The Dakota Tavern

Relaxed vibe + you never know who you’ll meet. Like partying in your best friend’s parent’s rec room … only with better bands!

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...

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

Great music, great food and a great vibe.

They have a lonely little country stage and it feels like a real saloon. The owners weed through musical acts before they’re allowed to play there.

I love The Dakota and I would even go as far as saying it’s one of my favourite bars in the city. The crowd is generally amazing, it feels like a little small town tavern and the owners are super sweet. They scope out musical acts themselves so only the city’s finest can take their stage.

Mariachi Mondays people. Mariachi Mondays! A trio of honest-to-goodness Mexican crooners with bling-less sombreros, and funny-lookin guitars graces the Dakota stage each Monday (almost). There is always a Mexican contingent in the house, supplementing the consistent posse of locals. Members of this contingent have been known to take to the stage and sing (well!). Other members have been known to initiate rug-cutting. Bank on good times. And too many beers for a Monday.

where else can you sit around a communal table, sharing brunch with perfect(ly cool) strangers? break some bread while you break some ice. a nice weekend treat with a great community feel.