7 Best Places to Listen to Live Music Along the Danforth

Winter is hibernating season. I get it: the blinding snow and backed up transportation makes it easy to just stay inside and remain in quiet isolation. But that gets old, and fast. If you are in need of some low-key entertainment outside the walls of your room, check out these bars along the Danforth for some awesome local and international talent.

Relish Bar and Grill

This tapas restaurant has live music nights seven nights a week! From solitary singers to full bands, the variety of musical genres will ensure there is something for everyone. With 21 craft beers and ciders on tap, you’ll come for the music and stay for the beer.

Sauce on the Danforth

This 1920s themed bar offers old-timey cocktails to accompany some soulful jazz. Mondays from 9pm to midnight host the Out of Towners, a three-man band with lots of personality. On Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., award-winning blues musician Julian Fauth will take to the stage. If you like your jazz a little earlier in the day, Saturdays see different performers from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (check out the list of upcoming performers on their website). Not content to sit back and listen? Arrive on the first Wednesday of every month between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. for an open jam session. Bring your voice, an instrument, or just some general enthusiasm for music.

Dora Keogh Irish Pub

If you have some Irish heritage, or simply want to pretend for a night, try out this traditional Irish pub for a foot-stomping good time. Every Thursday at 9 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m., and Sunday at 5 p.m., come on down for their Traditional Irish Music Sessions. For other bands and singers, check out their events page for further listings.

The Old Nick

Known for its delicious wings and homey atmosphere, the Old Nick hosts several live music nights throughout the week. You can see some local and international talents on Mondays starting at 7:30 p.m. as well as singer/songwriter showcases beginning every Saturday at 9 p.m. If you’d like to try your hand at performing live, Tuesdays are your night to shine: open mic sign-ups start at 8 p.m., give it your best shot!

Linsmore Tavern

This converted hotel fulfills all your dive bar dreams. With a memorable bartender and amazing local talent, you’ll be set every night of the week. Check out their events page for more information on upcoming shows.

The Only Café

This bar is probably the Danforth’s worst-kept secret, but it’s not a complete list without it. Enjoy a pint from their ever-changing list of craft beer, sit back, and enjoy the show. Check out their events page for details on upcoming performers.

Black Swan Tavern

Just around the corner from Broadview station, this bar is a favourite of the locals. They host live music sessions every night of the week, with recurring special events: Mondays and Wednesdays have jam sessions with various performers, Tuesdays focus on acoustic music, Thursdays have Open Celtic Sessions, and finally, Fridays & Saturdays provide live local and international bands.