Toronto indie rockers’ sense of irony doesn’t end at their oversized aviators and handlebar moustaches; it extends to their selection of nightspots. First there was The Boat, a Portuguese restaurant designed like, well, a boat. Now a nearly 60-year-old deli has become an unlikely magnet for the ever-emerging alt-rock scene, complete with its own MySpace Web page (it’s apparently a Capricorn). After owner-bartender-busser Greg Robinson added a small stage at the back a year ago, such local bands as Pinko Kronkite, Remainameless and 100% Wool began drawing capacity crowds, and $2.50 bottles of Lakeport kept them there. Decorated like a messy but cozy dorm room, with posters (The Simpsons, Animal House), covers of old vinyl LPs (Men at Work, David Bowie) and even framed portraits of former U of T profs on the walls, the place exudes enthusiasm and creativity. Any given night might showcase music, poetry, an impromptu dance party, amateur films or all of the above. Tip: Preview the night’s talent (after 9 p.m. Thursday to Saturday) from outside; a vintage TV in the window carries a live feed from the stage.

The Bagel, 285 College St., 416-966-7555.