"Greenspot Scored with Low Price: But Many Drew Criticism for Small Size – and Flavour Frequently a Let Down" reads a headline in this iconic diner. The article goes on to note that "One losing entry was compared to a 'dead man's finger'." I take my seat with the confidence which takes over a man when it becomes clear to him that what he is about to consume shall meet (and likely exceed) the well-established Dead Man's Finger standard…

Walk into "G-Spot" on any given morning and bacon will invariably battle with coffee for the chance to greet you. One of a small and stable cast of well-worn waitresses will curtly announce that you may sit where you please. Before you've creased the seat, you're sipping coffee and she's taking your order. Within a minute and a half, breakfast is served.

This place looks like a diner the way Harding looked like a President. The wooden sign behind the counter serves as a reminder that long after the 20 cent hot dog stopped being economically viable, the aesthetics of the era remain compelling. Examining the patrons, you'd solemnly swear they'd wandered off the set of a Bruce Springsteen video. This is St. Henri as it was, though unlike many of the other diners falling into this category, it seems to be thriving.

In this neighborhood, more is better tells the tale. True to form, rather than having one music machine, the owners have outfitted each table with its own jukebox. For $0.25 you can select from a list of your (um) favourites, including Crazy Town's "Butterfly" and "Livin' La Vida Loca" (in both English and Spanish, you bet your life) by Menudo alum Ricky Martin. Of course, most of the time it either doesn't work, or it merely ignores your selection and plays what it wants.

The operative word here is comfortable; it's laid back and affordable. For the not-so-whopping post-tax/tip total of $4.50, the coffee is hot, the home fries pass muster, eggs are eggs, toast is toast, and the beans and fruit add a nice touch. More importantly, the place has a warm, inviting feel to it. Of course, it's not for everyone. Don't come expecting eggs benedict or anything with avocado in it. That being said, there's nothing of the sketchy about it, and for the price it's certainly satisfying.

I've spent many a morning here marveling at its New Jersey-esque resilience and optimism. As we're gearing up to leave, I notice the elderly man behind me receiving his order. The barely-mobile fellow has just been served with two hot dogs and a giant plate of fries. It's not yet 10:30 in the morning. Even as it moves out of pace with its surroundings, there's no doubt in my mind that Greenspot will stand tall after the changing of the guards.

Greenspot
3041 Notre Dame W.
(514 932-2340)

Photos by Chase Moser.