Tops Pizza & Restaurant

Just popped in for a quick lunch. Considering Tops' location— in a run-down part of town, right on the busy intersection of Union, Waterloo and Sydney Streets— I was expecting very little. This is, after all, an uptown diner and pizza place. So my hopes weren't too high; if the food was to be a bit disappointing, I wouldn't be disappointed... if you see what I mean.

I arrived at about 12:45 PM, and the place was nearly packed, but then again, it's not all that large. There are a dozen stools at the counter, and maybe a half-dozen booths, and a few tables. However, I got a small table near a window with no problem. I ordered one of the daily specials, the baked lasagna, which comes with the soup-of-the-day, which happened to be chicken soup. I also ordered a side of coleslaw.

The waitress brought the soup first, of course, and it was GOOD chicken soup; obviously home-made, and very tasty; a perfect start to lunch.

Well, I was pleasantly surprised by the food. (Hmm. I suppose you could say that although I was prepared not to be disappointed if the food was disappointing, I wasn't disappointed that the food wasn't disappointing! Or something like that...)

My lasagna was absolutely delicious, with great cheese and meat sauce. It arrived hot, fresh and looked wonderful and was accompanied by two pieces of toasted garlic bread, and boy, was it garlicy! Very good indeed.

I almost always order coleslaw, and Tops' coleslaw is probably about the best in the city. The best coleslaw used to be at "Valley Fries", but that is now called "The Copper Penny", and I think Tops tops theirs. Excellent.

For what appears from the outside to be just another uptown diner, I would recommend this place to dang-near anyone especially anyone looking for a meal on a budget.

All added up, soup, baked lasagna, coleslaw and coffee (pretty good coffee, too) came to a total of $9.50. Great value for money.

But be warned: Tops takes cash ONLY. No checks, no credit, no debit, just cold, hard cash.

I'll be back, no fear.