. I swear this place lives off of the legend it used to be. The last few times I went, the parking was better than expected, the drink prices were okay and the crowd was interesting to watch. I think the teeny bopper/hipster/emo/jailbait fence is hilarious and just begging to be ripped down at every event. .Crappy ass cover bands and a few drunk fights were my main entertainment. This place is nostalgic and dirty, roomy yet small enough that you can see the nose hairs on your favorite musician on stage or find a few old friends. I'm sure I'll be back. read more

Travelled down from Boston to see a show at Toad's, and had a good time. While waiting for the club to open, some sketchy dude tried to sell me mushrooms. That was weird. When the doors opened, I showed them my ticket confirmation, since my tickets were being held at will-call. I wasn't on the list. There seemed to be like five different will-call lists, and yet I wasn't on any of them. What's up with that?? Luckily the dude let us in, since we had the confirmation that clearly showed we bought tickets. But that could have been a very big problem. When I got into the show, I was surprised by the division between the under- and over-21 crowds. It made it seem like two shows were going on, since we were separated by barricades. I've been to hundreds of shows in my life, yet none of them has ever been set up that way. Until Toad's, that is. Sound was mediocre, floor was especially sticky. But the place is small enough that it creates a nice and intimate show. read more

Came here to see Lindsey Stirling a few nights ago. The venue is pretty divey, but I kind of liked that about it. Full bar. Drinks were very weak though. I also thought the Rainforest area was really neat. The bars there weren't open while I was there, but it was a cool place to hang-out (literally. it's freezing in there.) The main reason for giving it only two stars is that the stage is ridiculously low!! I couldn't see anything! That might be okay for some people and some shows, but Lindsey Stirling is a violinist who dances at the same time. So, I really missed out by not being able to see it. I'm about 5'3, but I wouldn't have been able to see even if I was 5'5. So, basically, if you're going purely for an audio experience or you're very tall then have a good time. Otherwise, check if you can go to a different venue. read more

Decently good place to catch a show as I travelled here for the highly anticipated Spring Heeled Jack reunion shows. Large venue, but interesting setup. The is a "tropical jungle" area with a bar, and two bars in the main area that is blocked off by walls where they ID check. There is an outdoor smoking section, and the bathrooms are downstairs. Place is a bit grungy, and decorated with all the famous acts that have run through and played in the joint. Staff is a bit pushy, but is to be expected. Be prepared to be hassled by weird people at some point. After the live music act, they also turn the place into a trendy dance club, which is I guess what a lot of venues have been doing lately. A strange mix because you could have hard rockers, metalheads or punks come out from a show and have girls barely dressed in anything walking in to dance to Top 40. I'm also not too thrilled with their sound as for many acts they crank up the volume way too high. Even with earplugs it was difficult to bear at times. But the stage is big enough so there is lots of room for both performers and fans to groove to. Meh. read more

First thing I would like to point out. RUDE STAFF. ABSOLUTELY RUDE, especially the "security guards" inside. Overlooked one of the security screaming and swearing to a woman because of her ID. Now before you go and say it's his job, there are other ways to approach that situation without sounding like a total a hole. I know it's a fake ID but the poor girl did or need to get hovered and mansplained while his guy is screaming and swearing at her. Also the bathrooms here are FILTHY. Not sure how they manage the bathrooms here but it deff needs some work. The drink service however was good read more

Toads WAS great. They had lots of impressive names play there. Most in the 70s. I'm not saying they never get good shows lined up, im just saying a lot of the reputation of Toads was built up a long time ago. The problems with Toads as it is now? I'm pretty sure every sound guy they have is deaf. The bars are routinely at least three deep, which is frustrating if you just want to grab a beer and get back on the floor. I'm positive the bathrooms have never been cleaned. I'm also pretty sure the men's room was a set in one of the Saw movies. There's basically nowhere to sit. My favorite worst thing, though? Every show I've been to routinely gets cut off early so they can start their dance parties. Can't give a paying audience an encore - there's Yale kids waiting to run a bar tab! My only reason to go there at this point are shows that are only happening there in state or rarely for local bands, although I've made a point of trying to avoid those, too. The less money I waste on Toads, the happier I am. read more

I pre-bought tix to Toad's, and when I got there they would not let me in and made me get in the line to buy tickets. Then, the line grew to the point of being fundamentally unsafe, and they were not able to control it. I watched one of their bouncers forcibly grab a person and throw them to the ground. Then, when I asked for my pre-bought ticket money back (because they shut down the line), they said that there was no avenue to do so. I hope this review knocks some sense into them. read more

Honestly, love the vibe. Music was basic club music, nothing special. Half of the people in my group were under 21, and we had one of them hold the drink for us for a milisecond to situate ourselves, bartender came and snatched the drink with zero explanation. I understand the strictness of it, however, it was not like we bought the drink for her. It was in her hand for a WHOLE SECOND before he came and snatched it. I went back to explain the situation to the bartender and he was extremely rude with it and goes "You're talking a lot for someone who didn't tip"... which I did tip. The bartender that took my friends drink, was not the bartender that was serving me. I had tipped the bartender serving me every single time. Not to mention, someone had puked on the dance floor and it wasn't cleaned up until 3 hours later, when the club was going to close. This place is great for the vibe, but the structure sucks. Everyone assumes you're a college student and it's a waste of time. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE! read more

Came here the other night with my girlfriend for a concert and I must say this is a pretty cool venue. I like the way this place is set up. There really wasn't a bad seat in the house. Made the concert feel intimate despite the fact that there were a few hundred people there. Also, the drinks were pretty cheap. read more

I came to New Haven to see Saves The Day perform "Through Being Cool" in its entirety, and they played Toad's Place. I have never been before, but I heard it was cool. While I did enjoy the show, I found it really hard to find a spot to watch the band. There's a lot of support beams in this venue obstructing views, which means there's less space for the people that are there to watch. The sound was fine, not sure what other reviewers are talking about. But this venue is really nothing special. Tomorrow I will forget what the layout was like, I think. read more

1.) Introduction: I'm an avid underground Hip Hop listener, enthusiast and activist. All the late greats have performed here from Dilated People's to ILLmortal Technique, Blackalicious, Talib Kweli, Little Brother, Blacastan, etc. So I come here to support the "real" Hip Hop, and trust that this venue will always bring together great shows. 2.) Aesthetics - In and Out: It's right in the heart of downtown New Haven/Yale University area. Inside it looks very dark - from the walls to the floor to the decor. It's your typical college type bar, no so clean. I'll be quite honest, for a venue that brings forth great talent, I don't feel this is a large enough venue, but I guess to each is own. 3.) Impressions: I come here for the artists that I like, but it appears that any average Joe Schmoe performs there now. I haven't been hearing any great performances in the past months. read more

Toad's really deserves two separate pages, as its vibe as a music venue couldn't be more different than its vibe as a dance club. I've been to ~25 concerts here. Toad's brings in an interesting selection of bands, so I suppose your mileage will vary depending on whether they're featuring music you're interested in. The stage acoustics are excellent for a smaller venue and beers aren't nearly as overpriced as you would expect. If you want drinks, they scan your ID when you first enter and you get a wristband--simple enough. The crowd differs from band to band, but even for all-ages shows it's rare to find yourself surrounded by a throng of screaming sixteen-year-olds. Size-wise, it strikes a nice balance between being large enough that you don't feel crushed and small enough that it's still intimate. Very solid, overall. Contrast this to Toad's as a nightclub, where I have seen (among other things that will cause you to lose your faith in humanity) two Jersey Shore look-alikes pulling the hands and feet of a sloppy-drunk girl so fervently in opposite directions that she was literally suspended two or three feet above the dance floor, at which point her equally drunk girlfriend (who had previously been encouraging the tug-of-war) yelled at them to stop, resulting in Girl A being dropped into a full faceplant. I can only imagine that there were many more lucky ladies who found themselves the target of those gentlemen's affections that night. read more

Staff is unprofessional, and the bouncers attempt to take advantage of drunk females. Attempted to get a drink and the bartender ripped the wrist band of my wrist for no reason even know i am 21+. read more

Toad's is Iconic, a classic venue with a wide and illustrious history that it wears proudly on its walls. It's my favorite concert space in Connecticut. This is largely because of how intimate it is, without sacrificing professionalism. I've never waited more than 5 minutes for a drink, and they've even begun to carry microbrews. This is a pun, but I don't quite care: It's music to my ears. read more

It is so sad that the owners do not care one bit about the up-keep of this place. I try so hard never to pay to get in here, it's the absolute worst venue in CT. Location makes it seem like it will be fantastic and old school, but only if old school means you never clean or upgrade a damn thing then it is. My musician friend comes to play and even says how horrible it is for them to preform. Nothing to help them after being on the road, horrible downstairs area to hang out while waiting to play. Way to make your performers who are getting you $ feel good about coming. The % they take from the merchandise is outrageous too. I hate hearing when an artist is coming to CT & it's at Toad's Place. You'll need to take a shower if you just look at this place. So many health codes not being met. read more

Great venue with a ton of different talent walking through the doors. Hardcore rap, rock, cover bands, band battles.

Doesn't really get much better for venues this size (capacity is a bit under 1000), though they seem to have lost their identity/legend because the acts they book are all over the map now. Maybe that's just a sign of the times for live music venues. The single floor layout reminds me a little of the most recent version of the 40 Watt Club in Athens, GA. Toad's New Haven location allows them to land acts that play places twice this size in NYC. So, a quick comparison of the recent Wild Flag shows here vs. Webster Hall in NY... at Toad's the sound was better, the crowd was far more manageable, venue was more intimate (half the size) and beers were half the price. No brainer! Now, if they only booked more bands I cared about... read more

Great history of rock and art. The place is ok. Sound is loud. It's a bit over-rated. Could have been a blast. My recent venture there had a couple of pretty sad sack punk groups... no real talent. Just volume read more

Toad's Place - I don't know who they are. But - they are loud. I covers up the lack of talent :-) - Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Toad's is a nice place to relax and have fun in New Haven. I have been here quite a couple times and have always enjoyed my time here. The food and drinks are tasty, the service is good, and the entertainment is solid. Quality place for Yale students and New Haven locals alike to unwind and have fun. read more

Toad's deserves credit for its rich history and for remaining open for so long if nothing else. This was my first time visiting and I'm glad I braved the Friday afternoon traffic from Westchester. We came to New haven early to hit Pepe's before the show and parked centrally on Crown St ($8 for 10 hours). You never know what will happen when you're on the guest list for a show, but we had no issues and got right in. Sure it's dirty and smells like beer, but what did you expect, this isn't Radio City. I will say that the PA is powerful. My ears don't usually ring after concerts, but they were a mess after Toad's...in a good way. read more

I originally posted my review on their facebook page, but because they didn't like what I had to say, they deleted it. That to me, is sketchy number one. I didn't even write anything mean, sarcastic, or slanderous, in fact, I even gave them 4 stars originally. Here is what I said and still stand by: "The concert it self was really good but I was a little disappointed because I spent $100 for VIP which meant I got to go in earlier than people who did not have VIP access. When it came time to open the doors for the concert, they just let everyone in, the way there were in line outside. Once I was let in, I verbalized that I had VIP and that they let others ahead of me who weren't and they responded with "there's nothing they could do about it". If that is the case, then they shouldn't offer VIP if they or the band cannot comply with what they are offering." I think I wasted part of my money because I wasn't let in when they said I would be let in, and I find it rather sketchy and annoying that they would delete a legitimate review. Businesses should be looking through their reviews as a way they can be making their establishment better, not deleting comments making it look like they are better than they really are. read more

This little dive bar brought me a well-balanced undergrad experience. I commanded excellent negotiation skills with bouncers (despite minor status), extraordinary composure when approached by the many unattractive locals, and shaping my superb IB quant skills through rapid dissections of lengthy bar tabs (despite incoherent status). Although I ruined some of my favorite heels while maneuvering the sticky dance floor, I have to thank Toad's for all of the above reasons. Unfortunately, I have never attended a concert at this venue, but the layout makes for an excellent night of dancing mixed with casual conversation near the booths. read more

Like a lot of people in this area "Toads place " memories( Good & Bad) are an important part of my life. No stadium concert can come close to Toads on one of their magic nights.I have not been there since the last time I saw "Social Distortion"( in fact topping that night might be impossible) . They don't get the good bands anymore thanks to the Casinos. mostly tribute bands nowadays. hopefully there will be some action this summer. Every time I hear a rumor of its demise I get a sick feeling in my stomach and all I can hear is that "Kinks " song "Come Dancing"'in my head. I hope It never happens ,I hope my daughter goes there someday and dances with her sweetheart and remembers it forever. read more

I can't lie--like many other New Haveners, I grew up with Toad's, and I've seen many a great show here. But lately, the shows being booked are beyond disappointing. Instead of 80% cover bands, it would be nice to see some better touring acts. Just sayin! read more

Toad's review math: 3* for solid party DJ'ing + 1* for the decent acts that come through today + 1* for the awesome acts that came through back in the day - 3* for epic griminess + 1* for epic griminess + 1* for crazy drink specials - 2* for a line longer than Marquee's in its heyday + 1* for the mix of locals and commuters + 1 karma point for you if you manage to avoid bad decisions = I can't count or remember anymore read more

I have always had some seriously mixed feelings about Toad's. It's not the kind of place that you go to hang out or to meet people. It's not the kind of place where you can ever really predict the crowd. It's a music venue that has a really yucky dance party on Saturday nights. Yucky? How can a dance party be yucky? Well the fact that there's really no place to dance is one way to start it off. And there's no place to avoid being dripped on or to have a decent plan of escape. The bars are difficult to get to and the layout is pretty blah. It's fine when there's a concert but the concerts haven't really been fabulous lately. Although I will say that when KRS1 showed up, I had a blast. Meh, it's all so hit-or-miss that I would never depend on making a night out of going to Toad's. Whenever my friends say something about Toad's we always know we'll be elsewhere by the end of the night. read more

Well to start off fuck Yale. They shouldn't be allowed in but the broads fire the drinks fire got in a fight and watched my friends get booted twice. So it's lit. read more

This place has made my college experience so fun. I wouldn't reccomend if you aren't a college student and do not want to be around a yount crowd. Its alot of fun if you want to dance and have a good time. read more

A New Haven staple, not a bad place for smaller concerts and often attracts good acts but the whole place always feels stale and dirty.

It's a very low key, small, divey place to see music. As a result the ticket prices are usually pretty cheap, the crowds can get pretty rowdy and at times pretty much anything goes. The upside is that this equates to a pretty intimate experience, because you get to feel apart of the concert. It doesn't have that distant feel of an arena concert and for certain bands there's a whole lot of audience participation and the groups often feed off of that. The downside is that it can be tough to see the stage since its general admission and the stage is not a whole lot higher than the people. Also if you're in the middle of the mass of people the floors can get sticky and drinks will get spilled around. The lines for drinks are pretty rough. Overall if you're big into music and you want a great musical experience this place is great. If you're just a casual fan taking some music for a night than the negative aspects might get on your nerves. read more

Danced with Derek Jeter here and tried to dance with secret service men repeatedly but they're pretty serious about their job, apparently. If you need to ruin a pair of shoes or smell fresh Yale baseball/hockey/laxer piss--go here! Find the hidden hot tub room! Highly recommend! Don't stop believin'! read more

I enjoyed the bartender and the atmosphere but not the sound guy that night. I went to goo see Kyuss and the sound guy did not know how to mix them well. No vocals (and I am one to generally listen to more guitar than vocals) and the bass was too muddy. Also if you plan on parking on the street outside of the venue, it is by Yale and you need quarters to keep the meter running across the street. The meters right outside the venue take credit card, but if you go even a street down you need quarters. My boyfriend and I learned that the hard way. read more

The layout is a little weird in this place, but the bars are nicely spaced out, so it was ok. Not too loud, but just loud enough. I had a lot of fun here. Or maybe that's just the alcohol talking. read more

Classic New Haven bar- my parents went there, I went there, etc. Kind of sad, but well, it's got some history anyway. It's a pretty nice venue, very limited seating. Sticky floors. Slow service at the bar. But a fun place. read more

When I was underage I could never get over the 'net' that they put up to separate us from the bar. When I became 21 I didn't really care about the net until they once made more room for the under 21 crowd. yep, the one's drinking water and soda, not paying for $4 beers. Can't argue with this place's history and booking prowess, it's just not a great place. Could do with some modernization, and maybe fixing up the bathrooms. read more

Great place to go out and get your weekend on. Love going there for Dubstep nights as well. The atmosphere is fun and casual. Would recommend highly! Only downside is that I wish it was a bit bigger! read more

Definitely a place to check out in regards to music.. big enough to get the crowds jumpin, and small enough to make it memorable. Saturday night college night is a completely different story. I have only once attended Toads sober, and it is not the type of place you want to attend if alcohol is not an option. Everyone who enters seems to be at the point of black-out status and there is a constant view of awkward hook-ups and inappropriate fondling. You are ensured to leave a whole lot dirtier and drunker than you ever intended, no fail. read more

I have been going here for years and I went last night for the SWANS show and it was amazing! I believe they have upgraded the sound system and you can definitely tell. The staff that works there has been there for years and they were friendly and accomodating. read more

Toad's Place was cool. I'm a big fan of "hole in the wall" type venues, and that's what this was. I saw Lord Huron play (tickets were 25 bucks), and it was an amazing experience. They're a great band. The sound was awesome and the although the place was pretty packed, I never felt cramped or like I didn't have any room. I didn't want to move once they started playing, but wanted to grab a beer. Lucky for me a staff member came through the crowd with a 30 rack of PBR - I thought that was hilarious and great. Would 100% see another show there when I'm in the area. read more

The bartenders that work here must hate their lives. I almost didn't want to tip them because of how rude they were. The venue was really cool and lots of good vibes. I'll give this place 5 stars when they replace the bartenders! read more