If you’re looking for a post-drinking hangout spot, a good meal at a reasonable price, or the best milkshake you’ve ever paid more than $5 for, Zak’s Diner in the Byward Market is the place to go.

Established in 1986, Zak’s Diner has been a long-time favourite for many visiting the Byward Market. The ’50s-style diner has an old-school feel to it and hanging from the ceiling on string and wooden clothespins are children’s crayon drawings. 

The walls in Zak’s are covered with mirrors and vintage framed posters, and the turquoise vinyl booths with pale pink trim are effortlessly reminiscent of the ’50s.

“The pictures on the wall- there’s little drawings of all of us, it’s really cute,” says Hannah Cencig, 19, a server at Zak’s.

The music playing in the diner is far more modern than the restaurant feels.  It is a combination of remixed dance music, indie rock and upbeat pop.