The Dakota Tavern — Restaurant in Toronto

We had a small joint bachelor/bachelorette both at the bar and for bluegrass brunch the next day. The music and atmosphere at both times were amazing. Paying cover for brunch took me back a bit but because there was a band playing and the food was reasonably priced. The only reason this is not a 5-star review is because the waitress at brunch did not provide the friendly service I would expect.

We had to wait at the bar for a little while for a table. The tavern was busy and a little hectic but the waitress/bartender was more dismissive than the situation warranted and somewhat rude. When we got a table, it was the same waitress. She was more friendly, probably because it slowed down a bit. However there was still some frustration she showed toward us that could have been tempered. When the bills came, she did not mention to our table that an 18% autograt had been applied so keep an eye out for that...

This is may be one of the most important music venues in Toronto, if not the country. This understated little music bar has hosted incredible acts - not the current big name bands but the ones who will be, or the singer songwriters who inspire them. Their house bands, when they have them, are always fantastic (miss the Beauties!). Bluegrass Brunch is taking a break right now, but if you get a chance to go, GO! Take the kids and grandparents, show up hungry as it's all you can eat. As a parent I love the school nights they do, early shows from 6-8:30 or so during the week so as to sneak out, see a band, and get home in time to say g'night to the kid and make sure homework is done. If people are visiting from out of town, this is one of the first places I recommend as the music is consistently great, vibe is friendly, and it's in the middle of an active...

What makes this place special is its relaxed country ambience and a live bluegrass band...a decent one. The basement setting is basically a bar in a barn. Brunch on Sunday is by on-line pre-booked and pre-paid sittings at $29.95 each including taxes and gratuity. Food is delivered to the table and it seems you can have as much scrambled egg, pancakes, potatoes, coffee/tea as you like and orange juice if you ask. Fresh fruit salad is replenished as you wish. But that's it...no other choices. The food is ho hum and somewhat overpriced at the all-inclusive $30... even with the band. Seating is limited and arranged in awkward ways not always condusive to...