FREE BEER at the Battle of the Bands every Saturday in January - I'm there! Awesome place to see a band, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a phenomenal band that no one else has heard of yet! I know I did last year. read more

I guess I don't mind Toad's. The sound system is pretty good and I've seen some pretty good acts here. I've also chosen to see some bands at other venues as oppsed to Toad's because of the crowd that Toad's draws. So all in all, it's okay and I'll come here from time to time. read more

Toad's has hosted some great acts over the years, and I'm glad to have been able to see a teeny tiny sliver of a portion of them. It's a great venue, and I'm always happy to see a concert here when a band I really like is playing, or when a band I'm interested in is playing. Unlike other venues where I may have to weigh the downsides of traveling too far out of the way, suffering through parking issues, dealing with security, etc., I've never had a problem with parking in the area of Toad's - plenty of street parking, a parking garage that isn't a disaster to get out of when everyone leaves, and some open Yale lots - and I can usually expect an enjoyable experience. The stage is a good size - not huge, but big enough - and it's raised a good height. Whether the show is all standing (which is most of the time in my experience) or with seats, you can usually find a good spot. I can't even begin to list all the bands I've seen here, but I can recall some different experiences. I saw Vic Wooten play to a sitting crowd last week, which made sense for a concert with more long solos and musicianship, and was still a lot of fun. My all-time favorite band is Hanson (I know, but I've loved them since I was 10), and I've seen them twice at Toads. Both times, it's been the most packed I've ever seen the place, which is fun in its own way. It can sometimes get rowdy, like when I saw The Mars Volta, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, or Gogol Bordello, but it can also stay pretty calm, like with Daniel Johnston or Kevin Devine. There's also a good in-between where you can still dance and enjoy the music, but it's still pretty comfortable and lots of fun, like the times I saw Of Montreal or Parliament Funkadelic. It really depends on who you're seeing, which is also why I like Toad's - the experience adjusts to the music you're seeing, which is what's important. Whether or not I buy drinks depends on the show or my mood, but the beer and drink prices aren't terrible. They're typical bar prices, and while there's not much more than Bud and Newcastle on draft, it's not bad. There's kind of a dank smell in the basement and bathroom area that kind of wafts to the upstairs, but I've decided that's just what Toad's smells like, and it's easy to forget about once the concert starts. read more

Toad's Place is basically part of Yale, so if you go, make sure to bring your Yalie repellant spray. It's really just a plain old dirty bar (condoms on the floor), with a crowded standing area near the stage, but it has one key difference: The Net. The net drops down next to the stage and separates the drinking crowd from the non-drinking crowd. I saw TMBG perform here twice, and John Flansburgh loved to remark, "This song goes out to the 21 and overs, trapped behind the net!" I was never old enough to be behind the net, so I never had to worry about it. Overall, it's a decent place to see a show. Good enough space for a long conga line. It used to get pretty smoky in there, but that's probably changed since the new laws. read more

I dunno why people like this place so much. I guess there aren't many better options in the area? I went to see Dark Star Orchestra there on Friday and it was SOOOO obnoxiously crowded. Way oversold. It took a while to get a drink and at least they were reasonably priced. The crowd was almost too annoying to enjoy the music. read more

Went here for a Hinder concert, and it is my new favorite venue. It's relatively small, which is perfect to see your musicians (in this case rockers) up close and personal. The acoustics are very good, and the bar staff was prompt. $25 a ticket for 4 bands was more than worth the price of admission. Awesome show, awesome venue. read more

We love this venue for shows! We saw Jada Kiss, Jeezy, the Lox, and others. It's a small intimate venue so we are always able to be front row if we arrive early. We live in NY but are always willing to travel if the performer is someone we know we'll enjoy. We'll definitely be back! read more

It's just a classic venue. Maybe it's the nostalgia talking, but I love going here still. My formative music years were spent going to shows at Toad's, and I'm always excited if a band/dj I like is playing so I have an excuse to return. The drinks are decent, the bathrooms are not (soap? Hard to find). But the crowd and staff are always super friendly, and I've never not had a good time. I love looking at all the artwork of past artists that have played here (Rolling Stones, Primus, Blondie, it's really a who's who of music). I recommend everyone try to catch at least one show in the very intimate Toad's Place. read more

Toad's is such a classic Yale space. In my opinion Saturday nights are just not worth it. There are so many other great places to go on the weekend. However Wednesday is where it's at. Once you're 21 never let down an opportunity for penny drinks at Woad's. You will never regret going read more

This is an iconic place that is worth the experience just to say you have done it. They have had some astoundingly good acts here. The place is crowded, acoustics are bad, booze is mediocre at best and you always run the risk of an undergraduate getting sick on your shoes. But that is part of the experience, almost like it is so bad that it is good. Parking is a problem so get there early and park in the paid lot next to Barnes and Noble and find a place to eat at one of the many college joints along the street. And get to Toad's early. And don't wear your best shoes. read more

I am 18 and i guess this the best night club around CT for the underaged.

A neat venue and institution in New Haven, Toad's hits expectations squarely on the head. The concert-going experience can be fun (during the academic year, it is overrun by college students which is not so fun if you aren't one) and drinks at the bar can take forever. They do host some decent artists, though, so it's worth staying up on who's coming through. read more

One of my all time favorite venues, regardless of the fact it's so close to home. Usually a great selection of all types of music (though metal seems to have taken a back seat as of recent). Nothing great on tap at the bar, but I don't go there to drink. At the end of the day, I'd rather see a show here more than pretty much anywhere else. read more

This is one of my favorite places to go to shows. It's definitely not a big place.... but going there is always a lot of fun (unless you dislike crowded places). The prices are usually very decent and quite a few big names come to play here. Price of drinks and food is reasonable for a music venue. Sound acoustics are more than acceptable. The location isn't too bad either and is not in one of the shadier areas of New Haven. I definitely recommend it. read more

Great crowd good music and reasonable cover. This is the spot to go for college kids and live music on Fridays. Lots of dancing and people getting rowdy. There can be a reasonable wait if you go too late. read more

Being one of the best small venues in Connecticut. I'm pretty much obligated to write a review. I've seen many bands here like Static X, Sevendust, Underoath, Silverstein, This Wild Life and tons more. I love that it's a small intimate venue and if you're patient you can usually meet some of the bands and/or artists. I love the sound and the acoustics are great for just about all the shows I've been to. Growing up in New Haven. I think I speak for everyone that this place is a staple! I only wish they had more well know acts throughout the year and not just during the fall and winter months. Other than that, easily one of the best. read more

The best Saturday night dance party! Great atmosphere here always for a good time. Toads also does a good job at throwing events and bringing in big names read more

I love Toad's Place because I can always find good music for great prices. I also had the chance to meet and hang out with many artists there like Stephen Marley, Tribal Seeds, Chronixx, KRS One, Mobb Deep and more.. I can't wait to go back. read more

Toads Place is the best music venue in CT hamds down. Very intimate setting. You can really get up close and personal with the artist. And also, pretty much anything goes inside. You would really have to be the hugest asshole to get kicked out. WARNING: do not use the parking lot on broadway st across from the apple store when going to toads. They charge a $35 flat rate when parking after 9pm. There is no signage to indicate this however and it was not always like this. So spread the word people! Fight the power! read more

ATTENTION ALL! WATCH YOUR DRINKS! The bartender's like to mess with people by slipping them roofies. My buddy left to get me a drink and never returned he was found 3 hours later unresponsive and was brought to Yale New Haven Hospital. He doesn't remember anything past getting us a drink. He was slipped something. PLEASE Watch out for bartender Aspen he's the only one that served my friend. read more

By far the best place in new haven to see a good quality show and the staff is on point and just allows you to enjoy yourself

I've had a lot of good times here, but if you are even remotely considering going to EDM on Wednesday night, DON'T. There were literally 15 people, in total. Everyone was extremely drugged, awkward, or totally strange. The video on the website is VERY misleading. My friend and I left VERY early and spent most of our time afraid to interact with the people. I love Toad's place, just not on Wednesday nights. read more

So I went 2/1620 to go see two of my most favorite bands and during the opening act everyone was jumping including me and my arm got hit and I spilt my beer on someone accidentally but before I could even apologize I get swarmed by bouncers and pushed to the front door. Then as I try to ask why I am being kicked out my wristband gets ripped off my arm and another bouncer grabs me from behind in an attempt to get me outside. I fall with other bouncers as I wrestle them because they just got physical for no reason I have six of them land on top of me and hurt my ribs really badly then get threatened to get tased so then I stop of course. They provoked me and wouldn't explain anything. On top of that I get a 195 dollar ticket for trespassing and disturbing the peace after paying 40 to get in to see the show. I was none aggressive and never got physical until there hands were put on me. This place is horrible and they should be shut down for how they treat there customers. read more

What a dump. This is one of those old vs young arguments. Hey! When I was 20 I didn't mind being packed in a crappy joint and waiting until 12am for the band to come on...that's what makes it FUN! I could also sleep hanging upside down with my head under water! And its CHEAP too!! Well, I am a little older now and I like some amenities like being able to 1. sit down once in a while 2. See the band maybe 3. not being packed in like an animal at slaughter. Toad's is an institution that a lot of big names come to so I figured I should check it out once in my life. Well, once is enough. The tickets were very inexpensive but you get what you pay for. Its super dumpy and I don't mean like cool dive dumpy its just old and gross and probably hasn't changed since 1982. There is not a place to sit. There were some tables in the basement but people were camped so forget that. The stage is about 2 feet high so forget about actually being able to see the band with my eyes unless I am Big Bird or bring a milk crate to stand on. The place is packed, going anywhere is an ordeal. Plus no matter how crowded people are still pushing by to try to get to the stage. Its tiring and sucked the life out of me. I had no idea when the band would start. Tickets state "doors open at 8 show starts at 9" Well, the opener (I didnt know there was an opener no mention of that) came on at 10 and the band I paid to see came on well after 11. I was there at 8:30 so whatever I saved on cheap tix I lost at the bar. If there is really a band I want to see I will go the the Capitol in Port Chester (simply beautiful venue) or basically any other venue in the tristate area. I'll pay a bit more but really enjoy a show like a civilized human. read more

Toads has claimed more souls than the Bermuda Triangle. This is a place where laws, rules, and morality are all optional. Going to toads could make a suicidal homeless man turn into a millionaire over night. read more

haven't been in a while but i've seen some great shows here. mainly type o negative, and they always tear the place down. as for the venue, it is divey, but that's how i like my bars. sometimes the crowd is iffy but obviously that is going to vary on the show. not sure how parking is lately but i remember there being a parking lot hat was fairly annoying to find a space in. that's probably my main issue. otherwise, it's a great place to see a rock show, and that's what's important.. read more

My 17 year old son, his friend and two girlfriends went to Toad's place on October 20 to see Amine. They previously bought their tickets for $40 each, stood in line awaiting entrance. When they allowed people to enter there was pushing behind my son's group which required them to reach forward so as not to lose their balance, gaining leverage. Two security guards travelled through the line and grabbed my son and friend and threw them out. No refund, no explanation requested from the guards - they were just removed and sent on their way. I just found out about this as my son was ashamed to tell me. Great kids, non violent and, as a parent, REALLY disappointed they had to be subjected to this experience. The two girlfriends were so upset they too left so $160 to wait in line and get thrown out. Thank you Toad's Place for wrecking the evening of 4 good kids. They were looking forward to the concert and now will do my best to convey this story wherever possible. read more

Been here too many times to count but each time it is always a good time. Great place to see a concert. Small, intimate place with two bars on the inside. They have a small balcony in the back with seats then the rest is a general admission floor where you stand. If you've never seen a show here, go. It'll be a good time. read more

Toads is one of the worst concert venues I've ever been to. The only thing it has going for it is its history and its small size. The sound is beyond terrible; I'm not sure how it has stayed so popular for so long since the sound quality is so poor. The box office is also highly unreliable. One of my favorite bands came to town and the box office told me they went on about 1 to 1.5 hours AFTER they actually went on so I missed almost the entire show. DO NOT trust the box office! read more

Wednesday night dance party, living on a prayer, is the only reason to go. Can't say I've ever been to a concert, but went two days a week for four years to the dance parties. Saturday is crowded, but Wednesday is pretty fantastic (although RIP circle bar, should have stayed "21" and over). read more

I've seen a bunch of great bands at Toad's including Chiodos, Cute Is What We Aim For, and Ace Enders. I love the venue, but it can get very crowded at times. All in all, a great place to have a god time. read more

Toad's Place is a legendary New Haven venue for a good reason. It is a great place to see a show, such a good environment. I have been there twice, to see Shakedown Street and Dark Star Orchestra. Toad's is small enough that you're never too far away from the stage. Adequate room for dancing and whatnot. If you sign up to receive their emails they will often times give you free tickets to certain shows. They have good prices and some good artists. If you are in the New Haven area check out Toad's Place. read more

Cool smaller/ college type bar. Good atmosphere and fun bartenders.

Went to a dmx concert that was supposed to start at 9. Dmx didn't come out until after midnight. That is ridiculous. Maybe it wasn't the venues fault but they shouldn't have allowed that from a performer that they were paying. Also they should have made some kind of announcement instead of everyone just waiting there wondering what was going on. Another awful thing was the temperature in the building, it was freezing. It was so cold that everyone's teeth were literally chattering. Awful, awful, awful experience. Once dmx came out he was good (when he wasn't slurring his speech or rambling on). Had it not been for being so close to the stage I would have left hours before he even came out. read more

Toad's Place located on York Street in New Haven is an excellent location to spend time with friends whether it be to dance, to enjoy live music, have some quick but tasty foods, or have some drinks. Their employees are all very helpful and maintain a good customer satisfaction. It starts at the front door when the bouncers are greeting and checking identifications. They must do their job making sure all individuals are of proper age but carry out with a light attitude setting the tone for a good night in the venue. Once you are inside there are different areas for everyone. There is a large dance floor with open space to hold more than enough people. If you are more into the spotlight and really showing your dance moves, they have an elevated stage which can also hold a large number of party-goers. There are also two themed bars, and one bar area with tables where you can get food. The two themed bars are very unique, and the service is surprisingly fast considering how many people were there when I went. The bartenders are nice and do their best to go in an orderly fashion with who they see come up first to place an order. I didn't have any food, but I have heard only the best for those who have had a bite to eat while enjoying themselves here. The security inside also keep a light mood and are there to provide safety but will also have small conversation with you. I give this place a thumbs up and suggest it to anyone looking to go and enjoy themselves for the night. read more

I made a Yelp just to review how awful this place is. Drove 2 hours here last night to see a band I've seen enough times all over New England to say that them playing at this venue ruined the show for me/the experience of seeing them. Never mind that the venue smells like urine and is a little worn, the staff here is absolutely HORRIBLE and is why I'm making this. The security guards here live off the power trip they have and are rude, angry, and aggressive any chance they can get and got a nice taste of that firsthand like other reviews I've seen which is my biggest issue here. Also if you want to drink water to hydrate yourself then good luck. A friend of mine who is 20 simply just wanted water and got told that they "don't like underage people coming up to the bar and not spending money" very aggressively and got nasty looks from both bartenders until he walked away. So where would you like people to get water? The toilet? He was also expecting to have to pay for the water anyways. My friends and I will never be back here again and neither will any of our other friends. If you like a band, do yourself the favor of not seeing them at this venue. read more

Dirty, sticky, old, outdated. In desperate need of renovation. I would rather drive to NYC to hear a show at a good concert hall.

I love the place, its a great place to bring your spouse and have fun. I only have one concern with the place and that is, THE SMOKING. I don't smoke and I hate the smell of it on my clothes. I don't mean to blow up their spots, but damn!. It was crazy, I went in smelling fresh and looking good and came out smelling like damn ganja and cigarette. My wife and I decided it they don't put a stop to it, we're going to find some other place to go. I mean I don't want to, but our health is a lot more important. I did an research on seconding hand smoking, and its as just as bed as smoking first hand. Come on Toad's. No more smoking. read more

I desperately wish these guys would expand! I've been all over America, New York, New Haven, Champaign, and no bar or nightclub has come close to the feeling of liberation once you get inside the Frog's Palace! If I visited again, I'd probably cry tears of joy. read more