Helen's Grill in Vancouver. Main and King Edward. Never mind the food - its the usual greasy spoon menu but the decor is original 50's - complete with the stools at the counter that spin and the little jukeboxes at the booths. Nothing fancy but you can always get the daily paper. They have real milkshakes, too.

Actually the food is decent and the service is friendly. Of course the waitresses have been there since it opened. The owner, George, is usually sitting there reading the paper or sitting with a group of locals discussing the weather. He always acts as if he's known you forever.