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El Mocambo
Category: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Music Venues [Edit]
464 Spadina AveToronto, ON M5T 2G8
Neighbourhoods: Chinatown, Kensington Market, Downtown Core
(416) 968-2001
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
14 reviews for El Mocambo
14 reviews in English
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Review from Jen W.
Scarborough, ON
10/24/2011
I liked it, went and saw a friends band play there, and thought it was fine. It wasent packed the night we went, but thats ok and I didin't find the bartendors any worse then anywhere else. Like what are they suppose to be doing kissing your butt everytime you go up there a little bit more drunk?. They seemed decent to me. The bathrooms are a little dark but if your so drunk you cant find the toilet , is that really the biggest problem you have? since really its not that bad!. Id spend 10 bucks to get back in, np.
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Review from Alexa M.
Toronto, ON
7/6/2011
For anyone who is going to the elmo other than for the pure love of music then you just better go home. TO is full of places where you can sit around, pay big bucks and feel pretty. Elmo not only has history, it's got a soul.
It's the real deal. If you are going there, go for the music, go for the bands, and MOST IMPORTANTLY.....I repeat, MOST IMPORTANTLY:
GO BECAUSE EVERY ADDITIONAL PROFIT GAINED FROM THIS PLACE (not the profit for the bands but concert hall rental profit etc) GOES TO CHARITY!
These people are there for a reason. If some bartender didn't give you a nice smile, that's probably because they were up the night before making sandwiches for the homeless of TO, and are too tired at the moment to smile...literally. Do the research on CBC or CityTV news and you are sure to come across some of their stories. -
Review from Debbie G.
North York, ON
4/27/2011
What a shit-hole.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, the venue is "a Toronto landmark" and has been the host of some well known bands/celebrities... but the El Mocambo reminds me of an old 96 year old man in a coma who's family keeps hoping he'll wake up but everyone knows he never will.... PULL THE DAMN PLUG!
I came here reluctantly because a co-worker was playing a show here and everyone from work pestered me to go. Not really my scene, that's fine, I'll suck it up. But no, sorry. It sucked.
First of all- the bartender we had was a super bitch. People who are miserable with their jobs should quit. She clearly hates her job. She should quit. I mean, when your income relies on making tips you should be a bit more friendly with people, and not have a smug-stuck-the-fuck-up look on your face the ENTIRE night.
Secondly- security here is such a joke. A couple of our friends (ALMOST 30!) weren't drinking and didn't bring their I.D so they had big X's on their hands to show that they aren't allowed to drink. Fine. But when they both went outside for a cigarette and tried to get back in, they were denied. No one told them that because they had X's on their hands they weren't free to come and go as they pleased. No one relayed this info to us as we entered. So my friends that weren't allowed to come back in MISSED the band they came to see. I had to get their coats for them in coatcheck and everything.
After that incident, I will NEVER come back. That was just insane, I thought. I mean, I understand you can't be letting little kiddies coming and going (they could be going out to drink booze, then coming back in all drunk and if something happens the club is liable....etc...) I get it. But these were some GROWN-ASS MEN. Who were not intoxicated at all. The Security guard should have made an exception, but whatever. Fucking idiot.
Other than the shitty people working there, the place is filthy beyond belief and there's no lighting in the bathrooms! And wtf is up with the pop for drinks being poured out of 2-litre bottles? Can you say GHETTO? Haha. I can't believe this place is still in business. -
Review from Kat F.
10/6/2009
The El Mo's been kicking around for a looooong time. I neither like or dislike it, it's just sort of "there." Let's put it this way: if I hear that a band I like is playing here, I'm both excited and not. Excited because I know it'll be cheap (under $12) and easy to get to (506 College or 510 Spadina streetcar) but underwhelmed because it's as dark as the cellar in Silence Of The Lambs, the sound quality is questionable and they try to force you to check your coat in the winter. And I really hate that.
I recently saw Telefon Tel Aviv now (deadly show) and the bass was so fucking loud that the projector broadcasting the visuals kept getting shaken right off the screen. As in, with each thump it'd get rattled an inch to the right until it was eventually projecting onto another surface entirely. A tech had to keep climbing up on a chair to readjust the projector. Needless to say, the sound quality need some work. Also file under: loud as fuck.
What's up with the weird, long front room as you enter? It's got a motorcycle on display, some plants, a few issues of NOW magazine and a couch that I've never seen anyone sit on. What is that even used for??Listed in: Concert Venues
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Review from Arlene K.
Toronto, ON
2/27/2010
Normally I have frequented bigger venues in the past and this is only one of the few smaller venues that I have attended for a concert. I can't complain about smaller venue shows. I read the reviews about El MO prior to attending the concert and went in having no expectations of this place. I thought the venue was pretty good as there were a few seats that you could sit on instead of having your poor feet feel like they are going to fall off by the end of the show. I felt that the limited seating gave the venue a nice homey /cozy atmosphere as though you were sitting in someones living room. Mind you, most people like to stand so you may not get a good view of the performance if you sit the entire night.
Contrary to other reviews, they were not forcing anyone to check in your coat. There were no coat checks at all. I'm not sure if it was because we were on the first floor that it was so close to the door, but it felt really cold like the heat was not on cold. I wore a fall jacket thinking that I would get hot during the show, however, I kept the jacket on the entire night and still felt chilly.
The staff was really efficient and friendly. I would recommend that you go check out this venue if your favourite artist/band is going to perform here. -
Review from Emily T.
Toronto, ON
11/18/2008 1 photo
If you live and breathe in Toronto and are a fan of music, you must check out the El Mo at some point.
(Side note: I know how tired it is to ask someone if they like music. Everyone likes music. I just didn't want to start with: go check out their website and if you like the set list, you can't pass on The El Mocambo!)
My point is, the El Mo is a venue that's been around since the 50's. Everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Black Flag has made an appearance there; it's a true piece of T.O history. As such, if you live in this city or are visiting, it's a spot that has some great shows that is worth checking out.
Other good points: the cover charge is consistently lower than other concert venues, and while it has gone through a reno, still has the intimate feel lacking from other bigger places. -
Review from Thomas B.
North Bay, ON
6/1/2009
I don't want to hate on this place because it is a pretty cool spot and I had a hell of a time here but as a venue for bands it's kind of lacking.
Upstairs:
The stage is super tiny. The (abnormally long) room is divided in half by a unfortunately placed pillar. The acoustics are garbage. The sound system sucks.
The coolest thing about this place is behind where they have the stage there is what feels like a VIP lounge. Super cool spot to sit and have a drink at intermission.
Theres not much to be said since I've only been there once. It would be nice if they had a bit more seating in that huge empty space near the bar for those people who just want to chill out and enjoy the music. After all watching how some of the patrons dance is pretty awesome and hilarious all at once.
The music was really good when I went! (We seen Whiskey Collective)
I wouldn't rule out going to this place for another show, and I have already recommended it to my friends. Only now that I am writing a review did I really notice all the flaws while trying to be completely honest with all the readers. But to be completely honest I'd have to emphasize that you won't notice these flaws in the moment, you'll be too busy having a blast with your pals! -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
11/23/2008 1 photo
This place has definitely prettied itself up since that whole fearsome buyout debacle. After successful petitions and town hall meetings hosted by community flag-waver Olivia Chow, the El Mo remained a concert venue on the main floor, much to the heaving sighs of local live music fans.
Though it did keep its promise, the space has definitely lost its street cred and attracts way fewer punks (are there any punks left in Toronto?) than I remember seeing before. I hate to say it, but it's kind of lost the personal touch it had with the more intimate, ramshackle seat layout and stage off to the right: small to moderate sized crowds made the place cozy. In the reno'ed venue, with the stage at one end and a long empty space before the bar starts at the back, there's an empty awkwardness that lingers in the air.
At the same time, there's lots of tradition here. It holds vastly more people and attracts good quality local and international acts that should be getting more attention. Go on a weekend and don't waste your time in the back by the bar, standing away from the crowds. -
Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
12/2/2008
I don't think I'm allowed to hate the El Mo. It's been around too long, it has too much history with the city, and it has too much history with me.
Smaller bands and dance nights generally happen on either the main floor or upstairs, and how good your night goes really depends on what you're going to see. The last concert I went to there was mind-blowing -- not only was I going to see one of my favourite musicians, but I was with good company and the place was quiet and insanely intimate.
I've been here for other things, from comedy shows to punk shows to dance parties, and the level of fun all depends on what's going on. The El Mo for sound quality is not amazing, but the El Mo for booze is great -- awesome bartenders and cheap prices. And they carry 50, so that means I can get as much beer as possible for my $20 bill.
If you're in the city, don't come to the El Mo just to go there -- odds are, you'll be stuck in the middle of an all ages show or something else lame and weird. But if you see something that looks fun, it probably will be, and the El Mocambo is a good place to see a great show.
Note: El Mo in the summertime = NO. I've had a couple nights where the upstairs was so hot I was covered in other people's sweat, and one night there was even a fire! (Maybe from the combination of dirty dancing and humidity? I say yes). -
Review from Lynda W.
Toronto, ON
9/24/2008 2 photos
I went to a concert at El Mocambo yesterday. I didn't even know there was such a venue on the Spadina strip. I don't know what I would dub this joint, I guess concert venue, although I don't know if they have other stuff throughout the week.
First impression, not very good. The bouncer guy at the front was quite strict with my friend. She had a container of juice, which she packed from lunch (she came straight after work), and the guy made her dump it out! It actually was funny because he kept saying "if I open the bottle, will there be water". And confused, she kept saying "no, it's juice". This went on for a minute or so and finally she dumped it out.... So word of warning, do not bring outside food!
The concert was on the 1st floor. I didn't realize that there were multiple floors, the place is bigger than it looks! There are some seats on both sides, as well as a very low couch near the AV booth. That's where I spent the majority of the night. The venue is very cozy and seeing a band play there is awesome. There's some very sensual about being a small venue and so close to the stage.
Great couch, great music, pretty good venue! -
Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
10/2/2008
The El Mo has been around since before dirt.
The Rolling Stones played there a lot as the story goes, and thus a legend is born.
As for the rest of it: it's two floors that hold about 400 at capacity each.
The old set up was far more rock and roll, the new is a bit like venue meets ballet class.
When I was in high school I used to go tot he all-ages shows, and as far as I know, they still do lots of them. I've been to some amazing concerts here, so has everyone from Toronto, but I have been to far more terrible ones.
The bartenders are nice, and quick, considering they pour pop from 2L bottles instead of off a pop gun.
There are no frills here at all. It's definitely a place for people who want to see a specific show or have a specific plan, not so much a spot that is consistent night after night or every weekend. -
Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
12/23/2008
The El Mo is a venue that always seems to rented out by bands you've never heard of, making it consistently one of the best places to enjoy local music.
The El Mo has 2 floors. The main floor is dark and a bit grimey, but it has a huge concert venue space. It's so huge, that there could be bands playing, and you could easily sit by the window (past the bar) and have yourself a regular conversation. Of course, that's in plain view of the stage, so there's also a chance you'll be the subject of some ridicule from whomever has the mic. Just sayin'...
Upstairs is a smaller venue, and it has a bit of a homier feel to it, but one that quickly dissolves when it fills up. If there's lots of people, it'll be a party. I've seen the upstairs used for non-music things, like stand up comedy. It's a good venue for things like that, too.
The beers here are reasonably priced, with a bottle being in the $4 range. -
Review from Catherine M.
ON
12/4/2008
While not my favorite venue in the city, you can't deny the presence and history that the El Mo brings to the table. For one thing, you can definitely feel the years won layers of blood sweat and tears that have gone into the many amazing shows that have gone down here.
The time of year when I think this venue really shines is during NXNE or any other large scale musical happening. With two floors often running simultaneous shows (often of wildly varying genre or quality), you can find a whole lot of different people thrown together for the love of the music. Considering the surroundings, it would seem odd to have it any other way.
I can't say that the bar itself holds any special or totemic sway, but I will say that the staff here are always professional while still maintaining a genial air, as one would hope that working at a venue like this would at the very least be an interesting experience. I wouldn't pick a random show to check out the El Mocambo, but if a band you like or know is playing here, it is definitely worth checking out. For my own experience I have definitely spent some time in the wee hours of the morning dancing away, even while the band is getting ready to pack up and head out. -
Review from Shawn B.
Oshawa, ON
8/13/2010
Truly a staple in the Toronto music scene. The El Mocambo has changed hands a few times and definitely changed moods along the way, but its ability to draw enthusiastic crowds and eclectic international and local acts makes this a choice spot on to check out on any night of the week.
