Dinner and a Show: The Danforth Music Hall Now Has Its Own Restaurant

For years, the Danforth Music Hall has been a pillar in the community. Whether you’ve caught a late-night concert with friends or remember it when it was Allen’s movie theatre, chances are you’ve had some experience with the venue.

People come from near and far not just for the shows; they also come for the food. Every night, Danforth near Broadview awakens with brilliant lights. Restaurants, pubs, dessert spots, and cafes stay open until late to accommodate show-goers that throng from the Danforth Music Hall. Often, these starry-eyed fans make their way to Allen’s restaurant, Dora Keogh, Old Nick, or Factory Girl gastro pub. Pre- and post-concert crowds now have a new restaurant for dinner and drinks.

Several months ago, the Danforth Music Hall announced that it would be opening its very own restaurant, located at 161 Danforth Avenue. Sidebar has been undergoing renovations and hiring wait-staff for months, but now they’re open for business.

On the outside, the narrow restaurant has a trendy, garage-like look, but inside, it evokes a typical bar/restaurant off a side street in Manhattan—pressed for space but making the most of it. Little flower vases adorn the tables and tea lights cast a warm glow in the dimly-lit space. A row of globe lights hang above the wooden countertop of the bar, adding to the laid-back and cozy atmosphere.

Don’t let Sidebar’s size fool you—it’s truly a gem with over 20 different options for modern American cuisine. Featuring nibbles such as the classic burger, the popular shishito peppers with fried curry chickpeas, and the pan-seared brussel sprouts with double smoked bacon, the new restaurant promises to be a great spot for appetizers, comfort food, and gourmet options.

The bar is also well-stocked. With an emphasis on classic cocktails, such as the old-fashioned, manhattan, and caesar, Sidebar also offers a selection of local beers. To top it all, their best deal is the Ontario VQA wine on tap they supply for a great price.

“We’re one of the only places in the city that offer $1 per ounce wine,” says Josh, the bartender. “When people are heading off to a show, they’ll often have 3 ounces of wine with dinner, and it’ll only cost them $3.”

Conveniently located next door to the Danforth Music Hall, Sidebar is the perfect vantage point to have a relaxed dinner without having to rush before the show begins. Manager Khephra Ahounou says: “Most people who come to see a show don’t have time to eat because they’re coming straight from work.” Rather than wait in line outside the Music Hall, guests can sip a coffee or try the steak frites with the knowledge that staff will be understanding when they have to pay their bill in a hurry and run next door. After all, the show must go on.

Sidebar is open 5:00 pm to late, 7 days a week.

To make a reservation, contact 647-350-7227 or info@danforthsidebar.com

For more information, visit http://www.danforthsidebar.com/