July 6 —Bloor and Lansdowne . Another west-end beauty found its way onto my radar this week. Across from a Dead Dog Records and Sugo sits Penny’s Dive Bar, a neighbourhood staple that’s just as likely to be hosting karaoke/open mic as much as a packed local bill. Venues like this matter because

Walking into a dive bar is always an exercise in expecting the unexpected.

How sticky is the floor going to be?

How attached to their stools are the regulars?

Penny’s strikes a balance. The Art Deco-inspired sign carries through to the sconces and decor inside, giving the room a character that’s equal parts classic neighbourhood pub and local music haunt. The walls are covered in 7-inch singles, there’s just enough room for a walkway through the crowd, and a long bench runs along one side of the room.

Then there are the tables. Tables as far as the eye can see. It’s a venue that encourages people to settle in, gather with friends, and spend the night discovering local music.

Catching a Show at Penny’s

I was there to catch LeBarons, the half-Hamilton, half-Toronto neo-country outfit that I’ll happily go out of my way to see whenever they’re playing. Opening the night was Giant Tiger, one of Toronto’s hardest-working new punk and garage bands. They’ve been grinding through as many shows as they can fit into their calendar lately, and it shows. Both bands sounded excellent through Penny’s DIY setup.

The stage is generous, comfortably fitting four musicians, a full drum kit, several amps, and the PA suspended overhead. They recently expanded the stage and upgraded the monitors and PA, another sign that they’re continuing to invest in Toronto’s local music community.

Also hanging from the ceiling were several air conditioning units, which I couldn’t have been more grateful for considering the show kicked off around 9:45 p.m. and it was still a balmy 30°C outside.

Inside the Venue

Unfortunately, like many older Toronto buildings, Penny’s Dive Bar isn’t without its challenges. The dreaded downstairs washroom and a step at the front entrance limit accessibility. That said, the venue itself is anything but unwelcoming.

Notwithstanding, the staff are friendly, engaging, and happy to chat. I’ve had some of my favourite bartender conversations at places like Swan Dive and Ted’s Collision, and Penny’s belongs in that same conversation. There’s a warmth to the room that makes it easy to feel like a regular, even if it’s your first visit.

The taps lean local, which is always a welcome sight. They had a Blood Brothers sour on draft when I visited, so naturally I had to sample a few local beers… for science.

Obviously Olivia, the owner, deserves a special mention. Opening the bar rain or shine, she also manages much of Penny’s social media. She’s welcoming, accommodating, and clearly cares about building a community around the venue. Their Instagram is packed with show posters, benefit concerts, and videos where Olivia shares upcoming events and specials. It feels less like marketing and more like an open invitation to come hang.

Penny’s has been part of the neighbourhood for 12 years, sitting at the corner of Bloor Street West and Lansdowne Avenue. Dive bars have always been the backbone of this city’s music scene. Penny’s understands exactly what makes them special. Good people, good bands, good beer, and a room that makes you want to stay for just one more set.

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