So I played my first gig at this venue and let me say, it was a pretty nice beginning. The sound operator was very helpful, offering us mics and a stereo set for better balance and we were given a decent amount of space to play. The drinks were reasonable, the audience area was roomy and it was nice that we were given a table to sell merch. I will say the bathrooms were in a bit of a state of dismay but that's pretty common for dive bars and venues such as these. The new owner was very nice and if given the chance, I would like to play here again sometime! read more

The Smiling Buddha - Chapter 18 at the Smiling Buddha - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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This is one of those places that is really just as good as what's going on inside it. Otherwise it would just be a shell. A really grubby shell. When I went I had a great time because I saw my friend's band play and they rocked the smile off of Buddha's face like no one's business. It's a basic place. Not much to say other than that really. Bottled beer mostly, not a whole lot of option there. BUT! They have really cool lights and lamps in the place that will make you feel strangely at home. read more

The Smiling Buddha - a man playing a guitar in a dimly lit room - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Smiling Buddha is a dive bar and music venue located near College and Dovercourt. Coming from Finch, take the subway southbound to College, and from there take the 506 Carlton Streetcar westbound along College. Its REALLY far west along College, get off at College and Dovercourt and its right there at 961 College. It's a decent enough bar with cheap drinks, PBR tallboy was only $6.50 . They also book great talent. They usually host local indie bands but occasionally get some touring bands. I went down here to see one of my favourite bands TOPS from Montreal live for the third time at a sold out show here. This was by far the most intimate show I've been to. A smaller venue than The Horseshoe (which I already thought was incredibly intimate), at about 400 people. Capacity at the Buddha is about 100. This turns it into a really cozy, almost neighbourhood bar feel that's unheard of for a venue. The only downside is with such a small capacity it gets full FAST. That is why you need to GET THERE early. Knowing that the show was sold out I got there for 7 an hour before doors to make sure I got in. I also bought my tickets way in advance knowing that this show would likely be sold out given how small the venue is. After the show met TOPS and talked to them about the show for a good 10 mins. If you're a fan of a band than it's a real treat to see them at this intimate venue. The bar is too far out of the way to come here often for drinks but it's a great venue. With cheap drinks and an incredibly intimate atmosphere I would definitely come back to the Buddha for a show. read more

The Smiling Buddha - TOPS at Smiling Buddha - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I've been to a couple dance parties here and had a great time. It's a tiny bar in a sketchy strip of Parkdale, totally unassuming on the outside to the point that you may walk by it without noticing. They've got a couple booths in the front which are good for casual drinks or for coat-stashing if you're heading to the dance floor. The bartenders are sweet and attentive, and the booze is cheap. As with most bars, your night here will only be as good as what's going on. I've never been here for a casual drink, but I've been to a couple sparsely populated parties, which were far less fun than when the place was packed. The one downfall of this place is their 100 person capacity. If you know it's going to be a busy night, get there early or expect to be denied. read more

The Smiling Buddha - From the Smiling Buddha Bar Website - Music Venues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

After graduating University I did a short little stint as a bartender at the Buddha, feeding drinks and pretend flirting with the regular clientele: a mix bag of lonely Portuguese men and struggling artist types. All the reviews thus far are pretty accurate. The Buddha is as good as what's going on inside. But with that in mind, anyone on the hunt for a suitable venue for anything (a book launch, an open mic, a poetry reading, a concert, etc), should keep the Buddha on their radar. Wayne, the owner, is open to anything and is a huge supporter of the local art scene. If you're an artist and want to get your work on display, pop in and introduce yourself. Wayne cycles new visuals often and is always on the look out for new talent. Another little secret, Wayne & Cathy (his sweet and smiley wife ), make and sell yummy Chinese food. They don't distribute menus to avoid the cost of meeting the demand. But just ask for one if you're hungry and they'll happily oblige. read more

In the middle of sort of nowhere, it's a confusing mix of hipsters, activisty progressives, and queers from the queen west scene (or, of course, all of the above). It's definitely a regulars spot with a typical scene. If you're in you'll adore it. If you're out you'll wonder what kind of hole you walked into. I myself label it as a "meh". I've got friends who regularly play events there and so I'm "in", but would not really go there otherwise if I knew my regular group of scenesters weren't there. I'm can't say I don't like it, but I can't really say I do either... read more

If an event that I am remotely interested in happens to be taking place at the Smiling Buddha, I get downright giddy. Why? Because it stands a matter of feet, in a straight line, from my front door. We's neighbours. I never would have guessed that anything I wanted to go to would be happening there, but I get even more freaked out when *other people* choose to have their things happen there. This little bar whose karaoke I used to try and ignore when I was trying to sleep. Not that it happens super often, but as Melissa said, a few pretty cool dance parties and some friends' bands gigs from time to time, all give me a good excuse not to have an excuse to flake out on the event in question (as I have been known to do). It is a pretty cute and *little* bar/dance floor/stage? (more like a platform) to call home. There is nothing awesomer than being able to have access to your own alcohol while you're out. read more

The venue is like any dive bar really. The plus side is that it has a big floor to move around on in front of the stage! Bar staff were friendly and helpful, cheap beer and decent selection. Only downside is the washroom which was a little hard to find! :) read more

The Smiling Buddha is a divey little no frills venue on College Street that I've come to for a few random shows over the years. Literally you might find everything from punk rock or hardcore bands, to dj nights including the bass music focused Spectrum events that brought me in this weekend. The past shows I've been here for have left me less impressed on the venue, but shout out to the Spectrum crew as they brought in an additional sound system via the 40hz Soundsystem that really made the place sound much better and fuller. Unfortunately without the added sound brought in by those promoters, this venue is what I would simply summarize as "mediocre but adequate". Although I will say that I was impressed with their craft tallboy selections on this last visit, and the round of shots I bought for our group seemed surprisingly low cost, so I have no complaints for my drinking needs. Other noteworthy amenities include a second room downstairs on the way to the admittedly grimey bathroom, so there is the potential for 2 room events which can be hard pressed to find in Toronto's smaller venue options. Bank machine on site as well, with $2.50 service fee. read more

Unsafe place!!! I was at an event there last night and it was packed. There was ONE security guard, who didn't search anyone!! Then somebody shot a gun. Thank God nobody was hurt, but this is so irresponsible of the owner! Not professional, not safe. Hire security and have them do their job! read more

Go to this place with low expectations. It's a total hole (with a great name that totally doesn't match this venue). I would like to support and give my money to the Smiling Buddha - but if I buy alcohol, I inevitably drink it and then, not surprising, have to use the bathroom. And that's a big problem, as they are totally disgusting. In a move towards showing a modicum of respect for the people that pay them money for their alcohol, they could go out on a limb and hire a cleaner to clean the tiny, totally gross, bathrooms. Not terribly picky about washrooms, but these are negative-review worthy. Pluses are the sound system and line ups hand selected for one weekend day/month when the Spectrum crew is holding their monthly on the massive 40 HZ sound system. Those events get way more stars. Another plus is a pretty decent selection of canned beers and ciders (microbreweries). The location is easy to get to, and nicely placed downtown-ish. Bar is cash only, apparently with an ATM on site. read more

A solid dive bar with a good stage and a eclectic selection of events and patrons. I'd come back for a special event or concert but not likely otherwise. read more

An alright selection of drinks at $5-7 range (Jamieson shots $4.25 at time of writing) with a chill but competent bartender; seating available despite the small, cozy ground floor space; bathrooms involve a walk downstairs, which has another special event bar and dance floor for livelier nights; live music on ground floor at the extreme back (decent acoustics, maybe after a drink or four) with reasonable space to sit or stand for about 50 people, 100 tops. read more

Bands: do not play here. I've played some terrible shows, and some great shows at terrible places, but this one was probably the worst. THEY DON'T PAY. Nothing. Not even bar tickets. The owner (Wayne) seems to think that giving you a place to play in Toronto is payment enough. He probably made over $1200 easy that night (which was over by 1am) in bar sales, and none of the acts saw a penny. In our particular experience, we showed up to load in at 9pm (show scheduled to start at 9:30) to a locked venue. After that, we learned the opening "acts" had almost none of their own gear and somehow had been told they could just use ours. Then being told AFTER we played that there would be no compensation, we ended up with a perfectly wasted night; out the cost a van and gas, no to mention the wonderful feeling of actually playing this dive. Playing a show is a two way street: you get paid to perform (after all, you do deserve it), and the bar gets to make money off people coming to see a live music act. Don't accept free shows unless it's your first show, and you know it will lead to something better. This is not the case at The Smiling Buddha. So, to sum up: if you are in a band, play anywhere else in Toronto but The Smiling Buddha. And get a real agreement on pay before you show up. read more

Dive bar. Horrible management. I don't know why but the place always reeks. Smells like a toilet and looks like one too.

A great venue with a wide range of shows (both all ages and 19+) at an extremely reasonable price. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Nothing but good experiences here. read more