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Restaurants

Square Boy

Rating: 2.3/5 (44 votes)

Posted by Guest Contributor / Reviewed on October 19, 2011

Square Boy Greek TorontoSquare Boy has been a fixture on the Danforth since the 1960's and is home to Toronto's first square hamburger (sorry Wendy's). Walking into this place is something of a timewarp epitomized by the old school service, classic pac man machine and the pictures on the menu faded beyond recognition. Very little has changed over the years.

This Greektown favourite might offer burgers and fries (a combo of a burger, fries and pop is only $5!) but regulars know to head straight for their souvlaki, rated by this site as one of the best in Toronto.

Square Boy TorontoMy favourite is the chicken soulvaki on a pita. Tender juicy chucks of finely marinated chicken souvlaki smothered in a rich tzatziki sauce topped with fresh chunks of tomato and onion which is then drizzled with their secret homemade lemon olive oil sauce wrapped in a warm gooey pita ($4.50.)

I also like that Square Boy gives its customers the option of swapping a pita for a warm buttery garlic loaf which is equally delicious. The souvlaki on a pita can also be made into a combo which includes a batch of greasy yet satisfying side of fries and a pop for $5.95.

Square Boy TorontoMy friend favours the pork souvlaki dinner which comes with large chunks of grilled pork souvlaki marinated in a variety of spices such as black pepper and oregano. The pork retains that char grilled taste you expect from souvlaki while managing to also be juicy and tender. It's made right to order so that when it's placed on your plate, the souvlaki is often still sizzling from being taken straight off the grill.

The souvlaki is topped with their special lemon olive oil sauce giving it an extra special kick that compliments the spices. It's served with a side of extra garlicky tzatziki and a heaping portion of fresh Greek salad (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, feta & olives covered in their tangy irresistible dressing) and crispy French fries. For $8-$9, this meal is a serious steal.

Square Boy TorontoI also recommend their half chicken dinner ($6.25). It's absolutely massive and comes with a juicy and tender half rotisserie chicken with skin soft and flavourful without being too salty or fatty. It can be served with a side of BBQ sauce (upon request) as well as a choice of fries or Greek salad.

Writing by Tania Grafstein-Ho

Discussion

18 Comments

Trish / April 12, 2009 at 11:59 pm
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Best souvlaki in Toronto!
Lina / August 11, 2009 at 07:50 pm
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i cannot believe there isn't a million amazing comments for this place!

the food and the prices are seriously insane! love Square Boys!!

seriously people. i DEFINITELY recommend this place.

= )
bill / October 10, 2009 at 04:03 pm
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i have eaten here for over 20 years. this place rocks. period.
Sean / November 9, 2009 at 12:47 pm
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Had to leave in the middle of my meal when two mice (mouses? meeces?) walked by my feet. Told some friends about this place and unfortunately they experienced the same thing.
Matt / January 26, 2010 at 10:11 am
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Just moved to the area and I have tried pretty much every place that is ranked for Souvlaki and Gyros on the Danforth. This place is hands down the best, in terms of both price and quantity. It has an old school charm that features faux wood walls and a vintage pac man machine. In a world obsessed with aesthetics this place is a refreshing change.

I look forward to going back!
PLS / May 20, 2010 at 04:19 am
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Have eaten there for over 22 years and have never experienced mice or termites of any kind.
I'm sure they may have them, as almost all restaurants in Toronto do.
Having said that it's undeniable how good the food is here. Try it once and be hooked for life, you will not be sorry:)
Matt / May 23, 2010 at 03:59 pm
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Not too many places in the city where you can get a burger loaded with toppings, fries and a pop for under five dollars. Highly recommended for a cheap and tasty pit stop.
sandy claws / August 15, 2010 at 06:27 pm
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We have been going to square boys for the past 25 years ago. The service is fast, the food is fresh, cheap and authentic. Order chicken souvlaki dinner for sure.
Aydin / October 19, 2011 at 06:47 pm
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What makes their chicken souvlaki so special is that it is almost impossibly moist and tender. Many places - especially counter-service joints - tend to precook or overcook chicken souvlaki and it turns out dry and stringy.
These guys marinate and cook the chicken in such a way that I'm shocked by how juicy and delicious it turns out EVERY time. The food is not as impressive and not nearly as authentic as Messini, but for what it is and for what you're paying, it's REALLY FREAKING GOOD.

Get the chicken souvlaki sandwich, and get it on a bun. Every time.
Jo / October 19, 2011 at 07:29 pm
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I've walked by this place many times before and never new that they sold food. From the outside I assumed they were a mattress store! I'm sure the food is good since they've stood the test of time but seeing the hefty customers waiting to place their order (in the photo) is a bit scary! O_o
Elaine / October 19, 2011 at 08:50 pm
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My other half likes to rave about the Square Boy pizza place he used to visit as a kid many years ago, while living in Ajax. He said it was the best pizza EVER. I'm sure these locations must be related.

Will have to check this place out - walked by it a million times, but never bothered to visit (stupidly.)
MrsPotato / October 20, 2011 at 12:14 am
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checked this place out a couple weeks ago.

everything was fast & cheap.
taste. meh.
stay away from the fries. they're not great.
Brad / October 20, 2011 at 01:05 am
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Can't believe nobody has mentioned the gyros, I love them!! and although the fries are nothing special, the gravy there is first rate
nippleholic replying to a comment from Sean / October 20, 2011 at 01:31 am
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they haven't had the greatest health record: http://app.toronto.ca/food2/DineSafeMain?userRequest=view_history&;ESTABLISHMENT_ID=9014396
Phil / October 20, 2011 at 09:36 am
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Been going here for years. AMAZING eats and prices. Any issues they have is no different from anyone else in the GTA.

Top notch service and quality for the price point.
Evan / October 20, 2011 at 11:23 am
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Pork souvlaki on a bun here might be my favourite dish in toronto.
Beth replying to a comment from Jo / October 28, 2011 at 05:05 am
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The overweight people in the photo actually *scare* you?
Stephanie / January 7, 2012 at 01:18 pm
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Square boy's is amazing! It's little gems like this in Toronto that make me love this city. Chicken souvlaki is always fresh, big chunks of white meat chicken (seriously, they must find the best chickens). Can't beat the Chicken Souvlaki dinner... it's a take-out staple in my house for 10$ a pop! Beware of dinner-hour lineups... this place can get really busy on weeknights.

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