Craving a little nostalgia? Dreaming of a bygone era where the classic diners offered simple menus with
comfort food classics of the early aughts? Imagine sitting in a comfortable plastic booth or spinning on a
metal swivel chair at a long table, sipping on thick, frothy milkshakes and strong drip coffee, ordering
burgers and fries for lunch or dinner. Turns out it’s easier than you’d think to take a trip back in time. All
you have to do is head to Toby’s Good Eats in Hamilton and bask in the old-timey bliss.
Toby’s Good Eats was founded in 1983 with a simple, diner-style interior and a unique menu boasting
quality ingredients. Though the last standing Toby’s is newly renovated, it has maintained all of the
original design elements to preserve its vintage charm.
The new look keeps true to Toby’s identity with bright red seats accented with dark grain wood, new tile
flooring and an updated logo. Beyond that, the last standing Hamilton location has updated kitchen
facilities, lights, a speaker system and much more.
“We want people to know that we really care about our business and that we are here to stay. People
have definitely noticed the difference and enjoy the new look,” says a representative from Toby’s Good
Eats.
Old-meets-new at Toby’s Hamilton with several revisions to the menu in order to remain on trend with
changing consumer palates. Like, for example, the addition of a beyond meat burger for plant-based
clientele.
But those who may remember the better days when Toby’s Good Eats had over 10 location across
Toronto and the GTA need not worry – the restaurant still offers their quintessential “popularity” and
“truck stop” burgers as well as the chunky fries and cheese sauce that shot them to local diner fame
back in the day. And, would it be a diner without a pot of coffee in near-constant rotation? “We have been using the same coffee supplier since the start of the business. It is a quality coffee blend that customers really enjoy,” the representative said.
In true classic diner fashion, patrons can also order up typical brunch and lunch items like the bacon and
eggs breakfast, clubhouse sandwich or fish and chips. Opt for the fried chicken or pork chop meal if
you’re looking for a bestseller that won’t disappoint.
The menu is large and, in keeping with Toby’s original promise, quality is not swapped for quantity. Take
for example, the soups, which are all made fresh in-house. Beyond that, patrons can choose from a ton
of vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Currently family owned and operated, Toby’s Hamilton’s head chef has been at the helm of the kitchen
for over a decade. “In our culture, food is love. So every time somebody comes to Toby’s, we want them to feel that love too,” the representative said.
Go back in time by visiting the 110 King Street West spot in Hamilton on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:00a.m. to 3:00p.m., and Wednesdays through Saturdays from 9:00a.m. to 8:00p.m.