Dating all the way back to 1954, Ted’s Restaurant is a West Hill institution.  We learned that the restaurant was created by some dude named Ted Petkoff.  He was one of the first regulars.  Buddy flipped it back in the day from a coffee shop to a full-fledged diner… then sold it off in the late ‘60s on the promise that it would retain its classic diner style.

Well, they’ve done just that, preserving the ’50s decor it had when it opened.  Seems like their menu & prices have both retained classic status as well… which is a real good thing.

As advertised, it is a great place to meet your friends (or family).  Pretty much the whole menu is kiddo approved, and the portions are substantial without breaking the bank.

Hot hamburger, roast beef or turkey sandwiches come open-faced with mashed potatoes and veggies (you know, to keep it healthy).  Cover the entire things with peppery gravy and you can just taste the nostalgia.  That wonder slice does wonders for the gravy left on the plate;)

Speaking of hamburger, the good folks at Ted’s know a thing (or three) about two-handers.  Flat-top perfection with all the fixins,

Did we forget to mention, forget to mention the kids menu?  Home to a half-dozen diner classics to choose from like bacon and eggs, pancakes or chicken fingers & fries.  Most kids orders come with your choice of side and a drink for less than ten bucks.

We’ve heard rumblings over the years that Ted’s might be closing.  You can see the condo developments encroaching east along Kingston Rd for sure.  But these guys seem to have stood the test of time, and it would be a real shame for Highland Park to lose one of its anchors.

Taking the family out for a casual meal on your way to The Zoo or coming home from a U of T Blues baseball game doesn’t have to be overly expensive.  You just need to know where to look;)