Gale’s Snack Bar

Reviews

• Mary T.

  star star star star star 8 June 2026

  Whenever I drive downtown, I tend to backroad it along Eastern Avenue. For what feels like eons, I have spotted Gale's Snack Bar each time, and didn't know what it was. It wasn't until I had a chat with a friend who said that it was her hangout as a young adult that I needed to check it out.
  
  After having a huge meal at Medieval Times, what lingered was dessert. We got a small scoop of vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce. It didn't sustain me. I needed more. I thought of visiting Gale's for my dessert fix.
  
  I parked on Carlaw Avenue, just south of Eastern Avenue. I walked over to the cafe and walked up the steps. It was around 2 pm.
  
  When you walk in, it feels like a museum from the late 60's or 70's. There was a booth that was free, so I sat down. I sunk into my seat. I don't think any of the decor has changed since it was first built.
  
  The Gale part of the business name is Gale Chan. She is a one-woman force and runs the entire show on her own. If you expect fast service, you are at the wrong eatery. I liked the slower change of pace in this I-want-it-now world.
  
  She came over to me and asked what I'd like. You look at the menu posted on the wall, which looks like prices have been frozen in time. I asked whether I could get a cream soda float. She didn't have any cream soda, but said that she could make me one with any pop. I went with orange. I also asked for a slice of apple pie.
  
  My orange crush float with vanilla ice cream came first. It was so good. The vanilla ice cream was creamy. The orange crush made it perfect. I was a happy camper. And, get this! It was only $2. What?!
  
  My slice of apple pie came over next. It was delicious and paired nicely with the orange crush float. My slice was $1.50. How?!
  
  One I was done with satisfying my sweet tooth, I went up to the counter and asked to settle my bill. The total was $3.50. She does not slap on any tax. It was mind-blowing and insanely cheap to me. I gave her cash, which is the only way to pay for items. She used an old cash register that still works to give me change. I tipped her generously, as I had a great time here. She appreciated it and asked that I come back again soon.
  
  I saw one man sit at the counter roughly half an hour after I had arrived. He ordered what looked like a club sandwich with fries. It all looked so good. I hope to order a meal when I return.
  
  After the couple next to me saw my orange crush float, they ordered the grape version of it. It looked pretty. I am such a trend-setting dessert enthusiast... haha!
  
  It's not the most stylish place when you plop yourself down. However, every item on the menu is done with love by a special woman. I am so glad that I dropped by. It is a rare gem of a place. I like when I am transported back to a simpler, happy time. This place does just that.
  
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• Dylan B.

  star star star star star 7 June 2026

  This is a magical place.
  
  I arrived an hour before Gale came to open the shop, she got out of a taxi carrying several gallons of canola oil and politely asked me to wait around while she opened.
  
  My friend and I wandered the industrial area and braced ourselves against the mid-March wind.
  When Gale opened the snack bar, my friend and I entered a cozy, warm, genuine time capsule.
  Prices unchanged from the 60's, great snacks and hot meals, excellent coffee, and great service.
  Gale is extremely friendly, a wonderful host, and a great cook.
  
  Can't wait to eat here again!

• Lum V.

  star star star star star 6 June 2026

  Great little gem that transports you back in time. The price is insanely cheap, you can get a coffee for 0.65 cents or their most expensive meal of hot turkey at $3.60. You cannot find anything as good of a quality in that price range in Leslieville or within GTA for that matter.
  
  My husband and I always drove and walked past this place, and curious what kind of food they served. We're glad we made a point in walking over for lunch today. We had their cream soda float, club house, bacon and cheese sandwich, and French fries. All the items were good, and they don't skimp! The club house at $2.50 a plate has chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and mayo. Where can you get a club like that for $2.50 anywhere else?
  
  If you want a old diner experience that comes with friendly service, good food and awesome price. You must check this place out!

• Marleen L.

  star star star star star 29 May 2026

  Man, I use to live extremely close to Gale's, it was the first place I've ever lived at moving to Toronto. I was too busy exploring and not realizing how much of a gem this place is. I seriously wished I took advantage of my distance to Gale's - service is awesome, the atmosphere is intriguing and food is great given the price point. Don't expect to receive "fast food service" just because of the price you're getting it for, from what I remember there is only one person running the whole snack bar.

• Mariko M.

  star star star star star_border 24 May 2026

  Never heard of this place until it was suggested to me as a meeting point. There's really not much in the area so it's an unassuming joint. Family run, Gale's has been around for quite a long time (and looks it too!). The decor of this place could get a makeover. The clientele here are folks who look rough around the edges. I was, however, pleasantly surprised by the food. The menu consists of mostly sandwiches and fries, but at extremely reasonable price points. I recommend the club sandwich with a side of fries. I'm seldom in this part of town, but I wouldn't hesitate to return to try their other menu offerings.
  
  Good for: cheap eats (super cheap), lunch