Grossman's deserves a shout out from me for sure! Along with the Cameron and the Horseshoe, etc., it's one of Toronto's iconic, low pretension bars with live music. It's one of those places that is anti-trendy, where time stands still. Survived all those scary times like covid, all those crazy decades like cocaine 80s and grunge 90s where other places have come and gone, this place you can count on walking in and enjoying some great live music and cheap beers with, gasp! table service! Had some great times in just a few visits there. Once I was with my friend and we were there to see a Dead cover band after his birthday party at Comfort Zone in Parkdale. He had some birthday stuff on him like a Happy Birthday hat, balloons, etc., and on the way out a random woman said "Oh, Happy Birthday!" and flashed her tits! read more

Grossman's Tavern - Pool table in the house - Dive Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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one of the last remaining DIVE/BLUES bars surprised covid didn't end the run... this city used to have many bars with uniqueness almost all are gone so check this one out while u can read more

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Welcome to one of the most historic venues in Toronto. Is it a dive? Of course it is. But that's the charm, man. It's a colourful dive full of colourful characters, and host to a variety of great live acts, from weekly New Orleans jazz bands to blues to funk and jam bands. Shoutout to the monthly Caution Jam shows, currently happening the last Saturdays of the month, where you can groove to the classic sounds of the Grateful Dead (pay what you can) and we can have high times if you'll abide. The nice part about a dive like this is its total lack of pretension and judgment. I love how the server always looks at me askance when I order a gin martini here lol. As I once quipped to the barfly sitting next to me, "I'm trying to class up the joint!" To which he responded, "Many have tried -- few have succeeded!" read more

As I was leaving the bar, it was told to " shut the fuck up for the love of God and everyone in this bar", after SETTLING THE BILL. Unlike most of the men there, I was NOT ""SCREAMING"" FOR MORE THAN 5 MINS. The bar tender, a woman with brown and thick black glasses approached me AND SAID THE AFOREMENTIONED QUOTE. THIS WAS HER VERY FIRST AND ONLY WARNING REGARDING MY VOLUME. She could have asked me nicely at least once before asking so rudely. But she chose not to. I felt very much singled out. I was not interrupting music OR THE GAME. She could have warned me nicely ONCE, but she ran behind the bar LIKE A COWARD AFTER RUDELY CONFRONTING ME. I did not want to make a scene given the fact she quite literally ran like a child from me after escalating such a minor thing so I left the establishment. I felt singled out as honestly the only young Asian woman in the bar. There were plenty of men there being equally if not more loud. Essentially my only warning was the VERY RUDE CONFRONTATION. After speaking to me like I was a PIECE OF SHIT. Found it funny how she never did anything when we had creeps around us all night, and trying to complain about it. But yeah ok. I'm the greatest issue at the bar. So much so, you cowardly yelled at me as I was very clearly leaving the bar with my coat on and after I had settled my bill. Sorry sweetheart you work in a bar on a Saturday night during the end of hockey season, you signed up for some noise. I've worked in food service before and personally the way she handled this situation was completely unprofessional and cowardly. You can ask people to lower their volume, but you don't do that. Bottom line is: don't go here if you happen to be a young woman and you may speak loudly in a bar. EDIT: I saw some other reviews regarding seemingly the same bartender with glasses rudely confronting a group that was mostly of color and accusing them of stealing a loonie. THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ON-GOING ISSUE. I can only assume that the bartender with glasses only targets people of color with her inappropriate and unprofessional outbursts of anger. Don't go here. read more

I made it to the Sunday afternoon New Orleans Jazz Band. GREAT show. Wonderful crowd. Staff is awesome. Not a place for 'fine cuisine', but who cares. Don't miss this gem! read more

It'd been 20+ years since I decided to see what Grossmans had become.. Had a ood time live band(which never introduced themself) but with the music they provided tipped the scales.. so when the band came round for donations I was happy to donate to keep them playing.. Pool table had the best price I haven't seen for night time play.. I mean I played double with fresh faces with a positive vibe Sure it's not old school Grossmans but that's not a bad thing FYI had a great time.. that's to the bartender for creating a happy fun atmosphere read more

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Grossman's is a personal favourite for a low key night out for beer and good music. It is grimy and has that stank of an old run down pub, but that's part of the character and charm at Grossman's. They have basic beers on tap (Mill Street, Steamwhistle, etc.). They can fill up quite a bit at night but the tables are large enough that most people would be happy to let you sit with them. Also you won't be sitting much, as there's always a group of people dancing near the dance floor. The staff are very friendly. They do not serve food here. But, no cover! Great spot if you aren't picky about fancy looking places and you just want to enjoy an ice cold beer while listening to live music. read more

Grossman's Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Saturday, July 25, 2022 I bought a beer and a bag of chips at the bar. Apparently, it was the owner who served me. Unsolicited, she asked if I wanted to keep a tab and then asked for my credit card, which I provided. She registered the card and ... hesitated ... then she said that she must keep the card until I settle. Afterward, I sat in the music hall and listened to the band, "The Happy Pals" - excellent, BTW. Upon reflection, I thought it was inappropriate, unprofessional, and unsecure for the bar to hold my credit card. (It was already registered/ recorded.) So, I returned to the bar to pay for the initial tab and retrieve my card. Then the owner "went on" that I couldn't use the card later for more beer. She never mentioned a cash option. I've had many good times at Grossman's, but this interaction ruined the vibe. It's simple stuff, but it "rubbed me" the wrong way. And then I read some of the bad service reviews on Google. They fit this pattern. I am reluctant ever to go back. Disappointed Live Music Fan read more

This is a hole in the wall dive bar right in Chinatown, plenty of chairs to sit around. Came here because of live music that was advertised, featuring "the porch dog choir", a group of older gentlemen playing songs written by themselves. I would say they were pretty talented and music was enjoyable, their music was a cross between blues/jazz and country. The wall is decorated with all these old photos which was interesting to look at. Although the most entertaining thing we found was an elderly Asian man sitting in the back, he was dozing off with head leaned back while loud music was playing, all of a sudden he woke up, got up from his chair, walked into kitchen and started working. It was like walking into a different reality, pretty cool experience, definitely check out this place when there is live music. read more

Grossman's Tavern - Porch dog choir performing - Dive Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Before I dive in here (pun intended), I feel the need to tell you I love weird, falling apart places. I love them extra if they're in Chinatown and I love them even more if they are filled with old dudes tapping their toes to live music. If you do not love these things, you will not love Grossmans. In fact, you'll probably write some silly one liner about how it is Gross in here and think you're clever. We likely aren't meant to be BFFs. I hadn't been in this tavern in years, but then on Halloween a buddy suggested we pop in for a Grateful Dead cover band. It was everything I'd expected it to be, and I had a great time. Drinks are cheap, apparently their burgers are famous (so says Mr. Grossman) and they have really decent live music on the regular. read more

Toronto's iconic live music dive bar should not be missed! Make no mistake - this is a GENUINE dive bar - not "dive-chic" or "faux-dive" - this place is a dump. An iconic dump - but definitely a dump. You bring the wine bar crowd here and you'll have yourself a whine bar on your hands. But, if you've got some nice down to earth friends who enjoy a bit of old school live music and, shall we say, local colour?, then take them here. BEER - Cheap and Cold FOOD - Cheap and Hot CROWD - Cheap and (mostly) cheerful MUSIC - Free and pretty universally great STAFF - Hardworking, decent, good folks PATIO - Small, but fun Got a big group? They've got lots of room and the regulars won't even notice you. Look, at the rate we're going in 12 to 18 months this place will be boarded up replaced with a sign reading "Les Hommes d'Grosse - Luxury Condominium Residences starting at 236,000,000 Euro" and you will be wailing and moaning, rending your very expensive garment at the abject grief at having walked/driven/rode past a legend and never stopping in. Stop in, buy a beer, get some fries, soak in the history and maybe do your part to delay the inevitable. (gets down of soapbox) Jump off the Spadina streetcar @ Nassau St. (Kensington Market) and your there. read more

Compare this place to "Cold Tea," and you will actually arrive at the correct definition of a "dive bar." It's dirty, filled with lots of people, and has good live music. Beer isn't too bad either. As the man said, what is not to love? read more

We were looking for a place to eat, so we headed to Chinatown (we think). Despite having millions of actual dining options, something about this place caught our eyes. After confirming they had beer, food and live music, it was a no-brainer that we'd go in. It did not disappoint, purely because of the insane atmosphere. There was a blues band playing and they were very entertaining. It seems that along with universal healthcare, our Canadian neighbors also have the privilege of universal swing dancing lessons, because everyone in the bar aside from us knew how to groove. The food is not very good. The beer selection is. The staff was attentive and friendly. The bathrooms are immaculately disgusting. The crowd is sultry, jovial, friendly & scary all at once. Definitely the archetype of a dive bar in the middle of Bizzaro World. Definitely an interesting place. Definitely good for some live music and drinks. read more

Good environment, live music is amazing, definitely, one establishment that I recommend, just don't sit by the bar and they need more draft beer, only 3 available. read more

This is one of the first bars I ever went to - actually, it is probably the first place I was ever served beer. I love it like a dysfunctional uncle who makes lame jokes "pull my finger" and always smells like Canadian Club. It's hard for me to not get nostalgic every time I pass by. I don't think anyone should be allowed to live in Toronto if they haven't had at least one drink and chat with the regulars. It is an institution onto itself. And remember, this is the house of the blues (or so it claims - and really, why question it? Once you've hung out for awhile you become a true believer - just keep sipping the moonshine and everything will be ok). In many ways, it's a physical representation of 'suffering for your art'. Unlike other tourist attractions, there is no tidy aesthetic - that would be like trying to put a bear in a dress. It is what it is - and that's why it's been standing in the same spot since 1948. read more

Grossmans is the place that you stop into while you're down shopping around, and has all the cache of a dive bar with puke down the stairs, but after you disregard my colourful description and realize there is no puke down the stairs, you see that Grossmans is one of those establishments that is going to make you feel welcome unless you're one of those people that make yourselves feel unwelcome. The mix of age is legend, the appreciation of the music is legend. Don't fuck it up. read more

Concerned about the area but even though is a little run down I can see that live bands would make it worth it. When it comes to drinks and relaxing I'm not a snob it's the company I keep and the adventure I love. Washrooms are amazing and clean. Sweet!!! read more

Grossman's Tavern - Well...we are here. pretty sketchy area but again...we are here being adventurous!! - Dive Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Pure dive bar bliss since 1943. Hot, sweaty, crowded, loud blues band and full of drunks dancing. Lots of hooting and hollering. Soaking wet floor and bar. My dad used to drink there in the 60's and I don't think much has changed since then. Had beer then went home and took a shower. Worth a visit just for the nostalgia factor alone. read more

What a great find in Toronto! I love dive bars and this one fit the bill, good music, cheap drinks, laid back vibe going all night. My husband and I caught the Neil Chapman band on a Friday night night last month. This place is a gem, I will return during my next stay in Toronto! read more

It must be because I'm in John Woo films - but I have an affinity for jazz/blues bars. In my dream life, I would go by the nickname 'Tequila', dispense life advice from behind the bar and dual-wield like a god. Umm - ya. This place is pretty dope. Wandered in this little dive blues bar in Chinatown - drinks are cheap, people are friendly and it was random swing dance night on a Tuesday eve. What's not to love? read more

If you had died and gone to Tavern Heaven, Grossman's would likely be that tavern. The size and smell, the great staff, the world-class musicians, all make up this wonderful, low-key, cool and friendly venue. The Sunday Night Blues Jam brings in musicians who will blow your blues hat (or Blue Jays cap) clean off your head. I've tried hard not to miss a Grossman's Blues jam, which makes this the only venue which I have committed to since my teen years in Montreal. Five out of five, people! Art N. read more

Let me preface this by saying that this review is being graded on the dive bar scale, not the same scale as you would rate a fancier pub. Grossman's is a locals watering hole, normally nothing very exciting, until the music starts. The place is a great live blues and jazz bar. The acoustics are awesome and the music is brilliant! However it has some flaws. First flaw is the lighting in the bar area, wow it's bright. Picture the lights you would have in your kitchen. On the side where the stage is the lighting is OK, but the bar area is too bright when you want to have a pint. Flaw number 2 is the price of beer. It's not overly pricey but for a dive bar you normally don't have prices similar to the "faux irish" pubs that have blighted the drinking landscape. Flaw 3 is the paint job on the walls. I know this is a tad nitpicky but the walls look like they were painted in the 60's, inspired by a hospital. On the plus side the washrooms are clean, obviously recently renovated (my friend said that the last time he was there they were awful) so that's a good bonus. My overall opinion is that you should go to grossmans if you love blues and jazz (and it's brilliant for that), otherwise I see no logical reason to go there. read more

One of the worst places I have ever been to. If it wasn't for the band that was playing. I would have walked out. I have been in the hospitality business for decades and have never encountered this type of attitude. Tony tried to accommodate the best he could but the woman behind the bar was unbelievable. I ordered 3 martinis for our table and was looked down upon and told you can have these now but don't ask later we will be too busy. When the band needed stage lights on for their listings they were told they didn't know how to turn them on. We searched the stage and discovered the switch was behind the bar. It's only when I asked Tony to turn them on. He knew just where they were. We spent quite a lot of money between food and many drinks. When I asked for the bill. That's the only time I got a smile and did not hand me an itemized bill. I didn't tip the bar at all. I took care of our waitress because she was a saint. I will never ever go back. This place shouldn't be in business. read more

The thing about Yelp Elites is, you can read a lot of our reviews and get a feel for who we are as people, and what we tend to like. I don't like dive bars. I like the concept, but the execution often makes me feel out of place. Grossman's has a feel like you've been dropped into the Twilight Zone, and this episode is taking place in the middle of butt-you know what-no where in Newfoundland. The live music was spot on, the people watching was superb, but I felt no need to order a drink or stay more than an hour. read more

I give this a five if you were to get there to enjoy the Happy Pals. This band, and the atmosphere they create is outstanding!

yeh I know 5 stars for an old tavernbut let me explain. If you live in the city if you visit Toronto you have to hit this place, because it`s an icon and a living part of history of this city. The food is alright the beer and shots are fine, but the atmophere!!!. Well there you go ,that`s the whole ball of wax . I have friends who have played there, others who still play there. And I have walked in and yet to experience a band or group that I have not enjoyed. The staff are all hard working, those behind and infront of the bar. The friday mike nights rock the place, and some of the people that play there are the old and extremely talented no gifted. the band there last night was incredble , and if you pulled up a bio no just ask some of thei locals you would get your socks knocked off on the talent that was up on the stage. The feel of the place and the surrounding neighbourhood says it all, stand out there at 1or 2 in the morning and you can still feel the city vibrate, then as you step back in you`ll notice some of the vibration is coming from there read more

I like this place. We went to the Tuesday open stage and saw a lot of great talent. The schedules and posters on the wall seem like there is a ton of live music happening here. The place is really divey in appearance but it's pretty spacious which I appreciated as I hate being pressed up against strangers. There's a big patio on the side and a pool table. The washroom was actually the nicest looking/cleanest looking part of the place which scores an extra star in my books. The drinks weren't as cheap as I like for a dive. More than eight dollars for a cider, almost seven dollars for a pint. I had a good time, though, so the prices didn't really put me off. I'm pretty sure I'll be going back. read more

Previously wrote this while a bit buzzed: Went to take out at ATM at 158am, asked man at bar to order me draft so I didn't miss last call, he didn't order, received my 20 dollars from ATM, went to bar and refused to serve me and my friends one beer #FAIL as it was after 2am. They really should announce last call much earlier! now leaving even though some sweet tunes occurred. Looking back at my visit to Grossman's with more of a clear head, minus that incident, I think the bar is awesome and such a good time! At least the music was rocking and everyone seemed in a genuine good spirit. It's one of my neighbourhood joints and I will return. read more

One of the best blues venues ever. The Sunday night "open mike" is almost always amazing. Sure the place is a bit of a dive but if you think it's "bad" you've never been to a real dive. Staff is friendly and the musicians on the Sunday are almost like a family. I have been there a few times and every time have really enjoyed it read more

Turned up on a Saturday afternoon and they had a fantastic New Orleans Jazz band playing-soooooo good.

I just was in Toronto for my very first time with my Aunt and the music and drinks at Grossman's were one of my highlights of my Toronto visit. The owner bartender brothers are very inviting and funny, the music was great and it was a Monday night!! We left with t-shirts but will for sure be back on my next visit to Toronto!! read more

So much fun on a sunday. Grossman's is divey, but even then, it's classed up a bit over the years. For a no frills night, with a diverse crowd made up of just about everyone and anyone, good music and fun earlier on - this is the spot. read more

It's good if you're into dive bars. It's the opposite of fancy, but it's fun- cheap beer & liquor and lots of fun live music and dancing. I went with a few friends & got up to dance even though it was not my kind of music. If it's your type of thing, it is worth going to- I had a lot of fun! But Grossman's is a definite dive, so don't expect more- it is what it is! read more

Grossman's is an awesome place; great music and great hangout. Its the ultimate "dive bar", with all that comes with that. Characterful customers and staff. The sunday night open stage jams are always fun, with some real local legends playing there from time to time. Friday and Saturday nights are also usually excellent. Surprisingly great selection of fine spirits behind the bar, especially tequila and scotch. read more

The beer is cheap. They always have live shows here. And lots of musicials come to jam. A nice vibe. Good mix of patrons, but most on the older side. read more

Take the "gross" in Grossman's literally... although they've done an overhaul and have self-flush toilets now... what next? Awesome music, patrons from far-off galaxies... all walks of life... think the bar scene in Star Wars. No heads nodding in this place... whole bodies move! Didn't I see the Down Child Blues Band with Jeff Healey back in the days when you could smoke inside? Still the best place in town if you like people who like to share a table and listen to music that rocks your soul. No dance floor, just squeeze between tables to shake the blues! The best! read more

amazing place. we came in attracted by the live music sound. packed of friendly people. beer choice is fine. and the atmosphere is simply incredible. if you need a shot of happiness go there on saturday afternoon, the resident band, Happy Pals, make it happen! read more

This place is fun ! We went list night for Patrick Tevlin and his Happy Pals, and it was poppin'. The place inside and out is nothing to look at, bathrooms were pretty fancy.It kinda reminded me of the dining hall at summer camp- just pick a seat and see who joins you. Lots of regulars having a blast. Beer was good, wait staff good, fries good, music- AMAZING. read more

Absolutely do not go there !!!!! Old(probably never renovated since 1943),dirty(lots of death flies on the walls),smelly place !!!!! I was so happy to go there after reading all reviews unfortunately was shocked what i saw !!!!!!!! read more

I give this place 4 star because of the band, Happy Pals, which was beyond amazing... New Orleans style jazz that was happy and so so beautiful. The pub is very rundown and I didn't even think about ordering food there. But there's cheap beer and lovely music, try it out Saturday afternoons and you won't regret it! read more