There is nothing wrong with a big, loud rock show: the ear ringing, the light show, the smoke, the crazed legion of fans. But some of the best live music and the best experiences can be found in the most intimate of venues where the next-big-things are born or the used-to-be-things come home to relax. Herewith, our fave live music venues.
The Dakota Tavern
Tom Wilson of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings once referred to this Ossington Avenue bar as the city’s favourite basement. And he’s right, both because it’s literally a basement and also because it is an incredible place to catch a show. It’s got a chill and fun atmosphere, and it’s small enough that one is always right in the middle of things. In addition, owner Shawn Creamer, also a member of the band the Beauties, has provided an atmosphere that fellow musicians love. As a result, there’s always someone remarkable announcing a secret show or stumbling onstage to play a few tunes.
Best bet: Danny Michel’s School Night Mondays.
Burdock
Rather new on the scene, this Bloor West club is part of a greater complex of coolness that includes a fine restaurant and craft brewery. The side room, used for live music, is so intimate they use folding chairs à la house concerts. Although new, Burdock has managed to land some fantastic artists including the likes of Jim Guthrie and the always fantastic Miranda Mulholland. The in-house beer options are absolutely delicious.
Castro’s Lounge
One need not be a card-carrying member of the Communist party, but it might help. This socialist shrine is easily the coolest part of the Beaches. This closet-sized saloon manages to cram some incredible artists into the space, including a rotating cast of regulars such as Dave Bidini, Jerry Leger and Big Rude Jake, all of whom have a wonderful rapport with the locals and operate on tips. Be sure to throw some bucks into the pitcher.
The Cameron House
This Queen West booze palace basically invented the Queen West scene back in the day and continues to be one of the city’s truly incredible venues. This is where you might find Jim Cuddy’s son Devin tinkling the ivories in the front room, or a Doug Paisley–led country hootenanny. The Cameron House, more than any other bar on the list, is Toronto music history.
Best bet: Watch for Golden Country Classics — old school country with incredible players on Wednesday nights.
The Orbit Room
No list of tiny music clubs is complete without a shout out to Alex Lifeson’s bar in Little Italy. It’s a dive, and thank goodness it has kept all of its gritty charm. Legendary house bands and some of the city’s best players call the Orbit Room home.
Best bet: Pretzel Logic, the incredible Steely Dan cover band that must be seen, plays the last Thursday of the month.
