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The Painted Lady
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
24 reviews for The Painted Lady
Review Highlights
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"There's a pulled pork sandwich which is juicy, sour and..." In 4 reviews -
"A nice treat is also the authentic burlesque dancer." In 4 reviews -
"A cozy place that has a great neighbourhood vibe to it." In 3 reviews
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Natalie T.
East York, ON
5/12/2012
VIBE
With the proliferation of new restos and bars opening across the street, The Painted Lady is an older standby that doesn't have to try. I think that's what works so well with them: they don't have to be dirty hipster to satisfy the Ossington of yesteryear; but they don't have to renovate or be shiny and new to beckon the youth of today.
So when you walk in, it's really nothing fancy. You've got the nice lounge chair in the front; a tiny patio outside and a bunch of tables and chairs along the side. There's a bunch of paintings and pictures of ahem, ladies so they have the tie-in to the theme. There's one couch in the back as well, a DJ area and a stage with red, velvet curtains that hide a mural of a peep-show girl. Maybe if you're special and ask, you can see it. There's a mini dance floor if you get into the groove.
The best part of this place are the lacquered tables. They had a photo/painting of the Beatles on ours. Tres hip!
I was here on a Friday and the DJ played reggae (Hello, "I'm in love with a man nearly twice as my age:). Not sure how this worked in with the almost-naked burlesque dancer performing on the bar but you just...go with it?
If you come here early enough (around 7) on a Friday, you can have a conversation. But the music gets louder around 9:30.
WE DRANK/ATE
This is the deal: cash only; no pitchers.
I drank my usual Heineken. But they do have Beau's on tap. Beau's!
The menu was small but had some great options. I went with the honey and basil-laden grilled cheese. It's by far artisinal, but it hit the spot and was served with honey nuts. Mmmm!
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
Maybe they can have a body painting theme night?
Otherwise, it's a fun, unpretentious bar that is reasonably priced. Great first date place. -
Review from Michael B.
Toronto, ON
5/9/2012
A great place to see live entertainment. The acoustics are great, and the sound dude on the mixer always gets it right. Intimate, and almost every time I've dropped in there's been great music.
The selection on tap at the bar is good, and reasonably priced. The food looks and smells good, but I haven't actually tried it. -
Review from Jef F.
Québec, QC
4/9/2012
Very nice till midnight when the music changes and the douchebags take over the place.
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Review from Megan S.
Toronto, ON
4/11/2012
Best. Bar. Ever.
The service is stellar. The drinks are cheap. The crowd is always cool (but not *too cool), and as such, the ambiance is perfect.
If you want a local, this is it. If you don't like the Painted Lady, you simply don't like bars. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
9/29/2011
Just love the deco and the vibes of The Painted Lady!
It has a feel of a saloon, love the rich velvet colours and the comfy loungers with nice soft cushions that I can just sink into............
Even on a Tuesday night, the place was hopping with action and beautiful people which were all classy and friendly. Services was great and polite and the music was good!
I definitely would be back for a night cap next time when I am in the area! Just make sure I don't roll down the stairs when I go to washroom! :) -
Review from Roma M.
7/5/2011
The Painted Lady is easily one of the better lounges on the Ossington strip. The crowd is better, the staff is friendly and the music is great. Sure, the later crowd becomes iffy, younger and a little more smashed but by that time I'm sure everyone's too tipsy to notice.
I wish they had more selection for mixes, but other than that I can't think of anything that needs to change. The Painted Lady is a cool, laid back place where one can bring an end to a crazy week with a bang.
Having said that, I've never visited their washroom so bear that in mind, will you? -
Review from Corina S.
Toronto, ON
8/12/2011
I've been going to the Painted lady since it opened it's doors - what I can say? I like it! It's our neighbourhood go-to place.
It's dark, they play decent music, the bartenders are nice and they make some tasty snacks despite not having a kitchen! I really really like the pulled pork sandwich.
I will say that I don't go near the place on a Friday or Saturday night as that's when Ossington fills up with douchebags and not even the PL is spared...
but hey the rest of the time? Great! They make an excellent Bloody Caesar with sriracha sauce and montreal steak spice and they do a decent Dark N' Stormy as well (and don't charge an arm and a leg for it like SOME PLACES I can think of...and should probably write a cranky review of....)
In conclusion, The Painted Lady is a great little bar for a few cocktails or a pint with friends. If you don't like 905 clubby types, stay away on weekend nights but other than that, enjoy! -
Review from bold c.
Toronto, ON
Live jazz and blues. Awesome ambiance. Decor is surreal.
Cover was $6.00. Standing room only. Beer was around $7.
The tables are tall. The beer was cold. The music was thumping.
Photos of Black & White nudes paint the wall. The atmosphere is like a comfortable sweater filled with your closest friends.
Food. Microwave options by the looks. Poutine ordered by colleagues smelled good.
Awesome experience. -
Review from Elvis A.
8/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I ended up here after meeting the yelp drinking buddy (YDB). We were here after 11 and that too on a weekday but the place was busy. We just missed the LIVE act (maybe next time) but the place was still buzzing. Reasonable mix of beers on draft and good selection of drinks.
I went with a king fisher pilsner and YDB went for a pint of hard cider. Service was prompt and courteous. Very laid back and has what you might call a west coast vibe. prices are reasonable and in line with this area i.e. most drinks are $.
Downside cash and interac only. Washrooms are downstairs and are tight. I think I will like to visit again and catch the LIVE act.
3.5 Stars. -
Review from Stephanie M.
East York, ON
5/15/2011
About 10 or so of my friends and I ended up here last weekend. Sort of a quasi pubcrawl. It was busy when we got there but manageable. Drinks were reasonably priced but the quantity was small. The music was amazing. The dance floor space is small but we had fun anyway.
By the time we went to get some fresh air there was a line up outside to get in. So on our way back in is when we realized how packed the place was and loud! ha! The artwork on the walls were of naked ladies, so someone asked are we at the naked lady or the painted lady?! ha! I believe the artwork is from local artists.
The washrooms are downstairs and the walls are painted black.. a little intimidating for me! Now I know why women go to the bathroom in pairs! LOL ;0)
We left when the DJ started to play that rap crap! We continued our pubcrawl down Ossington!! -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
6/21/2009 ROTD 11/25/2009
I enjoyed this place! We secured a pretty sizable area at the front for about 12 people which included an outdoor section with a couple of high chairs and a ledge. I was on the outer side and unfortunately had to smell fish all evening due to a fish monger next door- at one point in the evening the woman working there dumped a bucket of "stuff" into the street that didn't smell all that appetizing.
The draught beer selection was quite good and included Mill Street Tankhouse, a couple of other locals, and Weihenstephaner Weissbier! I haven't seen the latter on tap anywhere else and after speaking with our server it's apparently one of two places in the city that has it. What really surprised me was how cheap the servings were- about $4.50 to $5.50 for a pint. Not bad at all.
Food options are minimal. I believe they only have a toaster oven so...yeah, clearly that would limit the options. We had a round of Frito Pie that I quickly demolished. I don't know if it's because it was really good or just the fact that I was starving at the time.
The bathroom, as Kat F mentioned, is definitely up there for creepiest bathrooms. You really can't see anything until you get to the bottom of the stairs! -
Review from Kat F.
6/10/2009 6 photos
The scariest washroom** of all time. Like, ever. As I descended the perilous, entirely unlit ONYX staircase I channeled Jodie Foster in that penultimate scene of Silence Of The Lambs where she's in the basement with Buffalo Bill, fumbling her way around in the dark while he stalks her with night vision goggles. I've included a pic of the washroom descent for reference. It is virtually unlit until you get into the bathroom itself - I might upload a quick video that I took as well so that future film students at Ryerson might use it as B-roll for their amateur horror movies. There's also a sign downstairs that says "Please puke in the toilet. Thanks for your co-operation." Apparently it's a common thing to not make it all the way inside? Lovely.
Anyhoodle, aside from the terrifying toilets, Painted Lady was rather charming. We admired the wall of framed paintings from the velvet sofa seating area in the airy front window as we inhaled the smoke from outdoor patrons and the stench of the fishmonger next door (possibly not a problem if you don't have a Bloodhound's sense of smell as I unfortunately do).
We ordered a few rounds of "white trash nachos" ($5.75 each), which are Fritos, cheese whiz and chili served in Chinese takeout containers (see pics!). I would comment on the flavour itself but I wouldn't know, as my brother was territorially nursing the container all night and wouldn't allow anyone else near them.
The music was hilarious and appreciated - a mix of old Bran Van 3000, Skee-Lo and Cypress Hill, among other classics.
Watch out for lengthy liquor bills - you may be confused when the dead sea scroll arrives, but only because they apply the liquor tax for each beverage after it appears on itemized list, not at the bottom of the bill as a whole. Rest assured, you haven't been overcharged.
Cash only.
**bathroom, restroom, WC, shitter, whateverListed in: Toronto's Most Terrifying…
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Review from Toronto L.
Toronto, ON
7/9/2011
the Toronto Lover system:
5 stars = Must visit!
4 stars = Really good. I take my friends here.
3 stars = Somewhat worth it... if you have nowhere better to go.
2 stars = Below average. Attend only when necessary.
1 star = Do not visit!
Forgive me for sounding curt but the Painted Lady is a bar. I don't have much else to say about it - nothing really stands out. It serves its purpose. It's loud, fun, hip, and narrow. If you're looking for a good place in this extremely trendy area, stop in and have a drink. Prices are what you expect ($5-8 for a drink) and there's surprisingly little attitude from the hipsters and regulars in attendance.
3 stars -
Review from Billy D.
1/17/2010
This place was totally a cool stop. Burlesque and DJ and bar? check.
Super busy on a Friday but we were still served reasonably fast. I loved the eclectic feel. fun place! -
Review from Richie S.
4/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
Dropped in here before and after dinner on a Saturday evening and even before 7 p.m. this place was hopping. Choosing to sit on the velvet couch by the open window to enjoy the weather (Kat F. was right - the "patio" is about 3 feet deep so smoke bellows in from outside), we ordered a few different pints that I hadn't tried before.
Bonus points for having draughts other than the norm. A cozy place that has a great neighbourhood vibe to it.
After dinner at another place, we staggered back here to meet with friends who live in the area. DJ was playing some fly, early-90's tunes. An unusual but friendly group of people surrounded us dancing, one bladdered individual force-fed me vodka and Red Bull. When I say "force", I mean he put the drink in front of me and I took it. Some frighful dancing then happened.
Stairs to the bathrooms are indeed scary to navigate and I was wearing sneaks. Good luck to the dames that come all dolled-up.
Not a bad time and will have to return to try the nachos.
Request to Management: PLEASE start accepting credit cards. You see with a cash-only policy, I tend to stop drinking when I run out of cheddah'. With a credit card, I tend to buy rounds.
Nuff' said.Listed in: Hold it down boy, your head's…
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Review from Brian S.
Toronto, ON
1/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
There is something about a good neighbourhood bar that makes you feel comfortable. Good food, decent entertainment and a very inviting staff, as well as clients. This place has all of the above.
There is music in the back here many nights a week, and most of the time there is no cover - they just pass around a hat, which I think is a good way of charging. Sometimes you just want to go in for a bit, and paying a full cover isn't worth a couple songs.
The other hidden gem of this place is the food! Yes, the food. You weren't thinking that they'd have good food, were you? There's a pulled pork sandwich which is juicy, sour and sweet all at once, put on a very fresh roll and served with fresh lettuce. The other menu items that I've had are good also, and they are served from their tiny prep area at the end of the bar.
It gets busy, but it's because they've done a great job of making this a local place which tempts you in when you walk by.Listed in: Ossington Village
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Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
4/10/2010 14 Check-ins Here
I always liked The Painted Lady and after spending a few hours eating and drinking there last night, I am a big fan. The owners and staff are so nice and fun and they really believe in making this a place for all kinds of people to have a good time.
What changed for me last night is I tried the food. HOLY F!! Try the pulled pork sandwich, it is the best I have had since trying authentic barbecue in North Carolina. And what a steal for $6!! Go now and eat one. AMAZING! -
Review from Tara A.
3/20/2010
I have only been to the painted lady a few times but I do enjoy each visit. They have some unique tasting drinks, their food while limited is quite delicious and the atmosphere is quite eclectic.
My only issue with this place is the service. While the staff if friendly, I feel like they are understaffed. There is an event that I attend once a month at this venue and although they are aware of it, they continue to make one guy handle us all! My suggestion would be for them to bring on one or two more people in cases where they know they will have a big crowd.
Definitely check it out though. Its another unique business on an already growing street in Toronto. -
Review from Sarah W.
York, ON
7/2/2010
I have been to this fine establishment on numerous occasions and have yet to experience a bad time.
The Painted Lady is quite small and narrow, and usually has a DJ spinning raggae/hip-hop music on weekends. On Friday's there is evena burlesque dancer on the bar that spices things up with intermittent strip teases.
This place gets packed and has an eclectic mix of people, this combo ensures that you'll meet a new people and increases the likelihood of a dance off happening at some point in the night.
Painted Lady is my new go to dance party bar! -
Review from Roy A.
Toronto, ON
10/13/2009
Love this place. Good vibe. Friendly staff. Great music. $5.50 pints.
Will definitely come back! -
Review from Kat T.
6/9/2009 ROTD 8/21/2009
Relatively expensive for Ossington, The painted lady offers an interesting selection of beer and nachos. Nachos get top marks for using fritos instead of generic corn tortilla chips and cheese whiz instead of semi-melty shredded cheese. Watch out for the toilets- as you descend the stairs into a dark, dark place you might get scared. Have bat vision before going pee!
Listed in: Hmmmmm Beer.
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Review from Ramanan S.
Toronto, ON
10/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
The Painted Lady is the first bar on Ossington as you walk South after getting off the bus. This makes it my go to place when i'm waiting for friends when it is: raining, snowing, cold, etc. The fact it's a reasonably nice bar is a bonus. They have a pretty good selection of bourbons, so I usually get Manhattans when i'm here. It seems like a reasonable drink choice at this establishment. People are friendly and the service is good. I suspect i'd give this place a few more stars if I ever caught the burlesque shows.
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Review from Jordana W.
Toronto, ON
7/28/2009
I loved this place! The owners (husband and wife - I believe) are great! Really quirky, fun and you can tell they have put their heart and soul into this bar. The night we were there it seemed they were disagreeing on the music. The wife kept turning the music down so she could chat up the customers. As soon as she would turn her back to start a conversation her husband would pump up the music. It continued like that throughout the night.
Overall:
Great vibe!
Great music!
Great nachos!
Will definitely be going back! -
Review from Cruz P.
Toronto, ON
10/25/2009
This cozy burlesque style joint is one of the up and coming hot spots in the Dundas/Ossington area.. with occasional live bands and dj's playing on a regular.. this joint will definitely start your night OR end your night proper!! and if you're lucky.. the sexy bar staff will do The Painted Lady bar top dance which only sexy ladies are invited to do.. guys need not apply!! LOL. A nice treat is also the authentic burlesque dancer.. titty tassels included.. guaranteed to keep you entertained for hours!! Drinks are off the hook.. and the Guinness is delicious!! As for food.. I recommend you order the WHITE TRASH NACHO'S and/or PULLED-PORK SANDWICH!!! See you there... but you better be ready to throw down New Orleans style!! ;)
Listed in: Good
