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Betty's
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Nightlife Bars Dive Bars Restaurants Canadian (Traditional) Pubs, Dive Bars, Canadian (Traditional) [Edit]
240 King St EToronto, ON M5A 1K1
Neighbourhood: Corktown
(416) 368-1300
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
35 reviews for Betty's
Review Highlights
"...to move closer or enroll in George Brown just to make it my..."
(in 5 reviews)
"...an impressive list of beers on tap, and plenty of room for..."
(in 5 reviews)
"In the summer the patio an excellent place to get a burger..."
(in 14 reviews)
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35 reviews in English
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Review from Faye C.
12/22/2011
I think the service here is only ok, but I'm forced to give them 4 stars, b/c you guessed it - they have fruili!
Undeniably busy - it's an ok spot to hang out.
We had a few apps, which were ok, some fries, and some smothered nacho type thing - meh! Come for the back patio, and some fruili - for other stuff take a pass, unless you're starving...but everything else tastes better then anyway. -
Review from Chris P.
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's a dive bar, but it's different than the dives on Ossington. It's more of a dive because of it's simpleness and sometimes less than desirable crowd, not a dive bar because hipsters flock to it to drink PBR.
The place is quite large and there was more than enough seating when the group I was with stumbled in here late one Friday night. The staff were very attentive and had round after round coming just when we needed refills. Prices were reasonable. I paid around $40 for 3 drinks and 3 shots. -
Review from Mar N.
Toronto, ON
11/17/2011
This place is cavernous. So check it: It's 10 pm on a Wednesday night and from the outside the place doesn't seem overly lively, but as we walk in my group of 8 peeps realizes that the place looks pretty packed.
So we ask the bar maid if they can seat all 9 of us, and she says yes. Surprise! Takes us to the other side of a wall and there's actually space.
Food was the main thing we ordered and man those nachos were Grea8t. Also got some samosas and chicken satay skewers. The Samosa sauce was pretty bland (mint & yoghurt raita) but the samosa were nice and tasty (lots of spices, but would register zero on the Scoville scale). The chicken skewers were the bomb.
Oh and next time you go, ask for the corner table with a ledge behind you. Because of winter my group had a lot of stuff with them and if not for that ledge, we wouldn't have been comfortable in the space. Also helped in putting all empties on the ledge cause it was hard for the staff to reach around in the booths.
Reasonable service, and great beer selection. -
Review from Natalie T.
East York, ON
10/23/2011
Betty's has become a local watering hole (and really it's what it is) for George Brown College students at the Sherbourne and King intersection.
After taking a couple of journalism classes, it became a local for fellow students, teachers and other writerly friends. It's a great place to come with a group. There's large tables, a booth and a lot of historical decor including a notice for the Betty Ford centre.
The service is quick and consistent. For the most part, it's friendly but sometimes the waitresses have a bad day (and if someone ripped you off, you would too). Jeff, the male waiter, is great. He's always smiling.
The food is OK. OK as in sometimes their burrito dip is runny; other times, it's cooked. Their wings and nachos are great. But this is a pub, not Canoe so I'm not expecting high end grub. For the most part, we're drinking and they have a variety of brews available (including my trusty Heineken in a bottle).
I have spotted Project Runway Canada alum here including Shawn Hewson and Evan Biddell. (Surprising!).
In the summer, there's a large back patio, again, suitable for groups. It's a great alternative to The Distillery District or after walking in the Distillery District. -
Review from Lola L.
Toronto, ON
9/29/2011
Betty's is just fine for what it is: a dive bar and local watering hole. Their beer selection is pretty great. The food is totally mediocre. I tried the steak and Guinness pie last night, which was pretty bland, but did the job. Their nachos are run-of-the-mill. I've been turned off from ordering the burger since a friend of mine once did and found not one but two hairs in it--bit of a deterrent!
My softball team used to go here after games sometimes, and in that respect it's totally fine. Group beers yay, dinner nay. -
Review from Sean H.
Toronto, ON
12/13/2011
A place to get a drink, but that is about it.
Sort of wandered in here on Sunday night after taking in the Christmas Market at the distillery district. Unfortunately, our first choice for food which would have been any of the number of restaurants in the distillery were jammed to the gills. So this was the most convenient place that was actually open.
I will give Betty's one things, they have a great list of drinks. The food however is mediocre at best and down right bad in some cases. I had the curried lamb, which was very very mediocre. And by mediocre, I mean it wasn't offensive, but I certainly wouldn't try it again. The fish and chips were bad. Everything one the plate was limp. The fries were soggy and the fish was heavy, not crispy and anything but light and flaky.
I can think of a lot places that have just as good if not better beer selections, with food that is far superior. I would suggest you skip Betty's. I kind of wish I had. -
Review from Downtown D.
Toronto, ON
9/18/2011
Cool ambiance, photos and signage everywhere on the walls. Our group of 15 had the upstairs reserved on a Saturday night. (No music upstairs, reminded me of a coffee shop set up like "The Central PerK" from a Friends episode with vintage style couches and comfy chairs) Our server was not very good spilling drinks. You can place your order by writing it on a piece of paper and dropping it down this tube that goes to the bar downstairs. Typical pub style food with ample portions.
I might go here again if it was for a special reason since it is a bit out of the way - east of Sherbourne. -
Review from Payam Z.
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
3.5 stars
This is a pretty good bar if you live in the neighbourhood, and the beer list will not disappoint whether you are the international brew-meister or the local microbrew patron sort of guy! That being said, the beers on tap are a little on the pricey side, and you might wait a little while for your drink considering how busy the place can get with locals &/ students.
The atmosphere is something between old school diner and vintage dive bar! The upstairs area is cozy and seems to be available for private functions & the patio in the back is very 'laxed when it is not completely packed!
Long story short, I can't really think of anything too special to write, but give Betty's a try if you happen to be within a few blocks and are looking for a cold one! -
Review from Jeff C.
East York, ON
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good old Betty's! It's definitely not upscale but it's good pub fare. In the summer the patio an excellent place to get a burger and a drink. There is a mix of students and older professionals in the place. It's far better than Gabby's (closer to George Brown). I've always gotten the Betty Burger which you can't go wrong with. Sadly no cider on tap but on can always hope.
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Review from Renay R.
Toronto, ON
6/12/2011
I always enjoy these kinds of places - unpretentious, casual with a good vibe, solid food and a good selection of beer on tap. The kind of place you can stay all night at with friends.
A fun, casual night -
Review from Duvessa N.
Toronto, ON
11/14/2011
I love Betty's, particularly in the summer time. Their patio is *the* best. It's all walled in so it's like a giant private party. There are lovely, massive trees that provide some shade. The staff here is excellent - fast & friendly. The food, well, not their strongest point but it's not terrible either. Go for the drinks, atmosphere & great staff!
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Review from Keili T.
Toronto, ON
3/19/2011
There's nothing pretentious about Betty's. Not even close. The food is great but simple. The service is good but not schmoozy; servers don't have time to schmooze, they're too busy. The atmosphere is comfortable without trying.
Betty's is like an old friend who doesn't care what you think about her, but that's why you love her.
They have a fantastic collection of taps, during the world cup it's so packed you can't move, and in the summer they have a back-door patio that's perfect for long hours in the sun with a pear cider.
Great hangover food, also. Where else downtown can you get authentic Bangers & Mash? They've been doing things right for so long, right is all they know how to do. Check it out. -
Review from Joeie K.
Mississauga, ON
1/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Definitely has the "I don't care, I'm downtown Toronto, I'm too good for you, but we serve good food though our bar looks cold and dreary" vice to it.
That's kinda basically the epitome of Betty's. Good bands that play there, the nachos are yummy, prices are normal. The food is actually quite good even though the service is not the nicest or most pleasant, but when do you ever go to a bar for service?
May come back again if I'm in the area. Not a big fan, but meh. -
Review from Andrei P.
Toronto, ON
8/29/2010
This is my new favorite pub in this part of town. If you're a wing lover, this place is for you. If you love your nachos, this place is for you as well. When the food comes out, it comes piping hot. Careful not to burn the roof of your mouth.
Betty's is the epitome of what a good neighborhood pub should be. Chill atmosphere, a lot of different kinds of beers, great prices, and walls littered with all kinds of pictures and memorabilia.
Can't give it 5 stars, because they can improve on the service. Most of the time it's good, but like other reviewers said, it can be a little slow. -
Review from Angela H.
5/15/2009 ROTD 6/28/2009
Betty's is a favorite to many who work or go to school on King Street East. The atmosphere is really laid back and friendly. They have a wide beer selection, and a really awesome outdoor patio. 4:30pm and after usually gets packed - especially on Fridays.
I've never been a fan of Betty's food though. It's nothing special, and I don't get why people love it? However, I was totally impressed yesterday when a friend and I said we'd share a burger and fries, and when it was delivered to our table, they thoughtfully pre-cut the burger and separated the fries onto two different plates for us.
Betty's is a casual pub that's definitely a staple in this area of Toronto. -
Review from Kat F.
I feel bad for whoever visited Betty's tonight as their first impression, because I certainly would never go back after my experience with "Johnny" as a server. Not only was he completely uninspired and inattentive, but wholly unapologetic when our food took 40+ minutes to arrive at 10pm on a Saturday.
This may have been excusable had the restaurant been slammed with customers and understaffed, but neither was true on this visit. Based on this experience I'm bumping Betty's down on my list of places to visit anytime soon. Tonight was actually a one star experience but at least my food portion was ample so I bumped it back to two stars.Listed in: Best Toronto Veggie Burgers, Vegetarian Poutine in Toronto
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/23/2009
Despite it being a Friday after 4pm, the place wasn't packed (as yelpers had warned) and we easily… Read more »
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Review from Martin W.
2/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I enjoyed this place back when I worked close by. I went again last night just to be reminded of the fun times. It gets very busy after work as people stop in for a drink or 10 after a long day. The food is pretty good, I'd suggest the klub Fred sandwich. The fries, poutine and/or nachos are also a treat once you've had 5 pints or so. In the summer, they have a pretty sweet patio in the back as well, but that also fills fast so arrive early or call to make a reservation.
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Review from Drew M.
Toronto, ON
7/28/2011
Over all this is a decent bar. The daily food specials are always good. There is a good selection of beers on tap all the usual faves but also a good selection of guest taps thats changed up to keep things fresh. There is a great patio out back that fills up quick on a nice sunny afternoon. If you are heading over and have a big group then i suggest a reservation. There is a bunch of booths that will fit 6 average people almost comfotably. The service can be a little slow if your in a rush i would try and find a spot at the bar but if your not rushed then sit back and relax with a cold one
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Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
10/10/2008 2 photos
The best thing about this place is why it is now called Betty's. It was formerly the Betty Ford, but a certain rehab clinic in the States fired up their lawyers and before you could utter the words "cease and desist", we got a new name.
This place is a great, friendly, nick-knack adorned pub that is brimming with local character and local characters. A main dining bar at the front, two large dining areas and a secluded patio in the rear have made this place a great venue to go in, have a beer, and chill. The food is the better of many bars I've been in. You'd be good to go as simple as the burger or the signature appetizer The Deep Six, a dip that is truly fantastic.
They perform stand-up comedy there every Wednesday in its upstairs room which completely took me by surprise. Because in the years leading up to their comedy show, I didn't know Betty's had an upstairs. A good sized space that has a stage, tables and chairs for a show or private party and I never knew it existed. Must have been more late nights for me there than originally expected. Oops. -
Review from Vivek S.
6/1/2009
Varied clientele fill out this East End watering hole. It seems to be the venue of choice after work -- and after class -- as the place is packed by 6pm. I can't vouch for the food since I am ALWAYS inebriated or en route as I enter this venue. I think the fries are pretty good though. Blessed by being a beacon of booze in an otherwise dry strip (don't even mention Gabby's).
Obligatory Title Pun: Betty's is worth the GAMBLE. (Meh?)
Menu Readability: Don't remember, honestly. I'll report back later.
Need to mention: Great patio, but it fills up quickly.
What this place teaches me about myself: Was this place really named after Betty Ford? No wonder I get so drunk here.Listed in: First Name Basis, Dirty Dives
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Review from Jason K.
Toronto, ON
1/19/2010
Originally opened as "Betty Ford's" after the clinic founded by the former American First Lady, it has since been renamed, and is a favourite watering hole for students from nearby George Brown College and reporters and media types from the nearby newspaper offices.
Inexpensive food and a large selection of drafts keep bringing me back.
The vegetarian poutine is a good idea too. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
1/28/2009
If you want to catch up for a quiet drink in an unpretentious Corktown pub, I couldn't think of a better place to spend some time.
The set-up of Betty's is cool, and it makes me want to move closer or enroll in George Brown just to make it my local drinking hole. The beer selection, as mentioned by the others here, is pretty sweet. And for those of you who like the intimacy of booths, there are plenty of 'em here for the grabbing.
I also like how the clientele really spans the gamut from businessmen to middle-aged women to college students to artsy types. Then again, that's probably a reflection of the neighbourhood.
But the food? Pubby and nothing altogether exciting, though you'd be surprised what can grow on you in the company of beer and a good friend. -
Review from Ben S.
Toronto, ON
4/10/2010
I hang out here quite a bit.
I don't agree with some of the other reviewers that describe this as a hang out for George Brown students; I never see anyone who would remind of a student, or at least only the more mature ones hang out here.
The average age of people here seems to be about 35. -
Review from Jenni B.
5/16/2009
This place scores wicked point for being open on Monday. Walking in towards the end of the night for our last drink, we settled into a booth. I noted to patio, but never did make my way out.
Our server was really fast with serving up our drinks and was attentive but not overbearing. They didn't seem to mind our spontanious photo shoot repeating "Drunk cute!!!" over and over while photos were taken.
Best part was definately the cheap drinks and the local feeling of the place. -
Review from Abby R.
Toronto, ON
5/26/2009
Betty's is a decent drinking hole. Really good beer selection, decent vibe, decent food, decent service. Yep, you heard me - it's a decent drinking hole. Also, good location given where I work. In terms of drinking holes it's the best in the neighborhood compared to all the other places in close walking distance.
But, the best part is, fellow vegetarians - is that they have a yummy vegetarian poutine! Oh poutine!!! I missed you sooooo much! I was so pleased to be re-united with you! Thank you for giving my butt a reason to expand! Yay! -
Review from Yvonne C.
Markham, ON
5/3/2011
Packed on a Thursday night for good reason: their namesake beer & burger -- not bad at all. Service was great but not overbearing; definitely has some interesting decor. Good hang out spot. Interested to see what else they have to offer..
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Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
8/24/2009
I ordered the wings ($10/lb) with much hesitation and subsequently found that decision to be a mistake. There was a severe lack of sauce although they were mostly meaty with a decent enough flavour. I got "jerk" style but obviously they also had the standard heat options. Served with shoestring fries that didn't seem all too special.
Not all was lost though, I had a bite of the veggie burger which was surprisingly very tasty all things considered. The beer menu was fairly extensive but there wasn't anything rare or unique- it was just long with numerous draught options. I went for a Hoegaarden and several Tankhouses ($5.50-$7)
The service was brisk and attentive. Lots of seating but from what I hear it fills up rather quickly, we were okay on this particular Friday evening though. I'd like to check out the patio next time! -
Review from Vanessa G.
Toronto, ON
10/2/2008
This place is certainly a Toronto landmark. Located in King East, Betty's features cheap drinks and food in a fun and nostalgic atmosphere. They have all kinds of stuff on the wall, including newspaper clippings, pictures, words of wisdom, etc, etc.
The place is pretty casual as far as the decor and ambiance. Wooden tables and easy going servers make this a fun and relaxing place to go for a quick bite (or a few drinks). I went here with my boyfriend a couple of months ago and I had a smoked salmon wrap type of thing and some couscous salad. It was tasty and inexpensive and they've obviously learnt how to do both of these things extremely well.
If you're in King East, check out Betty's for a good time. -
Review from Dave P.
7/11/2011
We were looking for a neighborhood bar for a drink after dinner at Mengrai Thai (yum). We found Betty's thanks to your reviews, and it was just what we were hoping to find. It's a cool, old bar with a great, unpretentious vibe, a friendly bartender, and many beers on tap. We sat by the front window and watched the world go by on a Saturday night. Loved it. (5 out of 5 stars because I rate places on what they're trying to be.)
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Review from Jimi S.
ON
1/28/2009
bettys is a fun place with a couple of floors.
upon entering the first floor you hit the bar right away and if youre smart, in the summer, youll keep heading back towards the very spacious fenced in patio.
upstairs they have improv performances that happen on a consistent basis and are quite fun.
overall i think its a very warm and textured atmosphere. -
Review from Reid E.
Toronto, ON
9/15/2009
I meet up with local (and some not so local) friends on Wednesdays for lunch. If none of the specials grabs me, I'll order a Klub Fred with Caesar salad. Truly the best club sandwich I've found.
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Review from Nolin L.
Toronto, ON
12/5/2008
Perfect place to call your "local". Casual, accommodating, well-priced, great homemade food, an impressive list of beers on tap, and plenty of room for groups of friends or co-workers. Nothing fancy, yet everything comfortable.
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Review from Ryan V.
Toronto, ON
12/18/2008
If you want a place with one of the better beer selections in the city go to Bettys! Great place with no attitude and everybody know's your name...well ok maybe mine. See you there!
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Review from Matt K.
East York, ON
5/6/2010
Completely unimpressed, but not completely out of love. I love dive bars, I really love patios, and I absolutely love food. Lets start with the positive folks, great location, nice environment, large and sun soaked patio. Those reasons alone will bring me back for a redo, maybe taste the nachos, that Blog TO listed among the best in the city. But let me step into the realm of distaste for Bettys, beginning with the food. The french fries look like they have jaundice, and taste like McDonalds french fries on depressants. My chicken wrap was quite disgusting, maybe thats why it was the lunch special. 10 dollars for a couple terrible shoe string fries and a crispy chicken wrap whose contents looked worse than the breaded chicken you would expect at your pathetic elementary school cafeteria. Our waitress was also a lame excuse for a waitress, about as bland as the wrap. I would go back for a beer, MAYBE, since i could roll there from work, but other than that, i will avoid this place with all my might, a 2.5 would serve best, but hey, i put it on a pedestal and was let down, who's fault is that.
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Review from Ernest C.
Toronto, ON
10/29/2008
I live above Betty's, so hopefully the food is really solid pub food and it is a decent place to hang out. I guess I don't have to hope, I can go and check it out and let you know. ... Ok, I've checked it out, actually been there maybe a dozen times over the past three years. Lots of beers on tap, so if that's what you want you are good. Guinness and other beers from the island over there are in abundance. There are TVs that show usually sports, but they are visible yet unobtrusive so you don't feel like you are in a sports bar if you don't want to feel like you are in a sports bar. Of course they are tuned to sports, I think that's a by-law. Now food, that is why only three stars. They used to have chicken pot pie on the menu and it was always good. Now it is a special occasionally, and the past three times I've had it, it has been cold in the middle. Burgers are okay, but if you wanted a burger you would have driven to Burger Shoppe on Queen E. But they do let you substitute salad for fries, and they have three choices of salads if that is your thing. There is a deep-six nacho dip appetizer that is good, so I would say stick to beers and appetizers, or else don't care about the food.
