The Ossington Guide: we traipsed the avenue to find its latest eating and drinking destinations
The Ossington Guide: we traipsed the avenue to find its latest eating and drinking destinations
Over the past few years, we’ve watched the Ossington strip evolve from a no-go set of dodgy storefronts to an edgy Queen West offshoot to the city’s hippest drag—a gentrification so rapid that city council recently imposed a year-long moratorium on licensing new bars and restaurants. While residents and entrepreneurs face off over growing pains, we traipsed the avenue, day and night, to compile a user’s guide to Toronto’s latest eating and drinking destination.
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- <strong>Sweaty Betty’s</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong>Sweaty Betty’s is the place generally credited with launching the strip. No bitter Betty, co-owner Pol Cristo-Williams is all for the second coming of Ossington, and he has been a vocal opponent of the city’s moratorium. He prefers, however, to “keep the riff-raff out” by serving cocktails that have a maximum of three ingredients (those in search of bright and fruity beverages will have to go elsewhere). “We have a no-asshole policy,” says Cristo-Williams, who prefers the local feeling of weeknights to the jammed weekend scene. When staff toss out an “asshole” (and they’ve been known to), the offender’s caricature is stuck up on a wall of the banned. And Betty has a long memory—most of the bartenders have been slinging vodka sodas here for years.<br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> November 2004. <br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> The jukebox (it costs just $1 for three songs) and absinthe ($8.70), served flaming, with burnt sugar. <br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> Wednesday for “a good set of people” and tracks by DJ duo Dylan and Dave, otherwise known as Shit la Merde.<br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 30, plus 30 on the back patio.<br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Drinks.<br /> </p><p><em><strong><a href="/guide/bars-and-clubs/bars/sweaty-bettys/">Sweaty Betty’s</a>, </strong> 13 Ossington Ave., 416-535-6861. </em></p>
- (Image: Jessica Darmanin)
- The Ossington Guide: Sweaty Betty's
- The Ossington Guide: Sweaty Betty's
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- 194903
- <strong>Pho Thien Thanh</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> Pho Thien Thanh is another vestige of Vietnamese Ossington. The space shows its 14 years with dated diner decor (it’s a good thing purple is back this season), but owner Tuan Vo keeps locals reaching for plastic chopsticks with his lineup of Vietnamese classics. Thien Thanh is sometimes the second choice after the Golden Turtle (the owners of the two restaurants were once friendly but no longer speak), yet Susur Lee has dined here, too. Vo recommends the chicken noodle soup, which is “very good for energy”—required if staying on the strip until nightfall.<br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> 1995.<br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> Deep-fried spring rolls ($3.25) and grilled shrimp on sugar cane spears ($5.50).<br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> Tuesday, when the Golden Turtle is closed. <br /><br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 60. <br /><br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Lunch and dinner. Closed Wednesday.<br /> </p><p><em><strong>Pho Thien Thanh, </strong> 57 Ossington Ave., 416-588-6997. </em></p>
- (Image: Jessica Darmanin)
- The Ossington Guide: Pho Tien Thanh
- The Ossington Guide: Pho Tien Thanh
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- 194907
- <strong>The Ossington</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> Like many of its funkily coiffed patrons, The Ossington is the most fun on weekends. Stylish light fixtures by Unit 5 and an aerial photograph of Ossington nod to new wave. The bar keeps things low key from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with classic cocktails—no energy drinks or half-pints. Beats ranging from hip hop to classic rock heat the place up around 9 p.m. The staff, who are all working artists or activists (manager Pat Colosimo is a film guy by day), ups the bar’s hipster quotient. The bohemian watering hole also hosts screenings, monthly comedy nights and cabarets.<br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> May 2008.<br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> Absinthe ($11): the Green Fairy is served French style, with water over sugar cubes.<br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> Thursday for Good One, when local artists and novice DJs take over the turntables.<br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 115.<br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Drinks, light snacks.<br /> </p><p><em><strong><a href="/guide/bars-and-clubs/bars/ossington/">The Ossington</a>, </strong> 61 Ossington Ave., 416-850-0161. </em></p>
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- The Ossington Guide: The Ossington
- The Ossington Guide: The Ossington
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- 194890
- <strong>Baby Huey</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> Baby Huey is a down-home neighbourhood haunt, complete with loungers and family photos—both from about 1978. Nostalgia notwithstanding, owner Mike Homewood isn’t against the changing times: “When I first started here, it was pretty sketchy. There used to be all these Vietnamese gangsters—it’s a lot safer now.” And he reports that it kids like George Stroumboulopoulos and his entourage have moved on (he sometimes spies them at his more sedate Leslieville spot, The Curzon); the feel now is mostly local. Things get more high-impact every other Saturday night for West End Boys, a queer party with singing, dancing and drag.<br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> October 2007.<br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> No-frills shots of Jägermeister ($4.50–$6), served by beloved bartender Steve Neville. </p><br /> <p><strong>COME ON: </strong> Tuesday for a karaoke night that hearkens back to the spot’s Vietnamese iteration. Be warned: Neville is actually a singer and makes a formidable opponent.<br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 40, plus 60-person unlicensed patio.<br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Drinks and snacks; larger menu coming soon.<br /> <em><strong><a href="/guide/bars-and-clubs/bars/baby-huey/">Baby Huey</a>, <p></p></strong> 70 Ossington Ave., 647-618-7270. </em></p>
- (Image: Jessica Darmanin)
- The Ossington Guide: Baby Huey
- The Ossington Guide: Baby Huey
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- 194910
- <strong>Union</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> Teo Paul has been tantalizing locavores for a year with <a href="/daily/category/opening-soon/">blog talk</a> of his soon-to-open restaurant, Union. He first learned of the burgeoning district while in Italy and hurried home to get in on “a moment” in Toronto’s restaurant history. Though still in the works, the bistro digs are well on their way, with kitschy wallpaper (from a former tenant, revealed by the bash of a sledgehammer), a whimsical vine mural by Barbara Klunder, and ornate mirrors, for a little regal glam. Unlike many of the strip’s eateries, Union will be open at 9 a.m. for coffee and croissants. Says Paul of the place, “I’ll be making madeleines in the back. My place is going to smell like a freaking French bakery.” Opening soon. <br /><br /> <em><strong>Union, </strong> 72 Ossington Ave. </em></p>
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- The Ossington Guide: Union
- The Ossington Guide: Union
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- 194900
- <strong>Levack Block</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> Levack Block corners Humbert Street, as well as the established artsy set. Mould-breaking performance artist Istvan Kantor is among the industry types who stop in at the resto-bar, where a reclaimed cage from a postal station and subtly striped walls have a 19th-century Paris appeal. Behind the bar, Mark Binks has been pulling pints from the wide selection of European beers since opening night. Tunes include funk, hip hop and ’90s indie—what Binks calls “songs with words.” After dinner, the lights go down and such acts as Dalia step up the beat. <br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> December 2007.<br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> The Levack burger: a Mediterranean-style sandwich topped with onions, goat cheese and tzatziki. <br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> Friday for a lively scene with danceable tracks, including old school and hip hop. Avoid the Saturday crush.<br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 222. <br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Drinks, dinner, Saturday and Sunday brunch. <br /> </p><p><em><strong><a href="/guide/bars-and-clubs/bars/levack-block/">Levack Block</a>,</strong><strong> 88 Ossington Ave., 416-916-0571, <a href="http://www.levackblock.com">levackblock.com</a>. </strong></em><br /> </p>
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- The Ossington Guide: Levack Block
- The Ossington Guide: Levack Block
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- 194894
- <strong>Delux</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> Chef-owner Corinna Mozo didn’t know what to expect when she landed on Ossington from Boston. A year and a half later, Delux looks—and feels—like a perfect fit. The streamlined, unfussy decor allows for greater focus on the food: a Franco-Cuban conglomerate that keeps locals coming back. Indie music is mixed à la iPod shuffle but is always understated. “I’m not going for quiet and romantic; I’m going for fun and enjoyable,” says Mozo, who wants her place to feel homey. To foster the inclusive culture, two large communal tables in the back room are large-group ready.<br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> January 2008. <br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> Steak frites ($24), with chef Mozo’s signature frites (the recipe is a page and a half long) and duck confit with du Puy lentils ($21). <br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> Sunday for a quieter neighbourhood feel, with lots of familiar faces and a laid-back bistro atmosphere. <br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Dinner. <br /> </p><p><em><strong><a href="/guide/restaurants/bistro/delux/">Delux</a>, </strong> 92 Ossington Ave., 416-537-0134. </em></p>
- (Image: Jessica Darmanin)
- The Ossington Guide: Delux
- The Ossington Guide: Delux
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- 194911
- <strong>Watusi</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> The swank cocktail lounge Watusi combines the slick style of its owners’ previous projects: loud, laid-back Sotto Voce (by Alan Thomson) and the kitschy Bovine Sex Club (by Darryl Fine and Jill Dickson). The result is James Bond meets Pink Panther: lava lamps, saturated ’60s tones, rich leather accents and Warhol-esque art. The music is steadily old school, with tracks hand-picked for the time of day, ranging from dinnertime crooner classics to uptempo late-night beats. Though blindingly shiny and new (the front windows are a psychedelic neon), the bar has received the nod from the Save Ossington contingent.<br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> March 2009.<br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> Won ton nachos ($8). Sweet chili beef or mozzarella jalapeño is rolled inside a won ton and served with avocado and roasted red peppers. The Watusi mojito ($8.69), which swaps soda for more flavourful prosecco, is also a favourite. <br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> Saturday for a more stirring vibe, with classic rock, funk and psychedelic ’60s tracks, courtesy of Bovine Sex Club veteran DJ Vania. <br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 100. <br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Dinner and drinks. <br /> </p><p><em><strong>Watusi, </strong> 110 Ossington Ave., 416-533-1800, <a href="http://www.watusi.biz">watusi.biz</a>. </em></p>
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- The Ossington Guide: Watsui
- The Ossington Guide: Watsui
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- 194897
- <strong>Golden Turtle</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> The Golden Turtle combines the Vietnamese heritage of old Ossington with a certain foodie authority. The spot has been known to tempt such big-name foodies as Guy Rubino (he drops in about three times a week, say staff), Colborne Lane’s Claudio Aprile and Susur Lee. That doesn’t mean that the golden oldie hasn’t changed over time—in fact, the family-run operation likes the influx of new customers. Just a month ago, the pho favourite added new veggie and vegan options to its bible-length menu for an increasingly eco-conscious crowd.<br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> 1992.<br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> Rare beef pho ($6.50): rice noodles and chicken and beef broth topped with fresh onion, chive, basil and bean sprouts. <br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> Friday or Saturday, when the patio makes a great perch from which to watch the stylish masses go by.<br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 45, plus 25 on the patio. <br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesday.<br /> </p><p><em><strong><a href="/guide/restaurants/vietnamese/golden-turtle-restaurant/">Golden Turtle</a>, </strong> 125 Ossington Ave., 416-531-1601. </em></p>
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- The Ossington Guide: Golden Turtle
- The Ossington Guide: Golden Turtle
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- 194896
- <strong>Get Real</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> With a menu of homespun comfort foods (minus the meat), Get Real has been a destination for veggies and vegans for over four years. Co-owner Carrie McKitrick says, “Some people think they will get tofu and sprouts with some carrots on top.” They’re wrong; the vegetarianism here is of the stick-to-your-ribs variety, complete with hearty bean burgers and packed burritos by chef-co-owner Maico Meier. Regular customers include Serena Ryder and such Hogtown actors as Craig Olejnik, Scott Speedman, Michael Cera and Sarah Polley. McKitrick, concerned that people think Ossington comes alive only after 8 p.m., will soon be extending Get Real’s hours to take advantage of the evening influx. <br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> October 2004. <br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> The daily hot pot ($9–$10), including such soups as Ethiopian peanut stew and Italian peasant ragoût. <br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> Saturday or Sunday for brunch, but beware: waiting in line is almost guaranteed. <br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 24, plus 18 on the patio. <br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Lunch, brunch, early dinner. <br /> </p><p><em><strong>Get Real, </strong> 135 Ossington Ave., 416-532-4564, <a href="http://www.getrealcafe.com">getrealcafe.com</a>. </em></p>
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- The Ossington Guide: Get Real
- The Ossington Guide: Get Real
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- 194905
- <strong>Reposado</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> Reposado brings Mexican spice to the west end. The tequila bar has some 50 varieties on offer and is known for a live, adventurous Django Reinhardt–style jazz band. Smart and cozy, the space is punctuated with eye-catching accents, like the salvaged cathedral window behind the bar, courtesy of co-owner and prop artist Catherine MacFadyen. Reposado just extended its hours and added new items to the tapas menu, hoping to draw more daytime action. For the apprehensive tippler, tequila-cured salmon is a great way to get into the spirit. <br /><br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> August 2007. <br /><br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> Tequila is the staple, but house favourites are the blood orange margarita ($9.50) and the buena vita ($9), made with fresh agave nectar and grapefruit juice.<br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> Thursday and Friday, when the Reposadists take the stage and co-owner Sandy MacFadyen croons. <br /><br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 30, plus 36 on the patio. <br /><br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Dinner, lunch (Thursday to Sunday), drinks. <br /><br /> <em><strong><a href="/guide/bars-and-clubs/bars/reposado/">Reposado Bar and Lounge</a>, <p></p></strong> 136 Ossington Ave., 416-532-6474, <a href="http://www.reposadobar.com">reposadobar.com</a>. </em></p>
- (Image: Jessica Darmanin)
- The Ossington Guide: Reposado
- The Ossington Guide: Reposado
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- 194898
- <strong>I Deal Coffee</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> Leading the daytime constituency, I Deal Coffee is the street’s go-to caffeine dealer. The java lounge gets a good showing from Beaconsfield Village, including the laptop brigade. The furniture is a mix of cast-offs: salvaged church pews and vintage velvet chairs vary in comfort but excel in cool. On the walls, local colour by the Toronto artist Kelly Palmer, whose Versailles-esque motifs contribute to the cerebral atmosphere. While I Deal gets its gaggles of artsy types, the coffee is unpretentious. Barista Louisiana Chapman jokes, with a telling eye roll, “Oh yeah, I make really good latte art.”<br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> June 2005. <br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> The cortado, or short latte ($3). “It’s the new Americano,” says owner James Fortier. Melt-in-your-mouth brownies are also a home run. <br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> A sunny afternoon to take advantage of the massive south-facing windows. <br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 30. <br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Coffee and home-baked goods. <br /> </p><p><em><strong><a href="/guide/food/coffee-tea/i-deal-coffee/">I Deal Coffee</a>, </strong> 162 Ossington Ave., 416-534-7700, <a href="http://www.idealcoffees.com">idealcoffees.com</a>. </em></p>
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- The Ossington Guide: I Deal Coffee
- The Ossington Guide: I Deal Coffee
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- 194892
- <strong>Crooked Star</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> No new kid on the block, the Crooked Star is part saloon, part Grandma’s closet. The interior is littered with trinkets and retro memorabilia, including Coronation Street figurines. This attitude-free Ossington old-timer has a cult following that has created an atmosphere of what owner Sean Bryan calls “comfortable chaos.” Though a DJ spins Thursdays to Sundays, Bryan has noticed that regulars tend to steer clear on weekends, when the avenue is packed with revellers. Bryan himself is one of the DJs on rotation; he keeps a sliver of his towering CD collection at the bar for a constantly current sound that knows no indie bounds.<br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> December 2004. <br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> Meticulously layered nachos ($8–$10). No chip goes un-cheesed in this dish, which is served with homemade salsa verde, salsa picante, black bean dip and sour cream. <br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> Sunday at 2 p.m. for a week’s worth of Coronation Street episodes. <br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 45, plus 20 on the patio. <br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Dinner (such bar classics as quesadillas and burritos); late-night menu after 11 p.m. <br /> </p><p><em><strong><a href="/guide/bars-and-clubs/bars/crooked-star/">The Crooked Star</a>, </strong> 202 Ossington Ave., 416-536-7271. </em><br /> </p>
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- The Ossington Guide: Crooked Star
- The Ossington Guide: Crooked Star
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- 194895
- <strong>Foxley</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> Foxley’s chef-owner Tom Thai, a pioneer of both the new Ossington and fusion cooking, offers a menu of Asian- and Latin American–influenced small plates. The elegant space (even the exposed brick looks polished) typically gets a pre-bar crowd, since the kitchen closes at 11 p.m. “It’s not a ‘scene’ place,” says Thai, who is careful to cultivate a low-key atmosphere. Still, the relaxed restaurant has been known to attract such T.O. celebs as Sandra Oh, Emily Haines, Leslie Feist and other members of Broken Social Scene.<br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> May 2007.<br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> Fall-off-the-bone Asian-style ribs that are slow braised with herbs and chili ($8). <br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> A weeknight to avoid queuing up. Thai likes Mondays best, when restaurant types come to eat on their night off. <br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 36, plus a soon-to-open 36-person patio. <br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Dinner. <br /> </p><p><em><strong><a href="/guide/restaurants/international/foxley/">Foxley</a>, </strong> 207 Ossington Ave., 416-534-8520, <a href="http://www.foxleybistro.com">foxleybistro.com</a>. </em><br /> </p>
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- The Ossington Guide: Foxley
- The Ossington Guide: Foxley
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- <strong>Burger Shoppe Quality Meats</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> Burger Shoppe Quality Meats—or BQM, as it’s better known—is the spinoff of owner Saeed Mohamed’s original Riverdale spot of the same name. The patty pusher wanted to take an old Vietnamese video store and create “the quintessential cool burger shop.” The reincarnation has resulted in a library-chic eatery with rich wood accents, a comfort food–stacked menu and a bar made from a salvaged Sam the Record Man info desk. On Saturdays, Mohamed mans the barbecue on the new patio. <br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> December 2008. <br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> The Riverside ($9). The burger of naturally raised beef comes topped with homemade barbecue sauce and an onion ring. Also popular is the Palmer poutine ($8), drenched in caramelized onions and bacon and named for neighbourhood regular John Palmer. <br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> Monday, when three cocktails are half price. </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 30, plus a 30-person patio. <br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Lunch, dinner, drinks. <em><strong>Burger Shoppe Quality Meats, </strong> 210 Ossington Ave., 416-850-1919, <a href="http://www.burgershoppe.com">burgershoppe.com</a>.</em></p>
- (Image: Jessica Darmanin)
- The Ossington Guide: Burger Shoppe Quality Meats
- The Ossington Guide: Burger Shoppe Quality Meats
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- <strong>Todo</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> True to its name—the Portuguese word for “all”—Todo has everything. Owners Jose Carlos (of Angola) and Nao Sunakawa (of Japan) wanted to create a microcosm of the city’s ethnic range. Music ranges from salsa to tribal drumming to bossa nova (typically reserved for weekends, when the mid-30s set hits the strip). The go-go lounge’s recycled decor includes a collection of old TVs and lamps from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. The Asian-inspired menu contributes to the concept of ethnic eclecticism. <br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> August 2008. <br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> Gekkeikan saketini, made with sake, melon liqueur and cranberry juice. <br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> Friday for a lounge atmosphere. <br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 55. <br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Drinks and dinner. <br /> </p><p><em><strong>Todo, </strong> 217 Ossington Ave., 416-516-7200. </em><br /> </p>
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- The Ossington Guide: Todo
- The Ossington Guide: Todo
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- <strong>The Painted Lady</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> The bordello-themed Painted Lady ups the<br /> strip’s retro ante, taking it back to the ’40s and ’50s with old-school jazz<br /> and pre-Kennedy cocktails. New Orleans imports and co-owners Nicky Potter<br /> and Sam Papatragiannis wanted the watering hole to be “a drinker’s drinker’s<br /> bar” that combines live music (minimum three nights a week), a diverse menu<br /> and killer bar blends. Mixologist Christine Sismondo puts twists on such<br /> traditional drinks as the Moscow Mule (vodka, with homemade ginger syrup and<br /> lime mix) and the Corpse Reviver (Cointreau, gin, floating absinthe, Lillet<br /> and lemon). Sugary concoctions keep drinkers hopped up, so come prepared to<br /> shake a tail. “We party hard seven nights a week,” says Potter, “and the<br /> staff frequently dress up and act out.” <br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> January 2009.<br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> Slow-cooked pulled pork sandwich ($7.95). It comes slathered in the secret house barbecue sauce and served on a Portuguese bun from a neighbouring bakery. <br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> Saturday for the red light special, when flirty girl–style dancing is a must. <br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 111, plus boulevard café. Back patio coming soon. <br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Dinner; will be serving lunch when the patio opens. <br /> <em><strong>The Painted Lady, </strong> 218 Ossington Ave., 647-213-5239.</em></p>
- (Image: Jessica Darmanin)
- The Ossington Guide: The Painted Lady
- The Ossington Guide: The Painted Lady
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- <strong ">Pizzeria Libretto</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> Pizzeria Libretto’s owner, Max Rimaldi, wanted to tap into Ossington’s back-to-basics vibe with simple fare and a no-reservations policy. The formula seems to have worked: there is a perpetual lineup at the Neapolitan pie emporium—Rimaldi has waited 45 minutes for a table at his own restaurant. Reclaimed boards from a barn make<br /> for a casual ambience, and the barnyard atmosphere is also manifested by the dining room’s decibel level. Says Rimaldi, “It’s not a place for a romantic<br /> date.” It’s also not a bar scene, so enjoy a $4 glass of wine and move on.<br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> August 2008.<br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> The “simple and honest” margherita pizza ($13), topped with fresh tomatoes and fior di latte mozzarella. “I’m so impressed by Torontonians,” says Rimaldi of the best-selling basic. “They get it.”<br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> A weeknight—Monday to Wednesday is best—to avoid<br /> the queues. <br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 60. <br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Dinner. <br /> </p><p><em><strong><a href="/guide/restaurants/italian/pizza-libretto/">Pizzeria Libretto</a>, </strong> 221 Ossington Ave., 416-532-8000,<br /> <a href="http://www.pizzerialibretto.com">pizzerialibretto.com</a>. </em></p>
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- The Ossington Guide: Pizza Libretto
- The Ossington Guide: Pizza Libretto
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- <strong>Jezebel Burlesque</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> The boisterous behaviour at Jezebel Burlesque, the newest addition to the avenue, has been raising eyebrows. With its sexed-up boudoir decor, late-night hours (it opens at 10 p.m.) and strip joint legacy (the space used to be Baby Dolls), murmurs peg it as more of a club than a bar. Co-owner Michael Fish, however, assures us that “it’s not King Street, and it’s not a nightclub” and characterizes the misunderstood spot as “casual, artsy and unpretentious.” The crowd seems to bear this out: it’s typically stacked with 30-somethings, including a number of couples.<br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> April 2009. <br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> The Jezebel martini, made with raspberry liqueur, vodka, cranberry juice, a dash of lime, a splash of pineapple juice and a fresh raspberry ($15).<br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong>Saturday for sultry numbers by burlesque bombshell Anna Coquette and psychic readings by magician Mysterion. <br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 90. <br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Drinks and finger food. <br /> </p><p><em><strong>Jezebel Burlesque, </strong> 227 Ossington Ave., 416-531-7111, <a href=http://www.jezebeltoronto.com>jezebeltoronto.com</a>. </em></p>
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- The Ossington Guide: Jezebel Burlesque
- The Ossington Guide: Jezebel Burlesque
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- <strong>The Saint</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> One of the last to be licensed before the ban, gastro-pub The Saint springs from the minds of Brassaii’s Adam Graham and Giancarlo Spataro. The downtown pair was drawn to the lively ’hood by the bevy of new bars. “What we’re doing will be in tune with the neighbourhood,” says Graham, who’s planning a moderate price point and modern comfort food menu. The aim is to keep the vibe mellow, so DJs are unlikely. Graham admits that The Saint’s look screams swagger—“obviously, somebody designed the place”—but there will be no dress code, and the place will be family friendly for weekend brunch. Even after dinner on a Saturday night, “it won’t be I-can’t-hear-myself-think loud,” says Graham. Opening in August.<br /> </p><p><em><strong>The Saint, </strong> 227 Ossington Ave. </em></p>
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- The Ossington Guide: The Saint
- The Ossington Guide: The Saint
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- <strong>The Dakota Tavern</strong><br /> <p><strong>THE PLACE: </strong> The Dakota Tavern is first and foremost a music venue, with live acts seven nights a week (Serena Ryder, Blue Rodeo, Steamboat and The Skydiggers have all performed). It’s Queen West meets Stompin’ Tom, so be prepared to dance—not line dance, but rather “dance like your mom used to in the kitchen,” says bartender Marielle La Rue. “This<br /> ain’t no country club.” It is also not a shooter bar or a trend follower, though regulars note increasing numbers of 905ers on the weekends. Says manager Samantha Martin, “Don’t ask for Malibu unless it comes in a Wild Turkey bottle.”<br /> </p><p><strong>OPENED: </strong> December 2006. <br /> </p><p><strong>MOST POPULAR ITEM: </strong> The Dakota burger ($10) with classic<br /> fixins: cheese, pickle, onion, lettuce, tomato, mayo. <br /> </p><p><strong>COME ON: </strong> Monday for a performance by the Rattlesnake Choir<br /> and a taste of what the tavern felt like when it first opened.<br /> </p><p><strong>CAPACITY: </strong> 130. <br /> </p><p><strong>SERVES: </strong> Dinner, Sunday brunch.<br /> </p><p><em><strong><a href="/guide/bars-and-clubs/bars/dakota-tavern/">The Dakota Tavern</a>, </strong> 249 Ossington Ave., 416-850-4579,<br /> <a href="http://www.thedakotatavern.com">thedakotatavern.com</a>. </em></p>
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- The Ossington Guide: Dakota Tavern
- The Ossington Guide: Dakota Tavern
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- The Ossington Guide: Oxley
- The Ossington Guide: Oxley
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![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://torontolife.com/food/ossington-guide/&title=The Ossington Guide: we traipsed the avenue to find its latest eating and drinking destinations&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ossington-guide-oxley.jpg&description=
Over the past few years, we’ve watched the Ossington strip evolve from a no-go set of dodgy storefronts to an edgy Queen West offshoot to the city’s hippest drag—a gentrification so rapid that city council recently imposed a year-long moratorium on licensing new bars and restaurants. While residents and entrepreneurs face off over growing pains, we traipsed the avenue, day and night, to compile a user’s guide to Toronto’s latest eating and drinking destination.
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