- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Phoenix Concert Theatre
Category: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Music Venues [Edit]
410 Sherbourne StToronto, ON M4X 1K2
Neighbourhood: Cabbagetown
(416) 323-1251
- Hours:
Sat 10 pm - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
21 reviews for Phoenix Concert Theatre
21 reviews in English
-
Review from Danielle F.
Toronto, ON
10/16/2010
Saw Ok Go here on Thursday and it was quite the show! But yes, this is about Phoenix Concert Hall.
The concert was accommodated extremely well by the venue. The bands went on and off the stage and all the equipment changed with ease. The lighting was amazing and vibrant. The stage was a good size for what was going on. The sound was amazing! I could hear every instrument and even through my ear plugs (dorky, I know) it was still a good volume.
Problem: It was an all ages night. And while that's not so much a problem in itself- except for the boy in the red spandex unitard dancing and trying to start chants behind me- the issue is what they did with that. The bouncers were nice, handing out wristbands to those of age but everyone that was drinking/having a drink was held like cattle at the back by a metal barricade gate. Hello? It is a basic concept that the drinking people should be mixed into the crowd, thus making things lively. Even the band noticed and pointed it out disappointedly!
The merchandise booths were in a good spot where everyone could see them and there was enough space for lines to form for each booth. People from the bands even came out to sign stuff! No Ok Go though, they're too cool for that shit. -
Review from Melanie W.
Toronto, ON
Phoenix is a great venue. Seen many shows there. Saw DJ shadow tonight. He was awesome!
Would it kill them to give me a lime wedge with my vodka soda though? -
Review from Thomas H.
9/20/2011
It's ok. It's quite big and has a few bars.
But I really don't like the sound quality for hip hop concerts.
Also, when it's packed, it gets hot as hell in there... unreasonably hot.
I'd advise you to have a friend RUSH to the coat check when the concert is over. You don't want to spend what could easily turn into 30 minutes in that line. It's sadly understaffed. -
Review from Nicole H.
Toronto, ON
10/29/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The Phoenix is well situated to get to on public transit, and is just on the outskirts of the downtown core (you could even walk over from College station, or down from Sherbourne, if the weather is nice). I've never had an issue with door staff, they are reasonable and do their job quickly to get you carded and in the door. No problems with bag searches.
Inside is a little weirdly set out - you wind through a hallway via the coat check and where the merch stand (if any) will be set up, before hitting the main concert hall.
It's pretty divey, i'm not going to lie. Very dimly lit, everything painted black, strange old decor crammed into forgotten corners and overhangs. It's strange. There's 3 bars which should all be open on a busy night when there's a sold out concert; drinks aren't super cheap, unfortunately - and bottled water is sold at a criminal $3. Washrooms are all the way at the back and downstairs, but there's a lot of them to avoid too much wait. They're not glamorous, but they do.
Sound is great here, i've not had an issue with the quality of that impacting on my enjoyment of a show at all. Space-wise, there's quite a bit - a massive large space downstairs where everyone just lumps in together, and a smaller area on a balcony upstairs which is more casual and there's some seating; not ideal for actually watching a show, more loitering and listening.
Overall I wouldn't hesitate to go see a show at the Phoenix, and you just have to know that you'll probably enjoy yourself despite some of the venue's quirks and appearances. So it sorta evens out to 3 stars, I suppose! -
Review from Janna S.
10/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm going to risk sounding REALLY not cool here, but why are these places so dirty? When the lights are dimmed but I can still see a thick layer of sediment of ceiling fixtures....that's dirty. I don't know; maybe I need to drink more to see past the filth?
Sure, this place has excellent acoustics, and an awesome view, but I'd think twice before returning. There is nothing to do whilst waiting endlessly for acts that invariably start late. I realize the owners want patrons to drink up, but I don't go here for the ambiance. It's downright depressing to sit in the rickety chairs and attempt screaming conversation to kill time. I thought it was telling to see most people glued to their cell phones until the main act started. I guess I'm not the only bored one here.
The women's bathroom should win an award for lowest air-pressure hand dryer EVER. Basically it's useless. And would it really kill them to clean the place up?
That's it...I'm officially old I guess. -
Review from jenna m.
11/18/2011 4 Check-ins Here
The Phoenix is an excellent live music venue. It is located in a questionable area of the city but it is totally worth the hike out. Hopefully you have hobo stab insurance and then you are covered. The space is rather large with high ceilings and good acoustics. There is a raised mezzanine at the back of the venue that provides you with a nice view of the stage. The decor is pretty modest. The walls are painted red and black, kinda dark-feels like Satan's den. There is a large disco ball to illuminate happy concert goers. It is difficult to get a drink sometimes at the Phoenix, crowds are so thirsty and service is subpar. The first show I caught there was Mos Def, awesome! I caught Rural Alberta Advantage last night and I was delighted! I have enjoyed every experience I have had at the Phoenix and I look forward to seeing future shows here.
-
Review from Andrea Z.
Hamilton, ON
3/19/2011 1 photo
I used to love the Phoenix. So many popular mainstream bands would get their start playing this small venue on Sherbourne, but today less concerts are held, and the venue is looking horrid.
The acoustics at the Phoenix are amazing. If you are looking for an intimate show, this is the place. However, because the venue is small, the place gets extremely crowded. Also, I don't know if it's the amount of people in a small venue, or management at the Phoenix, but the place gets way too hot all year round. I swear, I am always having to buy a water to stay hydrated (which is overpriced), and I'm not even dancing or moving. Someone seriously needs to install fans, or lower the furnace at the venue.
The major downfall about the Phoenix is ... the bathrooms. They are beyond disgusting. Their is stuff on the floor, never enough toilet paper, writing all over the walls and no 'real' soap dispenser. Soap is available, but placing it in an old Smirnoff liquor bottle that every single person needs to lift up is not hygienic. They need to hire some cleaning staff, keep the bathrooms looking clean and get a real soap dispenser.Listed in: Concert Chaos
-
Review from Shayne M.
Toronto, ON
9/8/2010
The Phoenix used to be THE club to go to on Saturday nights for Edge 102.1's liver's. It was always packed, the music was great and the overall vibe was always a fun one. All that pretty much changed once Martin Streek was fired from the Edge.
Now, on a good night it seems the club is only 50-60% full. The energy that Martin Streek used to bring can never be replaced, no matter what the club management tries to do. The closed-off balcony and the more-often-than-not closed parlour by the entrance are just reminders of how great the Phoenix was in it's prime.
If you live in the area and are looking for something to do locally then the Phoenix is an okay choice, but there are definitely better options out there should you choose to venture further. -
Review from Kat F.
6/16/2009 1 Check-in Here
Essential Tips From A Phoenix Regular:
GETTING THERE:
Walk southbound from Sherbourne station or take the incredibly unreliable 94 bus along Wellesley OR even the 506 Carlton Streetcar (even less reliable). The Phoenix likes to maintain a line even after the doors have opened, so let's say you want to show up for opener at 9pm - there'll be a line of people arriving in time for the headliner and you will completely miss the opener because you're standing in line like a chump.
GETTING CARDED:
Your ID will be checked and so will your bags so make sure you don't have anything fishy in there - although it's not a thorough job like the strip searches The Opera House is known for. Also, I was once asked my age instead of to show ID and I actually LIED ABOUT MY AGE SAYING I WAS YOUNGER THAN I WAS (but still older than 19). Why did I do this!? I have no idea. I got nervous.
COAT CHECK:
Don't do it.
GETTING INEBRIATED:
There are FIVE bars at The Phoenix. One as soon as you come in on the left (hardly ever busy), one at the back, a really long one on the right side and one upstairs. Take your pick but by no means should you feel limited by bars or have long wait times here. Keep traffic moving.
ALL AGES SHOWS:
Incredibly annoying at The Phoenix. You'll be asked for ID at the door and once again when entering the back part where the bars are to get a wristband - the front of the area is cordoned off and you won't be able to move close to the stage with your alcoholic beverage so make a decision - do you want to drink, or do you want to be up front?
RELIEVING YOURSELF (ladies only):
Bet you didn't know there were two washrooms. One in the basement by the back of the bar, and one near the coat check. It looks like a room that's not in use but it's a perfectly good washroom.
EARPLUGS:
Bring them. You will need them. The sound quality will rock your world. Bands sound different from the main floor compared to the upper level so try both to see which you prefer.
EXITING:
Don't be a fool and leave the same way you came in - make a beeline for the back exit double doors by the men's washroom on the right. You'll bypass the winding corridor line and about a thousand other people and go straight outside. Voila! -
Review from Dave O.
Toronto, ON
12/21/2009
I'm completely torn about the Phoenix. It has excellent acoustics, and a great layout for concerts. On the other hand, the idiotic drinking pen and the near-rainforest heat and humidity make it almost unbearable to stay in the building.
The lineups in winter are brutal, there's no reason that they need to keep people out in the cold when it's perfectly withering inside, and there's generally plenty of room.
I doubt you would ever find me here outside of a concert setting, as the only night they have anything else is Edge 102 Saturdays, and that appeals to me about as much as thumbscrews or Susan Boyle (the two are roughly equivalent).
Their website plays music, which is a big no-no, and it comes back with every click, which makes a bad thing worse!
Somehow they manage to get great bands to play here, so as long as that's par for the Phoenix, I'll probably be back. -
Review from Whitney A.
3/15/2010
I was there on Saturday night (3/13/10) for the Joanna Newsom concert. The doors opened at 6PM and Joanna went on a little before 8PM. She told us that the management of the club gave her a really early "curfew" and as such, she stopped playing a few minutes before 9PM. The management immediately turned the house lights and music on but the SOLD OUT crowd wouldn't move until Joanna and her band came back out for an encore. They played a 9-minute song, a great f*ck you to the club management.
If they were willing to treat her, her band, and the huge, sold out crowd so rudely in public, I can't imagine how they treated her backstage. I won't be rushing back to another show at the Phoenix. -
Review from Denise S.
8/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here to see Beirut and Owen Pallett recently and had a great concert-going experience! We arrived at 9pm (doors opened at 8pm) and caught most of the opening act. The venue is big but still feels intimate and acoustics are excellent. I like that you can choose between the main floor or go upstairs for a different vantage point. I stayed on the main floor most of the time. There is a bar on one side (beer only) and a bigger bar at the back. Mixed drinks are $5.75 with tax and the bartenders are actually nice. Based on warnings from other Yelpers, I avoided the bathrooms completely! I heard it gets super-hot, but it was not that bad. They were definitely using the A/C liberally. This is definitely one of the better concert venues I have been to in the city!
Listed in: Art Matters
-
Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
1/8/2009
Once upon a time in high school, my best friend took me to a concert that was supposed to be a surprise. This involved blindfolding me on public transit and taking me to the Phoenix. I'll forever be grateful to the staff for not laughing while I was beside them (at least not that I could hear) and letting me in without any questions as to what the hell was going on.
That's one extra star for the Phoenix, which I would rate as a 3 for a concert venue and a 2 for a night out. Every time I've come to a show here, it's been fun. Any time I've come for anything else....ugh.
First off, I don't care what anyone says, this area is kind of scary. Just a bit above sketchy, I've seen many a homeless man drinking a bottle of rubbing alcohol and chasing people around. Around the actual Phoenix, there's lots of people around, so it's not as bad, but I still don't feel 100% comfortable in this part of town.
And then the actual "nightclub" experience. If you're into the whole Richmond Street vibe, which includes waiting in line to get into the venue, playing crappy top 40 music and having weirdos try to grope you on the dance floor, then this is your place. They play "alternative" music to appeal to a slightly different crowd, but if you ask me, it's all the same garbage you'll get in the club district. 905-ers crowd the joint, get incomprehensibly wasted and head back to their hotel rooms to barf and "hook up" before the long ride back to the GTA in the morning. Not my kinda fun, but if you're into it, the Phoenix on Saturday night is your place to be. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
10/10/2008
This is another place in the city where I've seen many a great band perform. Formerly the Diamond (he types definitely giving away his age), the venue was reborn as the Phoenix, rising from the ashes of, well, nothing as far as I can tell. I'm pretty sure the metamorphosis from The Diamand to The Phoenix seemed to be just some fairly straight-forward reno and a change of the sign out front. It's a large open space with a balcony and a large stage that has housed and continues to bring in some really stunning bands.
One of the key changes I suppose is the division of the place into different rooms, allowing for different types of music to be played during the night. This affords you to go to the large DJ area in the main space or find a quieter snug to chill out in. Between the main room, the Loft and the Parlour, you should be able to find a place that suits your ever changing moods throughout the night. Go on Saturdays and Edge-102 take over and play a live-to-air show from the club. Big mix of music that pretty much rubs everyone the right way. -
Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
10/2/2008 3 photos
The Phoenix is a thousand person concert theatre on Sherborne.
The good part is that it's a really intimate spot for a concert, and a great alternative to the Guvernement (which is the same size). I saw Tegan and Sara here and it was epic. They also do a lot of different kinds of concerts for a mix of people, not just trend following stuff like some other venues.
The bad part is that it's on Sherborne, and almost every time I get off the subway and walk south to the venue, I get propositioned for sex. It's kinda a prostitute neighborhood, so try to go in groups or drive. It's not dangerous, just creepy.
On the weekends, it's a club, but the bouncers aren't my cup of tea and it's a little hit or miss when it comes to how rammed it'll be.
In it's hay day, it was the king of clubs, but there hasn't been much reno of any kind that I can see in at least 10 years. -
Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
12/18/2008
A diverse venue, that is used as a concert space, a night club and occasionally somewhere that is rented for private parties. The private parties are catered by outside sources, so no, Phoenix doesn't have an elaborate kitchen of any kind.
The nightclub aspect of this place usually takes place on Saturday nights, when 102.1 The Edge broadcasts live from here. It's mostly classic rock, pop rock and top 40 rock music. Beers are in the $5 for a bottle, and yes, it's always a busy place. No worries of an empty venue here on a Saturday night.
As a concert space, the Phoenix is one of my favourites. It has an excellent sound system, and also is a great size, allowing about 1000 before capacity. It doesn't hurt that they have a steady flow of some very fantastic bands. If you're at a concert on Saturday night, make sure you go early, because these concerts usually wrap up at around 9 or 10 pm, so that they can open doors for the Club night. -
Review from cailen s.
Oakville, ON
4/4/2009
Located in an out of the way and somewhat sketchy neighbourhood, the Phoenix is an average venue in just about every way. Perhaps I've only seen average bands here.
It can get cramped easily, the sound itself is 10-15% lower than it should be and is relatively uninteresting aesthetically. That said I would go back, but only if the right band was playing. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
11/25/2008
Four score and whatever years ago (cue hip-cracking), I used to frequent the Phoenix Saturday nights for Martin Streek's Club 102.1 night, jumping with fellow university mates and pumping my fist to Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name", reciting the lyrics as if I was cool and all that.
Even then, despite the periodic good dance-outs, it was kind of a weird and gross place, meat-markety, with boys peeling off labels from Blue and Canadian bottles, slapping them on girls' backs and raising their eyebrow in that I-am-still-a-virgin-and-need-to-get-laid-now kind of way.
Now that this priceless era is behind me, I only attend the Phoenix for random concert nights. It's located a little too far to the east -- and in a desolate area -- to be considered a fun drop-in live music spot, but I have seen some good shows here (Mercury Rev, Matthew Sweet), leaving me chatting for hours.
Because of the high ceilings and large space, though, the more low-key folky bands get drowned out here if there's any chatting whatsoever. I wouldn't recommend going for any less than dramatic performances, hip hop, or people who have an extremely attentive fan base. -
Review from Dardana M.
ON
1/29/2009
I have never been here for club-y kind of reasons, but I have seen more than a few excellent shows here. Though I have had a couple unpleasant moments brought on by their stringent age-limit policies.
The time where my underage friend tried to pass herself off as her older sister might not have been the most foolproof plan, but seriously, it was a Rufus Wainwright concert, were we going there to get totally wasted? (Don't answer that). We also couldn't even *give* our extra (thanks to them) ticket away once we sent her packing, which was frustrating and demoralizing. Ha.
But the worst: when I *was* of age, and didn't realize I needed to prove it to enter the PJ Harvey concert. I was forced to take transit back to my apartment to get my id (which is *not* close) and back again. The bouncer actually was like "you'll probably make it back in time". We did, literally within seconds of her hitting the stage and it was effing phenomenal. But seriously?? Jerks. They only get a three because I like the venue, otherwise. It's nice and intimate. It also has a photo of Fiona Apple from the *only* Toronto show she ever did when I was *say it with me*-- "too young to go"! It breaks my heart every time I see it. -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
8/17/2009
One of the best places to see live music in Toronto. When a band I like comes to town, I am always happy when they are playing The Phoenix. I have been to between 5-10 shows here since moving to Toronto in 2004, and I plan to continue to go. Why?
The size. I am a short woman, and I can actually SEE the stage most of the time from the floor of the Phoenix. I don't get the whole concept of paying good money to see a band at an arena - you're watching a video at that point.
Acoustics are very good. I have seen a lot of indie bands that play loud music, and some more folkie-type softer playing bands, and all of them have sounded good. You can't say that about some of the cavernous venues even further east and along the waterfront, can you?
Prices. The tickets for the shows are usually reasonable (20-30$ range), and the drinks at the venue are too. Plus, the bartenders are usually quite nice and not rude and rushed like is often the case at music clubs.Listed in: Live Music
-
Review from Aaron K.
11/23/2008
I'm a pretty big fan of this venue as a concert theater. The sound is pretty good for a place of this size, and the stage generally affords pretty good views.
The club is also pretty fun to go to. With a couple different rooms with different vibes and different kinds of music there's definitely a bit closer to "something for everyone."
Well, as for the negatives, there' s a good number of really weird people in here. (for example, a guy who put part of his jacket over his head, walked around with hands in front of him as if he were Frankenstein shouting "I like boobies." It was funny until he decided it was time to go grab above mention "boobies.") (I guess you had to be there)
Also, I've had bad experiences at the bar. The bartenders on a few different occasions I have seen being totally unreasonable. I mean, I was told that I wasn't going to get served again because I "only" left a two dollar tip last time. Which honestly, for the cheapest beer on the menu- I thought two was pretty fair. but anyway, since I've stopped drinking here- my experiences have been very positive, punctuated by weird weird people.
