This is probably one of my favorite music venues it's the place to be in Toronto Walking in the bar area is just really cool and then you go back to where the actual stage is and you just don't expect a whole other room. The stage is super small which really makes the experience better in my opinion. It feels so much more intimate with the band. I've had so many good nights here Like that they have a bunch of sitting areas with tables right behind a standing area in front of the stage. Saw and fell in love with many bands here and many more to see in the future hopefully read more

The Horseshoe Tavern - Live Animals & Myself - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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If your standard for live music involves walking through a metal detector to enter a sterile, multi-tiered corporate sports arena - where you sit in a numbered plastic seat, look at a massive digital screen because you are half a mile from the artist, and pay forty dollars for a warm, low-bitrate lager in a branded plastic cup - stay on the Gardiner Expressway. You are a consumer of commercialized culture. You are participating in the systematic flattening of the sonic experience. read more

It's a pretty divey place at baseline, but it's a clean and safe dive and it kind of needs to be this way because it's a Toronto rock hall legend in the city. Stage is small, which means it's actually a pretty great place to get close to your favourite acts, but don't expect much of a stage show. Good variety of drinks for a venue of this type. Better than most of the similar classic rock venues in town. read more

The Horseshoe Tavern - Stage - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

overcrowded, dirty, terrible sound syste. Will never go back. they shouldn't let un ticketed customers inside the venue. There were way too many people in the venue and it created a safety issue. with the money they generated they should at least get a new sound system. This place is way overhyped. ambience was not good either. read more

This is probably my favorite music venue in Toronto. Walking in the bar area is just really cool and then you go back to where the actual stage is and you just don't expect a whole other room. The stage is super small which really makes the experience better in my opinion. It feels so much more intimate with the band. I've had so many good nights in that pit. read more

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Up until yesterday, when I was told to leave because I had been banned, I had been a devoted regular at the Horseshoe for years. Other regulars complained that they were listening in on my private phone conversations, which was none of their business, because they were offended and did not like what they were hearing. It even went so far as to have a woman named Shelly, whom I never met, accuse me of luring her, and management used all of this crap as justification to ban me. A business shouldn't be operating; it should be shut down entirely if this is the repulsive way it handles its devoted clientele. Avoid this place at all costs! Boycott The Horse Shoe Tavern! If there were a selection to give a zero rating for this place, I would give it. Unfortunately, I still have to give a rating. read more

THE place to be if you want to have an intimate experience a live music at a small venue. Like that they have a bunch of sitting area with tables right behind a standing area in front of the stage. Saw many bands here and many more to see in the future. $7.50 for a pint of Shocktop ( front bar with super professional veteran bartender ) $10.50 for a tall can of Woodhoue IPA read more

The Horseshoe Tavern - Stamp!! - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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The best place in Toronto for an old-timer like me seeking a taste of the rocking 80s. read more

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Awesome little dive bar with cheap drinks, great atmosphere and a friendly bartender. read more

The Horseshoe Tavern - Awesome little dive bar with cheap drinks and awesome service. - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This bar was mentioned in Anthony Bourdain's travel to Toronto on the LAYOVER. To me this is just another nondescript bar downtown. Certainly very popular and crowded with people playing pool and socializing at the front of the bar. There were live bands playing at the back of the bar. In order to watch them, there was a fee. I was content to listen to them at the front of the bar instead of watching. I didn't feel it was worth $$ to watch groups showcasing their off-tune singing talent. Cost of beer was about $8 a pint on average. If you are looking for an unpretentious bar to hang out for the night, check this place out. read more

The Horseshoe Tavern - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Came out here to see some friends play a few weeks ago and had a great time. The show sounded amazing, the small stage made the venue intimate and fun, and the crowd was polite and had a real party like atmosphere. The front part of the Tavern is a great dive bar with a pool table and cheap drinks. It's not shiny and new, but that's what a dive bar is all about. Don't come expecting gleaming counter tops. It's sticky and that's part of the appeal. We came a bit early to hang out and found a comfortable seat and thirst quenching beverages. I'll also always love the great crowd here for not taking advantage of my idiocy. After the show my husband ran to the restroom and I sat down my weary feet by the pool table. We left and got back to our hotel when I realized I had left my purse (complete with my passport and wallet!) where I sat down. Our Lyft driver raced us back to the Horseshoe and, miraculously, my purse was still sitting there. Thanks to the crowd and staff for being upstanding and leaving it alone! 5 stars for everyone! read more

The Horseshoe Tavern - Nada Surf - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

The Horseshoe Tavern is a Toronto establishment. I have come here countless number of times for small concerts. The beer list is fine, there really is nothing to complain about it. I will probably be back here in the future for some show or another. read more

Went on an off night, but Teddy the bartender was awesome and they have a solid drink selection. Definitely going back.

My favourite venue in the city. Love everything about this place, from the staff to the acoustics. I've seen so many special shows here.

Great selection of drafts. Prices were great ($7 for Blanche-chambly and lagunitas on draft). On point service. There's a computer/kiosk for ordering food, which I think is pretty cool conceptually. (I didn't order any food while I was there though.) read more

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Heroes will be remembered but Legends never die.. The Horseshoe Tavern in legendary! Coming from Iowa, USA.. I have known the history of this musical mecca for a long time! Last week I finally got to walk through the doors, have a beer, and take in some of the magic! Mind you we were with the happy hour crew at around 5pm so there was no show going on, but my co worker and I, took a peek back into the music room where everyone from Wilco, to Cat Power, to the Rolling Stones have played shows! The Tavern has a bunch of old music memorabilia on the walls so you see the soundboard tape strip from the Stones playing there in 1997.. For this music fan boy, that's pretty fun! The bartender was great. The music room looks amazing. And the bar has enough character to last another lifetime in my book! Legends never die.. and this one won't croak any time soon! read more

The Horseshoe Tavern - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Such a hole. Somehow still coasting on its dinosaur glory days. Everything is dingy, dirty, and sticky. Most of the staff are pretentious and rude. The owner is the worst of all, a real prick. read more

Came here to see one of my favorite bands. Very indie vibe - the door people were super nice and personable. It's definitely a very small venue, but the drinks were reasonably priced and there were places to sit if you were there for a concert. Weird gross downstairs bathrooms. One thing that bothered me about this place was the weird set up. When you walk in, there's a bar, and then in the very back there's a stage. Between these two rooms is a ticket counter - the back area with the stage has a smaller bar with less service - no beers on tap, only a fridge in the back. Basically, if there was a paid concert that you were interested in seeing, instead of going into the back ticketed area, you could just sit yourself down at the front bar, grab yourself some of the beer on tap, and listen to the live band play without having to get a ticket. read more

The Horseshoe Tavern - Well that's a little awkward - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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The legendary Horseshoe! A truly iconic spot for your Toronto tour. I've been here many a time to check out a friend's band or a friend of a friend's band and occasionally even a band that I actually know. Like many of the other reviews have said, there is a definitely a true 70s rock n' roll vibe about the place, and many of the staff have been around since the beginning. When I was here last week, my cousin and I had this whole very silly ticket fiasco (our fault), and the woman working cover was soooo friendly and helpful. The fiasco was so much of an ordeal that by the end of the night, even the bouncers knew about it and teased us (in a nice way) about it on the way out. Gotta love bar staff that can put their ego aside and have some fun rather than making us feel bad about it. The beer is cheap, the bathrooms are gross, the music is (usually) great. The perfect spot for a fun and casual night out. Note: they do not take debit but there is an ATM and a few banks nearby. Double note: I don't think they serve food but there is a TRAP DOOR into the A&W next door that you can order food with! read more

I can't believe I've never rated the Horseshoe ! Hot.tips for surviving here. Don't order food Some taps are okay , some aren't Order bottled beer Don't expect the bathrooms to be the picture of cleanliness. Be nice to the staff because they have dealt with a lot of drunks and are very long suffering. Do expect a decent rock show in the back, preferably from someone local. read more

Iconic. Wish it were closer to home so I could visit more often. Very popular venue

This place is great! I came here for the first time to see Jukebox the Ghost play in September 2018. As soon as you walk in, you can feel the history behind this bar! All over the walls you can see pictures from past musicians that have performed here in the past. The staff are also super chill and so friendly. What I really liked about this venue, is that there was actually seating in the back room no too far from the stage. I'm all for a nice intimate vibe of standing near the stage when a band is performing, but I love that we were able to grab a few seats not too far back and chill during the performances. read more

Definitely the best bar in the city to see live music. The incredible history and huge list of famous bands who have played here make this spot absolutely legendary. read more

What can I say about The Horseshoe except that it's been my go-to live music bar for two decades now. My favorite night to go is indie 88 nu music nite where you can enjoy up five bands for no cover. Each band plays for 30 mins. So it's a great grab bag; if you don't enjoy the current band, the next will be on shortly. There is a little merch counter nearby the stage where the local bands often offer shirts, vinyl and buttons and will often stop to chat. Teddy is a witty and friendly bartender at the front bar who also plays drums for various bands and Ty is a super smart and down-to-earth guy who handles security and loves birds, food and checkers. I don't know them overly well but when you go to a place almost weekly for 20 years you do get to know the staff. :). My music nights are seriously the best-kept long-standing secret in local live music that I know of... in a sweet, historic building, and great sound as well thanks to Bryan on the soundboard. He is always tweaking stuff and if you stand at the ledge behind the soundboard you'll have great sound and a place to rest your beer. Bring earplugs with you if you plan to go up-close. As with similar love music venues, the sound can get very loud. Seating is ample and there's a cute old-fashioned checkered dance floor right in front of the stage. So glad this place is still around and hope my kids get to enjoy it too, when they're old enough to get by the watchful security. There is a little tunnel that passes through to the restaurant next door (used to be Gorilla Monsoon, now it's A&W. Still..) that you can use to order food. We are lucky to have the Horseshoe - it's up there with the best of them, world-wide. The cameron house is also steps away and on Tuesdays (except the first of the month) they have the Sinners Choir which are an amazing group. Also nearby is the Rivoli which often offers great music and comedy. Between these three spots, all within steps of each other along Queen St, you really can't ever go wrong on a Tuesday nite. If you can spare the time. Of course all the other nights are great as well, with lots of performances each night.. Really enjoyed Bruce Youngsteen on a recent visit with my wife. The Rolling Stones, Bryan Adams, 54-40, Stompin Tom, The Tragically Hip, and many more have graced the stage and with thousands upon thousands of other talented performers. One day, I hope to play the 'Shoe as well :) Cheers! read more

Been waiting for a beer. The bar is full so I sat at a table. Two bartenders and one bar back and yet no service. On top of that the bartender is sitting there talking with ppl watching the leafs game. Don't come here unless you sit at the bar you might get served. read more

The Horseshoe Tavern - The bartender watching the game while I wait to have a beer. Fml - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I came here to check out the vibe from online list of top Toronto bars. It was dark and divey and small, with space for live music in the back. There was a rock/metal bands playing until 1:30 with with extra $12 cover. I got a cranberry vodka for $6. The drinks are not too expensive. There is a pool table. Nice place to mingle and meet people of all ages and backgrounds. I went to the music area and there was a local band with "screamo" music read more

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Dive bar in the best possible way. I just recently checked out the Horseshoe because of how close it is from my work. I'd heard about it but never went. Went in for just a drink as they don't have food (they have a pick up window to the A&W next door) beers are reasonably priced but not much selection. They have Heineken Creemore, Coors Light, Bud Bud Light. All of the beers a typical bar would have. No PBR or Guinness which is surprising. The front bar is open every day starting at 12 and are open until 2:30AM It's a very comfortable neighborhood bar feel that you don't get with a lot of bars in Toronto let alone on Queen West. It's been around for a long time over 65 years and it's a Toronto landmark. The Horseshoe is known for music and they have had some pretty big names perform here over the years. Now they book indie rock bands and tickets are usually under $20. They showcase local bands and get touring bands. They've booked some great up and coming talent and have even had some big names do a few secret shows. The venue area is pretty small and can only hold a couple hundred people I think capacity is 400. There's a front bar area and then there's the show room in the back where you need tickets. If you wanted you could probably sit at the front bar and listen to the music for free. I went to see Alvvays here and the sound was great no issues there. The stage was small but an intimate venue for a show. Sight lines were pretty good, even though I was in the heart of the crowd, I could still see. There were also tables and another bar in the showroom. When the show was done, I had no problem getting home and it's about a 10 minute walk to Osgoode station. I'd definitely come to the Horseshoe again for a show or drink! read more

Great casual bar, with a cozy concert venue in the back. Fair drink prices, and clean enough that your not going to stick to everything. They get some great talent rolling through to perform even on Tuesday nights! Just a real bummer that it's a bar with an ATM that charges 7 DOLLARS per transaction. read more

5 stars for Horseshoe because I can't fault them on anything. It's a classic Queen St. bar hosting some of the best names in Rock and Roll with a long history. The employees are there because the want to work there and have connections in the music industry. We always get treated right with no attitude, so always extend a warm 'Hello' to the door guy. The bar in the back room does not serve draft but don't let that stop you from asking for pitchers of draft to take back there. We always seem to get pitchers of Molson Ale fresh and tasty! I have never left that bar without feeling good. read more

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As old as the Stones, this is one of Torontos original rock venues. Seriously, as Evelyn mentioned, everyone talks about how the Rolling Stones performed here before they were 'big.' The staff manning the bar are hilariously old and bitter rockers. What's funny is you can tell what generation they came up in, like the guy who was clearly a rock'n roll biker dude of the 60's/70's at one point, or the woman who screams 80's hair metal generation. It seems like Horseshoe retains you behind the bar for life! Following in the footsteps of the Rolling Stones, performing at the Horseshoe is like a badge of honor for indy and up and coming bands. That being said making this part of your regular live music rotation is always a good idea b/c you might just see the next big thing getting their start - and then YOU can brag to your grandkids that you say XYZ band at the Horseshoe... before they were big! Booze is cheap but they definitely have a little bit of everything - heck they even had Tito's Vodka behind the bar and that ISH is just coming up in the Toronto scene! Worth checking out if you're looking for something historically Toronto to do when you're in town! read more

The Horseshoe Tavern - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

It was my very first time to visit the well known venue at queen and spadina. It's very easy to get too and lots of green p parking in the surrounding. The place is small with a small stage in the back. They were able to get St. Paul and the broken bones to play in their venue. Amazing! The crowd was a mixture of hipsters, seniors, students and the randoms. It was a great atmosphere! The stage itself needs a lot of work. Although, I think they are maintain the originality of the place. The acoustic is not the greatest, but that's not a deal breaker. But from the look of it, this venue is great for a date and just a casual hangout. The place itself is cool and if there are any other concert playing, I will definitely consider it. They get the coolest band and it's definitely worth a visit. But beware, the only downfall is the online website offer tickets but charges processing fee up the wazoo! Not cool! read more

The Horseshoe Tavern - Amazing performer - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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The authentic and essential Toronto dive bar - music venue combo. The atmosphere is a sort of dark, worn/lived-in yet charming and cozy, rock n roll bar with a small venue/lounge space in the back. Venue: the sound is good, stage adequate, and dance floor a decent size for intimate shows (my preferred way to experience music). Food: the cleverest little A&W order/pickup kiosk accessible from within the bar. Service: Attentive at either the main bar or venue/lounge bar. read more

This is the kind of bar that I search hours for. Goddam. Other reviews that dumped on Teddy, the decades long bartender are truly awful people. He's everything you want in a bartender. He won't be pushed around, which he certainly has earned, but he's absolutely beloved and I had the opportunity to witness the reasons for this over four hours of sitting at this bar. How's your grandmom? Sorry to say she passed Oh I'm so sorry. My love to your family. She was a great woman. 91. What a life she had. Leaning over the while time. This was on a Tuesday night at 1am with a crew of beautiful women that had just walked in. This guy does not mail it in. He plays kick-ass music on old CDs that you won't hear anywhere else. Pool table with great regulars that play the right way. I mean God damn this is as good of a bar as it gets. read more

Nostalgic location... much nicer than cbgb in nyc, though it has a touch of that aura. I wouldn't recommend using the communal hand drying towel in the basement loo of the concert space. It is always hot in this bar. The draft beer is a decent line up. One time at the bar, a dude told me I looked like Robert Plant. If you're looking for character and live music, check out this space before someone turns it into a condo building. Queen west and Spadina is an excellent location too. read more

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Is is with great sadness that I bestow The Horseshoe (one of the greatest taverns ever) with two stars. These generous stars are for the amazing experiences I have had in the past. My friend went outside to have a cigarette after already being admitted to the bar and having a beer inside. One beer. The rest of us paid our cover to see the band and headed to the back. We found out that our friend, who had wanted to see the Toasters more than anything was not allowed back in the bar because the bouncers said she was wobbling and behaving in an intoxicated manner. Now, I understand this principle. I work in a bar and I have had to cut off more drunk people than you can imagine, But this was when they were drunk. My friend was tipsy and a little silly, but there are sober women out there with less brain cells than she displayed. She tends to be a wobbly and unpredictable gal at the best of times. But not drunk. We sat on the patio talking for about 20 minutes after they refused her admission and she was upset, A few other friends were pissed that we had to pay to get in and then our friend was cut off. We asked for our money back and it was refunded, which was very gracious of the concert promoters, but terrible business on the part of the bouncers. Anyway... I don't want to be the person who goes on about how their friend shouldn't have been cut off. But honestly, this used to be a cool bar. And I work in the industry-- these guys were being idiots-- my friend was far less drunk than the guy who pushed her out of the way to flirt with another friend of ours. He was loaded had no ability to contain himself. The bouncers need to get off their power trip-- it the freaking Horseshoe, not some ram packed club! And even if it was, I would respect them for doing their job, but being in the biz myself, I'm gonna call bullshit. I don't know what's up here, but it's not a good scene. So long, Horseshoe. Your bouncers are in no way helping your business-- especially since I saw one of them grab a little baggie from a "friend"of theirs who was just dropping off 'something'. You look the other way-- so do I. You fuck me over a couple of times-- I'm not so forgiving... Guess it's hard luck. read more

It's legen--wait for it-- dary. VIBE Beards. Plaid. The smell of people not taking a shower for over a few days.In the back, it's dark, cavernous and crowded. Yes, this is The Horseshoe and I wouldn't have it any other way. During music festivals this is the location to be. I was here on this particular occasion for Canadian Music Week. THE GOODS There is always a good show going on here. From up and comers like Morgan Cameron Ross to the showstoppers like The Rolling Stones that have played here, it's quite incredible that this watering hole is still around. Praying it will continue to be around for many more years to come. On this night, in ONE night, The Darcys, Zeus and Dan Mangan (secret guest) played. It is always hard to see if you're not up close but the acoustics are great so you can just sit down and listen to the music. I always end up on that bench near the sound guy because I get claustrophobic (note to self: don't ever become a concert photographer...those guys are PUSHY) and always end up having a good conversation with someone. It's a bit more conducive to convo than say, The Rivoli's music room. Maybe it's more crowded? I don't know. OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK It ain't luck that's keeping this joint going. It's longevity, great acts and good prices. A staple of the Queen/Spadina corner. read more

The Venue was a cool place with original bands playing and the tattoo waitress was super sweet and polite. Too bad that wasn't my only memory of the place. The Bartender was the biggest dick I've ever encountered in the service industry. He should really be working somewhere on his own and not with the public. He really called me a douch bag because I had my friend pay for my drink. He didn't understand the situation and felt the need to comment on it. We were all so shocked that the group of us left. It was just so weird and childish, too bad it was ripple in our goodtime. Funny, It was not the first time either! When I gave him a credit card earlier, He said "Credit Card?" with a sarcastic tone. I was like... you don't take credit cards? He looked at me and said with hostility, "it's a yes or no question, Is this a credit card?" What he failed to remember was that he had not said " Is this a..." he just said credit card in a some weird tone of voice. Guess when it says visa on it... he still needs to ask, so he can try to belittle the people who support his ass. He is the old bastard with tattoos on his arms. What an angry, miserable person who hates the world. Too Bad... because the rest of the staff seemed very nice! read more

I visited a lot of music venues on my trip to Toronto, but The Horseshoe was my favorite. Though we were there to see a very popular band that had lines going out the door, the doorman was polite and assured us he'd get us in as quickly as possible. Once inside, I could see why it's such a local institution... it's perfectly dingy, dark, and woody. My only complaint was the strange shape of the main room... long and skinny with low ceilings so that if you didn't get a good spot and are under 5' 7" or so, it's impossible to see the stage. That being said, it was surprisingly easy to grab a seat at one of the communal tables once I got tired of straining my neck and my tippy toes. Also surprisingly, the acoustics were pretty darn good for the squashed feeling of the space! You can tell that a lot of fabulous music has happened within these walls, and I was happy to be a part of it if only for one night! read more

I was at this bar for a concert last night, and my friend and I each bought a beer with a 20$ bill. The bartender proceeded to give us each back 3$. We stated that we each gave him 20$, and not 10$, thinking it was just a simple mistake. He proceeded to yell at us and insult us and said "I've been doing this for 30 years! I think I know what I'm doing!"... excuse me, what have you been doing? stealing money from students? I've never encountered such a rude, offensive bartender in my life. He continued to yell at us and degrade us in front of everyone, and then dragged over his manager, not before telling us to f*ck off (very professional). The manager was extremely kind and apologetic, and then actually told me that my drinks would be free for the rest of the night. Although this was a great gesture, the concert was good, and the other bartenders were fine, I would never go back. It's a shame because I'm sure I would have had a great experience otherwise, because it seems like a cool venue. Looking through other reviews, it seems that many have had similar experiences with the bartender I'm talking about. Just because he's "been there for 30 years" does not mean he's a great bartender, or that he should be allowed to steal from customers over and over again. Think about hiring someone new. read more

After years of by-passing this place, I finally ventured into last night, and to say the least I was disappointed. Yes, its been there forever, and yes it has a lot of history and has been known to host some famous bands in the past but that's all it really has or had going for it. It was not overly busy when we got there (10pm on a Saturday night) but it took what seemed forever to get a drink. There were two older guys behind the bar that were slower than snails and they did their best not to notice me waiting. What irked me even more was that two people that came after to me were served first. (A good bartender always knows who is at the bar first) I finally got served and wanted to pay by debit and then glared at me and said cash only. I could have sworn I saw someone else at the end of the bar pay by debit. He then pointed at the ATM behind me and said he would give me my drinks when I used the machine (in which the bar makes a service fee on) Aside from the attitude the bartender, the crowd was pretty lame, the band was just average, beer selection was limited, and this truly is a 'dive' bar. If you want to experience an old bar with live music and history, check out the Rex which is just down the street from here, and if you have been thinking about hitting this place, don't bother, its not worth the time. Thank you Mr Old Guy Crap Bartender for giving me crap service, I have received much better service from people that work at 7/11 :( read more