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Do you know what the oldest restaurants in Brampton are?

Whether you’ve experienced these vintage joints or have yet to try them, these restaurants have stood the test of time in Brampton and clearly have something special to offer.

Here are the top 5 oldest independent restaurants in Brampton.

5) Jake’s Boathouse (Established 1979)

This legendary ocean-themed bar has been a mainstay in Brampton’s nightlife scene since 1979, when they opened on Bramsteele Road, and according to their website, “beer came in stubby bottles, a Leafs ticket (in the “Greys”) cost $6 and nobody in Brampton had ever heard of Chicken Wings!” Jake’s moved to their tucked away First Gulf and Biscayne location in 1994, specializing mainly in seafood, American dishes, and British pub grub, and outdoing a lot of restaurants in Brampton with their ribs and burgers. In the early 80s, Jake’s hosted traditional Dixieland Jazz, with their house band “The Jake’s Goodtimes Jazz Band.” Live music has been a draw to Jake’s since they opened, and it’s still a happening spot for good food and good times.

Photo courtesy of Jake’s Boathouse on Facebook

4) Joe’s Pizzeria (Established 1967)

Hidden in a plaza in a residential area across the street from Brampton Memorial Arena, Joe’s is a snug little pizza joint that’s been serving Brampton since 1967. Joe’s boasts homemade everything - pasta, pizza, wings, panzerotti, and even chicken or veal parm. You might not be able to have a seat and enjoy your meal at Joe’s, but for a quick, authentic Italian fix, Joe’s has been the place to go since the 60s. They’ve got quality covered, a variety of menu items, and that vintage pizza joint vibe.

Photo courtesy of Google Maps

3) Sonny’s Drive-In (Established 1965)

Sonny’s is a relic and an absolute dive located on good old Kennedy Road. This fast-food joint specializes in burgers, with menu items such as cheeseburgers, double bacon cheeseburgers, steak on a kaiser, fish and chips, chicken fingers, fries and more. Sonny’s is straight-up, traditional fast food as it should be, charming Brampton with its nostalgic vibe and feel-good food. They’re open late (craving a burger at 3 or 4 a.m., anyone?), their food hits the spot, and they’re just an old-school classic landmark in Brampton. Grab a milkshake and a spot on their picnic benches - if you say you’re from Brampton, a late night meal at Sonny’s is a must.

Photo courtesy of Sonny’s on Facebook

2) Venezia Pizzeria (Established 1963)

This quaint mom and pop shop was originally established in 1963 on Torbram Road, though the Torbram location no longer exists, and the restaurant has changed ownership. The original owners retired, and in 1980, Venezia reopened at Sandalwood and Richvale. Everything is homemade at this little pizza shop, and the restaurant is still family owned and operated. Venezia has made three of our top five lists - top five pizza, top five cheap pizza, and top five calzones. Overall, this is one quality historic pizza joint, and Brampton wouldn’t be the same without it!

Photo courtesy of owner on Google Maps

1) Vesuvio’s Ristorante (Established 1963)

Vesuvio’s is located on George St. in Brampton, and though it has moved locations, it’s been around for the past 54 years! This well-known spot has been a classic in Brampton since 1963, and residents will definitely want to check out how it’s changed since it flooded in March 2016. Their most popular dishes are their manicotti, their gnocchi, and their wood-burning pizzas which start at about $16. They boast delectable pastas, gourmet pizzas, and delicious desserts. According to owner Maurizio Dacunto, “Everything is homemade, just like grandma makes.” Vesuvio’s also has a patio that’s open for the summer. The restaurant is expected to shut down the streets with a grand opening festival in August, though they officially reopened this week.

Photo courtesy of Herman Custodio

Those might be some of the oldest restaurants, but there are even more relics in Brampton that everyone should check out.

Here are some bonus old gems in Brampton!

Dairy Queen (Established 1962)

According to the city, Dairy Queen on Queen Street is the oldest restaurant in Brampton! Serving classic ice cream treats, Dairy Queen boasts a patio and a truly nostalgic vibe.

Mackay Pizza (Established 1981)

This classic pizza joint on North Park Drive has delicious pizza, subs, and Jamaican patties, serving Brampton for 36 years.

Aria Bistro and Lounge (Established 1982)

Aria is one of the finer restaurants in Brampton, on Main Street just south of Bovaird. Definitely a date night spot, historic Aria is situated in the beautiful historic house of Walter E. Calvert.

La Capannina (Established 1983)

This family-run gem on George Street North offers charming, vintage appeal and a classic menu full of such delicious Italian mainstays as spaghetti bolognese, homemade gnocchi, manicotti and veal parmigiana.