Great food Great price Great experience! What an institute in Montreal. Make a point of eating at Cosmos. Keep in mind, there's only about 10 seats :) read more

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6 Stars!! What can I say about this legendary spot that hasn't been said a thousand times before. This is the Ultimate No Frills, Unpretentious, Unapologetic straight forward greasy spoon diner I've ever been to. The potatoes are life changing, the lore unparalleled. Plenty of variety to choose from. So belly up to the counter get a cup of coffee, place your order and watch the show. While ownership has changed over the years, I truly believe the heart is still there. May not be for everyone but this is my kind of place!! read more

It's a real tiny old fashioned counter for good breakfast and lunch food. We went on a sunny day so it was easy to find a couple of spots inside. The patio space was full. The service is super and diner like. You can watch the food being cooked. I would return for sure. read more

Very sad and disappointed. It was a great place once, but no more. Absolute slop. Sorry. I had to look for the egg; there was only a trace of one; the potatoes were disgusting; tiny pieces of cold toast. Disgusting. read more

Be prepared to step back in time when you walk into the Cosmos diner. There are eight stools surrounding the grill. Unless you visit during warmer times when the patio tables are set up, these precious stools are your only tickets to an amazing experience! Their menu is small, but packs a punch. You can choose eggs any style and of course bacon, sausage or ham, toast, and the best home fries in Montreal. Try their signature "Mish Mash" a collection of eggs, potatoes, red peppers, pepperoni bacon, sausage, ham, salami, tomato, onion, and cheese. It's a Montreal legend. They have also been featured in a documentary called "Man of Grease". Depending on how early you arrive, expect a line-up of locals waiting for one of the eight seats. Fortunately the service is fast and super-friendly. What made the experience next level, were the people we met. We were from Toronto and everyone there were lifelong Montrealers, but on this day, it didn't matter. The conversation was fun and unforgettable! read more

The Famous Cosmos - Classic old school diner and their famous mish mash - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

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Tiny little hole in the wall. Only about 12 counter seats. Diner style. If you don't like that it's not for you. I love it! The staff were friendly, fun and attentive. The menu seems like it has been the same for a long time, but no need to change. I got the "mish mash" as described it was a little of everything. Main course of the dish was an omelette with everything in it. It was delicious! The regulars come in and out. You're sitting side by side with them. I can't say enough about the place totally worth going to!! read more

Cosmo's is an institution here in Montreal yet despite being a lifelong Montrealer I only recently tried this famous restaurant. It has been around about 40 years and is known for its cheap, greasy breakfasts. It is really tiny, seating only 11 people and everyone sits at the counter so it is best if you come with one other person max. The atmosphere is that of your friendly, neighbourhood greasy spoon and it has loads of character to it. Everyone is packed in at the counter and it is quite common for everyone to end up talking to each other at some point or another. This ambiance was what I liked most about Cosmos. It makes it feel so welcoming and just a nice place to sit and enjoy a meal. It seems like they also get quite a few regulars here because the staff seemed to know some of the customers by name. The menu is what you would expect from a greasy spoon (bacon and eggs, sandwiches, burgers, etc). They are famous for the Mish Mash, which is a special omelet containing eggs, ham, bacon, salami, tomato, onions and cheese, and the Creation. I decided on the Bagellah for $8. This creation consisted of eggs, bacon and cheese served on top of a Montreal-style bagel. This was excellent and the bacon was really crispy. It was served with a generous portion of hash browns which were awesome and well-seasoned. The price was also very reasonable and included coffee. At one point the waitress also offered everyone in the restaurant homemade peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies on the house. This was really appreciated and they were very good! Any Montrealer should definitely hit up Cosmos when they get the chance. It is easy to see why it has become such an institution here. The unique atmosphere and cheap, greasy food make for an excellent experience. read more

The Famous Cosmos - Bagellah which is a bagel with eggs, bacon and cheese. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Cosmos is one of NDG's most famous restaurants and it is known for being one of the best greasy spoons in the area. Located at 5843 Sherbrooke O, it is right down my street however, it took me five years to FINALLY see why it is such a popular spot. It is a very small space which seats about 11 people. I was lucky to have my friend save me a spot because about five minutes after I got there, all of the seats were taken and people were standing in a line that went out of the building. You can also sit at the few tables they have set up outside. The Creation My friend and I both got "The Creation" sandwich which consists of an egg, salami, lettuce, tomato and cheese. It was absolutely delicious. Cosmos has any type of bread you would like- The Globe and Mail stated " [Cosmos] offered 15 types of bread. It was once estimated that Mr. Koulakis went through 25 loaves of rye, kimmel and black Russian bread a day, and fried 20 dozen eggs and 25 pounds of bacon every day, too." The service is VERY fast. The Creation also comes with a side of hash brown potatoes which are equally as delicious. When I first saw the Creation, I thought it was small and that it was impossible for me to be full from just one but I was wrong. I was happily surprised at how satisfied I felt. Cosmos is also known for their "MishMash" omelette which is bacon, four eggs, ham, sausage, salami, tomatoes, onions and cheese, all fried in margarine. I will definitely be going back to try it. Cosmos is so well known, that Ezra Soiferman did a documentary on the late Tony Koulakis called "Man of Grease". To watch the trailer, please watch it on Vimeo. The famous Epic Meal Time guys even stopped by Cosmos to make a burger! Watch the video on youtube or read The Gazette's article. June 22 of this year will mark the two year anniversary of Tony's death. The events surrounding his homicide made numerous headlines along with questions about whether or not the restaurant would ever reopen. However, there was no way his family members would allow the restaurant to close after Tony dedicated over 30 years of his life to the business. I wish I had gone to Cosmos when Tony was still around- he seemed like a very happy, friendly and passionate person. According to The Globe and Mail, "Meantime, neighbourhood homeless people, or those just down and out, were often treated to free meals, or were told to come back later. At the end of each day, leftovers were handed out, given to food banks or dumped on the forest floor near his cottage for the animals. "He used to say to me it was a sin to throw away food," Mr. DiMonte said." I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone in the NDG area. One customer stated on the resto's official Facebook Page "Greatest breakfast food ever. I drive 10hrs 3x a year for it." -Mike Paddon It is open from 7AM- 5PM every day. To contact them, call (514) 486-3814. read more

Hidden little greasy spoon in the heart of NDG serving breakfast food all day. They're known for their famous Creation BLT style sandwich with salami which is known to be the best breakfast sandwich in town, their MishMash plate and their delicious hash browns. read more

The Famous Cosmos - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

This is in my top 3 favourite breakfast spots in all of Canada. It's a hole in the wall, it's hidden, it's tiny, it seats approximately 10.5 people inside, the waitress yelled angrily at her husband who was smoking and drinking coffee out on the patio the whole time, and it's some of the best breakfast food I've ever eaten. Our server was very friendly to her customers, joking and messing with regulars, offering freshly baked cookies to the people eagerly waiting in line. It felt extremely comforting, like coming home for Christmas. Eating here made me want to open up a diner of my own just like it. Can't wait to eat here again! read more

The only reason I am unable to give it 5 stars is because of the line-up to have a meal and the restrictive opening hours! This place is the ultimate in a mixture of home cooking and brunch in the Snowdon - NDG area as long as you are NOT fancy! The BEST brunch in Montreal!!' read more

Long-standing institute. Run by daughters of the legendary late Greek owner. This place is not the faint of heart or healthy eater, but it totally worth it. read more

This is the ultimate greasy spoon indeed. Came here on recommendation from some old friends in Montreal and they did not disappoint! It's literally a greasy spoon diner/cafe, so if you're expecting anything else or an experience beyond that, you're going to be heavily disappointed. Prices are great and the food really hits the spot. Probably even more so if you come here the morning after a night of heavy drinking. It's tiny so getting a seat can be difficult, but they move fast so you don't have to wait long if it's a full house. Service is direct (some might find it blunt) but it is friendly. Food is delicious and the overall vibe is just perfect for grabbing some coffee and a delicious omelette to get the day started. read more

Really small old place with nice burgers etc , informal and gentle service. Just a few spots in winter to sit down but a little terrasse in summer. read more

The Famous Cosmos - the front of the restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

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Stay away I guess there is new ownership Lost the quality of cooking Ask for brown toast...I received barely done white bread with nothing on it..,nor jam or peanut Second or third rate bacon thrown on plate No fried onions like former owners No fruit on plate What a fall read more

Great place. Fast serving, yummy food. Good atmosphere. Good value.

For the past year I have been a regular at this place and today I had a very disappointing run in with the owner Nick. I ordered just bacon and French toast and somehow he also added potatoes to the mix and when I mentioned that I didn't order or want potatoes he started cussing. I said "excuse me, who are you to speak to me like that?" And then he says he was speaking to his helper. Either way, it was very unprofessional and I won't be spending my money there anymore. Very disappointed!! read more

The absolute best breakfast in town. I ate here almost every Saturday for about 8+ years, starting in High School and Continuing to whenever I am back in town. This review will not even begin to give them the praise they deserve, and I could spend hours on all the Cosmo related stories. Little Background: Cosmo was started over 35 years ago by Tony Koulakis. The restaurant is literally a hole in the wall with 11 stools jammed around a tiny counter. The restaurant has been almost 100% run, with Tony and his children behind the counter, with the occasional cousin or relative stepping in. In the summer they take over the front of the restaurant and have 3-4 tables, which are always packed. They even made a documentary called "Man of Grease" that was quite popular in Montreal. This is one of the few restaurants I can proudly claim to have eaten at multiple times in the same day. The walls are covered with bills from all over the world, and sketches and cartoons of those that work and have worked there. The food is mostly breakfast, with huge portions and signature dishes: - The "Creation" Sandwich, a bacon, egg, salami lettuce, tomato and cheese monstrosity - The "MishMash" omelet. Bacon, eggs, ham, sausage, salami, tomatoes, onions and cheese all fried in butter - 1800 Calories as per chemical analysis. - The "Good Morning' Burger: A hamburger with a fried egg on top I have eaten here at one point or another with every single one of my friends, and is as part of my memories of Montreal as the Montreal Canadiens hockey team. I can go back any time and Nicky, Tony's daughter will always remember us. Memories: - It used to be a smoking restaurant, so 4 stools were designated "non-smoking stools" lol - Tony used to smoke while cooking - Prices were pretty variable and Tony would round stuff up or down randomly - Customers can be expected to run across the street for fresh milk - Taking up ALL the stools with just friends Do yourself a favor and check it out, but try going during the week if you want to avoid the weekend madness! read more

If you are in montreal and want to try an old school breakfast diner than this is the place to visit. read more

The Famous Cosmos - One of the nicest atmosphere in a restaurant if you like old school greasy spoon diners. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

I love these kinds of breakfasts places, and I'm glad to see this one is still around. When we walked in the locals eating knew right away we were first timers. The cook/waitress/hostess asked us what we wanted with a smile on her face. This no-frills place has limited seating but the food is amazing. The best hash browns I've ever had in my life and it was so cheap, I was amazed. Go here for a quick breakfast but if you get a seat at the counter stay for some lovely conversation with the employees. They put a smile on my face and made my tummy very happy. read more

Best breakfast in town... and maybe the best I ever had. This place comes highly recommended if you have a healthy appetite... not if you're trying to lead a healthy lifestyle. I was lucky to have a friend who owned a car when I went to school in Montreal and we would come here at least once a month. The place is tiny and you smelled like it as you left but the breakfast was the delicious. I tried many of the items on the menu on their own and they are known for their creation (which I probably ordered the most). If you're a first timer, a bit greedy and want to try many of the menu items, who can go for the mishmash which is a bit of everything on the menu. Interesting fact... the mishmash is extra delicious when consumed later as a leftover - I think due to the time given for the grease to marinate. I can tell you more about their delicious home fries and extensive selection of breads but I'd rather you go and try it yourself... if your diet will allow. read more

Stumbling out of the afterparty and need bacon & eggs? Time for a greasy spoon breakfast, but not every place will qualify as a greasy spoon. Hang on to your hangover, walk into Cosmos and take stock..... Overcrowded? Check. Kind of grimy? Check. As you walk in, can you hear everyone's arteries hardening from all the grease? Check. Does everyone seem to know each other? Check. Family working behind the counter and grill? Check. Do the seats look like they've been through a zombie invasion? Check. Ok, this place is perfect. No matter what you order, your breakfast will be inexpensive, comprised of at least 4,000 calories and will make you really, really happy. The mishmash and the potatoes are stuff of legend, so is the Creation breakfast sandwich. If you can't decide or your eyes are too blurry to read the menu, just order whatever the person next to you has - it's honest, greasy, amazing food. Your stomach will be bursting when you leave, but on the upside.....your hangover will be gone :-) read more

I don't understand the hype and folklore around this place. Normally, I love whole-in-the-wall greasy spoons, and this place certainly looks the part. The only problem is that food kind of sucks. There is nothing exceptional about their greasy spoon breakfasts. Everything is rushed together, and regardless of what you order, your plate is nothing more than a blend of browns and yellows. That, and the staff behind the counter handle money and your food at the same time. So that kind of grossed me out. read more

This has become by far my favorite breakfast place in Montreal. Pop in when it's not busy. Order a creation sandwich, they're so yummy and light. At first I felt this place was a bit standoffish but after visiting the vibe from the staff/people is so welcoming and just feels lovely. Especially when hungover and anxious and tired etc haha.. But make sure to go on a day when it's empty. Then you get the attention and love. Weekends is a bit nuts and chaotic. read more

Coming here is like making an appearance in someone else's tv show. It's got it's own cast of regulars and a way of life. You either "get it" or you'll wonder how you made your way here. read more

The best mish mash in the world and maybe even the galaxy. Ask for the potatoes to be cooked crispy on grill and add peanut butter on the side and heaven is on your plate. read more

Haven't eaten here since the 80s. Great big breakfast, cheap, not greasy, bacon and ham were perfect. Four-table outdoor patio with shade and there is WiFi available in range. New owner is young and personable. read more

This was the first place I went to when I landed in Montreal on Monday. Lots of street parking nearby. Now down to the food, I ordered their famous mish mash and Nick the owner made it, it is a mix of bacon, salami, ham sausages, cheese, peppers and onions with a side of homefries and toast. All I can say it is delicious! Very greasy, but hey its a greasy spoon so its expected. Coffee and tea was included. Portions were huge and after eating at cosmos I didn't have to eat until dinner time. The Atmosphere was great, the owner will talk to you about anything, and sometimes the conversation would turn from sports to a tale of a missing wild animal. Overall I would definitely come back again and try their other items like the "Creation" read more

We were visiting montreal from vancouver and my friend did some digging up on reddit and found that this was a local favourite. Its a small room and we sat at the bar for some food. found some great english speaking people we could chit chat with. Great food, great service and a great experience! would go again read more

I've been going there about 38 years. Great funky all day breakfast. Nick and his sister Nicky. read more

Cosmos is what it is ! and that will never change, besides, who in their right mind would ever want such a dastardly thing ever to occur on this earth. Yes, ladies and gentleman of the jury, Cosmos is an unchanging vegetarian-friendly Montréal institution. Situated in the leafy westside down-home and salt-of-the-earth West-of-the-Main borough of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (in N.-D.-G. we call it NDG, No Damn Good, D.G. or the simple classic -- The Deeg) this is where hyphenations got their big break in the 1960s! Once upon a time during an unseasonably warm November all the way back in Nineteen-Seventy-something ... some strange Greek gentleman called Tony with a penchant for flicking cigarette ash into eggs on a griddle opened up a hole-in-the-wall and the rest, as they say, is history. Yes, indeed, the late and great Tony (R.I.P.) is, was and forever will be -- the man of grease as the eponymous documentary film succinctly depicts. Cosmos has, since time immemorial, been a godsend haven and sanctuary to those hungry, huddled and hungover masses. Cosmos has been a place where anybody is somebody and you're always welcomed even if you're a tad short or light in the pocket. Yes, folks, Cosmos is, indeed, the great equaliser! It doesn't matter if you're racing down the mountain from your lofty abode in Upper Westmount like a bat out of hell in your suped-up Rolls-Royce or if you're walking up the hill from below the wrong side of the tracks in Saint-Henri with your shopping cart and German Shepard in tow; you're both equally held in the same esteem (or lack thereof when it's busy) here and it's first come, first served. It doesn't matter if you come from all the way in the middle of Timbuktu on the West Island (wherever that happens to be) or if you call Hochelaga-Maisonneuve home -- at Cosmos if you're here then damn straight you're maître chez nous too! You'll here that sizzle of that griddle all the same, you'll smell the strange and exotic incense that is the intoxicating grease smoke, you'll hear a strange and delirious man repeatedly reassuring himself with the Cosmos mantra that, yes, he is indeed -- the best. "I'm the best; I'm the best." It actually becomes true if you say it enough times; for reals. It's true too -- he is the best -- and you are too, fo'sho! Take a stool, sit down, set up shoppe, let someone pour you a cuppa Giuseppe, read Le Devoir or The Gazette and relax. You order yourself a beautiful veggie Creation or a vegetarian omelette or a veggie Mish-mash with Black Russian or Challah toast, side of potatoes and a poached egg and you really will be the best. On a side note: I'm a born and bred dyed-in-the-wool-blue-blooded-as-the-Saint-Laurent Québécois so therefore as a casual dairy industry protectionist and as someone with taste and also as a fellow with working taste buds -- I'm not the biggest fan of margarine (yes, I can believe it's not butter and in fact I didn't believe it was butter for a God damned second) so I like to BYOB -- bring my own butter, that is. Yes, as crazy crazy hardcore insane as this craziness may sound, I do, in fact, bring my own butter and it is well worth it to portage that stick of golden butter in your pocket and smuggle it into Cosmos. Hand it discretely to your gracious host and taste the difference it makes. Yes, with real butter being used to make your Cosmos breakfast even more authentic, you really are the best and you really can taste the rainbow. Much love. Enjoy! read more

I grew up near this place. The food was never great but we went in because there was a pile of comics on the end of the counter for kids to read because the NDG Paperback was next store. From what I remember 30Yrs ago was that they made their living fronting all the residents of halfway houses ( A big N.D.G. industry ) meals until their welfare checks arrived. At some point in the 80's some of my 'Rich' friends from Hampstead & Cote-St-Luc decided it was a cool place to slum it on Sundays for Brunch and the place has been going like gangbusters ever since. WTF!?! read more

I have been one of those: so hungover you crave the dim greasy breakfast bar, the cynical banter, the mad pile of grease that you don't ask questions about, you just eat and let it do it's thing to you, have it's way with you, cure what ails you. Not for everyone, but definitely for me on days like these. read more

if you ever need to feel like you're at your grandma's for brunch, come here. the nice old ladies serve up decent , filling, satisfying grub that cures any type of hangover or heartbreak, whatever you suffer from. free refills of strong black coffee, good conversations with anyone and everyone there, and homebaked cookies on the house. if you're not already stuffed. must-go. read more

Cosmo's is a tasty and cheap breakfast, but damn does it take long. I love going to cosmos for a greasy breakfast but it's tiring to have to set aside 2 hours because I don't know how long it will take for me to get my food. If you're thinking quick breakfast, you're at the wrong place. Once the food is at your table, you're set, but getting it in front of you can be an issue... read more

This place has been around since the last millennium so there's nothing I can write here that hasn't been written before; but write I will, to add to the chorus of fan's voices. What you can get at Cosmo's is the type of breakfast that only your hungover roommate could conjure. Imagine a plate of protein, carbs, and just the right amount of grease served by the kindest and unjudgiest crew of two mother-figures. Now, shoulder to shoulder with any number of down-home characters dig in to the most unpretentious breakfast you're likely to ever have. This breakfast is so solid and satisfying that you leave the counter ready to face an intense day of mountain-climbing, or brick-laying, or deer-hunting. But first; time for a nap. I had the "Small Mish, no onions", bottomless coffee and childhood-summoning white toast with margarine as my second breakfast and my satisfied grin and I are ready to coast into the weekend. Five stars; not because they serve Michelin Star breakfasts, but for the anachronistic goodness and unexpected camaraderie of the place. Go. Meet your neighbours. Break some bread with them. Enjoy! Oh, and if you're really lucky or nice you might get some Bowmore Marmalade for your toast like one guy I saw or you might even get offered a post breakfast homemade cookie. read more

I eat here almost every day. If I get there early in the morning I enjoy a Creation with double salami - the perfect egg sandwich to start my day. If I go later on, or after work, I get a cheeseburger with salami on it. Okay, I get 2 cheeseburgers, I can't lie. Feels like a dysfunctional family dinner. Feels like home. read more

Not exactly a tourist destination, but it ought to be. Great breakfast, great history (documented in "Man of Grease").

"I'm the best!" Yells the man behind the counter as he flips absurd amounts of meat and potatoes and eggs. And it's true. he is the best . The mish mash. the grilled breakfast with three easy over eggs and four kinds of meat and those delightful potatoes. Oh my goodness. It was delicious. I came with my family, and everyone left with a huge smile on their face. the coffee was tasty, the sourdough toast was scrumptious....couldn't have been happier with our meal. drove to Montreal from California and this was one of the best meals we had along the way. It's a very scenic restaurant with a great feeling. I wish i had gone to school at McGill so I could get drunk and have cosmos for breakfast the next day. Wow. Cosmos gave me memories that I will keep for a long time and a standard by which to compare all other breakfasts. I love you. read more

The ultimate expression of the "hangover food" genre, as that appeared to be the motive of most of the people who came in while I was downing the best breakfast ever. You can't be afraid to talk to the nice ladies behind the counter, and because there are only a few stools and they're all crammed together at the counter, you are pretty much guaranteed to make friends if you allow yourself to engage in the constant smack-talking. I must have tipped these guys like 30% in the end just because I got such a kick out of them. I can't speak on the quality of the signature MishMash, but the big meat-and-eggs-and-toast-etc. platter I ordered was impeccable, and I credit it for the success of the 18-hour study marathon that followed. I'm coming back as much as I can afford to. read more