Dakota Tavern has the look and feel of a hundred year old Toronto bar that has rock n roll coursing thru its veins. A quick google makes it look like it's been around since around 2009. And probably that was the last year they cleaned the floor. People joke about sticky floors but this is the real deal. What The Dakota lacks in finesse and class, it makes up for in raw talent and good sound. There is something about basement bars that just feel right when it comes to live music shows. Sure, you can't see anything with people standing in front and no raised stage, but it sounds great in there. The bathrooms are right beside the bar, which makes sense if you think about Jim Morrison drinking beer in the bathroom saving a lot of time wandering back and forth. I met up with friends here for an early show, which was around 7 pm, yeah that's early! But when you see how few people can actually enjoy a show, the double bill just made sense. Beer was easy to buy at the bar, without any problem getting the barkeep's attention as they can seem to read minds there which is fantastic when loud music is playing. Even though I forgot my earplugs that night, which was a Canadian Tribute to Tom Petty, the sound was not an assault. But it was sold out, so I do not recommend going to a bar like this without earplugs on hand. In fact, most bars like this have earplugs at the bar, so do ask! read more

The Dakota Tavern - Packed house. Lots of love for Tom Petty with two sold out back to back sets of covers. High level of musicianship. - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Easy to get to, great little spot for live music. Bluegrass brunches on the weekend were a fond part of my 20s. Nice to see a venue like this stand the test of time! read more

Fun place, good service, great music. Definitely recommended. Enjoyable. Easy to get to on the streetcar.

Good addition to the area. Area lacks pubs, there is another down the street, it is ghetto, sucks. Interior is nothing special, staff was friendly and lot of people were eating, try the food next time! read more

The Dakota Tavern - I hate curling - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Initially, I wasn't too keen on going out on Friday, but after much persuasion I decided to go to this bar. I played in a volleyball tournament and felt like crap, but after stepping into this place, my energy came back! Unfortunately I didn't get the name of the band, but they were awesome! If you want to look into it, I was here on Friday Feb 26 and the band played a lot of Rolling Stones' hits. I had a fantastic time at the Dakota Tavern. Alcohol was reasonably price (in Toronto standards) and the general lay out was aesthetically pleasing. The clientele would be considered geared to the 'Hipster' population, but I didn't mind. Basically, I didn't see any dodgy people. If you like good live music at a small cost of $5, check out the Dakota Tavern. You wont be disappointed. I definitely want to come back here to check out the country music nights. read more

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The Dakota Tavern knows how to have a good ol' time! Of all the bars near Ossington and Dundas, this place ranks the top for live music. It's really a country bar for hipsters, located in a rustic basement. Apparently they also serve Southern-style pub fare on weekends. For Instagram photos and to check out the vibe of this one of a kind tavern in Toronto, check it out here: http://thedakotatavern.com/photos/ Service was quick, music was loud, and the place was full of people. Pro tip 1: For live music, Cover is $10. For shows, check out their website: http://thedakotatavern.com/cover/ -Be careful walking down - or up - those stairs!- Pro tip 1: Bluegrass Brunch is 10 a:m - 2 p:m Saturday & Sunday, which is ALL YOU CAN EAT (in Toronto!!!): $18 per adult, $7 per child, you get: Scrambled eggs Sausages Pancakes Potatoes Fruit salad Coffee/tea Sides $5 each Baked beans Bacon Plain yogurt and granola From the bar: Orange juice $3 Classic caesars $7 Mimosa $7 Beau's $5 Beau Jay $6.50 Pro tip 2: reservations are taken for groups over 6 on Saturdays. Groups over 6 are subject to 18% gratuity. Pro tip 3: EVENING HOURS: CLOSED MONDAYS. Tuesday through Sunday, 8:00 pm - 2:00 am. read more

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I've always had a great time when I've come here. The bands they bring in are always great, though it can be quite loud due to the small space that is The Dakota. The staff are always on the ball and generally remember you once you've hit the bar for your second round. My only complaint is that the building is like a bomb shelter. You don't get any cell service unless you're standing by the stairs. read more

This place is AWESOME. We went for bingo night, I was lured in by the advertised Chicken and Waffles. I really wish we had something like this bar here in Cleveland. Set up like an old stagecoach with whiskey barrel bar stools, a stage, and some very friendly bartenders, this bar was really cool. And there was a cowboy announcer! They had some pretty awesome happy hour specials (I think it was something along the lines of a $3 beer and $3 ginger and rye, which is the way to my irish heart), we split the chicken and waffles. Pretty standard, $12 for two pieces of chicken, two waffles, and a fruit compote. My memory's a little fuzzy but there was this awesome hot sauce... Bingo was $5, and even though we didn't win, it was a blast. Everyone was so friendly and engaging. This is my kind of bar. read more

I'm going to preface with the fact that I am NOT a fan of bluegrass (quite the opposite actually), but I still had a great time. I came here for brunch with a group of friends. There were over 10 of us and we were able to make reservations, which is a definite plus! What's with all these brunch places not accepting reservations?? As soon as we walked in, we were slapped in the face with the country vibe: rustic wooden tables, exposed brick, fake barn door, everyone in jeans and plaid, etc. It was super cute! There were a lot of family already there and children were running around having a good time. Bluegrass music was playing in the background, but not obnoxiously loud. A live band started playing at noon, and they were really good and complimented the chill atmosphere. We were immediately greeted by our waitress who was extremely nice and explained to us how the ordering worked. For $18, you get an all-you-can-eat family styled brunch and unlimited coffee/tea. One round would be served for the table, which everyone shared, and you can keep on ordering additional rounds until you're full. The food consisted of pancakes, scrambled eggs, potatoes, breakfast sausages and an assortment of fruit. For an additional $5/plate, you can get extra sides like bacon or baked beans. We thought that was pretty steep and decided to opt out on the sides. None of the dishes were particularly fancy, but were very hearty. My group made it through two rounds before calling quits. Overall, I wasn't particularly wowed by the quality of the food (it truly felt like something your family could cook up at home), but for the atmosphere and live entertainment, it was well worth the $18. I would definitely recommend you give Dakota Tavern a try, especially if you're a country/bluegrass fan. read more

The Dakota Tavern - Cute table set ups - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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The Dakota Tavern is pretty cool. The ambiance is like a cross between an olde time saloon and a Weezer music video- with skulls and strings of white Christmas lights adorning the cozy walls. I've been here several times and the crowd always seems decent in both volume of people and social quality of their personalities. The drink princes are kinda 'meh,' staff are nice but for the size of the bar they seem pretty understaffed- you could wait up to 20 min for a drink on a packed night. Double or triple fist. The men's washroom is pretty awkward, it's so compact that if you are a big guy in a big sweater taking a piss next to another big guy, you WILL be touching each other. Prepare yourself. read more

The Dakota Tavern - Butch Haller & The Chesterfield Ramblers @ Dakota Tavern, Feb 14 2015 - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Musty beer and shitty music. Decent room, good sound guy. Why did they design the bar in such a way that you cannot sit at it without a massive man-spread? read more

Came here today to get brunch! They charge 7$ to get in just to have brunch. Absolute disgrace. Will never step foot in this place and will most certainly recommend to all not to go. read more

Groovy Atmosphere- Like an underground party you heard about from a friend of a friend. Lower ceilings, intimate, but roaring and fun. The Drinks- I went with tequila, it satisfied. Good pricing too. Coat check- There isn't one and you're going to want to get up and dance. So bring a purse or man purse for your valuables, unless you are very trusting person. Stairs- You have to go down some to get in. You have to go up some to get out. Plan footwear and drink accordingly. The Band- Wow, they were great. People were dancing, drinking, doing anything fun to the backdrop of their music. I wish I could remember their name. The girl was wearing a white flapper dress (helpful?). Even with her really strange birthday hat on (a cake with candles sprouting out of the top), the band invited my friend up on stage and got the whole bar in on the birthday wishes. Go here! It is a seriously good time if you're a fan of cool music, flowing drinks, moving to the beat (no pressure though), and good times. read more

I'm a big fan of The Dakota Tavern. I don't get there as often as I'd like but when I do it's always a great time. Sunday and Wednesday nights are the best times to check out live music. The Beauties play on Sundays, and quite often you'll see other popular local musicians hop on stage to play a ditty or two with the band. White Whale Wednesdays offer up a serving of weekly featured While Whale Recording Artists - always a blast. Don't forget the food! I've yet to try the Blue Grass Brunch (though I really want to) but I've indulged in their mac-n-cheese and let me just say, oh my. It's lovely. Come for the bands, stay for the mac-n-cheese. read more

Bluegrass Brunch on Sundays. This was a blast - usually I wouldn't go anywhere that had a set menu but this was great and super fun. It's $14 per adult and comes with coffee, OJ, scrambled eggs, fruit, sausage, hashbrowns and pancakes. They bring the food to the table on family style platters and when you want more of something you just tell them and they bring you more. It's pretty fantastic, because I hate buffets but this was like the best of both worlds. Caesars ans mimosas are $6 and my mimosa was mostly sparkling wine with just a splash of OJ (fine by me). The good: - The music was awesome. The band has a single condenser mic that they all sang into together while they played banjo, upright bass and fiddle. It was the perfect volume - pretty loud but we could still talk without shouting. - There were a lot of children here and it was the only setting where children don't annoy me. They were all in good spirits (probably because it was early in the morning... welll... maybe 11am isn't early for them...); none of the children cried and the parents that were here were good at wrangling them when appropriate. It was super cute when there were 5 little kids up dancing in front of the stage and it made me briefly reevaluate my hatred of children in eateries. Briefly. Anyways, kudos to the families who were there this morning because I usually hate children, but not yours today, so that's pretty special. - The food is unlimited for $14. Probably not the best value for me & Danielle, because I doubt we ate even close to $14 worth of food, but if you had a table of hungry young men this would be a place to take them. - This place is actually good for groups - if you arrive early. You basically need to get in line at 1040ish and be one of the first people in the door when it opens at 1100 and you could bring 10 people if you wanted. If you came after that though... you would have to wait. But, you would get served coffee while you wait. - Our server was serving a LOT of tables but she was very efficient and cool. When we asked for more pancakes, they came out right away and we also got the bill right away when we were ready to go. - Food was pretty good considering they were cranking out platter after platter of it for the packed house. Scrambled eggs were good (usually not my favorite item), pancakes were excellent and the hashbrowns were serviceable. The fresh fruit was particularly well done with huge platters of oranges, watermelon, miscellaneous melons and grapes coming out super clean. The bad: - The orange juice was horrible. It was SUPER watered down concentrated OJ. It was possibly the worst orange juice I have ever had, rivaling mcDonalds 'orange drink' for that title. - Everything else was awesome, I have no complaints! Would I come here again? Yes! A few notes on coming here again though: 1. You have to arrive at 1045 to get a table when it opens at 11. 2. The sausage does touch the other food, so if you are a super-vegetarian and you won't eat food that comes on the same plate as meat, you shouldn't come to this. Or you should come to this and be prepared to pay $14 to eat only fruit and enjoy the fantastic bluegrass (which is still worth $14.) read more

The Dakota Tavern - Bluegrass brunch - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Good place to see a show. Unfortunately there is one small problem. Good atmosphere, decent service and not too expensive. But because it has such a low ceiling, the room is down a flight of stairs in the basement,it is SUPER LOUD when the band IS NOT playing because everybody talks really loud to be heard over everyone else. As long as you are willing to put up with the intermission deafness it is a good place to catch some very good local bands. The musicianship is always first rate. read more

Whether I'm ending a night with shots at the bar bathed in the glow of strings of light, or showing up for Bluegrass Brunch to recover from a night out (what's better than kids dancing, music blaring, and family-style platters of scrambled eggs to make the memories of the night before even fuzzier?)...The Dakota never lets me down. 5 stars, a "yahoo!", and a southern yodel for this joint on Ossington. If I have out-of-towners visiting, they come with me to The Dakota. Which is funny, I suppose, because I often yell to my fellow Torontonians above the music "this place feels like it's not even in Toronto!". It's loud, it's a good mix of people, I don't feel a pretentious vibe (I've shown up dressed up in work clothes, post-bar crawl and in clothes just slightly more dressy than PJs, and all felt a-ok), and the music is killer. Special musical note goes out to Bluegrass Brunch regulars The Beauties and the annual winter holiday event, "Jason Collett's Basement Revue". Your ears will leave happy. Trust. Staff great, Caesars stiff, vibe phenomenal, and food, though not top notch, well...you're not *really* at The Dakota for the food. Yelp note: The Dakota is in the basement of a building, which can make connecting with friends hard (phone service, you say?). However, this tech-luddite can admit (we're all friends here, right?) that I kindof find that charming. I show up, rally with my friends who are there, and the rest of the world beyond The Dakota is dead to me (telephonically, that is). BOO to the YAHS. read more

Half-way through a gruelling concert tour I was "dragged" here by the drummer in the band saying we need to escape our gig for something completely different. After schlepping our kit off the tour-bus we made our way up here only to discover a queue. The drummer being the good Englishman suggested we queue up or go for something to eat nearby. Which we did. After our respite we came back only to discover that queue hadn't been quashed. So I succumbed and stood in line. The drummer being 15+ years my junior suggested it "was the proper thing to do". Standing in line however goes against every fibre of my being. I'm usually the one walking in the back-alley door through the kitchen because our next set is up in 5 minutes. Eventually we got in half-way through the last set (for the Sunday Band). The drunken set where they turn up the volume to max. Thankfully I always carry my protection wherever I go! My etymotic musicians' ear-plugs rendered the volume to a sane and non-career threatening level. We stood near the back trying to fit in by taking crappy flash cell phone pictures to post on Facebook. (Trying to be cleverly ironic mocking the hipsters who do this thinking it's cool) Alas, the pictures were CRAP! (But that was the point) Will they ever see the light of day? Who knows. They are trapped on the drummer's cell phone somewhere in South London (UK). The bar was well stocked and had my favourite medicine. The Sunday band played well... well enough to make me think I might just try to hear the first set with a meal before the hipsters queue up. read more

THE BEST BLUES BAR IN TORONTO. I'm reticent to write glowingly and advertise this joint because me and my pals like the fact that it's a hidden gem. However, it is my duty as locally loyal Yelp-Man to tell it like it is.. This place is great! I didn't even know I liked the blues, but you will be a believer. Right from your curious walk downstairs to the bar, the dim light and booze-soaked wooden planked floor catapult your senses to another time and place. Perhaps a sleazy joint on the original Bourbon Street, or a cowboy bar in the Wild West.. Order a Labatt 50 and a shot of Jack for you and the bartender and complete your cathartic blues experience. The house band (can't remember name) is authentic and well-balanced; they play on SUNDAY'S- check them out. Also 'The Done Me Wrongs' got their bluesy feet wet here and now they tour all over the place- catch them here if you can. One time I popped in after seeing Modest Mouse at The Molson Amphitheatre and in walked the guitar player! And yes, he got up and joined the house band. Out-Of-Towners Most Welcome! See the really cool Toronto. Come to The Dakota. PS- Make plans and stick with them because there's no cell reception inside The Dakota.. read more

I had one of the BEST brunch experiences of my life here awhile back. We were wandering the Dundas-Ossington hood slightly hungover, trying to figure out where to plant ourselves for brunch this time. This was a longggg while back, before The Federal and The Guild had opened, when Dundas Street was horribly underserved in the brunch department. We stumbled into the Dakota and came upon... BLUEGRASS BRUNCH. It. Was. Awesome. We walked in, and it felt like I was on a farm and my fictional farm mother had just rung the farm brunch bell. We were seated at our picnic table and they promptly brought out large plates with piles of eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes, sausages. You know, all that good brunch stuff. Whenever we ran out, they brought over another piping hot plate of what we'd run out of. Plus, there was a live bluegrass show (hence the name, "Bluegrass Brunch"). The food wasn't good, but I had such a GREAT time. It's not a place to take your foodie friends, but it's a place to take your fun friends. If those two groups overlap, then hopefully they can forgive the less than stellar food for the super awesome atmosphere. read more

I've always been curious about the Dakota because there's always a line out the door on weekends. We decided to check it out on a Thursday night to see a friends' band. Front door staff were nice even thought there was a slight mix up with the guest list. The space itself is in the basement, long and narrow. The stage is small but intimate. The kitchen was still open but we had already eaten. Would love to come back and check out the Bluegrass Brunch. read more

One of my fav places to see live bands. It's small, intimate, and you are basically sitting on the stage. It's awesome. It's loud, can be incredibly crammed at times, but you can always get a drink at the bar, you just have to wait a bit. The bands are wicked, I love the intimate atmosphere and darkness of this place. I ALWAYS have a great time. One thing, one of the toilets in the women's bathroom is ALWAYS broken. I dont' know why. It always overflows or something when I've been there (and no, I know what your'e thinking thanks... it's NOT me) ha. Go check it out when they have live music, you won't regret it. Never been there for brunch before.. I waited for an hour and bailed. I was starving and couldn't wait although I did get uber tipsy on ceasers waiting which was fun :) read more

Came here for the bluegrass brunch and loved it. The experience was really unique and I will be encouraging friends to check it out. Other yelp reviews made the food sound terrible so I was pleasantly surprised when it was comparable to food you would get at a diner. If you're looking for more upscale breakfast food, there are plenty of other places nearby for you to check out. The music was great too! I felt guilty chatting with my table because the band was so talented and probably deserved more of my attention. For $14 you get decent all-you-can-eat food and a concert. Unbeatable! read more

I had heard a lot about the bluegrass brunch. On Sunday I finally went! The atmosphere and the live music are great. Our waitress was very nice too. But... I found the brunch plate overpriced. You get a simple plate of scrambled eggs, sausages, potatoes, pancakes, fruit, tea or coffee for around 20 dollars. I would have hoped to get some beans and veggies (not very expensive things) too for that price but they cost extra. For three people a bill of 60 dollars seems a bit too much in my opinion. I wouldn't go again, sorry. read more

One of my favorite places in Toronto. Great staff Great music Great food Great location Great decor Great patrons Great! I have been here for countless live shows, bluegrass brunches and at least one dinner. I love this venue for music. Even if I've never heard of the band playing, I know it will be good because they are at The Dakota. If you see someone who looks like Feist or Ron Sexsmith, it's probably them. A lot of Canadian musicians hang out here. In fact, last week someone in the audience asked ME if I was Amy Millan from Stars. She probably has been in the crowd there, but I wasn't her. The bluegrass brunch is fun for groups and the food is really good - if someone has an appetite, they can get thirds! I've seen it done! Kids love dancing to the bluegrass bands too. Fun for the family. Anyway you slice it, The Dakota is a Toronto classic. See you there! read more

Can't say I have ever stayed late enough to eat brunch, but I have immensely enjoyed the dancing and drinking. Drinks are served by honest, venue accurate bar tenders. Air is remeniscant of a speakeasy(or what i would imagine one would smell like). Kaos insues when the band starts to play Oak floors get stained with spilled Jager and beer. Tacit agreement is "fun". Ambitious hedonism is now hard at play---and boy is it ever a kick ass time! read more

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS INDOOR ALL YEAR ROUND ALERT! I walked in on a busy Sunday night and immediately wanted to do a jig! The Beauties were playing and far surpassed my expectations for the $5 cover we paid. We grabbed a seat at the bar and ran into some old friends (which is always fun). I traded my cider for a bottle of Strawberry Fruli and one of the best Whisky Sours I've had in a long long time. This place packs up pretty early (even on a Sunday), so if you are looking for a seat try getting there before 11pm. Don't worry the Beauties play 3 sets from 10pm to 1am! Honestly, the only thing stopping me from giving this place 5 stars is because someone stole my chapters bag with three books I had just bought :-( WHO STEALS BOOKS?! Sometimes I swear... *lowers her head in shame for humanity* read more

Sometimes food comes secondary when coupled with fantastic music, so not the case at Dakota's. The brunch was filling made almost as good as home and flowing quickly out of the kitchen. While the food selection was restaurant choice one could hardly complain at the options, fluffy pancakes, copious red pepper-filled scrambled eggs, fresh baked potatoes, sausage and seasonal fruit salad. I might have liked a piece of toast instead and the OJ was atrocious, but the coffee was included and was surprisingly OK. The music was energetic and alive, filling the bar to the perfect volume. These were definitely longtime musicians who were well honed in their craft. As opposed to my lovely counterpart I felt that the service was a little frenzied and it took quite a bit to get anyone's attention. We were not in a hurry, so there was no issue. However if you are looking for a quick bite this is probably not the place. Bottom Line...Brunch was beat-utiful at this bustling bluegrass bistro. So take some time and soak it up. read more

Disappointment had to rear its head at some point. I tried the mint julep. If you like ice, you'll love the mint julep. A large fountain cup (unusual for a julep but whatever), a decent shot (meh), a bunch of fresh mint (good), the large cup filled with ice to the degree that we had to pour some out to get at the bourbon. Dude, really? Really? I mean, really? Sigh. Stick with the beer I guess. Damn you LCBO but a stern wag of the finger at you Dakota. read more

Breakfast review. The Dakota was something new that opened up while I was away from Toronto for a while. It's a full bar, and restaurant, and as the name might suggest, with a western theme. I went to their Bluegrass brunch. Kudos to the Dakota for keeping it simple. For $12 you get all you can eat scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage, pancakes, juice and coffee. During lunch there is a Blue Grass ensemble playing on their corner stage. The place is decorated well, as a western themed place should be, and includes a beautiful long bar. You go here for the experience -see the band, have a fill of food. The place is packed with the "young urban 20's ish been drinking all night needing grease in the am hipster" type, along with older people, probably from the neighbourhood. The hostess was way off with an estimated time to sit down, had we known it'd be 30 minutes instead of 10, we would have gone elsewhere. The food itself is ok. It's made to serve plenty to many quickly. it's half rate at best. The scrambled eggs are ok. The sausages were way too greasy, and chewy. The blueberry pancakes were ok, probably just basic Aunt Jemima. The place is licensed and from the bar activity several people were ordering Mimosa's or Bloody Caesar's, which I find more common in the U.S. I tried chatting up the bartender to get a bit of information on the place, but only got attitude - and it turns out she was one of the owner's wives! I would have thought she'd have much more of a friendly disposition. When asking for something from her, we were told it's on the bar, meaning lean over and get it ourselves vs. her passing it over. I really don't get it why people in this city, in the service industry, have such attitude. Without the patrons, you don't have a business, and subsequently, a job. There are no shortage of options in Toronto, one of the great things about this city, so, attention hospitality workers, suck it up. If you can't provide good customer service, with a smile, and "kill 'em with kindness", pick another profession! Overall, I give the Dakota 3 stars and mostly just for the experience. I love live music. And I like the idea of the Bluegrass breakfast, mind you a little Bluegrass goes a long way. But,it was an experience. I wouldn't go for the food and none of the staff won any kudos. If you're wrecked from a night of binging and need a lot of low grade grease to fill you up relatively cheap and be surrounded by your peers, then this is the place for you. If you're looking for a different experience, try Dakota once. If you want a nice brunch/breakfast with nice service and staff - go elsewhere. read more

Hands down the best live music venue in Toronto. This is the favourite spot of Canadian rock stars in the city. Awesome beer and whiskey selection (it shouldn't be any other way with a sign that says "BEER MUSIC WHISKEY") The bands are righteous. You're a big deal if you're playing a Friday or Saturday night and there's a lineup... no way around it. Toronto's best band (The Beauties) used to play every Sunday night, but that hasn't happened for a while. Who knows if it'll ever happen again (unfortunately). But Sunday nights at the Dakota are a known thing, so these days it's still the best night for live music. The bluegrass brunch, as everyone says, is great. It's a nice companion to the sweaty, drunken hours of rocking out you delved into the night before. The band is great, and is perfect volume for a hungover, delicious, never-ending brunch. Some might complain about the price, but when you realize that it's factoring in the band, it's a good deal (just imagine $5-$10 off the bill total going to your cover). Oh... your phone won't always work here, but I like it that way. Put the thing down, and talk to the people around you or focus on the killer band. read more

Both times I've been to the Dakota musician friends of mine were playing. Yes, it's a nice atmosphere. But drinks are not cheap and staff is not so friendly, especially security. The second time, my friend Freeman Dre from Kitchen Party invited me to come and "hype the crowd" for his band on stage. Since there was no room on stage I stood in front of it. I run "wild east" eastern european parties in Toronto, and well I am a beast, and well to me "dance and hype the crowd" involved jumping up and down and twirling my hoodie over my head. After a couple minutes of this, a man named Charles from security came and asked me to "have a chat." "Have a chat" meant he wanted to lure me outside, after which he would not let me back in. I had had only 3 drinks. I was not drunk. But he said he wouldn't let me back in because I was. I was even supposed to sing a song with my friend's band. He said he would not let me back in. I kept on insisting that I should have gotten a warning and had I had a warning, I would have stopped. I asked to speak with the owner, who is a friend of friend. Apparently the owner didn't want to speak to me, that I could come back the next day at 8PM to speak with him, but when I came back, he was not there. Bottom line is, I respect their right to have their code of behavior, but kicking me out without a warning really created a bad vibe. I was supposed to perform with my friend's band. But they wouldn't let me do that. They kicked me out for what? "dancing to crazy" So if you are a normal mild mannered toronto scenester, this might be a fine place, but the minute you try to be different in a place like this, it's trouble. It's definitely not the place for that wild night you are craving. I'll tell you that. read more

Dear Yelpers, be forgiving with your first impression with the Dakota. Yeah, it smells gross. Yes, it's dark. Looking from the outside, you wonder, "I don't want to go in there!" But once you're in, you can't leave! Come out on Sunday for their 'Bluegrass Lunch', served family-styled as an all-you-can-eat buffet at $14 a head (children pay $7). The waitresses will bring you as many plates of fruit - blueberries, oranges, pineapples - pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausages and fried potatoes to your delight. All the while, you are munchie your post-hangover breakie, scarfing it with gusto as you tap your feet to a live bluegrass!! Great for groups, not so hot for vegans. read more

To be honest, I don't remember how or why my friends and I stumbled into the Dakota Tavern one Monday evening. What I do remember is that 4 out of 6 of us happened to be wearing plaid (how obnoxious!) and we were slightly intoxicated.... While our entrance may have gotten us a few glances from the older ones in the crowd, we brushed it off and grabbed some beer and a seat close to the stage. There was live music and the place was fairly busy with a bunch of different types. I love places where the crowd is indistinguishable. This is a feel good place if you just want a fun night of drinking and kicking back with some friends. You can enjoy the music, tap your feet, mingle with the crowd, and not have to worry about anything. I've also heard great things about their brunch but haven't had a chance to go yet, I'll update this when I do :) read more

I came here to try their Bluegrass Brunch this past weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. Bluegrass is definitely not typically my cup of tea, but it created a lovely atmosphere and who the heck doesn't like $14 all-you-can-eat brunch?? The food is served family style and it's surprisingly tasty. You get fruit, scrambled eggs with red peppers, blueberry pancakes (!!!), sausages, potatoes, juice and coffee. Strapping on the feed bag at the Dakota Tavern is the perfect way to cure a nasty hangover! I would describe the service as leisurely, so I wouldn't suggest coming here if you're in a hurry. That being said, the staff was very friendly and welcoming and I'll definitely return. read more

Crazy about their bluegrass brunch. I love live music but had never consider pairing it with brunch - it works! The band is a lot of fun, the food is simple but very good and the country motif works well. The food comes out family style and is never ending. I love that you can have endless bowls of fruit. Of course if you prefer never ending eggs and sausage that is an option as well. Over all the food is like you would have at a friend or family's house for brunch which is a welcome change. The music however is what makes the experience. read more

Live music. Great atmosphere. Reasonable service. At least one real microbrew on tap. Sold. Honestly, I was sold from the moment I descended the steps into this dark, basement tavern and saw the cow skull on the wall, perfectly framed by white fairy lights. Everything else was just a bonus. read more

After reading a few of the reviews here, I'm almost tempted to go back to the Dakota to check out the food. I've never eaten there; but I probably never will because I'm very unlikely to come back for the entertainment. The Dakota combines awful acoustics with an incompetent and overly loud mix. It is brutal and unpleasant even when you like the band. It's too bad really - they seem to bring some good talent through the doors. read more

The Dakota is rad. There are often great bands playing, there's a good seating-to-non-seating ration, and it's generally awesome. The food is actually really great. I have been known to choose their veggie burger over the (real) ones across the street at BQM - they are that good. Basically, you should come and eat here! The bluegrass brunch is maybe the most heart-warming event that could ever take place on a Sunday morning. The food, admittedly, is not so great, but it's family-style all you can eat brunch, so you really can't be too too picky. Also, it's one of the very few brunch places where it is appropriate to show up with more than four people. The highlight is sitting at huge communal tables listening to lovely lovely bluegrass bands play. Toddlers are often dancing around, and because everything is just SO romantic, it basically becomes the cutest thing I've ever seen, every time. Because the Dakota is in a basement, sometimes it's not ideal for summertime, what with zero potential for natural light. But, still, always fun. Another downside is that it has gotten really popular and because of their basementness, they are (rightfully so) very very strict on capacity, which is not too high. I hate waiting in line, and sometimes you have to wait in line here, and it's coupled with the possibility that you just won't ever get in. Also, it is really nice that there is a jar of tampons in the women's washroom. read more

My review is based on the atmosphere, the bartenders and music (bands) and not their much talked about bluegrass brunch (which I haven't gone to cause I like my brunch one on one and not at a communal table). These guys chose their bands well so even if you've not heard of that given night's act, you're sure to enjoy it. It's not been too difficult to get me off the bar stool and bust a move! Now I'm not so much for hard drinks or fancy ones, more a beer guy, but the the bar is run well. So bring your favorite company and go! Pay the $5 or $10 cover (band), cause you'll dig the vibe. Is there still no phone reception there? Oh yes, The Dakota is lower level, or basement if you will. read more