I don't eat at McDonalds. Not because of Supersize Me, or because of the sketchy characters that frequent it, no, it's not even because I think I'm too cool (or maybe a little from column a & b & c actually.) As a person who generally steers clear of heavy grease, I figure if I'm actually going to have a burger, I'm going to do it right.
That's where the west end, family-run legend, Dairy Freeze, comes in. There is absolutely no place I'd rather clog an artery than at the corner of Caledonia & St. Clair West.
This diner/burger joint/shake place/truck stop has graced the corner since before I can remember. I've been living in the area for 24 years (all of 'em, that's right) and it's barely changed an ounce. Sure, the old cigarette vending machine eventually became "for show only" (and then cleared out), and maybe they've changed a few lightbulbs or started carrying a few new drinks in the fridge, but that's about it.
While other childhood fave's eventually fall into the "it's not the same anymore" category, Dairy Freeze definitely makes 'em like they used to. Did I mention that you can completely customize your burger when it comes to toppings, etc? Even the Harvey's that always tried to hold its ground across the street eventually had to pack up and move out because it couldn't compete. (On a sidenote, I remember watching TV as a kid and seeing the Harvey's commercials promoting how they make your burger your way (customized) and remarking to my mom that they were trying to copy Dairy Freeze. Actually, I don't know the history, but it might even be true. ;) )
All that nostalgia aside, I should point out that they do way more than just burgers... as you'll note from all the signs and lights that scream "steak on a bun" outside. Go ahead and have the steak on a bun, the gyro(yeero), souvlaki on a pita or the banquet burger.
The next, and most important part is the SIDES. The fries are good... no shoelace laced-in-peanut-fat fries like at McD's. These are huge and by law must be eaten with the wooden mini-forks provided. If you are an onion ring fan though, screw the fries. Have the rings. They are pictured above and though pretty greasy, are not to be missed. I'll sometimes go in solely for these home-made goodies. Mmmm mmm AMAZING.
Alright, now I've gone and made myself hungry.
FYI - if you were thinking it's a bit out of the way for you, both the St. Clair streetcar westbound and the Lansdowne 47B bus make a stop here, so there are no excuses. There's even a retro patio out front.
Photo by Rick McGinnis
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You know, I've also lived in the area for most of my life, and I've never been. Found a new place I'd like to try out!
Well said!
When in Montreal, go to Mister Steer
dairy freeze is the tops, open late too, go in when youre drunk and it will surely attack your upcoming hangover. Dang, their burgers would make the hamburgler throw out the golden arches and trade'em in for the FREEZE.
This place is the BEST...Try the Chicken Breast on a bun with a side order of Ceasar Salad..yummyyy!
Mmmm Chicken. hehehe. Next time.
You sure do a good job of selling the place. It's always nice to see someone get passionate over onion rings (which do look might tasty, by the way!).
Why does it say Dairy Queen at the top of the article?
Fixed!
I live close by, and have been many times, drunk and sober. the burgers aer just thin frozen things, nothing special at all. The steak on a bun is OK. Fries and rings are good too.
Dairy Freeze rocks. The burgers are the best because they are delicious along with steak, broiled chicken sandwich. They use real charcoal. If i want a bigger burger then I order a twin burger which better than Apache's, Johnny's at a cheaper price any day. Dairy prices very cheap for an establishment that around over 50 years. Just Rocks!!
Holy moly is this place ever good. My parents grew up in the area and used to tell us about. Now I lvie here myself and just love it. Cheeseburger with lettuce, onion, extra extra pickles, with onion rings...wow.
Hi, I just got on to see if there were anymore Dairy Freezes out there. My dad owned one from the time I was in the 5th grade till a year after I graduated from high school. I really miss it.(and him)
^^Nice comment :)
DAIRY "FREEZE" not "queen"!!! Get it right...It's a legend in the west-end...Great late nite after the party, club, festival whatever...
The food is pretty good there, but it got bought out over a year ago by some asian guy who cheaped out on some of the food like fish and chicken strips that used be homemade and battered there are now purchased pre-breaded processed crap. The one thing I absolutely love there is their Poutine.
Large thick cut fries, lots of Beef gravy and cheese.
Just thinking about it makes you arteries clog.
Most of their other food is as it used to be great.
It's still worth the trip though....
Pretty sure the original owner Gus still owns it (and works there as he was busy behind the counter this week). I believe the new guy your talkin about is managing.
I usually go 'down the street' to Commisso Rocco's for that veal sandwich - but always go past Dairy Freeze on the way. I'll have to stop by sometime - it's definitely closer to my house then Commisso's.
mmmm onion rings, who cares about fries .Im new to toronto and am always up to try new places to eat.
The burgers are of the the pre-fab variety (still pretty good) but it's the fries that makes this place a standout. Easily some of the best fries in the city. This place is definitely worth checking out if you're on St. Clair West.
i'am 31 years old and i've been going to the "FREEZE" ever since i had my first tooth. the burgers and steaks are pretty good and both can be ordered on a kaiser, but the main attractions would be the fries with gravy and the onion rings. if you love onion rings as much as i do then try them with the freezes house made steak sauce, i have changed the way dozens of people eat their onion rings at the freeze.
My dad first took me to this place when I was 8 years old. He's been going to Dairy Freeze since he was 8 years old. This place is and has always been the same for as long as I remember. Harvey's couldn't hold it's own against it. The BBQ sauce is the best EVER! The gravy for it's fries are INCREDIBLE. I love this place. It's so nostalgic it's not even funny.