Farewell to the Dakota Tavern: Toronto Musicians Share Their Most Cherished Memories

Farewell to the Dakota Tavern: Toronto Musicians Share Their Most Cherished Memories

Earlier this month, the Toronto Star confirmed what local music fans had long feared: the Dakota Tavern, a cherished dive bar and live music venue on Ossington Avenue, has officially closed after nearly 20 years of operation.

Founded in 2006 by Shawn Creamer, Maggie Ruhl, and Jennifer Haslett, the Dakota quickly evolved from a no-frills basement bar into a vital hub for Toronto’s indie and roots music community. With its intimate vibe, communal energy, and a stage that welcomed everyone from aspiring local musicians to legends like Gord Downie, Kathleen Edwards, and members of Blue Rodeo and Broken Social Scene, the venue held a special place in the hearts of many.

Beloved for its signature Sunday Bluegrass Brunch and the eclectic Basement Revue series curated by Jason Collett, the Dakota was more than a bar — it was a cultural cornerstone. Following its sale to Anthony Green in 2018, the venue underwent a temporary closure in 2024 for renovations. But when photos of the gutted space began to circulate online, the sad truth was confirmed: the Dakota would not reopen.

To honour its memory, artists who once graced its stage shared their most treasured moments from this iconic Toronto venue.

Shawn Creamer

Co-founder of the Dakota Tavern and member of The Beauties

“In retrospect, I should have been terrified — maybe I was. Opening the Dakota felt like jumping from the highest ledge I’d ever known. But I didn’t yet realize that there was a whole community waiting to catch me and lift me higher than I’d ever been.

Every night felt like a house party among close friends. On Sundays, after the Beauties wrapped up, we’d line up for the ‘beer train,’ passing cases up from the crawl space to be cleared out in the morning. Strangers became friends. Someone would start singing, and the whole room would join in.

It was our version of a Sunday service — carrying our hearts in our hands and passing them to someone else who’d sing along with us.”

Jason Collett

Singer-songwriter and former member of Broken Social Scene

“Before the Dakota, cover bands weren’t considered cool in Toronto — but the Dakota made it fun. Any night could feel like a bohemian wedding party. It helped the city loosen up and embrace joy.

The venue’s layout also played a role in the magic: you didn’t just go out to the Dakota, you went in, descending into a low-ceilinged saloon with no cell reception. There was no green room, just a coat closet. Artists and audience mingled freely — and that mystery, of never knowing who might pop up on stage, was electric.”

Charlotte Cornfield

Toronto-based singer-songwriter

“I played my first show at the Dakota in December 2009. I was 21, home from school in Montreal, and so excited to put on a gig with my band.

That night was pure magic — twinkling lights, gingham tablecloths, heavy wooden chairs. I remember feeling like I’d found my place. It was one of the most important nights of my life and career.”

Brendan Canning

Founding member of Broken Social Scene

“The Dakota did a lot of heavy lifting for Toronto’s live music scene. Every Sunday with the Beauties felt like seeing the best band in the city. One pint turned into three, and every friend you had showed up.

It wasn’t just the artists — the staff were incredible and made it feel like family. It’s heartbreaking to lose a venue that meant so much to so many. Toronto’s music scene is poorer for it.”

Robin Hatch

Composer and touring keyboardist

“The Dakota was underground in every way — the last samurai of cool venues. I must’ve played there 40 times over 15 years. The stage was tiny, the sound was loud, and the vibe was undeniable.

I’ll never forget the night I played two sets after the Leafs lost the 2013 playoffs — the whole crowd shared that sour, collective mood. It was loud, sweaty, raw — and real.”

Melissa McClelland

Member of Whitehorse (with Luke Doucet)

“Walking down those stairs felt like entering a secret world. The Beauties lit a fire in that room and we all wanted to be part of it. I played unannounced shows, album releases — whatever excuse we could find to be there.

I’ll always be grateful that I was part of its story, even in a small way.”

Jeremie Albino

Roots-rock singer-songwriter

“The Dakota reminded me of old footage of Stompin’ Tom at the Horseshoe — gritty, soulful, full of character. Playing a sold-out show there was a dream. It felt like stepping into Canadian music history.”

Lenny Bull

Toronto-based rock musician

“I spent most of my 20s in that basement. Carrying gear down the stairs, navigating the tiny green room, figuring out who was bringing the drum kit — it was all part of the charm.

Whether playing or dancing in the crowd, the energy was unmatched. Everyone was tipsy, rowdy, and totally engaged.”

Caroline Marie Brooks

Member of the Good Lovelies

“From playing with Barenaked Ladies and Kathleen Edwards to nursing my newborn in the gear room before a set — the Dakota was where I lived so many important moments.

My last show there, launching my first solo album, surrounded by friends and family — that’s a memory I’ll carry forever.”

Michael Cloud Duguay

Composer and producer from Peterborough, Ont.

“We used to call it ‘Little Peterborough’ because it felt like home. I once met a band in Peterborough, hopped in their van, and opened for them at the Dakota the next night. Spontaneous, scrappy, and unforgettable — that was the Dakota.”

Shannon Kohlmeier

Long-time staff member and partner of co-founder Shawn Creamer

“I was on vacation at the Calgary Stampede in 2006 when Shawn called me and said, ‘I bought a bar!’ We had no idea what it would become.

Over the years, everything changed — rents rose, people had kids, bands blew up — but the Dakota remained magical. Watching Shawn’s dream grow into something so meaningful was one of the greatest gifts of my life.”

Ed Robertson

Lead vocalist and guitarist for Barenaked Ladies

“The Dakota felt like something out of a movie. When we wanted to try out new material, it was the perfect place — welcoming, vibey, and full of heart.

My son’s band played their first gigs there. When my daughter came back from university, one of our first stops was the Dakota. Her comment? ‘Well, I’ve never thrown up here!’

I’m truly sad to see it go. Toronto needs every small venue it can get to keep the soul of live music alive.”

The Legacy Lives On

Though the Dakota Tavern’s doors have closed, the spirit it cultivated — of connection, creativity, and unfiltered musical expression — lives on in the memories of those who played, partied, and found themselves within its walls. As Toronto’s cultural landscape continues to evolve, the Dakota’s legacy remains a shining example of what a music venue can mean to a city and its people.