Our Faves

Live music venue

Rated this place:

The Dakota Tavern has managed to pull off the old saloon look without feeling like a forced country bar. Upon venturing down the stairs, you’ll feel as if you’ve been plucked off the urban street and set down in a rural Ontario bar. And, with old barn wood, swiveling barrels for bar stools and walls of endless cottage kitsch, it’s hard to believe this place hasn’t existed for decades...

Cheap Drinks

Rated this place:

Good music and food

Tattoos, Smoke, and Country Hoe-Down

Rated this place:

It’s easy to get swallowed up by this dark and devious honky tonk joint. It has the excitement and vibe of a secret speak-easy, where local bands propel the crowd into sweaty hoe-down dancing. The Dakota is the perfect place to get lost, dance like you don’t care who’s watching. Last time I went it seemed to be a cave full of wolf men. I say wolf men because they all had facial hair and devilish eyes. In my opinion, a very sexy downstairs dive, where the lighting is perfect for bad behaviour. Also, all-you-can-eat Bluegrass Brunch on Sundays is a can't-miss.

It's all good at the Dakota

Rated this place:

Warm up at the Dakota’s super fun musical brekkie. Every Sunday, they offer T.O. a family-style bluegrass brunch. $12 gets you endless platters of scrambled eggs, potatoes, OJ and coffee, plus live bluegrass music for you and your kids to dance to. Ron Sexsmith has been known to turn up and play a set or two. My husband says they overcook the eggs but I don't give a hoot. Here's why: I love going to the Dakota with my kids and with my friends more than I can say. The compactness of the venue means that you can sit and talk to your buddies and still keep an eye on your offspring while they dance in front of the stage or you can join them for a little bit of Sunday morning swaying if you are so inclined. I have never left this brunch feeling anything short of awesome. I don't know what it is, but I have never seen a kid have a meltdown in the Dakota. It's just an inter-generational feel-good kind of a place.

Veggie Chili

Rated this place:

I had the veggie chili, girlfriend had the veggie burger. Bother were amazing. Highly recommended. The band that was playing screwed up big time during sound check. Awkward...If you don't want loud music while eating, eat before 9pm.

How the west was won

Rated this place:

The Dakota Tavern’s appeal is in its kitschy country feel—from the glowing miniature lights to the western-inspired tchotchkes scattered around the bar … which, despite how it sounds, comes across as authentic and charming, rather than purposefully manufactured. Add to this a warm relaxed atmosphere and reasonably priced drinks and you’ve got one great bar. Plus if you love live music, there’s no beating the intimate feeling of being about two feet from the stage while watching some great acts perform. In addition to drinks The Dakota Tavern also serves a number of comfort food items, from ribs to chili.

• Favourite thing(s) at this place:
• casual drink spot
• relaxed vibe

The bar

Rated this place:

• Favourite thing(s) at this place:
• the bar

Sunday brunch

Rated this place:

Bluegrass Brunch! Family style food, great music and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Sunday brunch

Sunday brunch

Rated this place:

• Favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Sunday brunch

Bluegrass breakfast

Rated this place:

Great music, great food and a great vibe.

• Favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Bluegrass breakfast