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

Underground: This subterranean hole is one of the few places in town that is popular while simultaneously unpopular with the town... Brassaii Jules SpaHa Wish

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 upmarket 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.

Why come back: Because you’ll never do better with your five dollars. This is not fine dining, or even a dining experience I can easily classify. But I guess if you take the cost into consideration -- big food at negligible prices -- it's not a bad idea. And without a doubt it's got the laid-back thing down.

Upshot: Red Room has everything in place to become a popular, reliable pit stop. - A. G.



Reader Reviews
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great prospect
Sarah R., Toronto, ON
11/24/01
I love this place. I've been to coffee bars and love coffee cakes. I recommend this place for those who want to have great service. Red/Green Room is really expanding their brand and what great prospect they have with this!


The coffee house is here again.
Reed Darmon, New York,NY
11/31/01
Red Room is much more interesting than it might sound, the coffee house is here again.