After Ossington
Sweaty Betty’s Pol and Selena Christo-Williams expand their hipster empire with the Red Light
Image credit: Jessica Eaton
Why another bar?
Opportunity. We were walking across Dundas and saw a pile of Vietnamese videos and DVDs on the street in front of a rental place. It was shutting down, and the space was available. So we took the videos and the space.
How will it be different from Sweaty Betty’s?
The look is going to be more Asian whorehousey. It’ll be very dark and dirty, partly inspired by the new John Varvatos boutique in the former CBGB’s. Plus, there’ll be more standing room.
Will the Red Light have a specialty?
We’ll focus on bourbon, and we’re going to try a “take-in” menu—essentially, people can order from other restaurants and have it delivered.
Are you over Ossington?
It used to be cozy—totally the opposite
of the downtown club scene. Now it’s a fucking zoo. We decided that no drink at Sweaty Betty’s can use more than three ingredients, so we don’t make anything for the wankers who want a mojito or a zombie.
Is there still a decent night?
Wednesday is definitely the best. We nicknamed it “hot girl night.” The worst is Saturday—they must have a moron bus that delivers them here.
The Red Light, 1185 Dundas St. W., 416-533-6667.
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I had no idea that the owners of Sweaty Betty's were the original hipsters!?!
September 30, 2008 | by Collard_GreensA big bourbon cheers to these "non-wankers" for ousting the Vietnamese, and finding a new cozy hangout for those who were so offensively displaced from their original Ossington nest.
Toronto needs more Wednesday "Hot Girl Nights" and less Chinatown. Less Chinatown and more "Asian Whorehousey!"
Thanks Pol and Selena Christo-Williams
October 11, 2008 | by steeThe Saturday night moron bus brings with it cash no? I guess it doesn't have as much bill-paying power as the hot girl cash. What kind of business owner broadcasts such distain for their customers? I think the word I'm looking for is wanker.
October 23, 2008 | by johnny99The original hipsters have become too cool (or is it not cool enough?) for the scene of their own self-proclaimed creation.
October 27, 2008 | by TorontoRocksDine-in? Yeah, that's really what people want - to go out for delivery. Thanks for letting all of us wannabe scensters know that kitchens and chefs are SO last year!
Hey Pol & Selena, the moron bus called, they're running out of you.
How can anyone knock a mojito? They probably just can't make it properly.
I dont understand this attitute of being too cool for everyone. I got news for you, your clientel are all wanksters or wansters in disguse. Anyone can wear an old rock shirt, pair of beat up chucks and skinny jeans - ok maybe not everyone can wear skinny's.
January 13, 2009 | by TdotChico