Where to Find the Best “Live Bands” in Toronto
If you’re looking for live entertainment around Toronto, it isn’t hard to find. With so many cafés and bars hosting open mics, you’re likely to stumble across one any odd day out on the town. The dilemma however, is figuring out which ones are worth your while and will provide good quality music and entertainment, as opposed to some of those sketchy shows that end up making the entire audience uncomfortable. To save you from straying into the treacherous areas and awkward stand-ups at that café you’ll probably never visit again because of that, here are some fail-proof venues to visit for your designated dose of live entertainment.
Free Times Cafe
Stationed on College, bordering the edge of Kensington and China Town, Free Times has a section explicitly closed off for open mics every Monday as well as various scheduled acts throughout the week. The separation between the dining area and open stage area prevents you from feeling pressured to order something (especially if you’re a broke University student like me who just wants some free music).
Lee’s Palace
The first thing you’ll notice about this music venue is the striking and awesome graffiti that welcomes you at the front door as part of its iconic status in Toronto. The second thing you’ll notice is the cool beats from indie/alternative/rock groups that play here.
Dakota Tavern
This saloon styled venue gives off a western and rustic vibe that any country lover would die for. Although they mainly stage country music acts, you’ll be able to find some rock groups here and there if you aren’t too into the cowboy boot and fringe leather vest scene.
Phoenix Concert Theatre
Although the building and venue itself is nothing spectacular, and rather bland to say the least, I frequent the Phoenix because of their selection in artists and bands. They’re always showing edgier, niche groups that haven’t yet made it fully mainstream, which allows for fan girls to faint in close quarters to some of their favourite big (or underground) stars.
Parts & Labour
Not only does this place strive as a hip restaurant and bar, with fresh industrial décor, giving off an “Ikea-but-better” vibe, but it also houses many musical acts especially suited for those punky teenagers living out the 90s dream, or baby boomers still stuck in their Misfits stage.
Tranzac Club
A favourite among indie music lovers, the space offers an intimate haven to support the arts—from music, to theatre, to poetry. Don’t cast your eyes down when you see the run down walls and beat up floors. It just proves how much the place has been loved…plus it adds character.
Sneaky Dee’s
It’s no question that Sneaky Dee’s is one of Toronto’s most loved restaurants, and even non-Torontonians may have heard of this place. Just looking at their logo deems them cool enough for a visit, and of course, live music is not short lived, as they often have a band playing upstairs during the night so you can get intoxicated in an artsy fashion.
The Rex
Calling all Nina Simone fans and artists alike! If the sound of a saxophone makes your heart melt, do yourself a favour and check out this eatery for not only food of course, but the amazing talent they bring to their stage most everyday, multiple times a day.
By: Julia Ho
