The Fry Basket -- good greasy spoon at Yonge and Steeles

[TorontoJo]

DH and I are always on the hunt for good breakfast joint -- both high end and low. Lola's Commissary is my favourite brunch spot right now (though they've changed their huevos rancheros, which makes me sad), but we are just as happy in a good greasy spoon diner.

Another chowhound (thanks, prima!) recommended The Fry Basket at Yonge and Steeles as having one of her favourite greek omelettes in the city. So last Saturday, we had to be up in that neighbourhood and remembered her rec. I called and was pleasantly surprised to find out they open at 6:30 on the weekend (a rarity for us early risers).

Our breakfasts choices were the western omelette and a grilled cheddar, tomato and bacon ordered "deluxe" (with fries and cole slaw). Both were very good. The omelette was massive -- 4 eggs, cooked dry (which is our preference). The sandwich was just right: not too greasy, with real cheddar cheese and a generous serving of crispy bacon. The fries were a particularly pleasant surprise -- seemingly fresh cut in house. The cole slaw was vinegar style, but it was too sweet for my taste.

We enjoyed it enough that we went back this morning. Our waitress impressed the hell out of us, as she remembered us from last weekend and brought us a coffee with milk and a chamomile tea (she said she "took a chance that we wanted the same thing").

This time I got french toast and a side of bacon. Holy cow, are they generous with their servings. The french toast was 4 slices of bread, and the side of bacon was 6 generously cut slices of a good quality bacon. The french toast was nothing fancy, just texas toast dipped in egg and grilled -- just what I was looking for (on a separate note, the cheesecake stuffed french toast at Lola's Commissary is all kinds of awesome).

On both visits, it was too early for fish and chips, but I'm looking forward to trying it, as apparently they make their own batter and use fresh halibut.

So if anyone is looking for a diner-style spot near Yonge and Steeles, I would recommend giving the Fry Basket a try. Because sometimes you just don't want fancy for breakfast.

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Lola's Kitchen
634 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G3, CA

[Little T]

Went for fish & chips last month - disappointing (see my post on an f&c thread). Went for breakfast last weekend - still disappointing. Omelet just okay. Asked for home fries crispy, got em crispy but the inside seemed undercooked. My friend's bacon was hard and burnt. Had the same cook each time so unsure if there are other cooks. Despite the good service, there's very little chance of returning unfortunately. Hmm wonder if next door Midway/Gabbys is any good...

[prima]

Happy to hear you liked it.
:-)

If the back parking lot is full, and there's no parking available on Yonge, it's also possible to park on the side streets.

[Davwud]

Cool.

I haven't been there since the 90's but it was once a great place for a good breakfast or lunch.

Next time I have the Flex in I'll have to hop across the street and give it a try again.

DT

[T Long]

Thanks for the tip TorontoJo!

[jmarcroyal]

Where exactly is this place, I work in the Yonge and Steeles area everyday and I dont think its near that intersection, is it in Toronto or north of Steeles?

[foodyDudey]

7057 Yonge Street

Thornhill, ON L3T 2A6

Takes about 3 mS to find with GOOGLE

[jmarcroyal]

I cared enough to post, but not enough to actively search it out, although the thought crossed my mind. Sometimes its better to let others do the legwork for you:)

[foodyDudey]

I guess that is good choice, if you like typing more characters to ask the question than it would take to type "Fry Basket Toronto" into GOOGLE, and also wait for a response.

[TorontoJo]

It's on the Northeast side of the intersection, on the East side of Yonge, maybe 500 feet North of Steeles. It's next to the Money Mart.

[red dragon]

Hi there, what other items do they serve (fish and chips right)? Would you know how much they cost and have you tried them, or just the breakfast items?

Is parking via paid meter?

TIA

[TorontoJo]

I've only had breakfast so far, so can't help you there, sorry! It's a pretty broad diner-style menu. I saw that you were asking about Steve's in another thread -- I would think the menus are similar.

Parking on Yonge St. is free there.

[Dimwit]

The parking in the back. On-the-street parking is free but unavailable during rush hour (4-7pm).

[LUV_TO_EAT]

Just curious how much those items cost?

[TorontoJo]

Hmm... I think the french toast is $6.75 or so. Side of bacon is maybe $3? Our first bill was around $25, our second was around $20, both before tip. It's not dirt cheap, but you get serious value for your money.

[TorontoJo]

Just thought I'd share a photo of my french toast and bacon (which is missing a slice, due to the fast hands of my husband). I asked for my bacon crispy. :)

[Dimwit]

An institution! They're on the second generation now. Well run greasy spoon.

[jack_sprat_ca]

Wow, the Fry Basket still going! When attending High School in the 60's this was a favourite place for lunch. Great place for fish & chips back then, and I still remember the more than ample portions. They must be doing something right. Glad to hear it's still there.