5 small venues for live music in Toronto
1) The Gladstone Hotel
The Gladstone is a historic building in Toronto. The venue has a small pub and stage on the main floor. This is the place to find great cover bands and enjoy a quality meal. There’s also karaoke on Saturday nights. Upstairs you’ll find hotel rooms you can book for the night. It’s a popular place so book well in advance.
![the Fool Hearts playing at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto](https://images.the500hiddensecrets.com/2020-02/111-toronto-gladstone_hotel.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&h=1080&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1920&s=6e743bd3917424c9eff3e6a35a1b4391)
2) C'est What
It’s easy to miss this bar. The signage is small, and you need to head down a large flight of stairs to the basement. It opens up to a dining area on one side, and a pub on the other. Live bands take over on Friday and Saturday nights.
![interior of the C'est What bar](https://images.the500hiddensecrets.com/2020-02/112-toronto-cest_what.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&h=1080&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1920&s=349d434d2e11ae672206085b9c562a12)
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3) Bovine Sex Club
The Bovine Sex Club is a must if you are into alternative music. It has been a staple in Toronto for years. This edgy dive bar is not the place to spend a quiet, relaxed evening. It’s gritty, yet vibrant. The Tiki patio bar is amazing.
![woman playing guitar at the Bovine Sex Club](https://images.the500hiddensecrets.com/2020-02/113-toronto-bovine_sex_club.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&h=1080&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1920&s=3ba24ca2722360c74033377b0bf234e5)
4) The Dakota Tavern
The Dakota Tavern has a unique Sunday brunch. For a 5 dollar cover at the door, you can enjoy bluegrass bands and purchase a tasty brunch meal. They serve a delicious cocktail called the Breakfast Mule: it’s a combo of vodka, ginger beer and grapefruit juice.
![a band performing at the Dakota Tavern](https://images.the500hiddensecrets.com/2020-02/114-toronto-the_dakota_tavern.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&h=1080&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1920&s=e57d8d1fb9aa7e3c5342eb58b8f9e7fb)
5) The Garrison
The Garrison is small, dark and gritty. There’s a small stage, and table space is limited, but they feature an impressive line-up of up-and-coming bands. They play the music loud, so if you’re sensitive bring earplugs or purchase a pair from the bar.
![a concert at the Garrison](https://images.the500hiddensecrets.com/2020-02/115-toronto-the_garrison.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&h=1080&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1920&s=64d06d426e02094485ebdec5aff710c4)
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