Possibly the worst-sounding music venue in Toronto. If anyone in the audience makes a sound, claps, sings, etc, the artist performing is drowned out by the cacophony of life. read more

Everything. There was a shitty deejay Friday night-- music good but the mixing was awful. Get a better deejay.

was there last night to see Excuse Me. and Meltt. Both bands were amazing but the sound at this venue was TERRIBLE. The entire show you couldn't hear any of the vocals. the bass and drums were cranked up to deafening volume. The was constant feedback and band members had to keep asking for adjustments. It pretty much ruined what should've been an amazing show. Don't claim to be a live music venue if that's the one thing you can't do read more

Cool bar in the front of the establishment and an event space in the back. I went to The Garrison for a music act and the event space is a wide open space, some chairs and benches along the walls and a bar as well. It's perfect and intimate and a great view from any spot in the room. It does get a bit stuffy and hot when the room is full but that's what usually happens in places like that. Had a great time!! read more

The Garrison - the front of the restaurant at night - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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GOOD FOOD. GREAT MUSIC. CHEAP DRINKS. Way better than I was expecting! Group of us went out for a birthday. We started in the front part where the TACOS were amazing! Reasonably priced and filling. We then relocated to the back part to dance. Cover was $10 (which went us from the $5 posted when we arrived). But once on the dance floor, we had a blast. The mostly '90s throwback hits kept us dancing till 2am, and the drinks were so cheap! Just know the bar is CASH ONLY, but there's an ATM in the room. read more

The Garrison - Dancing Machines! - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Oh, The Garrison. I have many a memory of drunken, sweaty nights in you. But oh, how things of changed. Recently I was invited to a spoken word event here, so the mood and vibe was a bit different. More sitting and listening and less drunken screaming. It was a hot and muggy summer day and while the venue claims to have air conditioning, it works just barely. The bathrooms are unisex, which is great for trans and non-binary folks. We need more spaces like that in the city, to be honest. The only issue I have is that they are not big whatsoever, so they are basically awful for fat folks or people with disabilities. The drinks were cheap (the bartender actually gave me my ginger ale for free, which was kind) and the stage/lighting was perfect for the event we were at. They do serve some kind of snacks in the front, but I didn't get to scope out what exactly it was. The Garrison is super no frills, but it's one of the few accessible venues in the city. While it would be great if the owners did some upgrades, it's still a great vibe and continues to have great programming. While I may be too old to go out drinking and dancing, as long as they have reading series and comedy nights - I'll be there. read more

This venue has absolutely zero regard for how their staff treats paying and returning customers. I was met with an extremely rude and highly unprofessional bartender who literally used something to aggressively jab my arm for being "too close" to the bar counter. If I was so close why would she have to reach me with an object? After contacting the venue to complain they took no accountability whatsoever and informed me that they tolerate this behaviour from their staff. Since when is it ok to hit customers? Never! I will never be giving them my business and I will make sure I let as many concert goers and people in the neighborhood about their aggressive environment. Hopefully they go out of business as every time I go there it's pretty empty. read more

went here for a concert back in september, very tight, very intimate, great sound! i wish that more bands played this venue. read more

Came here last week after the Lakeview. Had wandered by enough times but never been it. The place was quiet, the staff friendly and the beers decent. They had funky art going on one of the walls by projector. Kinda reminded me of Berlin. I'll rerate if I go back for food or a show. read more

I am probably too old for The Garrison, but I find myself here from time to time anyway. Anytime there is any event, it seems to be one of the few Dundas W bars with the extended curfew. Meaning, when I finally do go out out, like willing to dance out, this place usually ends up being where my squad and I end the night. The drinks are meh, the DJs can be extremely hit or miss, but this past weekend I got to tell an aggressive TIFF goer who was hitting on my friend and I that we were a mom and a lesbian and to kindly carry on. This was such a fun thing to say, I'm gonna go ahead and give The Garrison three sunny stars. read more

Came here for Goin' Steady/Chronologique on Saturday night. For those who don't know what that is, it's dance party that plays music from 50s - today, chronologically, throughout the night. It's a dance party that has been around for decades, from Clinton's to Sneaky Dee's, and I guess now here. I've never been to this bar before, and I understand why now. The front area was a smallish bar, seemingly normal. The back area, with the dancing, cost $10 cover. That's too much cover for what happened when I went inside. First of all, it was hot. Not normal, club-level hot. Hot like Hell. Hot like everyone must have been on drugs and not just alcohol to put up with that level of heat. The floor was disgusting. I'm pretty easy going when it comes to dive bars, but this was next level disgusting. Actually, I was just thinking how nice that they had a free water set up, and now actually I realize that confirms my theory everyone is on drugs. So, it was basically early 20s white kids high on...MDMA? Ordered a vodka and soda and it was made with Polar Ice. Skip. read more

Hipsters? Check. Hipster beer? Check. Find me her to check out some good music? Check. I like The Garrison. Is it my fav venue? No. Why not? I can't put my finger on it. Maybe because the bouncer seems to hate me for no reason? That could be it. Other than that though, if you're in the mood for good music this is the place to be. Good sight-lines, big enough that you don't feel squished but small enough that it feel intimate. Bonus? It's oh so close to my fav 24 hour spot The Lakeview so if after last call you want some snacks, food is not far! read more

I know I am biased because I saw such a great show last night at The Garrison. The bias is fair. It is a music club, so having great shows is worth some stars. The Garrison opened in the fall, and this was my first visit, but I know I will be back. I will make an effort to return, frequently. This is a great music venue. There is a pretty big front room with tables and a bar, but the magic happens in the back. All the way in the back room is an elevated stage, of pretty good size. The room is wide, with great sight lines of the stage (especially important when you're 5ft 4), and good acoustics. Last night, the music was awesome, the crowd was hopping, but no one ever pushed me, people were smiling and happy, it was very Canadian, and I liked it. Bartenders were nice and friendly, and there were enough of them. Beers range from Camerons and other locals on tap, to PBR in a can. I think the most expensive beer was $6, so not bad. I plan to keep an eye on the music schedule at The Garrison. It's definitely a good spot to see live shows. read more

According to my friend Christine, the Garrison is what the Rivoli was 20 years ago. I get what she's referring to; it's a space that is now the home to some of the popular indie events in the city, and what Queen West was back in the 80s and 90s. This bar attracts a great crowd thanks to some of the eclectic happenings booked here: Wavelength, Trampoline Hall lectures, Turning Point dance parties, and Pillow Fight League matches, just to name a few. The acoustics are good and the stage lighting is bright enough to not need a flash. It's intimate enough without feeling too cramped and when it's cramped it's not sweltering hot either. I hope it will achieve legendary status someday as one of the city's top venues. read more

This is a really odd place. From the outside it looks like an abandoned laundromat, except that there are all of these people hanging around and it's 1 am. When I say all of these people, I mean the most eclectic group of people you have ever seen. For example, when I was there a dude was wearing leopard skin pants, a cheetah skin jacket and a Daniel Boone hat. The first room you walk into looks kind of like a Legion, except they are selling good beer rather than Labatt Blue. In the back there is a spot for live music, it's kind of like the Horseshoe, but smaller and weirder. The night I was there the "headliner" was a bunch of middle aged men playing covers, like Rave On (you may remember this tune from the Cocktail soundtrack), but in a Ramones style. Cheetah man was loving it, but it wasn't really my thing. The entire time I was there all I could think was, "Man, Toronto is crazy. Apparently there is a place where people have been watching middle aged men play punk covers and wearing a full jungle cat outfit accented with a coonskin hat is sort of normal." I would recommend The Garrison for the experience if nothing else. read more

I've never had a chance to go to the Garrison because I'm simply not interested in any of the shows or events that happen here. There have been some shows I wanted to check out but was busy, so I don't want to come off as a total music snob, but this place does seem to lean towards the indie-rock vibe, which is not my bag. Anyway, some friends were having a CD release show here recently and I was looking forward to finally checking out this venue. I've walked by it many times and looked inside and have seen the front area, but never the actual stage in the back. The outside is very bland and basically looks like every other generic building on Dundas West -- I'm not even sure there's any signage to be honest. If you walked by on a slow night and a bunch of hipsters weren't smoking outside then you probably wouldn't even know it's a bar, let alone a concert venue. The back is pretty basic as well. It was dark so you can't really see much, but there seemed to be a ton of exposed wiring and random pieces of wood on the left side. The right side had high benches that make you feel like a little kid when sitting on, and are very useful for shorter people to see a show comfortably. The bar in the back is physically quite small, so I can't imagine how difficult it would be to get a drink if there were a dozen people trying to do the same. The sound was decent. It didn't blow me away or anything, but it certainly didn't sound bad. The stage itself has little character with no branding at the back like most spaces. It appeared to be a good three feet off the ground so another good quality for the vertically-challenged. The washrooms are single rooms and there seemed to be a few of them, but they're really small. I was a little drunk, but found it awkward getting out because your legs get sandwiched between the door and toilet bowl. Overall the Garrison is a decent venue, but was disappointed that it lacked any character. It obviously has a reputation as a place to see quality shows, but right now it just seems to be a giant room with a stage and some bottles at the back. At the moment with its thrown-together half-assed decor it visually reminds me of one of my least-favourite venues in the city: El Mocambo. read more

The Garrison has had a slow time in gaining acceptance as an indie rock bar possibly due to the location. Not the easiest place to spot along Dundas. But as the area gets busier at night, and with a swanky new sign hoisted up front, The Garrison has proven itself as a reliable venue with a consistent lineup of shows. The acts lean toward the more unusual indie bands that are not well known. The front of the bar has windows that open up onto Dundas allowing air in and breathing life into the dark space. The front room is welcoming enough to pop in and see who's there without committing to stay. To watch a show and pay your cover you continue into the back room which is thru a doorway to the right as you enter from the street. The back room is spacious and LOUD. The sound guy likes his level up, so bring ear plugs. Snack food is available and people were walking around eating it so it must be decent. The door guy is friendly and talkative and oh, the beer store is right across the street. read more

Wavelength has moved from Sneaky Dee's to the Garrison, which just opened this fall. If you look at it in google street view the sign says 'Portugal Bar and Lounge' and has a couple of old portugese dudes hanging around outside but have no doubt that this is the new music venue of the Ossington/Dundas corridor. This past sunday the Garrison was about a 1/4 full for the young mother, provincial parks and parlovr show. The sunday night wavelength shows are coming to an end so catch as catch can. This is not the end of wavelength though, just a move toward a special events based format. PBR bottles are $3.75 and 50 bottles are $4.75. Wellington on tap. Better sound and lighting system than at sneaky dee's. Good size, minimal seating, fresh line-up, and no frills. Keep the cover cheap and ravenous trendy crowds at bay and I'll continue to go to this local joint. read more

I went here with a couple of friends last week and the experience was pretty bad. So bad I decided to make this Yelp account to warn others about it. The first thing to hit me when I walked in was the music. And I do mean hit me, it was deafening. I couldn't hear my friends from across the 2 foot wide table even though they were yelling as loud as they could. After stuffing my bleeding ears with napkins and regaining my equilibrium, I managed to stumble to the bar only to be met by a very unfriendly bartender. I asked for their 4$ Steam Whistle tall cans (which was the special the day we went) 3 times before being I.D.'d. I don't mind that, but normally I don't feel like I'm being subjected to a criminal background check which is the vibe I got on this particular night. At that point the bartender finally handed over the beers and my friends and I attempted to enjoy them without going deaf. With all that being said, I think this place would have been fine if the volume of the music allowed for conversation and the bartender had been in a better mood. But I can only judge this place based on the experience I had, which wasn't good. My advice is go elsewhere, there's several good places to drink nearby like The Lakeview which is maybe a 5 minute walk east of The Garrison. read more

Was there a couple of weeks ago to grab some food, ostensibly. But got sucked into "Good Enough" Karaoke which started up while I was finishing my drink. Had the fish tacos: very very good. No sloppy bar food, this. Lots of attention to detail and great taste. In fact, I would rate the mexican-style food I got at The Garrison as better than what's being served at Grand Electric--without that weird attitude you sometimes get from the staff at GE. The bartender seemed pleased, apparently the chef is trying to step it up a notch. I would say that he's doing a pretty good job. Service was great, of course I was one of 6 people in the bar when I arrived. But it was pretty busy by the time karaoke started. Speaking of which, the band that played the karaoke was amazeballs. On top of their skilled musicianship (accompanying generally bad singing--mine included--and making it, mmm, good enough) they were a good show. read more

I have been here a few times either to check out bands or for bar nights. It's a good, midsized space for that in between sort of act....not not famous, but not really famous either. One of those places where if some act gets really huge, you can be all "oh, I saw them at the Garrison years ago." The sight lines are good -- it's basically a box of a room -- and there are benches around the sides of the room. The sound-guy space (that's the technical term) is right beside the bar, so if you like to drink, you will also get to enjoy the acoustic sweet spot. Beer prices are reasonable for cans, and the bartenders are quick and efficient. The toilet situation is not ideal, though it sounds like it would be: unisex private stalls. I think there are around 5 of them, and the night I was there, the lights were broken in two so they were unusable. I recommend heading to the front part of the venue to use the bathrooms there. read more

Service: Depending on the time you go, sometime takes awhile getting a drink. Ambiance: It's bar where there's a live DJ (DJ with records) in the front, and a live band in the backroom on Friday or Saturday nights. The front is usually free to get in, but depending on the band there's a cover for the backroom. Food: There is not a wide selection of beers. Mostly crafted beers and a few mainstream brands. read more

So... things have changed at the Garrison, and not for the better. I come for JFL festival every year, and look forward to the tacos and nibblies. This year, there was some shitty pop-up (Phancy Food or something? Get rid!) and I ended up eating a piece of buttered bread, for which I paid $10. They called it grilled cheese, but honestly there really wasn't any cheese in it (a spread, at best). I'm not coming here looking for something fancy, just something satisfying, LIKE THEY USED TO HAVE. They still have a decent beer selection, and that's the only reason there are any stars for this visit. Please, Garrison, read this and get something as good as what you used to have. This experience was total shit. I'm sorry for it, because I used to look forward to coming here for comedy, beer and tacos. Now? (Side note: the bartender was super nice. Keep her.) read more

This is a small indie music venue that is lacking in frills as well as character. The bar is super divey. It's the music that really makes or breaks the experience. The beer selection is mediocre but the prices aren't unreasonable. They carry Molson Stock Ale, which makes me happy. The layout is functional with side booths for small groups and tables scattered around the floor for a more casual affair. If there's no music, the tables can be pushed together to accommodate a large 20 something group. There's even some cantina-style food for cheap. read more

The Garrison is a great venue and dive bar, one of my favourite venues in Toronto. The place is a bit hard to get to you take the TTC to Ossington station and walk down to Dundas, or alternatively, get off at Dundas Station and take the 505 Streetcar Westbound to Dundas and Ossington. The experience really depends on the music which they book great talent. They get a lot of touring indie rock bands, they showcase local talent and they even have a few bands do DJ sets occasionally. The venue is pretty intimate with a capacity of about 400. They have a bar area in the front where they have food which I assume is good (I've never eaten here) and the back area with the stage and another bar. The bathrooms are just unisex stalls right beside the stage and while they looked a bit run down but still clean. The beer is somewhat expensive but they have a good selection. Because of how hard it is to get here I wouldn't come just for food & drinks but definitely for the music. read more

Great spot!! Fun atmosphere and great affordable drunk food- Mexican mostly, great TACOS !!! Bartenders always nice and cool just like bouncers. Love it! read more

Delicious cider beer on tap! Delicious avocado frittas! Deliciously fun dancing was had! read more

Unlike most of the reviewers here I actually didn't come here for a concert, but an event called True Stories Toronto. http://truestoriestoronto.com/ for any one who's interested. First Impressions: ----- The vibe is low key at best, with a seat yourselves, we'll come serve you when we please attitude. Whatever, I expected as such from this place. Food: ---- We weren't really going in for the food, but ended up being very, very pleasantly surprised by the tostadas (the picture speaks for itself). The beer battered fish was scrumptious. We definitely asked for a second round of those! The empanada was also very good. The beer selection was.... a bit random. But at a decent price. I tried the Augusta Ale, brewed by the Kensington Brewing Co. A nice light beer with pleasant citrusy taste. Would try that again, possibly in the summer. Venue: ---- We were at a seated event. Although space was a bit tight, we never felt crammed or squished. Sound system was actually very good for a spoken word event with good coverage throughout the room. Although, I would not make a full judgement until I hear a band play here. Walked away thinking: ---- How can they not advertise their food menu a bit more? Especially online (the link appears to be empty). The chefs are clearly doing a good job. read more

The Garrison - two cans of beer on a table - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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While the food/beer options are solid and the programming unquestionably great, I had an experience last week at the sold out Viet Cong show that will keep me from coming back to the Garrison for some time. The venue was fairly packed and the silly design of having the washrooms behind the stage kept myself and two friends sardined into what we affectionately termed the "piss aisle", being jostled every couple of seconds by someone plowing through the crowd washroom-bound. The sound was great, as per usual, and the pre-show burritos in the front room had been universally enjoyed, but about 40 minutes into Viet Cong's set, things took a turn for the worse. At this point a large-ish man in black careens into me while beelining for the back of the venue. My friend, positioned behind me, takes a step back to give this guy lots of room, but regardless the man nudges him anyway, sending him falling back into the people behind him. As the room was packed, these people push my friend back up and back into the guy who had rudely shoved past us (for every action, there's an equal or opposite reaction). The man literally picks up my friend, mutters something akin to "nice try, idiot, parts the crowd behind him, throws open the french doors at the front of the venue, and literally hurls my friend into the street. The two of us left in the venue were at a loss for words for what had just happened. As we pass the guy, who was obviously a power tripping bouncer, on our way out, I ask him what just happened, at which point he tells me that my friend is "a re***d." Heading outside, my friend is trying to defend his case to the doorman while he recovers from the assault. He had had a beer glass in his hand (though it was his first of the night, for what it's worth), which had broken on the sidewalk outside when the bouncer threw him out. A minute later, another bouncer comes out and gets an inch away from my friends' face with a line akin to "So I heard you're trying to mess with my boy inside, huh?" At this point we try to explain the ludicrous situation as clear as possible to this third bouncer, who also wasn't one for listening to reason (not surprising as he lead off with the aforementioned intimidation tactics). So, all in all, it's worth noting that if you go to a show here, be prepared for a security team that acts before they think or ask questions. While I understand its a job in which a person is subject to consistent risks, this was a fairly mild-mannered indie rock show at which such excessive force with regards to a misunderstanding could have saved our night and the reputation of the Garrison in our minds. Going forward, I hope this thug-ish security issue is resolved. Until then, I'll think twice before coming back for a show. read more

As far as smaller music venues go, the Garrison is okay. I prefer Lee's Palace which is wide and has that pit, and The Horseshoe which is wider and has more character. The Garrison is just a little too long, narrow and plain to give too solid of a rating. It's sketchy looking from the outside, so much so that it's a bit tricky to find. When you first walk into the venue you walk into a small room with a bar and a few tables, from there you pass through a door, hand over your ticket and walk into the long concert hall (that you could probably pack no more than 300 people into). At the back is a small bar that serves a full array of drinks including local draft beers for $6. The sound system here is good, maybe a little too good. I counted 12 concerts I've been to in the last year or so (so my ears are pretty damaged) and this is the first venue in a long time to leave my ears ringing well into the following day. The walls are bare, black and grungy. There are a few chairs around the outside of the venue, though if you did choose to sit in them you wouldn't be able to see a thing. The washrooms are small, (understandably) dirty, and right beside the stage. The stage lighting is low and simple. Overall, not the best place in the city to catch a show, but not a terrible option either. read more

I have now gone to this venue 3 times and I am a huge fan. I love this place, its nice and big, and it has 2 bars one in the back and one in the front. The front one is usually less crowded and they let you take your drinks in the back that you buy in the front so you can save yourself some time. All drinks are reasonably priced, and the staff are happy and nice. The bouncer is a friendly dude too. My only complaint is the lack of A/C when I was there on Friday it was so warm that my fake eyelashes started falling off because I was sweating so bad from everywhere. They need a couple of fans or something in there. read more

Went here to see a concert, Wanted to go outside for a smoke, I asked if I needed a stamp they said no. When I went to come back inside they wouldn't let me in, despite the fact that I had a ticket that I had paid $21 for. The kid at the door was rude, so me and the remaining 6 people who were waiting for me inside left. The bar staff were nice, too bad one person ruined me experience. read more

A fun, relaxed start to the New Year! We went to The Garrison for NYE and had a great night. Sure, the wine came in a tumbler and the hipster-non ratio was sky high, but I really liked the laid-back mood of the crowd and the set up of the venue. read more

Great space! This review is for their chronologic dance party on Sept 1. The DJs did a great job with their musical selection throughout the decades. Who knew you could Dance to the jitterbug, Elvis, snoop dog, ace of base then biggie in one set? They ended the party with contemporary hits and I was impressed with how the DJs incorporated hip hop, modern hits and even some deep house into the sets. Fun night all around. I'm definitely sore this morning from the dancing into the wee hours of the night. read more

I've been here a couple more times and it's been way better. The bathrooms still suck but the beer has improved. I actually quite like the joint now. read more

Reasonably priced food, rather pricey beers, decent service, and a neat space. Tuesday night is taco night, where steak tacos are only $2 each. We ordered three steak and two fish tacos and a bowl of chips and salsa for two people, and were stuffed by the time we'd finished. The steak tacos were fine but the fish tacos were incredible! I would definitely order those again. The chips were still warm and lightly salted. Overall a fun time and delicious meal! read more

Usually the crowd at this place and I don't seem to be right fit. The reason I go back? Well, they always seem to have some cool show that I want to go to. This time it was Dana Gould as part of the JFL festivities. Perfect place for small intimate venues. Will not go back on a regular night but look out for awesome events here as they seem to support a lot of different ones. Odd though a lot of people I know like this place so check it out once and decide. read more

Went there for Saturday Night TIFF extended hours to go dancing with my friends. Without a doubt the worst DJ I have ever heard. There was no theme to the music, he pretty much switched from playing obscure disco that no one had ever heard of to random easy rock hits from the 80's, and only once he played a song people could actually dance to (Billy Jean). It was so brutal especially since we waited in line for 45 mins to get into a room with 150 people and no one was dancing. The entire staff was apathetic. Will never go there again. read more