish me off but gales didn't and that is very respectable. read more

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Forget you, laws of physics: time travel IS possible. All you have to do is step through the rickety front door of Gale's Snack Bar at Eastern and Carlaw and you will be transported to a bygone era. This is a diner through and through, dripping with atmosphere, local characters and prices that will make your jaw drop. This is 1983 pricing. I mean, there wasn't anything on the menu more than three bucks. I'm serious. You can choose from hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, fish 'n' chips and other diner fare. You can also get shakes (for a mothaflipping dollar) and pies. The pies might have been homemade, but this was not confirmed. Every piece of furniture seemed to be at least fifty years old. That said, it wasn't grubby and the cheerful server behind the counter was quick to wipe down the counter as we sat down. Despite the rough appearance (and some salty customers) I didn't feel out of place there. I had a fried egg sandwich which was just a fried egg on toasted bread. It was perfect: the egg wasn't overcooked and the bread was toasted just right. That's part of the magic of a mainstay diner, over time they can elevate simple meals to an artform. This place is too far out of my way to be a regular haunt, but I can step a little lighter now, knowing that it exists. Obligatory Title Pun: You'll be BLOWN AWAY by the prices. Menu Readability: It's a hand-painted yellow sign above the counter. Need to mention: Two fried egg sandwiches, an egg salad sandwich, a coffee and diet Pepsi came to about $6.50. What this place teaches me about myself: I have tasted value; and it tastes like the intersection of Eastern avenue and Carlaw. read more

Gale's Snack Bar - Not sure what this is. - Diners Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I used to go to Gale's when it was operated by a gentleman named Dave (if I remember correctly). He, his wife and two children lived upstairs, at the time. He would regularly feed ?local kids from school, at lunch, and the parents would pay him at the end of the week. I am going back to the 1970's, and it was some of the freshest meals served. Everything from the soup to the desserts were all homemade, back then. What a surprise to order a "fresh made" hamburger; just like home. I noticed that the restaurant is still there, and the next time that I am in the area, I am going to make certain that I find out if it is still the same family. I sure hope so! read more

Gale's is the pure essence of diner. Prices that haven't changed in 20 years, grotty interior, but good solid food. A hamburger costs $1, a slice of pie 80 cents. Make some time though, things don't happen fast. read more

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Great little gem that transports you back in time. The price is insanely cheap, you can get a coffee for 0.65 cents or their most expensive meal of hot turkey at $3.60. You cannot find anything as good of a quality in that price range in Leslieville or within GTA for that matter. My husband and I always drove and walked past this place, and curious what kind of food they served. We're glad we made a point in walking over for lunch today. We had their cream soda float, club house, bacon and cheese sandwich, and French fries. All the items were good, and they don't skimp! The club house at $2.50 a plate has chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and mayo. Where can you get a club like that for $2.50 anywhere else? If you want a old diner experience that comes with friendly service, good food and awesome price. You must check this place out! read more

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This tiny, dingy hole-in-the-wall diner offers some pretty standout value. We took Yelpers' advice and ordered the fried egg sandwich (95 cents but really nothing special; I wouldn't recommend it) and the hot turkey sandwich, which is actually an open-faced affair that comes smothered in gravy and with a side of surprisingly good fries (I forget how much the sandwich/fries cost but I think it was $3.25). The turkey was delicious!!! With a root beer float and another pop, the whole meal was under $7 before tax. If you're out in this random neck of the woods, this is a unique place to grab a cheap-ass lunch. read more

Every time I eat here I leave with a smile on my face. So run down it's charming - the front door doesn't even open all the way before hitting the back of the first booth. It's rough around the edges to say the least, but clean, and the food, man ... it's like that place your strange uncle used to take you when you were five. 70s diner menu - and prices. Eda, the only person I've ever seen working here, is sweet as pie with a smile to match, but she does everything, so if it's busy you may not want to wait (or even be able to find a space - it's tiny). I always get the club, fries, side of gravy and a small glass of milk. $5.15. The food is always pretty standard although the fries surprise a bit, but it's the whole experience that makes is a blast. I always try to tip as if I was buying the meal somewhere that had raised their prices in the last three decades. Not recommended for vegans. read more

I'm giving this place four stars just for atmosphere alone. It actually deserves an extra half star for its price. I've been meaning to come to this place since the 80s and now it's off my Restaurant Resolutions list. You can take a peek here: http://wp.me/p1t9bx-k0 HOURS: Mon-Fri: 10-6 (give or take); Saturday: Noon-5. Closed on Sundays. No website. No phone. VIBE Gale's isn't exactly central. Located at Eastern and Carlaw, it's downright intimidating to come here even for a local. It really does look like one of those places where motorcycle gangs hang out (do those still exist?). To add to the "should I come here?" question are their hours. I couldn't find them anywhere online nor do they have a phone number so it's kind of a crap shoot coming here. Luckily, they were open and I immediately got transported back to 1965 (that's how long they've been open). It smelled musty. The smell was a mix of fuel and batter. It is your typical diner. Old pepsi signs; booths; stools at the counter; and "American Pie" playing on the sound system. Ida immediately greeted me and smiled and from there,my fears dissipated. We had a good conversation about the diner. Then her friends came in and started reading her passages from the Bible. I ATE I admit I was being a bit snobbish about the food. So I erred on the safe side and got fries and a hot dog. The hot dog is basically boiled from the pack they got from the grocery store and I was asked if I wanted relish and mustard (both please!). The fries were a hefty portion and home cooked. I loved that she asked me if I wanted malt vinegar. I couldn't finish my portion. And on the vintage cash register, the grand total came up to $2.50. $2.50! Amazing. OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK It's not fancy. It's not the best food. But there's a lot of heart here. And for those prices and history, I really hope they're around for another 40 years. read more

it was my second time there first I had Grill Cheese sandwich.I today had Club house sandwich and fries and milkshake it was realy good food.Stuff is really friendly Am going back there again read more

I heard about this place through a blogTO review, which is probably the only good thing that wretched website has done for me since ever. My girlfriend and I stopped by on Friday afternoon. Booths seat four, and there's three of them inside; eight stools line the bar. We got chocolate and butterscotch milkshakes (1.50 each), a corned beef sandwich (1.75), and two club sandwiches (2.50 each). It was all really good--pretty much as good as you could get from anywhere else, and the value is unbeatable. I wanted to buy like three more items and only didn't because we were short on time. As far as I know, we only saw one person working, so keep in mind that your service won't be sonic speedy. That said, the woman who served us was super sweet. Like, she was literally so nice, we ended up tipping her 45%.Which isn't saying super much because our final bill was like, 11 fucking dollars. I love this place so much. The most expensive thing on the menu is 3.95 and I'm so glad. read more

Sorry, no one else seems to want to say it, but this place is a DUMP. I've got nothing against old, character-filled greasy spoons...I've been to most of them in Toronto (see http://www.yelp.com/list/diners-greasy-spoons-and-dives-in-toronto-toronto), but I'm also a fan of minimal standards of cleanliness. Translations of other Yelper's comments; "Well-worn stools" = dirty "...dingy, grubby and nostagia-filled" = dirty "...dripping with atmosphere" = dripping with grease My wife and I both had grilled cheese sandwiches and fries. The sandwiches were made with Kraft singles (acceptable at this price) and had the taste of a dirty grill (unacceptable at any price). The fries were good and the malt vinegar was a nice option. (2 grilled cheese, 2 fries, 2 pops = 8.15.) The waitress was friendly and good natured. Gale's is even smaller than it looks in the photos. 3 tiny booths and about 7 stools. Lily Y. has the right idea. If you are tempted by this place, taking out might be the best move. All that being said, I'm glad we went. Once. NB I'm rarely this harsh in a review. I think it's in response to other Yelper's 4 and 5 star reviews. I understand that they may be swayed by the nostalgic element of Gale's. If you want to experience a nostalgic diner from a similar era, go to People's Food, Avenue Diner, or George St. Diner. read more

Gale's is dingy, grubby and nostalgia-filled. It's a cool spot, a throwback to times gone by, when Eastern Ave was an industrial wasteland (not an offshoot of trendy Leslieville). The pleather stools along the snackbar are well-worn, as is the menu with unchanged prices since forever ($1 milkshake, anyone?). I always fret that Gale's will be gone one day when I pass by, yet it stays strong. The majority of regulars are elderly gents who appreciate the warm service and economical cheeseburgers and coleslaw. They'll even tell you stories if you spark up a conversation (it helps if you're a girl). read more

This really is as good as it gets if you want cheap diner fare. The most expensive dish on the menu is 3.75 (I've noticed that there prices have gone up slightly in recent times) and it's totally worth it. I doubt this tiny hole in the wall will ever be award a Michelin star but for those Torontonians who can still appreciate the simple meal of a grilled burger with that bright orange kraft single melting on top, a side of fries and a few cups of coffee to wash it all down before heading back to work, Gale's is definitely the spot. read more

So cheap it's crazy. Fun for a visit, but don't expect to be culinarily satisfied. When you can get a snack for a buck though, it really makes your day. We went on a Saturday and it was rammed around lunchtime. read more

This place is anything but classy. It's downright falling apart around you but the food is good. I'm talking '60's mom's kitchen' good. I think the most expensive thing on the menu is 3.75 for a hot turkey. It's real turkey on white bread, smothered in gravy that needs salt, some awesome fries on the side, topped with some frozen peas and carrots. Its great!! Service is slow but I seriously think the lovely woman serving is also running to the back and cooking. We eat here around once a month....spend about 10 bucks for the 2 of us....start the car!! read more

Man, I use to live extremely close to Gale's, it was the first place I've ever lived at moving to Toronto. I was too busy exploring and not realizing how much of a gem this place is. I seriously wished I took advantage of my distance to Gale's - service is awesome, the atmosphere is intriguing and food is great given the price point. Don't expect to receive "fast food service" just because of the price you're getting it for, from what I remember there is only one person running the whole snack bar. read more

The prices are some sort of awesome joke. You are getting your food at cost. Maybe less if you count the labour and taxes. I had a BLT sandwich, a coffee and a butter tart ( one out of a package of 2 Flamingo/Granny's) Everything was fine. The lady working there (Gale?) was very nice and friendly. read more

I really didn't feel any fun throwback vibe, this place is pretty dirty, not sure how it hasn't been closed down by DineSafe. Yes my sandwich was cheap, but it had a hair in it, gross! I sat at the counter, which was also dirty, it doesn't take much effort to wipe and sanitize a counter. The back shelves were cluttered and full of boxes of chocolate bars that looked dusty and like they'd been there for ages. I wouldn't risk coming back. read more

If you're wanting a caramel macchiato and the password to free WiFi - keep walking. What this place will give you is simple, good food and amazing prices served with a smile. It was lunchtime and I had to wait a while to get my food, but I wasn't in a rush so I didn't mind. Club sandwich, fries and a Coke for 5$? I'll take that any day. When I walked in I was planning on having a slice of pie for dessert, but I was full after my meal (translation: generous portions). The place is a little dingy but charming. I'll definitely return. read more

Gale's Snack Bar - Diners Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Love, love, LOVE this place! club house, fries and a strawberry milkshake comes up to about $7 and it is soooo good!!! Edna (I believe that's her name) works so hard & does everything almost by herself. Her Dad works in the back as well, but she is now the heart of the business. Haven't been there in a couple years and since my sons father has since passed away (he introduced me to Gales) it might be almost too much to bare, but I think sometime in the very near future I'll be going back to say hello to Edna and have a club house for the sake of old times. You absolutely have to try this place!!!! read more

I finally got a chance to try out this place.. even though i live 15 minutes away from it. It was quite busy when i arrived. Once i placed my order it was packed and ready to go in less than 10 minutes. I ordered 2 hamburgers and fish and chips all came to 6 bucks! The burgers were small but hey I'm not complaining when its under 2 bucks. Next time i think I'm gonna try out their milkshake and pies! read more

Wow what a strange spot. A had the fish and chips for 3.25! Fries were awesome. Fish was cooked perfectly but with a little too much batter. Super duper old school and kitschy. Manual cash register. One very nice lady tuning the entire front of the house. Wildly diverse crowd. The kind of place you tell stories about. Watch out. With only two staff. One cook one front of house. The service is slow as everything is made to order. I'll be back with my kids to show them what a old school diner is and get a couple of 95 cent grilled cheese sandwiches. read more

This place is unbelievable! Great home cooking at yesterday's prices. Try the hot turkey sandwich.

I believe it's the cheapest food in Toronto ! I ordered a hot beef sandwich with fires only $3.75 ,coffee $0.65 ,strawberry milk shake $1.50,qualities are standard~~very nice homemade style snack bar. read more

Grill cheese for a buck? Count me in! It's on Eastern and Carlaw. Prices hasn't changed in years! I've been coming since I was a kid and this place has become comfort food for me. I love this place, the food is delicious. A definite Toronto hidden gem! read more

Saw this place online and really wanted to check it out because of the old school look and the insanely cheap prices. I went in with pretty low expectations. I was amazed with overall how great this place is. Food was very very good with generous portions, service was quick, and the waitress was very friendly. Got a sandwich, fries, and a drink for $4.80! That's unheard of in 2018. I'll definitely be back. My only complaint is in regards to cleanliness. Place was quite dusty, rusty equipment, cracked floor tiles, and ripped seats. With all that being said, given the price and quality of the food, you really can't complain. read more

A filling meal for 3 plus dessert for 1 in 11 dollars, incredible! Very cheap! And the club sandwich was fabulous. I wish I had known of it in my student days. Service can be a bit slow though. This is a pop and daughter shop. Cas only. read more