A couple weeks ago, I posted about Dairy Freeze , the best place in T.O. for anything on a bun (and onion rings too). It was then suggested by a few neighbourhood cronies that I do the right thing and tell the world about Queen's Dairy , another St. Clair West late night, family-run, diner-esque type joint... this one a little further East.

I hadn't been to Queen's for months (at least) so when the late night ride home called for some grub, I got off the streetcar at St. Clair & Christie. Since it's only been 2 weeks since the last dip into the deep fried goods, I figure I'll go easy... looking up at the hand-written menu items I order a dish o' fries and a milkshake to share with a friend.

When another friend arrives, she orders up a regular burger. Despite our very late dining hour, the food was made quick and brought right to our table (indoors, 'cause this very west coast wet weather is ruining T.O. patio season).

Though scoring a point for fast, the food is only okay . The fries are nothing special (or perhaps especially McCain) and the milkshake is a little chunky.

The TV blares some kind CHCH programming and the other patrons are a mix of creepy and noisy. We join in with our own chatter, but eventually we annoy even ourselves and decide to head out.

First though, a stop into the ladies room... one which yields some laughs and a couple shaking heads when I pull out my Lomo camera. The soap 'dispenser' is a retrofabulous plastic ketchup bottle. Queen's almost redeems itself with this moment alone...

But not quite.

Though we'll probably be back at some point, this place is much better when you're IN to order and then OUT sitting on the big-arse patio. Mental note made.

Dairy Freeze still takes the cake -- or the steak, if you'd rather -- in the St. Clair West greasy spoon battle.

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Queen's Dairy - 700 St Clair Ave West (@ Christie)