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Comedy Bar
Category: Nightlife Comedy Clubs Comedy Clubs [Edit]
945 Bloor St WToronto, ON M6H 1L5
Neighbourhood: Dovercourt
(647) 898-5324
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Fri, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
21 reviews for Comedy Bar
Review Highlights
"Cheap and great stand up."
(in 5 reviews)
"The show itself was phenomenal."
(in 3 reviews)
"The comedy and improv is the best."
(in 9 reviews)
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21 reviews in English
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Review from Rockland D.
Toronto, ON
10/4/2011
Space:
I love it. While I agree with the reviews that it is confusing and exclusive to newcomers, once I figured out the layout I realized it's pretty intuitive.
To the right, there are couches and a few tables, it's a very "hangout" oriented atmosphere. You get the feeling that the people here are almost always here.
In the centre is the bar -- the way it's located allows for a lot of bar space. Lots of stools and places to eat the pub food.
To the left there is a narrow hallway, leading to a curtain and the theatre. This is great, in my opinion; the show goes on nearly unbeknownst to the happenings in the bar. The theatre is small, cozy. The seats are all on the same incline, and the stage is ever-so-slightly raised, so it can be a little hard to see. Harder to see are the chairs themselves if pass through the curtain once the show has started.
Despite any shortcomings, it is a very cozy, intimate and awesome place. I feel that a lot of the biggest detractors of this venue may not see it for what it is -- a kind of alt-comedy stomping grounds. It isn't the polished club they were expecting, but it doesn't want to be.
Shows:
One of my favourite things about Comedy Bar is the semi-regular schedule, especially the Harold Tuesday 5$, House Wednesday 10$. I frequent both, and both are great (Wednesday's better). The closing team on Wednesday nights, Standards and Practices, are amazing.
Food:
Drinks are reasonably priced (protip: KLB Raspberry Wheat on tap). The pub food is better than your average pub-food. In fact, it borders on real food. Tuesday is wing night. I have not tried any of the flat bread pizzas, but I overheard other frequenters raving about them. That seems like a good sign?
Rating:
5 Stars. I love this joint. I'm going tonight. -
Review from Shiona R.
Toronto, ON
2/1/2012
I quite liked this place, it is small but the staff are super friendly. I did have food here, glad I had the wings and a side salad...can't really go wrong with hot wings! Others in our group had sandwiches and burgers, which I believe were disappointing.
I agree with most other reviews re the temperature of the room, i am always warm but even I was cold inside. -
Review from Lauren M.
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I just really don't like the set up of this venue at all.
Upon entering it was kind of confusing to figure out which room had the comedy taking place, it's set up as a series of smaller rooms. Once we found the correct room, it was quite disappointing. It's a very small room and not a lot of seating, with lots of the tables having bad visibility of the small stage at the front.
It was also absolutely freezing inside, I kept my winter coat on the entire time.
The show we saw wasn't particularly funny, but it was a special event and it was free, so I don't think it is a reflection of the regular line up at Comedy Bar. -
Review from Grace M.
Scarborough, ON
11/20/2011 8 Check-ins Here
This is pretty much the place I hangout. So I'm pretty biased now. But the only reason I go at least once a week is because ever since I first wandered through those doors the staff at the very least was super nice, so confused about where everything was and I got a full rundown...[which pretty much amounted to where the stage and washrooms were].
The beer is decently priced, a pint of Mill St. Organic is like..$6, if the bar isn't busy I'll happily get a cocktail [pretty much whatever the bartender wants to try, why not eh?] and I've never had bad food. The veg pizza is so good I would wear it as a hat, only had the mac and cheese once, but I nearly fell into a tasty, melty cheese based coma. -
Review from Daniel O.
9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Checked out Comedy Bar for the first time last Monday night.
Rob Delaney was in town for TIFF and scheduled two shows (Sunday and Monday night), at $10 it was a steal. Plus super talented, insanely funny Kathleen Phillps (from Toronto) opened the show.
The venue is much smaller than I anticipated, down a short flight of stairs you enter into a small foyer with a box office. This opens up into a bar with a small side room with a bunch of tables to sit at.
Drinks are very reasonable ($5 for pint), service was great (even though the place was packed).
To the left of the bar is a doorway into the theatre, a long narrow space with a small aisle down the centre and a small stage at the front.
What more do you need in a Comedy Club? A great night out. -
Review from Alex K.
Toronto, ON
7/27/2011
Went here for a surprise 2 Kids 1 Hall dress rehearsal show. I won't critique the show itself, which was pretty damn funny, if still very much a rehearsal, but I will say that the venue was great. Hidden away just down the street from 'the New York Gentleman's Club' (how much do you want to hang out there with Tony and Pussy et al?) this nondescript club has the air of being a real comedy gem; the kind of place where lots of Toronto comics paid their dues. Is that even true? Comedy aficionados will be able to speak to it more than I - but if *felt* that way.
Ticket booth was on the left hand side after descending the stairs and ahead is a spacious bar with another sitting/mingling area off to the right. Beer was fairly priced and if you showed up Sunday-Thursday pitchers were crazy inexpensive (for a comedy club). Pitchers of Amsterdam mind, so guaranteed hangover, but pitchers of beer nonetheless.
The venue turns over between each show, or at least did the night we were there, so a door beside the ticket booth opens up and everyone pours out into the bar. This means that if you come for a show, you can come for just that show without watching an hour of crummy opening acts and still get good seats.
The actual show space is small but cozy - lending itself well to making you feel comfortable laughing really hard and getting engaged with the show.
All in all a great experience. A bit outside of my regular bubble, but maybe that's part of the charm. I'd definitely advise people to check it out. -
Review from Maris L.
Mississauga, ON
9/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great night out. Cheap and great stand up. Get here early as the shows tend to sell out on a sat night!
My buddy Jonathan Schabl.. You were brilliant!! -
Review from Dave M.
2/26/2011
Note: I give this 3 and a half stars.
As a pretty inexperienced comedy club guy, I went into Comedy Bar for their Wednesday night festivities unsure of what to expect. What kind of humour would be thrown at me? Will the audience be forced into participating? Would there be dwarves, vegetables used in inappropriate ways, full-frontal nudity, and 2 guys in a horse costume?
I was pleasantly surprised, but it definitely had its pitfalls for a filthy noob like me.
First off, when you first arrive, it's pretty confusing to get your bearings. In fact, I'm pretty sure I found Bobby Fischer and Jimmy Hoffa before I found the stage.I went downstairs to the bar area, and (shockingly) the ticket booth is empty. To your right is a lounge-type area with a couple of couches and arcades. Next to that and on the far-left are hallways, presumably leading to the staff areas.
So I plunked my ass down at the bar and had a drink, which was surprisingly cheap! I asked the bartender what the deal was to see a show, and he explained to go down the left hallway, and that's it. Well, my drink and I went down the hallway, which branches into 3 directions, one left, one right, and one straight and up the stairs. Thanks, barkeep! Luckily, a couple of girls went into the theater area on the left, and I followed.
After that, things were great. You pay the girl 10 dollars inside, and watch the show.
The seats were not unlike your typical pub seats: uncomfortable prison-sex posterior probes. Small complaint, but hey, if you shift around long enough, people will assume you either have 'roids, or you're trying to do drugs rectally, and that's just not cool. Up with hope, down with butt-dope!
The show itself was phenomenal! Both the Wednesday night scheduled show, and the free improv session that followed were quality comedy shows, and I laughed pretty hard throughout. For 10 bucks, you can't go wrong!
I could see this place becoming pretty insane on a Friday or Saturday night, as even on Wednesday, the lone bartender seemed pretty overwhelmed, and it was practically a full house that night. Judging by how the people were acting, I got the impression this was a really tight-knit community, and a lot of them were there to support their family/friends.
I didn't sample the food that night, and points got knocked off because of a confusing layout (I mean, come on, a sign with the word "STAGE" and an arrow won't kill you) and anal penetrating chairs, but I otherwise loved the place, and I can't wait to return! -
Review from Myrem D.
Mississauga, ON
12/2/2010
Fun place for a few drinks and laughs on a thursday.
We had coupons from dealfind that the staff were unaware of ? (wierd)
The appetizers are yummy and the bartender was sweet.
The stage is small and the show was put on by 5 different groups of comedians.
Some were funny, but most were just alright. Its mostly improv and the crowd seems to be mostly with regulars and a few friends/family members of the comedians that are performing.
The show area itself is tiny and would only be able to fill upto 30people MAX. So its a fun place to hang with a few friends on a weekday.
xoxo.
M. -
Review from Caro A.
Newmarket, ON
1/1/2011
This place is close to where my friend lives so we decided to pop over on a Friday night to check it out.
The layout of the building is not entirely clear once I walked in, but wandering about and observing the crowd can give you an indicator of where to go. The ticket booth attendant was very friendly and helpful with telling me when the show started and where to go in.
I ordered some drinks to tide us over until the show started, and I was very pleased to see that a Long Island Iced Tea comes in a LARGE glass (unlike the tiny little cups that most restaurants and some bars serve). The price of drinks is average (not cheap, but not insane), and for a large iced tea I'm happy to pay for it.
The theatre is small, maybe fitting 50 or so visitors? There are just seats lined up beside one another (like a regular theatre would have) and there is an elevated area at the back with some round tables and tall bar stools.
I didn't know what to expect, but I do enjoy sketch comedy, and that's what was playing that night. It was enjoyable and I did laugh quite a bit at some of the bits. (The build-up to the punch lines is pretty good and some of them are quite creative.)
I'd definitely come back here again, as it's a fun night out. (Of course, I wouldn't drive down to the city for the express purpose of visiting the Comedy Bar. Having a friend who lives close is definitely part of the reason why I'd return.) -
Review from Kat F.
1/18/2010
This is not a review for comedy, as I didn't get to see any, but a review of food and venue.
The layout is confusing and the staff is none-too-willing to help you navigate the place. As Karl R has said, "it's confusing for the first time visitor and the staff seems to assume you know the setup." Staff was decidedly unhelpful and I saw more than a few people milling around trying to figure out what the etiquette was. I overheard "What time does the show start?" "Where is the stage?" "Do you guys have food?" etc.
You walk in (basement) and there's a bar. You can sit at the bar and order food. To the right there's an area with tables, where you can eat said food. To the left (unseen) there is a corridor that leads to the secluded/soundproofed comedy area with stage. I learned this by essentially giving myself a tour and wandering through the place and opening every door possible and poking around. It's pitch black in the comedy room, so if the show has already started, STFU and stand wherever you can because finding a seat in the dark is obtrusive to the performance and the room is tighter than a...I don't know.
I asked the bartender what time the next show started, but she didn't know. I accepted the fact that I would not be enjoying any comedy that night, and since I was famished, I ordered food - Mac & Cheese. It was not good.
I must not have been the only person who thought so, because just now when I went to check the website for the exact price (I recall it being ~$9), it was no longer on the menu. Thank you, Comedy Bar, for removing this underwhelming version of a dish that should be difficult to fuck up from your menu. It was watery instead of creamy, lacking salt and any semblance of cheesiness despite (reportedly) containing three types of cheese. I would even say it was offensively bland, but I was so hungry I plowed through exactly 1/3 of it - and I don't exactly scoff at anything with the words "baked" and "cheese" in the description. -
Review from Karl R.
This place was packed on a cold Friday night in the dead of a Toronto winter when most people would just rather find some place warm and quiet after a week of work and slogging it home every day in -18 c weather. So that's a good sign.
The concept is pretty simple. There's a bar side and a small theatrer side. You can congregate with your friends before the show in the bar and then bring your drinks and foods into the theater for the show.
It's a mite confusing for the first time visitor and staff seems to assume you know the set up.
Food and drinks, there's nothing too surprising save for Sapporo beer on tap (Go University of Sapporo Vikings! Victory over the Shimamatsu Red Skins forever! Boys, be ambitious!).
Foodwise the menu offers a surprise: a Montreal-style steamie ($5 including slaw). I don't get out much but this is the first time I've ever seen that Montreal delicacy on a Toronto menu.
More about steamies here:
http://en.wikipedia.or...
The theater seating is pretty minimal. Mostly low rent banquet style chairs and a few bar type tables. You probably want to finish your grub.
The entertainment appears to be mostly small improv acts cutting their teeth in the world of stage comedy. It's a mixed bag but always refreshing to see comedy not ready for the Comedy channel.
The crowd is young and are mostly there to laugh. It's a pretty supportive atmosphere over all for the young comedians. -
Review from Kate M.
Toronto, ON
4/13/2009
This place is the best. The comedy and improv is the best. The people are the best. Everything about this place is the best.
I need not say anymore other then just go already. Cus it is the best. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
12/5/2008
One of the newest places in Toronto to go see comedy, this place lives up to both ends of its handle. It is a beautiful bar, and a great place to see comedy. Found in the up and coming neighbourhood of Ossington and Bloor, Comedy Bar is a below street level lounge, restaurant, and place where comedy and improv abound.
Began as a brainchild of the team that brought Toronto "Sunday Night Live", Comedy Bar was erected to provide a dedicated performance space to sketch, improv, and sometimes stand-up in the same vein as Second City (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...) and the Bad Dog (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...), providing comedy seven days a week. The comedy theatre itself is a small long room akin to many improv rooms designed to pack people close together and close to the stage to engage in an intimate setting. It totally works.
Comedy Bar also provides a sit-down bar and a lounge as well with dark tones, leather couches, and a fireplace (remote controlled, but a fire place nonetheless). A fantastic place to sit down and enjoy a drink before or after a performance. The menu is fantastic as well with surprisingly tasty food for a comedy shop. Normally comedy food is not funny but laughable. This is not the case here. You'll have as much fun as a team of monkeys performing "Spamalot!" -
Review from Catherine M.
ON
11/20/2008 1 photo
Comedy Bar is a gift to the Bloorcourt neighborhood. With comedy shows of all different flavors - improv, stand up, sketch, and more - there's a little something for everyone here at Comedy Bar.
The business has been "unofficially" open since the late spring, but only had its official opening in November 2008. But in the short time it has been open, Comedy Bar has already managed to wriggle its way into the hearts of comedians, comedy lovers and reviewers alike.
With a full stage and versatile performance area that can go from cabaret style to straight seating to open space for dance or Rock Band parties, groups have flocked to book their shows here. Even while renovations were still going on, the bar had shows nearly every night of the week. Now that the kitchen is open and the bar stocked, it is set to be a great venue for the long haul.
The kitchen hasn't been open long enough for me to get a full sample of the menu, but I can tell you that it is both ambitious and impressive, and nowhere near your usual "pub grub" type offerings. The staff at the bar are all friendly and funny to boot. Be sure to ask for the bar's signature drink, the Sexy Hangout.
Not only are troupes performing nightly, but some of the city's best festivals such as the Fringe Festival, the Toronto Improv Festival and the Toronto Sketch Festival all call Comedy Bar home for performances.Listed in: My Neighborhood, The Places I Go Out
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Review from Jay K.
Toronto, ON
9/24/2009
When I have a guest come to stay with me and they ask what can I walk to that is fun - The Comedy Bar is the only place that comes to mind. The people are great! The comedy can be hilarious, and sometimes terrible - but they always try. And new forms of comedy aren't afraid of this platform either. Like the improvised re-imagining of John Hughes' Some Kind of Wonderful!
The prices are fair, the beer is cold, and even if you're not going to a show the lounge area is a place to come and relax. Definitely my favourite place in Dovercourt! -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
1/20/2009
Oh, Comedy Bar. If I had to raise my thumbs up any further, I'd probably pull a groin muscle.
Comfortable and fun. It's a cavernous room full of friendly people, a place that lends easily to hobknobbing with other comedy fans but, if standing in their main room near the bar feels too network-y, there's a nice loungey space tucked away in the corner to hide, too.
As for comedy? The performance room is great, albeit a little long and maybe a bit difficult for people to see if packed to the gills. And the program? Fantastic, varied, and amplifies the awesome improv, sketch, and stand-up scene that already exists in the city.
PS. They sell Amsterdam KLB Raspberry Wheat beer on tap!
(Gee, I think I'm gushing.) -
Review from Jennifer L.
Toronto, ON
11/27/2009
I was once a stand-up comedy virgin til my friend brought me to one of those Stand-Up Showdown things and I found myself laughing til I cried, even though I didn't really understand what was going on.
I also don't get Improv. It's hit or miss for me. I sometimes feel really awkward when people are doing that sort of thing. When I'm feeling awkward, I like to slump down in my chair and the chairs at Comedy Bar are REALLY uncomfortable. But that is my only complaint.
Comedy Bar is the place 2 B! I'm glad this place exists because without this sweet refuge of comedy, I'd solely be surrounded by the sounds of frenemies complaining and gossiping. Why complain when you can just yuk? That is my motto.
Also, if you don't understand what's happening on stage at Comedy Bar, fake laughing also turns into real laughing, FYI. -
Review from Margs L.
Toronto, ON
4/9/2010
This place I am a fan of. It's close to where I live. Fun thing to do on any night of the week. I like all kinds of comedy.
There was a crazy lady laughing veyr loud at everything which was funny in itself. I recommend checking this place out on a Friday when they do more of the Improv (Catch 23) but I would also want to check it out on other days to see the things they have to offer. -
Review from Kevin W.
Toronto, ON
5/4/2010
Comedy does have an interesting layout.
Here's how it works. When you go down the stairs into the venue there is a ticket both to your left. Most of the show info questions can be answered there. The bar is right in front of you if you walk to the left of the bar you will find the entrance to the theatre portion of the bar. If you continue past the doors and turn right you will find the hallway to the bathrooms. This same hallway can be followed to the sitting portion of the bar. Basically comedy bar is a circle with a bar in the middle.
The beer selection is pretty good and reasonable priced, the food is good too, i like the chicken burrito.
The comedy can be hit or miss(comedy is subjective after all), but go on the right night and you can see some of the Toronto's best talent. Actually some of Canada's best after all people from all over the country come here to perform.
If the staff seems unhelpful just ask a patron, comedy bar has a lot of regulars because affordable drinks and laughs is an addictive combination! -
Review from Chris P.
1/11/2010
Probably about 15% of what I saw was funny. If the show wasn't free I would be giving this place one star. Did I maybe hit an off night, possibly, I guess only a return trip will tell.
