Sweaty Betty’s is a true Ossington institution. Always welcoming, with a cool vibe that works for both young and old. A rare gem of a bar where you instantly feel at home.
Special thanks to May (the amazing owner) and Diamond for the incredible service — you truly made my 88-year-old dad’s day.
A X
The bartender wasn’t attentive and he was rude. We only got two margaritas and they were eh
Nataliia Koschii
Cozy little place but great cocktails in the afternoon!!!
Lauran Walker
Grandma's living room meets funk with a much more interesting crowd. Staff is super friendly. Dog friendly which is cool. The patio is self serve which is not cool. Fun events during the summer, like drag shows. A mainstay to grab a drink before or after your main event.
Andrew Kuhne
Closed when obviously signs out saying open
Adrienne Rommel
We’ve been loyal customers at this bar for over 20 years (remember when they had the juke box?!), long before any of the current staff even worked here.
This place used to feel like home. Tonight, it made us feel like strangers - and worse, like we weren’t welcome at all.
After ordering just 2 drinks and 1 shot each, my friend was suddenly and inexplicably cut off.
We weren’t drunk. We weren’t causing any problems. We were friendly, respectful, minding our own business, chatting with each other, and having a great time.
There was no reason given - just an abrupt, humiliating dismissal.
It was offensive, discriminatory, biased, and completely unjustified.
What’s even more disappointing is that this bar prides itself on being “inclusive” - but our experience tonight proved that if you don’t fit into their idea of what’s “inclusive”, you’re definitely not welcome.
I will NEVER come back and I especially wouldn’t recommend this bar to people who remember the way it used to be (times have changed friends).
To the people who are reading this review thread:
Look at the owners response and how they talk to/treat their customers.
Making false accusations and statements like these, accusing THEIR CUSTOMERS of being “sexual predators” and “throwing hissy fits”.
That’s defamation of character (and making those kinds of accusations/statements without proof, publicly?!?)
Rude, unprofessional, and totally unnecessary (look at their responses to other reviews too for even more reference).
Nobody attempted to talk to me in private about this or explain what happened and why. In fact, the staff wouldn’t even look at or acknowledge me when my friend paid the bill. And yes, I was pissed off by the incredibly unfair way we were treated, without explanation, especially as a long-time customer.
Seriously think twice about going to this place, you may just get treated in the same way.
Go to a better dive bar where you’ll get better treatment, better drinks, better prices, and a better experience. There’s lots of better ones in the area where you won’t get treated like this.
(Adding the screenshot of the OG response from Sweaty Betty’s in case they deleted it).
Kailan Carter
Cute and cozy bar. As someone who is apart of the lgbtq+ community this is a very safe space and one of my go to spots. Great ambiance and decor, the drinks are well priced and they provide great service consistently.
Sean K
I don’t live in Toronto anymore, but I came here opening week in 2004 and the bartender at the time elected someone for ordering a fireball. Perfect bar, 10/10.
Peter Mahoney
The food here is miraculous. Many varieties of fried potato chips, and also pickle (singular).
Many of the staff wear hats. One time an actual bloodhound made me a margarita. It was truly something to behold.
Here's a picture from the 20th anniversary.
Vegetarian options: Everything but the dog treats are vegetarian. Most things are vegan.
Cute place. I like the interior design of this place. It's not fancy mancy but authentic
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Nikolas Mejia
Expensive lowkey
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 4
gitu taneja
really cool hole-in-the-wall bar !! this is the bar to be if you’re new to toronto. it is one of those places you can spend hours at because of the great atmosphere & bartenders. which btw are amazing, especially when it gets busy. they have a bar area when you first walk in, indoor sitting area with amazing lighting & lastly a patio outdoor area. this is a great place to go for cocktail parties with friends as they have lots of space at the back. bathrooms are clean, drinks are great & they allow doggos when not too busy! it tends to get very packed from thursday to the weekend. def visit if you haven’t already!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Jenkins
"Dive bar" is an ineffective generalization. Great place, well priced, nice people. Don't come here if you are a pompous git.
Sweaty Betty’s is a true Ossington institution. Always welcoming, with a cool vibe that works for both young and old. A rare gem of a bar where you instantly feel at home.
Special thanks to May (the amazing owner) and Diamond for the incredible service — you truly made my 88-year-old dad’s day.
The bartender wasn’t attentive and he was rude. We only got two margaritas and they were eh
Cozy little place but great cocktails in the afternoon!!!
Grandma's living room meets funk with a much more interesting crowd. Staff is super friendly. Dog friendly which is cool. The patio is self serve which is not cool. Fun events during the summer, like drag shows. A mainstay to grab a drink before or after your main event.
Closed when obviously signs out saying open
We’ve been loyal customers at this bar for over 20 years (remember when they had the juke box?!), long before any of the current staff even worked here.
This place used to feel like home. Tonight, it made us feel like strangers - and worse, like we weren’t welcome at all.
After ordering just 2 drinks and 1 shot each, my friend was suddenly and inexplicably cut off.
We weren’t drunk. We weren’t causing any problems. We were friendly, respectful, minding our own business, chatting with each other, and having a great time.
There was no reason given - just an abrupt, humiliating dismissal.
It was offensive, discriminatory, biased, and completely unjustified.
What’s even more disappointing is that this bar prides itself on being “inclusive” - but our experience tonight proved that if you don’t fit into their idea of what’s “inclusive”, you’re definitely not welcome.
I will NEVER come back and I especially wouldn’t recommend this bar to people who remember the way it used to be (times have changed friends).
To the people who are reading this review thread:
Look at the owners response and how they talk to/treat their customers.
Making false accusations and statements like these, accusing THEIR CUSTOMERS of being “sexual predators” and “throwing hissy fits”.
That’s defamation of character (and making those kinds of accusations/statements without proof, publicly?!?)
Rude, unprofessional, and totally unnecessary (look at their responses to other reviews too for even more reference).
Nobody attempted to talk to me in private about this or explain what happened and why. In fact, the staff wouldn’t even look at or acknowledge me when my friend paid the bill. And yes, I was pissed off by the incredibly unfair way we were treated, without explanation, especially as a long-time customer.
Seriously think twice about going to this place, you may just get treated in the same way.
Go to a better dive bar where you’ll get better treatment, better drinks, better prices, and a better experience. There’s lots of better ones in the area where you won’t get treated like this.
(Adding the screenshot of the OG response from Sweaty Betty’s in case they deleted it).
Cute and cozy bar. As someone who is apart of the lgbtq+ community this is a very safe space and one of my go to spots. Great ambiance and decor, the drinks are well priced and they provide great service consistently.
I don’t live in Toronto anymore, but I came here opening week in 2004 and the bartender at the time elected someone for ordering a fireball. Perfect bar, 10/10.
The food here is miraculous. Many varieties of fried potato chips, and also pickle (singular).
Many of the staff wear hats. One time an actual bloodhound made me a margarita. It was truly something to behold.
Here's a picture from the 20th anniversary.
Vegetarian options: Everything but the dog treats are vegetarian. Most things are vegan.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sweaty Pilsner
Lovey LGBT safe space to drink and hang out
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Cute place. I like the interior design of this place. It's not fancy mancy but authentic
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Expensive lowkey
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 4
really cool hole-in-the-wall bar !! this is the bar to be if you’re new to toronto. it is one of those places you can spend hours at because of the great atmosphere & bartenders. which btw are amazing, especially when it gets busy. they have a bar area when you first walk in, indoor sitting area with amazing lighting & lastly a patio outdoor area. this is a great place to go for cocktail parties with friends as they have lots of space at the back. bathrooms are clean, drinks are great & they allow doggos when not too busy! it tends to get very packed from thursday to the weekend. def visit if you haven’t already!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
"Dive bar" is an ineffective generalization. Great place, well priced, nice people. Don't come here if you are a pompous git.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Sweet little spot, with cozy nooks and crannies
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
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