Gale's Snack Bar is a blast from the past. It has sat at the corner of Eastern Avenue and Carlaw since the time horse and buggies would pass by. 

It was once a variety store owned by a man named Gale, but in the sixties the Chan family took over and grew it into the beloved and slightly mysterious neighbourhood diner it is today. 

Eda Chan has been working for her family business since she was 10 years old, standing behind that exact counter for over 40 years. 

She says Gale's is sentimental to her family, since the restaurant has created a sense of tradition in the community. 

Chan has watched regulars come and go, even some who had been visiting for almost 30 years, but have since passed away. 

Gale's has maintained its vintage charm after all these years, their menu that spans above the serving counter resembles the same font used by Honest Ed's. 

The prices are like something out of the 1950s, I promise you won't be spending more than $20 max on an order for two people.  

No debit or credit here either, so come prepared with cash, what else would you expect from a restaurant that has kept its operations from the pre-card era. 

Other nostalgic features decorate the tiny, but wholesome space - an ancient cash register, crooked floor tiles, an old-school coffee pot warmer, they all hold a piece of history. 

It's the simplicity that counts at Gale's, if you're craving a sense of home, you'll find it here, from the endearing persona of Eda taking your order, to the the snug wrap of parchment paper over the sandwiches. 

The Bacon and Cheese ($2.00) can be added with a fried egg on top for an extra $1.25. Still coming out ridiculously cheap, the bacon is well-seasoned, crisped up nice to go with the over-easy bed of eggs. 

A popular favourite at Gale's is their Clubhouse Sandwich ($2.75). Layered with love and stacks of roasted chicken, tomato, lettuce, bacon and mayonnaise. It's compact so you won't have to worry about a messy eat. 

The Hot Beef Sandwich ($4.75) is everything you want it to be: salty, filling, and served with a mountain of fries. Slivers of roasted beef are piled on top of an open-face sandwich, with mixed veggies and a tomato slice. 

The dish is served with a heaping cup of gravy so you can pour it all over to your heart's desire.  

Shacked up on the street corner, Gales's rustic sign outside of the mom-and-pop style restaurant represents Leslieville's crown jewel for old-timey lunch favourites.