Local Guides World
Top Live music venues in Toronto, Canada
Top Rated Live music venues in Toronto
Top Reviewed Live music venues in Toronto
Blu Ristorante
Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre
Forbidden City
Toybox
Harbourfront Centre Theatre
Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres
The Great Hall
Reviews
Lovely old venue with real character. Great spot for the FITC conference, though it’s starting to get snug. I hope they can handle larger numbers in future years.
I attended the Candidates' tournament at the Great Hall in Toronto's Queen Street. The venue seemed unusual for a chess tournament, resembling a dimly lit bar with cramped spaces and subpar acoustics. To watch the games, we were taken to a separate chamber above the players, where the boards were barely visible, and following the games on screens was a challenge. The venue's outdated and unappealing atmosphere left me questioning why FIDE had selected it for such an important event. In my opinion, this venue was far from ideal for hosting chess tournaments, lacking the modern and aesthetically pleasing settings often seen at such competitions worldwide. I would not recommend this location for future events.
I've photographed several weddings in this beautiful space and I always love coming back! So much character and charm in the main hall. The light in the Drawing Room and the Conversation Room is beautiful for ceremonies & cocktail hour. Lovely staff too!
Informal and cozy theater at a nice location in town. Decent amount of offers at the bar. Some interesting plays as well.
Toybox Club has secured its place as my ultimate party haven. The music is phenomenal, setting the stage for an unforgettable night filled with energy and excitement. The vibrant atmosphere at Toybox is always full, creating an electric buzz that keeps the party alive. While the dance area might be packed, it's a testament to the club's popularity, making every moment on the floor absolutely worth it. Whether you're drawn to the tunes, the lively ambiance, or the always-packed dance floor, Toybox Club guarantees an exhilarating and full-throttle night out.
The workers seemed very paranoid.
And did not let us sit. Very rude.
And did not let us sit. Very rude.
It is an amazing theater, perfectly decorated, stylish, well-designed and equipped.
I am happy when great shows are happening there.
I am happy when great shows are happening there.
Very nice and cozy theater. We were on mezzanine 3rd raw. We could see the stage very clearly.
My experience at Toybox Club for New Year's Eve 2024 was horrendous. The club was overcrowded, with no space to dance due to ongoing ticket sales at the entrance. Two fights broke out, and the atmosphere was chaotic.
To make matters worse, there was widespread drug use, including real weed, in the dance area, violating both the law and safety guidelines. This pales in comparison to my past celebrations at Rebel, which were far superior. I won't be returning to Toybox and strongly advise others to choose a more responsible and enjoyable venue.
To make matters worse, there was widespread drug use, including real weed, in the dance area, violating both the law and safety guidelines. This pales in comparison to my past celebrations at Rebel, which were far superior. I won't be returning to Toybox and strongly advise others to choose a more responsible and enjoyable venue.
This is the one of the worst place to hang out. I came in here 24 December night. Stuff are very rude, especially where you put your jacket. It would be better that the manager trained it’s team before serving. I wanna tell anyone who plans to go to this place, never or ever spend even one penny for this type of service because you are the customer who needs to get service. the people come to this place to have fun, not facing rude, senseless services. Literally the shame on Toybox
It was my 3rd time here and never changed my rating.
Very clean and great place for your show.
Staffs were kind but line for the drinks were long and wasnt moving...
Very clean and great place for your show.
Staffs were kind but line for the drinks were long and wasnt moving...
I love this club! The music and atmosphere is always great. A staple in downtown Toronto. You’ll have a great time here for sure. Security is also very sweet and accommodating!
A unique place for its connection between performers and audiences. Like this place and will go again.
I visited there for Christmas Market!🎄
The Great Hall has such beautiful decorations and full of joys! 🎶
There were all kinds of small seasonal vendors, and the neighborhood and visitors walked in to shop for gifts!🛍️🎁
The Great Hall has such beautiful decorations and full of joys! 🎶
There were all kinds of small seasonal vendors, and the neighborhood and visitors walked in to shop for gifts!🛍️🎁
First time coming here to watch Tyler Shaw! Intimate and nice venue, although they didn’t let people in until 8pm (concert was advertised to start at 7pm). This angle was taken from the balcony view.
Had an amazing night at the club. The music was outstanding, with a perfect mix of old and new hits, creating a great party vibe. The presence of a coat check added to the convenience of the experience. Highly recommended for a fun night out!
They are selling tickets for dj mike Williams.
But not Mike at all at the night???
But not Mike at all at the night???
It's a great theatre because it is close to a main subway line - Queen Subway Station. It's also opposite Eaton's Centre and a few hotels in the area. Sitting is good, nice views regardless of where you choose to sit.
Experience was bad. I’m was our first time at this venue and I don’t think I’ll ever come back again. Drinks were expensive - 77 for 3 tequila shots served in plastic shot glasses, tips not included. We were there for sick individuals. Sound system broke down when they first came up. Terrible experience. We were really looking forward to see sick individuals but Jim was TEXTING while DJing on stage - it was bizarre. Dance floor was first unattended on a Friday night but it got better when sick individuals came up. Overall my experience was bad. I was looking forward to this new venue because of the DJs they are booking but I don’t think I’ll ever come back here again.
Nice big theater. Chairs are pretty comfy. Slanted floor rows gives you a good view even if you are further back. It was my first time there and I'd love to go back to see more live performances.
Beautiful theatre. It was my first time going there during the JFL festival for Neal Brennan show. Comfy seats and easy to go through and exit too.
The show it self wasn’t as good as I was expecting.
The show it self wasn’t as good as I was expecting.
Beautiful outside and in! Went for a comedy show - had a seat at the back in the aisle on the ground floor and it was perfect! Will be back just for the comfort level and space of seats in the ground floor.
One of the best Italian restaurants I have ever been to. We had the Berry Martini Mocktails, we found them to be the perfect blend of sour and sweet. I do have allergies and they were very accommodating. The beef carpaccio was melt in your mouth delicious, and accompaniments delicious. I had the Sweet Potato Gnocchi w Beef cheek and it was absolutely amazing. My boyfriend had the Butternut Squash ravioli, and it was buttery and satisfying. For dessert, the Affogato, biscotti, and Blu cake were the perfect way to round off. This is definitely the place for you to splurge and eat your way around the menu!
- Great experience
- Live music loved that
- service was good
- menu for the average person may bring you to need some clarifications or addition explanation
(Hubby and I fine dine all the time, but this menu was a bit tricky)
- Watermelon Feta Salad was GENIUS, shouts to the chef on that creation
- tuna tartar 4/10 (was ok, didnt love but were not raw ppl)
- hubby loved the lamb and i loved the rissoto that came with
- I got the stuffed chicken 4/10 for me.
We did try and experiment with different dishes we normally wouldn't as to the low numbers but experience was great.
Would visit again
- Live music loved that
- service was good
- menu for the average person may bring you to need some clarifications or addition explanation
(Hubby and I fine dine all the time, but this menu was a bit tricky)
- Watermelon Feta Salad was GENIUS, shouts to the chef on that creation
- tuna tartar 4/10 (was ok, didnt love but were not raw ppl)
- hubby loved the lamb and i loved the rissoto that came with
- I got the stuffed chicken 4/10 for me.
We did try and experiment with different dishes we normally wouldn't as to the low numbers but experience was great.
Would visit again
I liked the place, I was in the mezzanine and unless you are in the front seats at the floor I suggest to choose the mezzanine since you can see everything better from a better angle. The main floor has the same level so you could get distracted with the other heads in front of you. Was clean, beautiful inside, you can get there easy in street car or public transportation and I liked the show.
Experience nightlife like never before at Toybox, Toronto's ultimate party destination. This vibrant nightclub delivers an electrifying atmosphere, top-notch music, and an unforgettable party scene. With its sleek design, cutting-edge lighting, and spacious dance floors, Toybox provides the perfect backdrop for an epic night out. The DJs keep the energy high with an eclectic mix of beats, catering to a diverse crowd. The staff's attentiveness and service add to the overall enjoyment, making every visit a memorable one. If you're looking to dance the night away in style, Toybox is the place to be.
The place is very nice and elegant, live music was a great bonus but we couldn’t hear it on the 2nd floor.
The food was good, some choices were excellent (like salmon), but some were not (steak for instance, great sauce but the meat could be a better quality)
Overall, it’s a nice place
The food was good, some choices were excellent (like salmon), but some were not (steak for instance, great sauce but the meat could be a better quality)
Overall, it’s a nice place
Nice Italian restaurant, perfect smiky staffs. Enzo was our waiter, they did a wrong salad with bacon (we asked without) and even they made a new one cause of our children got upset first, they didn't charge us. I appreciate.
Akila was a Host, kind and professionally welcoming.
The manager is from Mexico if I am right and he is supervising everything.
Other staffs I mean who brings the foods, waiter's assistants, should pass more lessons.
I liked the Ravioli, Tiramisù and the Salmon.
Akila was a Host, kind and professionally welcoming.
The manager is from Mexico if I am right and he is supervising everything.
Other staffs I mean who brings the foods, waiter's assistants, should pass more lessons.
I liked the Ravioli, Tiramisù and the Salmon.
We choose Blu for my daughter's wedding dinner with a guest count of 26. The restaurant provided us with a nice semi-private space for our event, and we opted for a fixed menu that offered a well-balanced selection of 4 appetizers, 4 main dishes, and 4 types of desserts. It was wonderful to have the freedom to choose our drinks as well.
The food and the overall atmosphere were very satisfying. All the dishes from the menu were top-notch in terms of taste and presentation, leaving a spectacular impression on everyone; our guests thoroughly enjoyed the evening and wished the newlyweds well.
Though the restaurant did an excellent job overall, I have a few suggestions for improvement. Firstly, the live music in the second-floor hall was barely audible, and it would have been great if it could be made more prominent. Secondly, the guests were not informed about the menu items, leading to some of them not making the ideal choices for themselves. This resulted in guests exchanging dishes among themselves after they were served.
Additionally, I expected a bit more attention and involvement from the waiters, especially considering we spent around $4000 on the dinner for 26 guests including 4 children and 11 adults with soft drinks . Despite these points, the pleasant atmosphere and fantastic food make Blu restaurant a definite recommendation for family celebrations.
The food and the overall atmosphere were very satisfying. All the dishes from the menu were top-notch in terms of taste and presentation, leaving a spectacular impression on everyone; our guests thoroughly enjoyed the evening and wished the newlyweds well.
Though the restaurant did an excellent job overall, I have a few suggestions for improvement. Firstly, the live music in the second-floor hall was barely audible, and it would have been great if it could be made more prominent. Secondly, the guests were not informed about the menu items, leading to some of them not making the ideal choices for themselves. This resulted in guests exchanging dishes among themselves after they were served.
Additionally, I expected a bit more attention and involvement from the waiters, especially considering we spent around $4000 on the dinner for 26 guests including 4 children and 11 adults with soft drinks . Despite these points, the pleasant atmosphere and fantastic food make Blu restaurant a definite recommendation for family celebrations.
Spacious nightclub, the bartenders can make pretty much anything you want. About $10 a drink on average including shots. The bathrooms are huge and pretty clean for a night club. The bathroom is best for photo ops. The main dance floor isn't that big. Overall the decor is cute and it's a nice venue
Great experience. Came with a group of 8 for a celebratory dinner with the summerlicious menu. Service was very attentive & patient, waiting for all members to show up before we order food. All courses were brought out simultaneously & they were full of flavour, hot & presented well. It was a nice night out in a beautiful location & I would return again for regular menu.
I went to The Great Hall to see and hear the great Sun Ra Arkestra last week. It was my first time since the building was fully restored to its present glory. The experience was exceptional as the hall’s sound system was beautifully balanced and clear. It’s a hall suited to many types of concerts. The floor has a nice bounce. So I’d imagine it gives you a lift when dancing. More seating might be a good idea for certain concerts; only had a few stackable chairs available. Maybe wheelchair accessibility should be thought about. The hall is on the second floor.
Excellent atmosphere, friendly staff, good wait time, and breath taking view. Food was excellent and delicious.
Beautiful theatre filled with history!
Conveniently located on Yonge Street near the Eaton Centre.
We love sitting high up and in the back to see most shows which gives us an awesome point of view on what is happening. It also allows us to enjoy the gorgeous architecture.
Most of these pics were taken from seat R405.
The acoustics were great and the seats comfortable.
Conveniently located on Yonge Street near the Eaton Centre.
We love sitting high up and in the back to see most shows which gives us an awesome point of view on what is happening. It also allows us to enjoy the gorgeous architecture.
Most of these pics were taken from seat R405.
The acoustics were great and the seats comfortable.
Friendly service and great vibe! We sat on the patio and it started to rain so they moved us inside and we were glad they did! The restaurant had live music inside and the musician was amazing. Food was great and we recommend the ribeye and carpaccio but all of the food that we had at our table of 5 was great! Highly recommend!
A great little theatre with unique productions. We saw Pinocchio on Victoria day. It was a perfect 60 min with the kids. And it was really well done!
Such an elegant and remarkable theatre. We saw rock of ages and it was fabulous. Not kids friendly although there were many children there. Definately you should see a play at this theatre.
What a great experience, booked our corporate holiday dinner at Blu Ristorante. Yes this review is a bit late coming but people are still raving about the impeccable service especially from their friendly and knowledgeable staff (Mauricio, Luis, David and Nasir - I made sure I wrote down their names for this review)! Do yourself a favour and make sure you make it here at least once because the food was amazing, from the appetizer to dessert. I didn't get a picture of the all the options but these ones still bring back the memories of our night at Blu. Thanks to all the staff, and a shout out to Kamila (Event Coordinator) and Jeff (Manager).
Great small theatre, we unfortunately had pur seats moved due to set up for Rock of Ages needing our seats for sound equipment and couldn't see the edge of the stage as a result. They have great old decor and the old style elevators with staff managing them which is a cool feature but makes for busy intermission.
One of the most beautiful buildings I've ever photographed! I love this place and it makes for an incredible Wedding venue. Lots of character, incredible light, and the staff are always lovely to work with. Looking forward to shooting more weddings here this season!
My husband and I attended the Art of Time Ensemble "To All A Good Night" . I bought the tickets on line and mistakenly chose seats in the front row right by the speakers. I asked one of the floor staff if it would be possible to move. Although it was a busy time right before the show started she took a minute to speak to the manager and help us out. Immediately, we were provided with better seating. The concert was wonderful, intimate and delightful. The whole experience was made even better by the consideration and helpfulness of the staff. Thank you so much!!
I went to see a contemporary dance show and I loved it. The intimate theater offered a close up look at the dancers. Small and cozy space. Good drinks, welcoming staff and cool space to see some art shows.
This is the worst club I’ve ever been to. Bouncers here are the most predatory and unprofessional people I’ve ever encountered who are all on some kind of god complex cop reject power trip. Our group of seven were all on the guest list with tickets, but they only let half the group in and made the others wait in line for 30 minutes just to be rejected at the front for reasons that constantly changed. In order to get in at that point you needed to bribe the bouncers, but one them admitted that even when you pay them their sketchy under the table fee they’d still make you wait a random amount of time before letting you in. And any men would also still have to pay the cover fee. I came back out with the tickets for the people in our group that waited in line but they were still refused entry. Our entire group left at this point. They are many better clubs in the area and our group had a great time at one literally a two minute walk away from this garbage excuse for a club.
This venue has potential. Theres a lot of opportunity for improvement. They have good DJs headlining but the events are usually unattended. Bar service is cash only and really pricey. The location is in the exhibition grounds and nothing else is around to drive the foot traffic to the area. Most of the attendees are mandarin speakers, with very little diversity.
New venue, lots of upgrades and new procedure being established to make the club better. Booth sofas are very comfortable and the stage, lights, and dj are all very good. I went to the Bassjackers and Mark Sixma events. Although security could be less rough, the event itself was amazing!
Getting in was easy enough. Security was forceful, but I found far friendlier than other big box clubs (*cough* Rebel *cough*). Coat check is pricier at $5 a coat, but it's not like that extra $2 is a deal breaker.
The bar was a gong show. I asked for a gin & tonic and the bartender gave me a shot of gin. I asked about Tonic water and she simply gave me a bottle of water. Weird flex but ok I guess.
Getting in and out was super easy since the club is surrounded by easily accessible roads, and the crowds are smaller so Ubers are easily accessible.
The bar was a gong show. I asked for a gin & tonic and the bartender gave me a shot of gin. I asked about Tonic water and she simply gave me a bottle of water. Weird flex but ok I guess.
Getting in and out was super easy since the club is surrounded by easily accessible roads, and the crowds are smaller so Ubers are easily accessible.
Fantastic sound and the screens and lighting are great. Security was a bit intense, not at all friendly and a little forceful, but otherwise a good spot. Could loose the sparkly ballroom chandeliers though 🤔
First time writing a review... couldn’t believe how slow the line was to get into the club. My group and I was stuck outside in the rain for a while... there was only one security guard outside the venue who did not know what was holding up the line but at least he kept us entertained and apologized for the inconvenience.... the worst part was there was a lot of people cutting the line, at least get more staff to control it. The venue itself was ok, the bar staff seemed good, however there was no coat check?!??
The DJ line up was not too bad.
Overall for a start up, needs more improvement and more staff!
The DJ line up was not too bad.
Overall for a start up, needs more improvement and more staff!
An intimate setting - typically for all things dance - at the water's edge in beautiful Toronto harbour. This venue is an important piece in the arts and culture scene in this great city.
Amazing venue to hold any event you have in mind. We went for friend's wedding and it was perfect. It has enough space and service was very friendly. We danced till morning hours and then went for a walk by the lake. Just lovely.