About Us

Considered one of the most famous (infamous?) bars in Toronto, Sweaty Betty's at 13 Ossington Avenue is a true neighbourhood original. One of the first bars in the now dense bar and restaurant district between Queen West, Ossington and Dundas West, Sweaty Betty's started 20 years ago and has endured as an independently-owned operation ever since. The bar's owner, May Brand, with over 2 decades of experience in the industry, has owned Sweaty Betty's for the last 4 of those years and managed the bar for 11 years before that. She and her tenured staff have maintained a perfect dive bar culture since 2004, with the right mix of attitude, humour, and strong drinks.

May has fought harder than anyone to keep and maintain the location in an increasingly more expensive and competitive Toronto market. At the same time, she's committed to being an active community member and someone who is dedicated to making Sweaty Betty's a champion of safe spaces, while maintaining a quintessential dive bar atmosphere. 

If you're down for some great bar tunes, classic cocktails, and mismatched furniture, Sweaty Betty's is the perfect place for an after work drink, a weekend party night or a Sunday Caesar on their large heated and covered patio (a west-end hidden gem). While the DJs no longer spin regularly thanks to Covid, the cocktail menu has never been better and is always changing seasonally. There may not be a toaster oven anymore, but May has stocked a well curated selection of chips and snacks. Vegan options are always on the menu. Daily drink specials keep things interesting and our bartenders are some of the best in the city.  There's a reason we are considered one of Toronto's best bars!