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Bars & Clubs Guide › Bars
The Dakota Tavern
- 249 Ossington Ave. (at Dundas St. W.) • View on map »
- 416-850-4579
This honky-tonk hot spot has more in common with all-night stalwart the Matador than most of the joints on Ossington’s nouveau hip strip. (Unlike its after-hours compatriot, though, the Dakota keeps regular hours, which means country rock fans need no longer wait until 2 a.m. to take in a decent jam.) The basement location includes myriad authentic touches, such as barnboard walls and bar stools fashioned from barrels. Those not entirely comfortable with the thought of a hayseed hoedown needn’t worry—this cozy local is as much a cool kid hangout as a swinging saloon, meaning that while cowboy boots are in ample supply on the dance floor, 10-gallon hats are left to the boys in the band. The place fills up on weekends, thanks to performances by local indie acts, but a quieter breed has been known to enjoy a (relatively) peaceful pint—just get there early if that’s your plan. A sign over the bar reads, “Unless Malibu comes in a bottle of Wild Turkey, we don’t have it.” They do, however, make a mean mint julep ($7.50), for those who prefer their liquor in a highball and not a shot glass. Cover $5 Friday and Saturday.
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