Apr 7, 2025

The Dakota Tavern Toronto

Live music and a dive bar

""The Dakota Tavern" is a live folk/bluegrass venue in Toronto that doubles as a dive bar. The basement bar really takes me back & everyone is welcome here."

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.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

About this spot

Ossington Avenue 249

Beer:

C$

7.50

4168504579

Find your way with 145 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Toronto guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Toronto

Broadview Espresso

Comfy coffee corner

"Broadview Espresso" in Toronto makes cappuccino just the way I like it -- almost scalding hot! I love sitting at the patio in the wooden seats...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Jeffrey

Wood

Apr 28, 2025

Toronto Reference Library

Literally awesome!

"Toronto Reference Library" is Canada's largest reference library & a must-stop on any downtown tour, with plenty of exciting cultural secrets to discover.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Jeffrey

Wood

Apr 28, 2025

Maids' Cottage Butter Tarts

Taste of Ontario

"Maids' Cottage Butter Tarts" in Toronto makes some of the best butter tarts you can find in the city, and there's nothing more Ontario than eating them!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Jeffrey

Wood

Apr 28, 2025

Plenty Market & Cafe

Cute cafe meets sweet market

Not only do they have delicious coffee and delightful baked goods, but they also stock a solid selection of Canadian-made food and drink products...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 22, 2025

Unboxed Market

A lovely little slow-waste market

Pick up a quick lunch at the front of this low-waste shop, which you can take away in your own or borrowed containers that can be returned later!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 21, 2025

Riverdale Farm

Smack in the middle of downtown

"Riverdale Farm" is an oasis of culture, nature, animals and trees at the heart of Toronto. I like visiting with my camera, especially for macro photos

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Mauricio

Alas

Apr 20, 2025

Planta Queen

Amazing Asian-inspired vegan eats

I recommend ordering a few of their smaller dishes to try, which should definitely include their renowned Bang Bang Broccoli!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 17, 2025

Khau Gully

Best Northern Indian Food in Toronto

"Khau Gully" is my favorite Northern Indian restaurant in Toronto. Street food is its thing but it's best to sit in for its beautifully painted dining room

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cameron

Bryant

Apr 15, 2025

RE Place / Poured Coffee

Low-waste for the win

From biodegradable bamboo products to personal care items that are better for both you and the planet, you can find plenty here for a more sustainable life.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Good Intentions

Shop to support women

It’s rare that I leave this store without having bought something, be it a beautiful ring for myself, or a unique piece of artwork to give as a gift.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Gia Restaurant

Plant-forward perfection

With environmental sustainability in mind, Gia is a “plant-forward” restaurant, with the goal of sourcing produce locally, and organic when possible.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Scout

Gift giving made easy

Besides selling goods from small, often local, independent makers and mindfully selected brands, they also help to support local charities and initiatives.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

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

App Download Download our app

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:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7300
Filters