El Amigo 1205 Queen West, 416-537-7888 Rating: NNNNN
VIBE Billed as a Latin karaoke bar, over the past while it’s been adopted by indie kids as a quirky home for parties and live shows. You can still get the karaoke experience some nights, but now you’re just as likely to catch a rock band. It may be a bit rundown, but the patrons prefer that to the upscale lounges that have overrun this part of Parkdale.
VALUE When there’s a cover, it’s only $5, and there’s generally some kind of crazy drink special worth asking the bartender about.
BATHROOMS Not as bad as you’d fear, given the bar’s makeshift appearance, but not really a popular spot to congregate.
SOUND & LIGHTS Like the drink prices, the sound system is pretty bargain-basement. There is a video projector, but no fancy club lights.