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Communist's Daughter
- Hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri 5 pm - 2 am
Tue 6:30 am - 4 am
Sat-Sun 3:30 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- Live, Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Thu, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
50 reviews for Communist's Daughter
Review Highlights
"The pickled eggs are amazing, but don't be overzealous."
(in 8 reviews)
"...a song by the band Neutral Milk Hotel on the album In The..."
(in 3 reviews)
"Come early, grab a seat and enjoy."
(in 4 reviews)
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50 reviews in English
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Review from Sam G.
11/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A letter to two nights, two bartenders, and one bar:
If you saw me saddle up to the bar with love in my eyes, it's because the name alone was enough to set my heart reeling. And because I was betraying my poor mother country who was occupied by the red star for years.
If you saw me cry at your trumpeting and singing performance it's only because I found a dream that I never thought I could live. And I did, if only for a moment. It was magic, it really was. Living in an era suspended between then and now. But reality was just outside the door. What else is there to do but weep?
If you were surprised by my kisses on your cheek and confused by my emphatic hugs, it's only because you were a mysterious bearded man who reveled in the same music all the while being the the most attentive and genuine bartender a lass could ask for.
And let's not get too taudry, here, but your eggs, salami, nuts, and pickles are also out of this world.
After all this, I sat on your bathroom throne and confessed to the priest (thankfully looking the other direction). Oh how glorious it was to purge my seven sins!
When I come crawling back to you, even after a year away, please welcome me with loving and open arms again. We can pretend that time never existed and that true love waits. -
Review from Jonathan W.
Calgary, AB
2/9/2012
Total dive bar with its charms.
Hipster crowd for sure, so try to blend in. One server- take it or leave it, no fuss, no muss. Go because you feel like the scene.
Good luck finding a seat. -
Review from Noel D.
1/11/2012
I guess I'm not cool enough to understand why people love this place so much. I certainly don't think it deserves so many 5-star reviews, but maybe I am just looking for something else when it comes to drinking establishments.
Yes, this place is extremely small. Anytime I have gone it's been crammed full of hipsters and I've never enjoyed the music playing. Going to this place when it's full is simply not an enjoyable experience. Squeezing between people to try and get to the washroom and then finding out 4-5 people are also waiting to use the facilities.
I walk by here a lot and there's usually a gang of chain smokers standing outside. One quick peek through the window and it looks like a closet full of drunk kids.
Meh. Maybe I'm being overly harsh. I just think there are much greater bar options in the Dundas/Ossington area. By no means do I think Communist Daughter is a "hidden gem" because everyone seems to know about it. And if your idea of a fun time is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with hipsters or fighting over seating then you'll love this place. -
Review from Mauricio A.
Toronto, ON
6/20/2011
Quite the little dive this is. Tiny, local and with a nice 'hidden' vibe to it, although everyone and their communist's daughter know about. Ha! An existential plug homerun!
Anyway, place is tiny, cheap and they have live music from time to time.
Very retro in decour with a few circa's 50's chairs. So basically it feels like this place was ripped out of Queen west and dropped magically on Dundas West.
Hipsters, locals, artists, students, and blue-collars are this place's bread and butter clients since the place has that rugged, kinda of dirty, old and yet friendly aura to it. Not to mention the food on the tiny menu is all like $7. Also they do live bands on the weekends. I only know this because my friend's Rosenman's brother Roberto plays the trumpet there from time to time.
As I have only been to this localed during the weekdays when for some reason or another found myself here.Listed in: My Reviews
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Review from Benjamin C.
11/22/2011
Great bartender, atmosphere and crowd. It was my first time in Toronto and this place made me feel like I was at home. Stay away if you like ritzy, glamorous bars; fake people, or if you suffer from claustrophobia.
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Review from Madelaine D.
Toronto, ON
4/8/2011
If a dirty living room full of hipsters is your scene, this is the bar for you. We're talking badly cracked walls, lamps that should be in an old house, bathrooms that smell, no reak, of urine, a really chilled out atmosphere, really friendly service, and great tunes.
The bar, stools, tables and chairs look like those you'd find in a small vintage diner. The lighting is dim.
A word of warning...this place is hard to find unless you know that the sign above the bar says Snack Bar, not The Communist's Daughter. We honestly walked back and forth in front of this place 4 or 5 times (alcohol may have been a factor) before we realized it was the inconspicuous sign in the window that we should be looking for.
This place has character so I definitely get the appeal, I just wouldn't go out of my way to make the trek . A solid 3 stars for this one. -
Review from Stephanie M.
East York, ON
5/15/2011 7 photos
Interesting comments from the previous posters.
Saturday afternoons from 4-7pm is a must if you are really going to get a sense of this bar, the people, the atmosphere, the food and drinks.
Michael Louis Johnson and the Red Rhythm band play every Saturday. Michael will serve you up a pint then pick up his trumpet and/or sing a song! Then in between verses serve up a few more drinks. Whether you sit in the back, stand to the side or sit up front; this cozy and intimate setting will either having you swooning or clapping your hands!
If I am with a group of friends we try to sit in the back as to not to be too loud if we are talking. But last weekend I was late getting there and ended up sitting right at the front and had the pleasure of watching the other musicians work their magic on their perspective instruments.
The decor may give you the sense that is it run down but it's not. It's just part of its charm! The booze is reasonably priced. The food options are limited but you're not really there to eat! ha! But the prices are very reasonable. And yes the bathroom is not the prettiest thing but we are talking about an old part of town, with old establishments. Are you there to hang out in the bathroom? no!
Get there by 3:30pm to get a good seat. The music, the people, the drinks are why you go to the Communist's Daughter aka Nazare Snack Bar!! ha!! I will post pictures from last week when I finally upload them :0) -
Review from Sahra G.
12/7/2010 ROTD 2/21/2011
I really really enjoy this bar. It's so cozy and I love that they still kept the old snack bar sign. Monday is the best day to go as they do the vinyl vote. I was touched a few Mondays ago when I showed up super late and the bartender put my record on right away. Dude knows his stuff because he knew the record was super rare and expensive and thanked me for bringing such a treasured item to the bar. Too bad the people who voted against playing side B didn't know.
The bar is really really small.... cozy would be the proper word. Atmosphere is great, drinks are cheap and when you get mega wasted you can stumble over to the underwhelming lakeview for some late night poutine.
Other reviewers wondering who the Communists Daughter is? It's actually a song by the band Neutral Milk Hotel on the album In The Aeroplane Over The Sea.
Best Monday drinking spot in the city hands down. -
Review from Jo M.
Toronto, ON
2/2/2011
Love this place! So small and extremely cozy. Best jukebox! Friendly and efficient bartenders. Moderately priced drinks. Great atmosphere.
Get here early if you want a seat. -
Review from Richie S.
10/4/2010
***2.5 Stars***
I just feel so...not hip here. I don't have (visible) tattoos. I don't wear oversized glasses. My jeans aren't skinny.
Prices aren't bad though and the music is stellar. -
Review from Toronto L.
Toronto, ON
7/9/2011
the Toronto Lover system:
5 stars = Must visit!
4 stars = Really good. I take my friends here.
3 stars = Somewhat worth it... if you have nowhere better to go.
2 stars = Below average. Attend only when necessary.
1 star = Do not visit!
I'm not sure what everyone loves about Communist's Daughter. It's small, so it's uncomfortably warm, and everyone is seated closely together. There're also very few seats, so you're out of luck if you want to sit with a group of friends when it's busy. It has the same beers as everywhere else, and the food is no better than anywhere else. I'm sorry: I'm glad they're successful, but this bar is overhyped.
3 stars -
Review from Kent P.
8/3/2010
Well, it's really small. There's a picture of a young girl on the wall, assuming that's the communist's daughter. She was OK.
Take a gamble with the crowd, I guess. If they're gross, there's no hiding from them. 4 bucks for a 50. Tolerable.
Is this place so highly rated because "its just sooo scene"? Whatever.Listed in: DRINKNG IS FUN, ALL HYPE
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Review from Kevin D.
Toronto, ON
7/29/2010
OH BOY! I LOVE DIVE BARS WITH JUKE BOXES.
I do, no kidding around. I had been meaning to try this joint and finally got around to it in July 2010. This mini-bar is staffed by one man and the establishment seats maybe 22 peeps. So naturally, you feel pretty special by simply finding a seat.
Nothing fancy here folks- just good booze at decent prices, but the place just makes you feel at ease. Honestly it reminded me of the hash-bars in Amsterdam, minus the cannabis. Just relaxed, very friendly people like you and me and Burt & Ernie.
Not mush in the way of food, but if you're thirsty and in the neighbourhood, pop in for a drink. I can't wait to come back on BYOV Mondays- Bring Your Own Vinyl Mondays... -
Review from Bloordale M.
Toronto, ON
2/16/2011
A nice neighbourhood joint. Relaxed and sparkly. Fun people hang out here. Eclectic crowd. Service is good.
Small. No coffee. Limited food menu.
Sometimes the ironic-retro jukebox thing gets a bit tired for me but most people seem to enjoy it. Perhaps I am a bit too old to find retro ironic :)
And mostly the music is good - especially the live music on the weekends. -
Review from Anfernee C.
Toronto, ON
9/13/2010
After hearing about this place for the longest time I finally found myself sitting inside this cosy little hideout nested in the West side of downtown Toronto (not too far from my house so bonus!). With a Mill Street Original Organic in hand and friends by my side I have to say Communist's Daughter totally lived up to the hype.
http://www.vimeo.com/1...
Saturday afternoons at 4pm. Be there.
Apparently the band that was playing (not the regulars that day) normally play at The Painted Lady on Sundays at 6pm. That's just around the corner from Communist's Daughter so I'll have to check it out sometime. -
Review from Ryan S.
2/22/2010 2 photos
I missed my flight to dallas.
Checked out of my hotel late.
Woke up at 12:45pm with my pants half off, jacket, sweater, shirt still on, looneys strewn across the floor, camera cracked, documenting the previous night with 3 pictures of the Communist Daughter's bathroom & stairs...
...and I had blood on my finger.
Things got weird.
My "tour de toronto" quest to experience all things Canadian culminated at 1:47am at The Commies Daughter, who not only allowed me to taste hip Toronto, but live, embody it and actually feel like I was it till 5:00am...
Pickled Eggs. Politics. Good Friends. Great Jukebox. And Labatt 50's. It's all about the 50's.
This could stand as one of the best last calls of my life.
You dirty commies.
Thank you.Listed in: ToronTO!
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Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
The Commie is an original gem on the Ossington strip.
Nestled close to hipster bars in the area, the Commie continues to offer salvation to those of us who want to a quaint place to hang out on weekend nights. I always feel relaxed when I come here, either alone with a book or with friends for last call. The beer selection is quite good, especially with a bottled variety from Quebec breweries. Whenever possible I sample one of their infamous pickled eggs. Yes, they stink up the joint but after a night of drinking, they taste oh-so good. I don't bother adding coins into the jukebox as there's a long list of requests yet to be played. As long as I never hear Lady Gaga play in the Commie, I'm content with whatever is playing.
We know that this boite gets busy on weekend nights but try it during off peaks hours. At 5 o'clock on Saturday and Sunday evenings, the Commie plays host to local musicians, a sampling of great musical acts this city has to offer.
I caught the Sunday show called Sunday Revival, a country night. Already packed, I was lucky enough to grab a seat near the stage, which is the window nook where the musicians play. On guitar is John Borra singing a nice collection of country favourites from Johnny Cash and Neutral Milk Hotel, while Sam Ferrera accompanies him on slinkies, musical saw and a cheese grinder. Expect to witness something very special. Actually, life is pretty special whenever you're at the Commie.Listed in: Beer & Whiskey Joints, One ain't the loneliest number
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Review from Ktimene G.
8/11/2009 ROTD 2/3/2010
This reminds me of my East LA dives, except not scary. It almost has that incognito speakeasy feel, but is more along the cozy side.
The real reason I love it is authenticity-- when we were there the first time, a group of uppity girls were complaining about not getting their drinks fast enough. They picked a verbal fight with the bartender, and he actually threw them out (as in pointed the way to the door). It was awesome! In an age when money rules, it goes to show that being polite never goes out of style no matter whether you're a hipster or an up-towner. -
Review from Kent S.
2/24/2010
This was exactly the kind of place that I was trying to find while visitng Toronto. A dive amongst dives. The best way that I could describe this place would be similar to hanging out in the kitchen of a very old, unrehabbed, early 1900s home, with poor lighting, a lack of seating, and one tap. One domestic tap.
When I visit a place such as Toronto, I'm on a quest to make me some new Canadian friends, the kind that claim to be cosmopolitan enough to lack a Canadian accent until they say the words "house" and "about."
So, I'm standing there, with my lady, talking about how I've decided that Toronto would be a far better place to live than Chicago, when one of the many kind natives offered to shuffle their seating so that we could have a table. Then we sit and discuss about how much more colourful this city is than ours as well as how the people are so much more approachable. We talk about how wonderfully divided the neighbourhoods are and how that makes our exploration so simple.
I turn to one of the gents that offered us our spot and ask, "Odd question, but I'm just curious, how near do you live to this bar?" He responds, "You can actually see my place from here."
That was when I knew that I loved Toronto. -
Review from Angela L.
2/3/2010
The Communist's Daughter is a quaint and cozy little joint, so a beautiful secret it was never going to stay. Weeknights are the best time to walk in and still be able to grab one of the limited seats at the few small tables - if you come early.
Mondays are for sharing your favourite vinyl. Every record gets a spin before the whole bar gets to vote whether side B gets a chance. Democracy rules, so it doesn't matter how loud you cast your vote, but in my experience, there's no harm and even some fun in trying.
As per usual, there was a lone bartender on staff when we walked in from the chilly night. It was the shift of the delightful mister who resembles Larry David playing the part of Geppetto. Considering that the boite was filled, he kept a close eye on all the tables and did a good job on refueling us all the while with incredibly friendly service. -
Review from Kate R.
Toronto, ON
9/21/2010
Small and wonderful.
The bartender is friendly and welcoming. We went on a Monday night - great music, great crowd, great everything.
If you love records, be sure to bring your favourite on a Monday too. They'll play the A-Side and then the bar votes on a mystery record or "Decide on the B-Side". -
Review from Martin S.
Toronto, ON
5/11/2009
I concur with the other positive reviews here, this is a great place, with great beers, the best jukebox in the city, an awesome beer cheese sandwich, and a cosy, comfortable feel.
I merely want to add that this is an especially perfect place to go for an early drink. While I rarely cram myself into its small place on a weekend evening, I love going there at 4:30 on a day off, coming in with some new books from Monkey's Paw, and sitting down to read for a few hours before it gets busy, finishing a few beers while I'm at it. For a few bucks I can customize my soundtrack, or, if the bartender is feeling generous, just request one of their cd's. It's a great, casual way to spend an afternoon. Not that I don't love attending on the occasional drunken friday night with friends, but for me the Daughter is best when it is peaceful, a welcome surrogate livingroom in which to chill and have a cheap stock ale.Listed in: Favourite TO Bars
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Review from beth p.
Toronto, ON
8/18/2010
I like this bar a lot. A lot, a lot.
They have Innis and Gunn and Duggan's 9, and both these beers are awesome. The staff is great, and really patient, given that everytime I'm there I put Ann Peebles' "Can't Stand the Rain" on the jukebox. The jukebox is pretty rad, though (and this says more about me than the Commie) sometimes confusing causing me to play the same song twice (again, the bartenders are very patient).
The pickled eggs are amazing, but don't be overzealous! I've been cut off, which is, believe me, more embarrassing than being cut off of drinks. -
Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
12/5/2008
Another hole in the wall of a place, The Communist's Daughter is very popular, but easily missed: the sign outside says Nazaré Snack Bar. This creates a word of mouth clientele that keeps this place busy on most nights.
The jukebox wars (war being used in the friendliest way possible here) are fun as you're often left waiting for your batch of songs to show up. Of course, the opposite happens sometimes, and the bar owner will select albums to play, often which leave you equally satisfied.
I'd try and continue describing how good this place, but I find nothing will do it justice the way Jimi S' review in here does. If you took the time to read this, make sure you read his review. -
Review from Michael E.
12/1/2009
Easily one of the best bars in the world.
I was in Toronto for a night and yelp led me just a few more blocks from the CN Tower than the average tourist.
As I headed down Queen St. West I'll admit the city looked a little quiet, but it was Sunday night after all.
Then you walk in, it's packed, little place to stand, but I was lucky to score a stool and lean against the jukebox.
Not that I needed the jukebox because there was a band playing, an awesome bluegrass band! Then I got a seat at the bar, and the local beers! Good stuff!
Then the bartender figures out I'm not a local, and offers a shot to welcome me to the Communist's Daughter, she shares one too, cause shooting alone must be capitalistic! And when she's done, she gets up and joins the band. Can you believe that? No bartender for 20 min, but no one seems to care.
Gotta love socialism! I certainly love the bar! -
Review from Mark H.
Toronto, ON
5/2/2010
Looks like the proximity to the hot Ossington strip has turned this into a pseudo-dive bar - even attracting a number of US reviews? Can we change the classification? Is it still a dive bar if you spend $150 at Foxley and walk up the street for a night cap?
I give it high ratings for what it was 4 years ago or so when I first went to this dingy, edgy snack bar and enjoyed a bottle of, at the time obscure, Innis and Gunn. If they are now putting Mill Street on tap then I guess they are catering to the new clientele - and perhaps it is Mill Street Organic. Please change the classification to mainstream pub for all those that feel it is "hip". -
Review from Brian S.
Toronto, ON
8/16/2009
One of the best bars in the city, if not the best! It's small, quaint, cozy, sometimes too crowded, but always has such a local, authentic field with great staff.
It's worth checking Michael J play from 4-7 on Saturday nights. He does double duty as bartender and bandleader/singer/trumpeter.
A story worth relating about this place, which describes how local and quaint the place is. On Christmas eve, Michael J was bartending. Instead of a normal night, he brought along christmas songbooks and by 11pm the whole place was singing along to carols - not just normal ones, but he and the crowd were teaching other czech and other global christmas songs.
Can't beat a place like this!Listed in: Ossington Village
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Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
11/13/2008 1 photo
Though feisty jukebox wars exist between the hipsters who play Neutral Milk Hotel on loop and the older 'hoodies who favour the classic country selections, the fight's fun to watch and contributes to Communist's Daughter being one of my fave spots to down a cozy pint.
I love the set-up, too. The ramshackle second-hand seats and tables are so close that you're guaranteed a chat with a random other, unless you want to be all cool and aloof and stuff, which is quite easy to do here, given the area.
But gasp! What's this about their pickled eggs jar, and why have I not noticed it before? Aye, the adventures never end, laddie. -
Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
11/21/2008
As everyone else has said, this place is cozy and homey and wonderful, the bar is super cheap, they play great music, staff makes you feel like home...
But if you don't go on a good night, you will NOT find a seat. Many a time I have craved the warmth of Communist's Daughter, and have been greeted with the humidity of a thousand bodies crushed into a bar that is smaller than some washrooms. Despite the fact that the sign outside says "Nazaré Snack Bar" (I thought it was a Portuguese Sports Bar for the longest time -- they do this on purpose to keep people away), people are not swayed and they still show up in swarms on busy nights.
Go on a weeknight to get the full experience of a great neighbourhood bar. -
Review from Tovah F.
Toronto, ON
5/28/2009
Best jukebox in the city. Come early, grab a seat and enjoy. There really is nothing bad to be said about this bar, except for the fact that I dislike going and being saddened with the fact that there is nowhere to sit.
It gives me a warm feeling everytime I enter through the doors. Cutest place in the city. By far. Put on some Decemberists or Dolly Parton for me! -
Review from Rachel L.
Toronto, ON
10/4/2009
If I am doing a whirlwind tour of Toronto for someone out of town, this is normally my bar of choice.
It's petite, packed with ambiance, chatter, and dim lighting, and the friendliest bartenders that I can recall in Toronto.
My only issue is that it is a tad pricey. Maybe it's a built-in cover charge for the word-of-mouth reputation, or a tax for sitting in one of their ten chairs, or the fact that it is was on Ossington before it was Bourgeossington, but whatever! No one is annoying and I always get a kick out of walking past it when I take a friend there.
They do NOT take credit cards. -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
11/1/2009 1 Check-in Here
Huge fan. The Saturday afternoon "gypsy jazz" show with Michael J is a must see and I try to drop in whenever I can, if I can squeeze through the crowd!
Great draft beer selection including Mill Street. They also serve sandwiches and simple grub (cheese plates, pickled eggs) all listed on the blackboard.
This is just a bar with a good vibe. Went there one year for New Year's and everyone was just celebrating together. It's like a little oasis in Toronto - one of the few places where strangers will talk to each other in a generally unfriendly city.
If you are there when there is no live music, you must check out the juke box. The selections change fairly often and are always eclectic and fun. I guarantee you'll find something you haven't heard in a while but love. -
Review from Billy D.
1/17/2010
Picture a small bar, lit by a mixture of candles and christmas lights with old pictures painted on the walls. Behind the bar, there's a dishwasher (just like the one at your grandma's house) a random smattering of glasses and only one bartender. It takes at least ten minutes to get a drink - not because its super busy or they are rude, just because they are taking their time.
Pretty solid draft beers (I think four on tap) and the pickled eggs are killer.
It's a pretty good dive bar, but don't go too far our of your way to stop here. If I were a local, I'd be in quite often. -
Review from Stephen O.
3/14/2009
Exactly as advertised - a real 'hip' dive bar with great craic (chat/banter) and no edge.
Taxi drivers don't know it and it does take a bit of courage to a) find it, and b) cross the threshold but once you're there, you're family.
Finding The Troggs and Badly Drawn Boy on the same jukebox is a highlight. Limited liquors so don't expect any fancy schmancy cocktails but what you get comes with a 'heavy elbow' kick.
Cheers. -
Review from Anonymous A.
11/19/2010
This place was great. The bartender was really nice and I'll repeat what another review said, good booze at decent prices. Something like $15 for a beer and 2 whiskey shots which was really good considering the strip of bars/restaurants along ossington that would cost way more.
The atmosphere was cool, it felt conspirational. It looks like a place that will always be busy and the crowd was hipsters and regular folks. -
Review from Natalie W.
Toronto, ON
7/30/2009
Oh, the Communist's Daughter. I was a little skeptical at first because I had no idea where I was going, but this place is great. It's small, a little dimly lit, but a really positive vibe. A lot of the time it's standing room only, but there are only a few seats to begin with...
The strawberry beer from Belgium is tasty and a cute size. Come early to avoid the food running out :) -
Review from Marcus Y.
12/22/2010
Came here on a Tuesday night. It was crowded but there was still space around the bar to stand. We tried to order drinks but was told there was no more space around the bar (why let us inside in the first place?). This review gets a 2 because of the service, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and try again another time. Hopefully I'll be able to change my rating then.
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Review from Daniel B.
12/8/2008 3 Check-ins Here
One of the few spots in the city that is simply perfect.
Worth catching a seat at the bar and talking with strangers.
Friendly bartenders, fascinating crowd. -
Review from Melanie H.
Toronto, ON
2/3/2010 ROTD 4/21/2010
Once I heard that someone was in Korea, and they were reading a local paper, and there was a story about how great Toronto is, especially this bar called the Communist's Daughter. That same day I heard that story, I was at the Commi, and the bar tender (and Toronto icon), was playing the trumpet, singing with the live band, and tending the bar all at once!
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Review from Horace M.
Toronto, ON
3/5/2009
When a gentleman such as myself wants to have a drink in the afternoon, the quaint communists daughter reminds me of a time in Burma, during the war, when I enjoyed a whisky and a long cigarette in a spot where like minded gentlemen can enjoy a story about better times together. The communists daughter's name is not to be a turn off, there are no line ups for rations! Enjoy the drinks, youngsters!
