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The Dakota Tavern
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Nightlife Bars Dive Bars Music Venues, Breakfast & Brunch, Dive Bars [Edit]
249 Ossington AveToronto, ON M6J 3A1
Neighbourhoods: Dufferin Grove, Little Italy, Little Portugal, Ossington Strip
(416) 850-4579
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 pm - 2 am
Sat-Sun 11 am - 3 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Brunch
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
38 reviews for The Dakota Tavern
Review Highlights
"Kids love dancing to the bluegrass bands too."
(in 15 reviews)
"A divey, artsy honky tonk bar a bit off the beaten path."
(in 3 reviews)
"I've always had a great time when I've come here."
(in 4 reviews)
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38 reviews in English
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Review from Chris P.
I've always had a great time when I've come here. The bands they bring in are always great, though it can be quite loud due to the small space that is The Dakota.
The staff are always on the ball and generally remember you once you've hit the bar for your second round.
My only complaint is that the building is like a bomb shelter. You don't get any cell service unless you're standing by the stairs.Listed in: Dive In!
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Review from Rachel N.
Toronto, ON
12/29/2011
I have been here twice now, once to see the Beauties on Sundays and Jason Collett's Basement Revue earlier this month..and I'm not even a hipster!
The place is medium sized for a bar, but both times it was impossible to find a seat. The decor is charming with a 70's basement vibe and the crowd is pretty welcoming considering all the brand names I was wearing at the time. LOTS of plaid, nerd glasses and skinny jeans, but it is on the Ossington strip.. I would recommend for a casual night out with guys, uptight girls may find it a little dive-y. -
Review from Fern H.
10/7/2011
I've always been curious about the Dakota because there's always a line out the door on weekends. We decided to check it out on a Thursday night to see a friends' band.
Front door staff were nice even thought there was a slight mix up with the guest list. The space itself is in the basement, long and narrow. The stage is small but intimate.
The kitchen was still open but we had already eaten. Would love to come back and check out the Bluegrass Brunch. -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
6/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of my favorite places in Toronto.
Great staff
Great music
Great food
Great location
Great decor
Great patrons
Great!
I have been here for countless live shows, bluegrass brunches and at least one dinner. I love this venue for music. Even if I've never heard of the band playing, I know it will be good because they are at The Dakota. If you see someone who looks like Feist or Ron Sexsmith, it's probably them. A lot of Canadian musicians hang out here. In fact, last week someone in the audience asked ME if I was Amy Millan from Stars. She probably has been in the crowd there, but I wasn't her.
The bluegrass brunch is fun for groups and the food is really good - if someone has an appetite, they can get thirds! I've seen it done! Kids love dancing to the bluegrass bands too. Fun for the family.
Anyway you slice it, The Dakota is a Toronto classic. See you there! -
Review from Cameron O.
Toronto, ON
5/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Half-way through a gruelling concert tour I was "dragged" here by the drummer in the band saying we need to escape our gig for something completely different.
After schlepping our kit off the tour-bus we made our way up here only to discover a queue. The drummer being the good Englishman suggested we queue up or go for something to eat nearby.
Which we did.
After our respite we came back only to discover that queue hadn't been quashed. So I succumbed and stood in line. The drummer being 15+ years my junior suggested it "was the proper thing to do". Standing in line however goes against every fibre of my being. I'm usually the one walking in the back-alley door through the kitchen because our next set is up in 5 minutes.
Eventually we got in half-way through the last set (for the Sunday Band). The drunken set where they turn up the volume to max. Thankfully I always carry my protection wherever I go! My etymotic musicians' ear-plugs rendered the volume to a sane and non-career threatening level.
We stood near the back trying to fit in by taking crappy flash cell phone pictures to post on Facebook. (Trying to be cleverly ironic mocking the hipsters who do this thinking it's cool) Alas, the pictures were CRAP! (But that was the point) Will they ever see the light of day? Who knows. They are trapped on the drummer's cell phone somewhere in South London (UK).
The bar was well stocked and had my favourite medicine. The Sunday band played well... well enough to make me think I might just try to hear the first set with a meal before the hipsters queue up. -
Review from jenna m.
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Do you digg on blue grass? Do you like a full beer glass? Than perhaps the Dakota Tavern is the joint for you. I attended the all you can eat style family brunch this past Sunday and it was a really fun experience. The tavern is exactly that....a tavern. Located on the lower level on Ossington, the Dakota pays homage to classic country bar establishments. The place is quant, kitsch and fun. Live blue grass music serenades you as you sit and enjoy home style cooking. The brunch itself it a large platter of scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage, pancakes and fruit salad. The flavours are fairly basic and not complex at all. The orange juice reminds me of the frozen sh#t you get out of a can. The coffee was sub par. However, the music and the atmosphere were lively and energetic. There were several young families present and some of the children were up and dancing making my old bones feel lethargic but putting a Sunday smile on my face. Attending Sunday brunch at the Dakota is a unique experience and I recommend that everyone try it at least once.
Listed in: best brunch joints in Toronto
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Review from Peter M.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 10/4/2010
Disappointment had to rear its head at some point. I tried the mint julep. If you like ice, you'll love the mint julep. A large fountain cup (unusual for a julep but whatever), a decent shot (meh), a bunch of fresh mint (good), the large cup filled with ice to the degree that we had to pour some out to get at the bourbon.
Dude, really? Really? I mean, really? Sigh.
Stick with the beer I guess.
Damn you LCBO but a stern wag of the finger at you Dakota.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/2/2010
A friend of mine from out of town came to visit a while back and I needed a place to take him to… Read more »
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Review from Moritz H.
Toronto, ON
7/22/2011
Great atmosphere. All u can eat breakfast on Sundays. Be there early...
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Review from Karly G.
Toronto, ON
7/15/2010
I'm a big fan of The Dakota Tavern. I don't get there as often as I'd like but when I do it's always a great time.
Sunday and Wednesday nights are the best times to check out live music. The Beauties play on Sundays, and quite often you'll see other popular local musicians hop on stage to play a ditty or two with the band. White Whale Wednesdays offer up a serving of weekly featured While Whale Recording Artists - always a blast.
Don't forget the food! I've yet to try the Blue Grass Brunch (though I really want to) but I've indulged in their mac-n-cheese and let me just say, oh my. It's lovely.
Come for the bands, stay for the mac-n-cheese. -
Review from Alex P.
Saanichton, BC
8/19/2011
I love this bar. Great atmos with barn board and retro country parafanalia: lots of personality! Great bands from real bluegrass to rock'n country but none of that new country crap. Best pulled pork in the city. I have seen all ages there from moms and kids at bluegrass brunch, to older couples at mariachi mondays, to really happy yound revellers to hear weekend bands putting out. Really neat looking stage, great soundman, and cute and efficient staff. Bust a move under the spinning mirror ball. Just please, no line dancing-- this place is part of the Ossington happening stretch just above Dundas.
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Review from Erin B.
6/1/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Live music. Great atmosphere. Reasonable service. At least one real microbrew on tap. Sold.
Honestly, I was sold from the moment I descended the steps into this dark, basement tavern and saw the cow skull on the wall, perfectly framed by white fairy lights. Everything else was just a bonus. -
Review from Min min T.
Scarborough, ON
8/17/2009
Dear Yelpers, be forgiving with your first impression with the Dakota.
Yeah, it smells gross.
Yes, it's dark.
Looking from the outside, you wonder, "I don't want to go in there!"
But once you're in, you can't leave!
Come out on Sunday for their 'Bluegrass Lunch', served family-styled as an all-you-can-eat buffet at $14 a head (children pay $7). The waitresses will bring you as many plates of fruit - blueberries, oranges, pineapples - pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausages and fried potatoes to your delight. All the while, you are munchie your post-hangover breakie, scarfing it with gusto as you tap your feet to a live bluegrass!!
Great for groups, not so hot for vegans. -
Review from Sophia K.
Toronto, ON
5/4/2009
To be honest, I don't remember how or why my friends and I stumbled into the Dakota Tavern one Monday evening. What I do remember is that 4 out of 6 of us happened to be wearing plaid (how obnoxious!) and we were slightly intoxicated....
While our entrance may have gotten us a few glances from the older ones in the crowd, we brushed it off and grabbed some beer and a seat close to the stage. There was live music and the place was fairly busy with a bunch of different types. I love places where the crowd is indistinguishable.
This is a feel good place if you just want a fun night of drinking and kicking back with some friends. You can enjoy the music, tap your feet, mingle with the crowd, and not have to worry about anything.
I've also heard great things about their brunch but haven't had a chance to go yet, I'll update this when I do :) -
Review from Morley B.
2/8/2009
Breakfast review.
The Dakota was something new that opened up while I was away from Toronto for a while.
It's a full bar, and restaurant, and as the name might suggest, with a western theme.
I went to their Bluegrass brunch.
Kudos to the Dakota for keeping it simple. For $12 you get all you can eat scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage, pancakes, juice and coffee. During lunch there is a Blue Grass ensemble playing on their corner stage.
The place is decorated well, as a western themed place should be, and includes a beautiful long bar.
You go here for the experience -see the band, have a fill of food.
The place is packed with the "young urban 20's ish been drinking all night needing grease in the am hipster" type, along with older people, probably from the neighbourhood.
The hostess was way off with an estimated time to sit down, had we known it'd be 30 minutes instead of 10, we would have gone elsewhere.
The food itself is ok. It's made to serve plenty to many quickly. it's half rate at best. The scrambled eggs are ok. The sausages were way too greasy, and chewy. The blueberry pancakes were ok, probably just basic Aunt Jemima.
The place is licensed and from the bar activity several people were ordering Mimosa's or Bloody Caesar's, which I find more common in the U.S.
I tried chatting up the bartender to get a bit of information on the place, but only got attitude - and it turns out she was one of the owner's wives! I would have thought she'd have much more of a friendly disposition. When asking for something from her, we were told it's on the bar, meaning lean over and get it ourselves vs. her passing it over. I really don't get it why people in this city, in the service industry, have such attitude. Without the patrons, you don't have a business, and subsequently, a job. There are no shortage of options in Toronto, one of the great things about this city, so, attention hospitality workers, suck it up. If you can't provide good customer service, with a smile, and "kill 'em with kindness", pick another profession!
Overall, I give the Dakota 3 stars and mostly just for the experience. I love live music. And I like the idea of the Bluegrass breakfast, mind you a little Bluegrass goes a long way. But,it was an experience.
I wouldn't go for the food and none of the staff won any kudos.
If you're wrecked from a night of binging and need a lot of low grade grease to fill you up relatively cheap and be surrounded by your peers, then this is the place for you.
If you're looking for a different experience, try Dakota once.
If you want a nice brunch/breakfast with nice service and staff - go elsewhere. -
Review from beth p.
Toronto, ON
8/4/2009
The Dakota is rad. There are often great bands playing, there's a good seating-to-non-seating ration, and it's generally awesome.
The food is actually really great. I have been known to choose their veggie burger over the (real) ones across the street at BQM - they are that good. Basically, you should come and eat here!
The bluegrass brunch is maybe the most heart-warming event that could ever take place on a Sunday morning. The food, admittedly, is not so great, but it's family-style all you can eat brunch, so you really can't be too too picky. Also, it's one of the very few brunch places where it is appropriate to show up with more than four people. The highlight is sitting at huge communal tables listening to lovely lovely bluegrass bands play. Toddlers are often dancing around, and because everything is just SO romantic, it basically becomes the cutest thing I've ever seen, every time.
Because the Dakota is in a basement, sometimes it's not ideal for summertime, what with zero potential for natural light. But, still, always fun. Another downside is that it has gotten really popular and because of their basementness, they are (rightfully so) very very strict on capacity, which is not too high. I hate waiting in line, and sometimes you have to wait in line here, and it's coupled with the possibility that you just won't ever get in.
Also, it is really nice that there is a jar of tampons in the women's washroom. -
Review from Marie F.
4/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS INDOOR ALL YEAR ROUND ALERT!
I walked in on a busy Sunday night and immediately wanted to do a jig!
The Beauties were playing and far surpassed my expectations for the $5 cover we paid. We grabbed a seat at the bar and ran into some old friends (which is always fun).
I traded my cider for a bottle of Strawberry Fruli and one of the best Whisky Sours I've had in a long long time.
This place packs up pretty early (even on a Sunday), so if you are looking for a seat try getting there before 11pm. Don't worry the Beauties play 3 sets from 10pm to 1am!
Honestly, the only thing stopping me from giving this place 5 stars is because someone stole my chapters bag with three books I had just bought :-(
WHO STEALS BOOKS?! Sometimes I swear... *lowers her head in shame for humanity* -
Review from Danielle P.
Toronto, ON
3/8/2010
Sometimes food comes secondary when coupled with fantastic music, so not the case at Dakota's. The brunch was filling made almost as good as home and flowing quickly out of the kitchen.
While the food selection was restaurant choice one could hardly complain at the options, fluffy pancakes, copious red pepper-filled scrambled eggs, fresh baked potatoes, sausage and seasonal fruit salad. I might have liked a piece of toast instead and the OJ was atrocious, but the coffee was included and was surprisingly OK.
The music was energetic and alive, filling the bar to the perfect volume. These were definitely longtime musicians who were well honed in their craft.
As opposed to my lovely counterpart I felt that the service was a little frenzied and it took quite a bit to get anyone's attention. We were not in a hurry, so there was no issue. However if you are looking for a quick bite this is probably not the place.
Bottom Line...Brunch was beat-utiful at this bustling bluegrass bistro. So take some time and soak it up. -
Review from Kevin D.
Toronto, ON
4/9/2010
THE BEST BLUES BAR IN TORONTO.
I'm reticent to write glowingly and advertise this joint because me and my pals like the fact that it's a hidden gem. However, it is my duty as locally loyal Yelp-Man to tell it like it is..
This place is great! I didn't even know I liked the blues, but you will be a believer. Right from your curious walk downstairs to the bar, the dim light and booze-soaked wooden planked floor catapult your senses to another time and place. Perhaps a sleazy joint on the original Bourbon Street, or a cowboy bar in the Wild West.. Order a Labatt 50 and a shot of Jack for you and the bartender and complete your cathartic blues experience.
The house band (can't remember name) is authentic and well-balanced; they play on SUNDAY'S- check them out. Also 'The Done Me Wrongs' got their bluesy feet wet here and now they tour all over the place- catch them here if you can. One time I popped in after seeing Modest Mouse at The Molson Amphitheatre and in walked the guitar player! And yes, he got up and joined the house band.
Out-Of-Towners Most Welcome! See the really cool Toronto. Come to The Dakota.
PS- Make plans and stick with them because there's no cell reception inside The Dakota.. -
Review from david B.
6/6/2011
Can't wait to go back
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Review from Dan G.
Toronto, ON
5/21/2011
Great bluegrass canadiana. There was a one man band, barn doors and plenty of 12 bar shenanigans. Recommend to all aspirational dive bar enthusiasts
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Review from eune y.
Toronto, ON
4/1/2009
I like this place. It's dark and dank and there's something about the low ceiling that looks like its about to cave in on you and the lack of good air quality that makes the people around you look hot and mysterious. I've only seen good bands here and I think the drinks are pretty cheap.
I did not know they served breakfast. I will need to do this. -
Review from Mariko M.
3/1/2010 3 photos
Initially, I wasn't too keen on going out on Friday, but after much persuasion I decided to go to this bar. I played in a volleyball tournament and felt like crap, but after stepping into this place, my energy came back!
Unfortunately I didn't get the name of the band, but they were awesome! If you want to look into it, I was here on Friday Feb 26 and the band played a lot of Rolling Stones' hits. I had a fantastic time at the Dakota Tavern. Alcohol was reasonably price (in Toronto standards) and the general lay out was aesthetically pleasing. The clientele would be considered geared to the 'Hipster' population, but I didn't mind. Basically, I didn't see any dodgy people.
If you like good live music at a small cost of $5, check out the Dakota Tavern. You wont be disappointed. I definitely want to come back here to check out the country music nights. -
Review from Angela L.
5/27/2009
This dark little honky tonk bar is my favourite place to go for great live country music and a few pints on late weekday nights. There's always a different and often local act on each night which you usually can't check out on MySpace first. If you love country music and trust me or are looking to do something different, just show up and let yourself be immersed in the knee-slapping, toe-wiggling tunes first hand. You won't regret it!
Both fortunately (for me and a few other weekday devotees) and unfortunately (for those of you who have been missing out), the Dakota on weeknights is still a very well kept secret. Last Tuesday, there were only about ten scattered people in the audience, sitting around the tables and lined up against the long bar. Meanwhile, the band on stage grew to seven passionate musicians by the end of the night (including, to our surprise, our friendly bartender who jumped on stage to collaborate on a few songs). Like many other bands I've been lucky enough to catch on similarly quiet nights, it was evident that they were having a great time just playing together. Despite the very mixed crowds, this truly awesome and lively energy manages to fill the air more often than not and it's nothing but camaraderie and good times between everyone there.
Regardless of whether there are ten laid back regulars there on a Monday at 9pm or a crowd of ten rowdy birthday parties there on a Saturday at 2am though, you can usually chat up the bands during breaks in their sets or even buy them a pint after the show. They deserve it since there is usually no or only a pay-what-you-can cover charge at the door (on weeknights, anyways).
The beers are reasonably priced ($5-7) and there are a few mostly domestic trusty ones to choose from on tap. I've heard good things about the Sunday Bluegrass Brunch too, but it can get extremely crowded (to the point that you'll be turned away or have to wait really long), so I'll stick to my intimate weekday night shows - for now at least. -
Review from Danielle F.
Toronto, ON
3/4/2010
Groovy Atmosphere- Like an underground party you heard about from a friend of a friend. Lower ceilings, intimate, but roaring and fun.
The Drinks- I went with tequila, it satisfied. Good pricing too.
Coat check- There isn't one and you're going to want to get up and dance. So bring a purse or man purse for your valuables, unless you are very trusting person.
Stairs- You have to go down some to get in. You have to go up some to get out. Plan footwear and drink accordingly.
The Band- Wow, they were great. People were dancing, drinking, doing anything fun to the backdrop of their music. I wish I could remember their name. The girl was wearing a white flapper dress (helpful?). Even with her really strange birthday hat on (a cake with candles sprouting out of the top), the band invited my friend up on stage and got the whole bar in on the birthday wishes.
Go here! It is a seriously good time if you're a fan of cool music, flowing drinks, moving to the beat (no pressure though), and good times. -
Review from Noel D.
1/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
For someone who is totally not into country music (even the hipster variety that borderlines rock) I've had a great time in the handful of appearances I've made at the Dakota. I like the fact that there seems to be zero attitude in this place --from the bouncers to the bartenders.
The vibe is pretty electric most times. People are there to have a good time and consume mass amounts of alcohol. And I have to admit that even though I am not really into the music, the bands they have play here are pretty incredible. With the basement location and low ceilings the music rings off the walls and, quite literally, rocks.
Last time I came here was on a Sunday and I was shocked that the place was rammed. There's not many Sunday locations you can say that about. Someone told me the house band always packs them in, and I can see why. They were indeed quite good. Again, this coming from a guy who listens to hip-hop all the time. -
Review from Chris A.
9/21/2008
A divey, artsy honky tonk bar a bit off the beaten path. We came here on the recommendation of our lovely, tattooed waitress at Sneaky Dees.
What's up with all the cool spaces in Toronto? The Dakota Tavern lives subterranean in a low ceiling, narrow, brick-walled space featuring a small stage, looked on by a small dancing area and a dozen tables. A long bar runs the room to the house left of the stage.
The crowd was a little sparse for a Saturday night, consisting of a mix of young and older, artsy / hipster types. The crowd was friendly and unpretentious (it may just be that everyone in Toronto is friendly, though). We were treated to the countrified rock 'n roll of the stables, who had the room rockin' were their hard hitting, wash board bass driven acoustic harmonies of Calgary's The Stables.
The Dakota had a good selection of taps on pull complimented by a well stocked cooler of bottles. I could go for a Labatt's 50 right now (seems to be Canada's PBR/High-life).
The only reason the Dakota doesn't get five stars was due to their ridiculously weak cocktails. How can you have a rockin' cowboy bar and measure your pour when serving up a Jack and Coke? Isn't the point of being a cowboy to drink a lot of Whiskey?
I'd stick to the beer and frequent this place if I lived in Toronto. -
Review from Dee H.
Toronto, ON
4/5/2009
For some reason I have real problems remembering the name of this bar, but that's no indication of how much fun I had. I went with friends from work and my little sister and had a BLAST. The bands were random and eclectic and mixtures of various genres, which was right up my alley. So much fun to dance to!
The crowd is just as random as their music, meaning laughing at terrible pick up lines, being stared down by older, greasy, albeig talented band members, kitsch chicks on barstools with martinis, a country stomping good time, dudes in plaid learning new secret hand shakes, and a group of people dancing up a storm for $10 cover.
Loved it. It's raw and entertaining and. well. random. I digg.
Don't eat breakfast at 4 am at the restaurant next door. terrible. -
Review from Casey T.
Toronto, ON
1/7/2011
I wandered in here one weeknight on my own for a bite to eat, and thumbs up. I sat at the long bar, had a few beers and devoured a grilled cheese sandwich with a side of beans that was a step above. The place really filled up for the band, which I didn't get to hear much of because I was tired and had already downed a few beers. But I definitely want to go back.
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Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
11/20/2008 3 Check-ins Here
One of my favourite places hands down.
Not only have I enjoyed many fun-filled evenings with friends downing a 50 but this joint is also reminiscent of my parents' basement circa 1978.
Once you walk downstairs the feeling you experience is a very welcoming one. On a certain night when a band plays, it can get pretty busy but on regular nights, you can find a place to sit at the bar or at one of the tables. And if it's packed, who cares. It's easy to randomly meet people and strike up a conversation while sipping Labatt 50 and Wild Turkey.
Since its opening, I've seen many great local and national bands perform, and as a live music photographer, I'm a fan of the Christmas lights used for lighting the stage, providing a nice ambient glow.
Their Sunday brunches are very popular so do come early. If you're in the mood to get to know your neighbours, try to find a spot at the large communal table. You'll enjoy no-nonsense homestyle cooking while listening to the bluegrass band offered as entertainment. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
1/6/2009
I'm sure my weakness for alt-country music helps boost the rating for this venue. The programming here, with their weekly music residencies being a strong pull. Aside from that, considering the environment, staff, and fellow customers, I think it's one of the best hangout/music venues in the city.
It looks like a subterranean lodge, a place where a bunch of old men gather and talk about the moose they shot last night. Tall tales unfold, and beer glasses clink in unison. And the vintage Bill Monroe posters and cozy Christmas lights running along the stage add to the atmosphere of the Dakota.
In short, I love this drinking hole. If I had the money to spend on daily drinks and concerts, I would certainly make this my personal honky-tonk home. -
Review from Brian S.
Toronto, ON
12/13/2009
This is THE music venue of the city. It's such a great ambiance, and the bands are great that are booked here. Some of the best nights to go are Sundays and Tuesdays are regulars, from the Beauties on Sunday to this month having Jason Collett doing a Tuesday night thing.
I've only had a bit of food here, but when I have had it it was good.
But the beer pours well. They have a good selection of local and imported beer, and the staff is always friendly.
One of time things to do here is to go on Sunday for the bluegrass brunch. Good food, great music and a great family atmosphere. -
Review from sarah l.
Bluegrass Brunch on Sundays. This was a blast - usually I wouldn't go anywhere that had a set menu but this was great and super fun. It's $14 per adult and comes with coffee, OJ, scrambled eggs, fruit, sausage, hashbrowns and pancakes. They bring the food to the table on family style platters and when you want more of something you just tell them and they bring you more. It's pretty fantastic, because I hate buffets but this was like the best of both worlds. Caesars ans mimosas are $6 and my mimosa was mostly sparkling wine with just a splash of OJ (fine by me).
The good:
- The music was awesome. The band has a single condenser mic that they all sang into together while they played banjo, upright bass and fiddle. It was the perfect volume - pretty loud but we could still talk without shouting.
- There were a lot of children here and it was the only setting where children don't annoy me. They were all in good spirits (probably because it was early in the morning... welll... maybe 11am isn't early for them...); none of the children cried and the parents that were here were good at wrangling them when appropriate. It was super cute when there were 5 little kids up dancing in front of the stage and it made me briefly reevaluate my hatred of children in eateries. Briefly. Anyways, kudos to the families who were there this morning because I usually hate children, but not yours today, so that's pretty special.
- The food is unlimited for $14. Probably not the best value for me & Danielle, because I doubt we ate even close to $14 worth of food, but if you had a table of hungry young men this would be a place to take them.
- This place is actually good for groups - if you arrive early. You basically need to get in line at 1040ish and be one of the first people in the door when it opens at 1100 and you could bring 10 people if you wanted. If you came after that though... you would have to wait. But, you would get served coffee while you wait.
- Our server was serving a LOT of tables but she was very efficient and cool. When we asked for more pancakes, they came out right away and we also got the bill right away when we were ready to go.
- Food was pretty good considering they were cranking out platter after platter of it for the packed house. Scrambled eggs were good (usually not my favorite item), pancakes were excellent and the hashbrowns were serviceable. The fresh fruit was particularly well done with huge platters of oranges, watermelon, miscellaneous melons and grapes coming out super clean.
The bad:
- The orange juice was horrible. It was SUPER watered down concentrated OJ. It was possibly the worst orange juice I have ever had, rivaling mcDonalds 'orange drink' for that title.
- Everything else was awesome, I have no complaints!
Would I come here again?
Yes!
A few notes on coming here again though:
1. You have to arrive at 1045 to get a table when it opens at 11.
2. The sausage does touch the other food, so if you are a super-vegetarian and you won't eat food that comes on the same plate as meat, you shouldn't come to this. Or you should come to this and be prepared to pay $14 to eat only fruit and enjoy the fantastic bluegrass (which is still worth $14.)Listed in: Breakfasts, Places Where I had a Great…, Turn Down Your Baby
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Review from Karen M.
Toronto, ON
7/3/2009 ROTD 9/5/2009
I love this place. Music every night, great staff and decor. But you should like country music if you go cause it is very country. I like how they will have a band play 2-3 sets in a night instead of the standard 3 bands doing 45 minute sets that has become the norm. This is also a great people watching place, watching people dance to country music is always good times. The food is good too, I have had a shrimp salad and the mac and cheese and I hear their weekend brunch is really fun.
Listed in: Ossington Favs
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Review from Horace M.
Toronto, ON
5/25/2009
It won't suprise any of you to find out that I have been to the southern united states of america. I don't go often, after the unplesantness in 1775, I simply don't feel welcome, but I do enjoy a spot of southern music from time to time. My experiences are often just fine at the Dakota Tavern, located under a portugese sports bar; but this time the nerve of the young wench at the bar! Ignoring Horace W. Mayweather is inexcusable! Not only did she ignore me, but also my lady companion, went to the other end of the bar to serve others, and passed over us again to put away glasses. I know they aren't as busy since the musical combo 'the beauties' don't play anymore, but therefore the service should be faster! Rude Service is the first and last straw for a man such as myself. We left, got back out cover charge, and had a lovely glass of Sherry at the Crooked Star. For shame Dakota! Bravo Crooked Star!
Toodle-Loo!
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Review from Jennifer L.
Toronto, ON
8/14/2009
It smells like pee in here, but this place is oh so much fun. People like to get down and dirty and dance all night long to live music that kicks ass. Everyone is friendly. Maybe someone will puke on you and you'll make a new friend.
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Review from Shawn B.
Oshawa, ON
8/2/2010
An alt-country live music staple, the Dakota holds its own as "home" to many breakout artists such as Serena Ryder, Catl, $100 and The Stables, and offers weekend Bluegrass Brunch around one giant, common table. Don't worry if you don't feel like you look the part - the bar may look like a country saloon, but the patrons are varied and welcoming.
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Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
11/6/2008
The Dokota Tavern is truly a unique venue. It's kinda a modern cowboy-rockabilly venue that hosts a variety of live acts, dance nights and kitcshy-square dancing type stuff. They also have one of the best Sunday brunches in the city, as voted by locals as well as this year's NOW Magazine Best Of Poll. My pal Jen owns the joint. She's one of those personal touches people who has the coziest home and makes the perfect host at summer BBQs. It's her personality that makes this spot so much fun even if modern cowboy twang isn't your thing.
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Review from Andrew C.
Toronto, ON
1/11/2010
A long tour of Ossington Street sights (an area that has exploded with a plethora of great bars and restaurants over the past year) was capped off with a nightcap (Labatt 50, for posterity's sake) at The Dakota. True to its name, it is a tavern with some tremendous subterranean character. For a mere $5 we were granted entrance to view a laid back bluegrass band and soak in some atmosphere. Decorated with some rural decor include a backdrop for the stage that is something that looks like the side of a weathered barn, the crowd was quite varied and up for a good time. (Apparently Ron Sexsmith was in the house too.) Not quite the late-night pandemonium of the good old Matador after-hours joint from years back, the Dakota provided some civilized low-key boot stomping - I even spotted a real Stetson as we entered. Give it a go if you're a large group and if you know some lyrics to a country song or two, I wouldn't be surprised if the band let you join in. "Yee-haw!"
