hen it comes to choosing a hip cafe in Toronto like an expert, you have to survey them like a dog looking for the perfect place to pee.

After a few years in operation, Red Room is still a fairly hidden secret. If you're looking for casual, you'll get it in truckloads at this one. This is not old world charm, but cute as hell. The dark, cave-like room, with a red-and-black motif and round, wooden tables and booths with slightly tattered upholstery. A convenience-store fridge at the front is filled with juices.

Call it Goodwill chic. Call it U of T dormitory. Whatever you call it, you'll fit right in. The entire room is a smoker's den, which explains the lingering funk in the room. So you've been warned.

The food, described as "eclectic international," runs the gamut from Vietnamese to Greek to Peel Region. At up market restaurants, the portion size is inversely related to the price; the reverse seems to be true at Red Room. Prices are unbelievably cheap (nothing on the extensive menu tops $5.95), while the portions are colossal.

The fare is standard Canadian pub: slightly stale nachos, spring rolls, Pad Thai. The dessert menu offers a selection of cheesecakes from Dufflet's. Red Roo is basically a comfy coffee shop, but with more food staples.