The Dakota Tavern Toronto
Live music and a dive bar
Anita from Toronto
The Dakota Tavern sits just north of Dundas on Toronto’s Ossington strip which makes it the perfect spot to add to your night if you are hitting up one of the many restaurants or bars on Ossington.
The Dakota is a live music venue showcasing primarily folk/bluegrass bands. Now, before I lose any of you who do not like folk/bluegrass music, let me tell you this – neither do I! Not really, anyways. There is something about the Dakota, however, that makes you appreciate and enjoy the music. Perhaps it’s the descent to the basement bar which makes you almost feel like you have traveled back in time with the long wooden bar and tavern-style bar stools. Perhaps it’s the stage at the front of the room all lit up with twinkle lights. Perhaps it’s the mix of folk/bluegrass music, the small but often crowded dance floor, and dive bar feel where you know the only acceptable things to drink are beer on tap or perhaps some bourbon.
The crowd at the Dakota is an eclectic bunch from locals who look like they have been frequenting the Dakota since long before it opened in 2006, to modern-day hipsters and everything in between. At the Dakota, all are welcome so long as you are there to enjoy the music.
Toronto Spotter Anita
About this spot
Our Toronto City Guide
Find your way with 145 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Toronto
Irish Design House
Handmade Irish fashion
"Irish Design House" is the coziest of finds for men & women! It's a fabulous place to buy authentic cable knit sweaters. They come straight from Ireland!
by
Jeffrey
Wood
Brickworks Ciderhouse
Cider on tap
"Brickworks Ciderhouse": one of the new hot restaurants to open on Queen St. East in Toronto. They offer a cider flight and my favorite Brickworks burger!
by
Astoria
Luzzi
GB Hand Pulled Noodles
Made to perfection
"GB Hand Pulled Noodles" Toronto is a small Lanzhou-style restaurant. The noodles here form the base of all the main dishes and are pulled in front of you.
by
Anita
Kim
The Half House
Architectural illusion
"The Half House" in Toronto is literally just a row house whose half was sold off and demolished. The other half has been left there in good condition...
by
Astoria
Luzzi
Après Wine Bar
A wine for every mood and taste
"Après Wine Bar" in Toronto is a fairly new addition to West Queen West that specializes in natural wines. Lovely space, chill vibe, amazing wines!
by
Kasia
Kmiec
Lady Marmalade
Top brunch spot
"Lady Marmalade" in Toronto is a top brunch spot. It's modern, extremely airy with tall bright windows and has no wifi! Try their 'Build your own Benny"!
by
Jeffrey
Wood
Cote de Boeuf
A slice of Paris in Toronto
"Cote de Boeuf" on Ossington Street in Toronto is as charming as it gets. It's a butcher & specialty food/lunch stop by day and wine/dinner bar by night...
by
Anita
Kim
AAA Bar
A dive bar with Texan-style BBQ
"AAA Bar" is a dive bar combined with a Texan-style BBQ. Not the place for a fancy-shmancy cocktail, but for some grungy beer, bourbon and yummy, hot food.
by
Anita
Kim
Riverdale Park Sledding
Hills of thrills
Riverdale Park is the best place to go tobogganing or sledding in downtown Toronto. It's not for the faint of heart but it's so rewarding!
by
Jeffrey
Wood
The Bentway
Urban skating park
"The Bentway" in Toronto is what's become of the neglected space below this elevated road. It has humanized the former dead zone with public spaces...
by
Jeffrey
Wood
Ed's Real Scoop
Who doesn't like ice cream?
"Ed's Real Scoop" is hands down one of the best ice cream shops in Toronto! Their highlights are their seasonal summer fruit flavours...
by
Cameron
Bryant
Heading to Toronto?
145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Toronto?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 145 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Toronto
Get to know our other Spotters from Toronto
As featured on:
