The Dakota Tavern 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.