You get into this strange line debating whether the wait is worth it or if a sharwama, slice of za or some street meat from the dude in front of Jim Bob's is a better idea. Lucky you can see inside the window and see happy people enjoying delicious food and quickly reevaluate those other late night eat options and commit yourself to the wait. Prince Albert's Diner (a.k.a Prince Al's as it's called on the street) it is.
It's never that long so I would recommend sticking it out, or possibly get friendly with the group in front of you (if your flying solo) and turn there table for 3 into a table for 4 (been there, done that). A seat at the bar is also a good option for smaller groups. The place isn't super huge but around 50 people can squeeze in. Your taken down memory lane (if you are old enough to remember the 1950's or 60's) to the decor of a diner the way it was in yesteryear. Black and white checker floors, chrome edged table tops and bar stools, a touch of neon lighting and the old school powder coated milk shake blender behind the bar.
Now the next dilemma, what to order?? It all looks so good, your starving and in need of something greasy to reduce the severity of the mornings (or late afternoon) hangover that is in your near future. To be honest I've sampled many items of their menu. Everything is good but there is only one choice (unless you have one of those unfortunate allergies that prevents you from eating awesome things like the Reese's family of products) the Wally Burger.
What's a Wally Burger you ask? It's the best darn thing you can sink your teeth into at that hour of the night. Picture your standard bacon cheeseburger but you've decided to hold the cheese (sounds like a bad life decision, I know but..) and instead you've substituted the cheese for peanut butter (I order heavy PB), that's right, PEANUT BUTTER. OMG, and Ill leave it at that. You have to try it for your self and any description I could attempt to provide wouldn't do justice to this amazing creation.
Now what about a side? You could do a salad or plain french fries but that would be no fun at this hour of night. You gotta do the poutine, simply amazing and the best accompaniment for Mr. Wally. The fries at Prince Al's are probably the best in London (if you know of better one's please let me know) and defiantly the best on Richmond. Then smother those baby's in gravy and cheese curds, thank you Montreal for inventing such goodness and for having such a good hockey team, GO HABS GO!!!
And what meal wouldn't be complete with something for desert? My recommendation, pumpkin pie. It is out of this world. I'm not a 100% on this but I believe the owner's mom or grandma makes it and it is something else, good warm or cold (I like it cold). If you got room wash this all down with a milkshake. I've had one once on one of my rare visits there during daylight hours but around 3 a.m. I prefer a solid glass of tap water to combat the previous fun I've had on Richmond.
Go, go often, wait in line, it's worth it and you won't regret it....