Toronto’s best vinyl nights
If you’re the type of Toronto-dwelling record aficionado who knows your original-pressed from your re-issues and your double grooves from your roulette masterings, here is your guide to the city’s best bring your own vinyl nights and record-centric events. Or, if you’re new to the scene and interested in the old-school approach to easy listening, check out these bars spinning vinyl all week long.
Communist's Daughter
1149 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X3Nestled at Dundas and Ossington, this low-lit neighbourhood gem is easy to miss – only a petite chalkboard in the front window bears its name. But just look out for the brightly coloured “Nazare Snack Bar” sign for a little dose of neighbourhood magic. Infamous Toronto bartender Michael Louis Johnson concocts delicious drinks and slings local microbrews at the compact canteen, where he hosts weekly bring your own vinyl nights. Listen to the A-side and then, in true communist fashion, vote on whether the B-side is worth hearing too. Pro and con voters are invited to defend their stance.
The Piston
937 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1L5Those with a little dancing in mind flock to this Bloorcourt bar’s now-famed Shindig event. The monthly dance party is several elements of awesome: one part sultry vibe (the low-lit spot is a kind of hipster-meets-rockabilly-meets-mainstream bar); one part sweet tunes via funk, soul and R&B tunes from the ’50s and ’60s; and one part a solemn all-vinyl oath, guaranteeing some rarely heard gems from their original-pressed 7” 45s.
The Monarch Tavern
12 Clinton Pl, Toronto, ON M6G 1J9Tuesday is vinyl night at this tucked-away tavern on Clinton Street, inviting thirsty Torontonians in search of a post-work pick-me-up to bring in their favourite records and listen to a whole A- or B-side. Head upstairs for the interactive event, catch a few rounds of pool or check out the weekly live entertainment downstairs. Come just for a listen, but if you bring in a record, you’re in for a pint of Beau’s craft beer for a cool $4.
The Hitch
1216 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1L7This Leslieville spot was named for acerbic literary critic, writer and heavy drinker Christopher Hitchens, proving its serious-about-saucin’ status for thirsty east-enders. Casual meets gourmand at this compact, rustic bar, a neighbourhood go-to for whiskey cocktails, Hendrix-made gin and tonics, and local craft beers. Double down on the fun by attending the bar’s weekly Monday trivia night or Tuesday night’s BYO-vinyl event.
The Painted Lady
218 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z9The glowing chandeliers and antique framed portraits set the tone at this French-inspired spot. Among constantly shifting restaurants and bars on the strip, this Ossington watering hole has stood the test of time, serving up sweet cocktails and unique programming since 2009. The weekly slots might invite electronic duos or indie-folk artists to perform, but the Sunday night programming is usually reserved for an act of vinyl patronage in the form of an all-vinyl dance party, an event that is becoming more and more of a rarity among laptop-dominated DJ events.
Souz Dal
612 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B4There’s a whole other world on the backyard patio of this Little Italy bar, which transports patrons from the hustle and bustle of College Street to a grass-roofed tiki bar complete with sandy floor and tropical cocktails. Stop in for a flaming absinthe and some classic tunes at the bar’s bring your own vinyl night, or attend a rip-roarin’ DJ’d dance party on the weekend.
Mill St Brew Pub - Toronto
21 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4Mill Street’s 2013-built Beer Hall is sort of the unlikely twin to the brewery’s Irish-themed brew pub: it offers the same DNA of delicious craft beers, but a whole other aesthetic, vibe and personality. Sleek communal tables, metal chairs and cement beams cast a distinctly modern air to the sprawling, high-ceilinged space, while warm lighting, sectioned booths and friendly staff create the casual, community feel. Saturday mornings fill the Beer Hall with hungry and hungover brunchers, while vinyl-lovers hit the massive space on the weekend for dance parties hosted by the Record Collective, Toronto’s infamous vinyl-only DJ duo.
Pour Boy Pub
666 Manning Ave, Toronto, ON M6G 2W4You know this beloved Annex pub well, even if you don’t think you do. The two-storey-high mural of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix has captivated the attention of Manning Avenue passersby for years. The friendly patio is home to both eclectic post-work conversations throughout the week and a party-pulsing energy on Fridays and Saturdays (Pour Boy’s Little Italy location hosts a slightly hipper vibe). Settle in for a locally brewed craft beer and a night of feel-good tunes or join in at the spot’s weekly BYO-vinyl night.
My Website
My Twitter
