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Toronto is no stranger to the music scene and for years has been known for being a world-class entertainment hub attracting famous musicians from all over the world to its stage.
However, when you pull back the curtains and remove all the glitz and glamour of what the city has to offer, you’ll find Toronto is home to many intimate spaces where up and coming local artists can get their feet wet.
Here are 10 intimate and charming music venues you should consider checking out in the city.
1. The Garrison
The Garrison venue wears many hats including being a live music venue, hangout bar, comedy stage, party room, performance space and overall music community hub.
Courtesy: The Garrison/ Facebook
Opened in 2009, this music venue is considered one of the OG venues to pop up around Ossington Avenue and Dundas West.
Today, the space welcomes international acts while still supporting local artists.
Location: 1197 Dundas St. W.
2. The Dakota Tavern
The Dakota Tavern is described as an intimate music venue that has seen many of Canada’s best-known artists grace its stage.
The space has been operating for over 16 years and has seen the likes of the Barenaked Ladies, Serena Ryder, The Sadies, and more.
Courtesy: Robin Kaufman
Location: 249 Ossington Ave.
3. Rivoli Toronto
The Rivoli has given Torontonians and visitors some amazing moments since 1982. The triple-threat venue has a restaurant on the first floor, an event space in the back, and a pub on the second floor.
The back room is where all the magic happens, including concerts, comedy shows and iconic dance parties that can hold 240 people at a time.
(Courtesy: Promod Sharma/ Google)
Location: 334 Queen St. W.
4. Horseshoe Tavern
The Horseshoe Tavern has been a Canadian musical institution since it opened its doors in 1947. The venue has a front patio and open bar seven days a week, featuring live music and events.
(Courtesy: Brian Harkness)
It was really over the last 15 years that early 2000’s bands took over its stage.
Location: 370 Queen St. W.
5. The Rex
The Rex is Toronto’s longest running jazz club and has hosted some of the world’s finest musicians since the late 80’s.
Since then, it has been home to the city’s thriving local jazz scene. The cozy atmosphere, vibrant display of retro-chic decor and wide selection of Ontario craft beer make The Rex feel like a comfortable second home.
(Courtesy: The Rex)
With approximately 60 shows per month, you couldn’t miss it if you tried. In fact, the venue holds two live performances every single day. And the venue offers inexpensive and affordable prices for budget-conscious music lovers.
Location: 194 Queen St. W.
6. Poetry Jazz Cafe
Poetry Jazz Cafe has been going strong as a live music and poetry venue since 2010. The space welcomes the new generation of jazz, blues, soul, rock and poetry in the city.
According to the venue’s website, it is the number one place in the city to witness the next generation of jazz, blues, R&B and soul musicians in Toronto and beyond.
(Courtesy: Kensington Market)
Location: 1078 Queen St. W.
7. The Cameron House
Although the building got its name in 1896, the Cameron House actually became a working hotel by the 1920’s.
Fast forward to today, it is known as a staple in the Toronto music scene, having been a home to local bands and artists since 1981. The Cameron House is known as a cultural hub on Queen West, providing musicians and visitors a place to perform, meet and mingle.
In addition to live music, the second floor of The Cameron House has been converted into a boutique barber shop, offering haircuts, hot towel shaves and more only steps away from the bar.
(Courtesy: WikiMedia Commons)
Location: 408 Queen St. W.
8. Painted Lady
The Painted Lady first opened its doors in 2008 and has been the forefront of the Ossington scene ever since.
For nearly 15 years, Torontonians and visitors have been coming to this hub for open mic nights too. From Rock n Roll, Funk n Soul Burlesque nights to Alt-folk/Americana and everything else in between, The Painted Lady offers a huge selection of performances for everyone to enjoy.
The venue also offers Open Mic Mondays every week. The event begins at 8:15 p.m. with a feature performer, and all other performers who sign up are allowed two songs each from any genre.
(Courtesy: Painted Lady)
Location: 218 Ossington Ave.
9. Lula Lounge
The Lula Lounge is said to be one of Toronto’s most exciting Latin nightclub, restaurant, and live music venue all in one building. It is home to local and international acts in the realm of salsa, jazz and more. The fully-equipped venue boasts a tropical menu and private meeting/party room, perfect for hosting birthday parties and social gatherings.
Location: 1585 Dundas St. W.
10. Drake Underground
Easily hailed as one of Toronto’s top music venues, the Drake Underground needs little introduction.
The gorgeous performance venue in the Drake Hotel is known around town for throwing some of the summer’s hottest parties while also hosting a variety of musical talent, both big and small.
(Courtesy: World Rainbow Hotel)
Location: 1150 Queen St. W.
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