The Hideout On Queen

Last night I had an amazing time here. There was a small crowd of youngsters and some older costumers here. There is no cover and I got to enjoy great music by a guitar player who sang wonderfully on stage. The staff comes and plays Jenga with you and makes sure you’re having a good time. There are other games you can play and there’s also a pool table, which you have to pay a toonie for. My favourite corner was the cozy library at the back. This place is great for crowds. Even though there is no food served here, they told us that we’re welcome to bring outside food, which is a pretty sweet deal to me. I absolutely loved the cool, casual and relaxed atmosphere here and will definitely be back for more fun.

This is a pretty cool dive bar in the Queen West area. The bar is pretty big, having enough space for live music, a huge connect 5 game board, pool table, and some arcade games. This place is pretty casual and is good for larger groups bar hopping in this area.
What I like most about this place is their $ 3.5 well drinks. Normally I would drink Jameson which costs $ 7, but the bartender advised I could get a double of Bushmills for the same price. Good bartenders and good drinks are found here, just remember its a dive bar and your expectations won’t mislead you.

This is the #1 bar in Toronto, it some how has managed to keep from turning into a frat house. It has a laid back feeling to it, even when the party is going strong. Live music, great staff and flowing drinks make this place a must.

Summer afternoons on the patio (which has the sun all afternoon!) is great, especially if there is a guitarist playing live music (which usually there is… Dan G is the best — so nice and so talented!!!).
Drinks are reasonably priced. The bar itself is kinda divey, but that’s okay.
Was once there for a new years eve night, and it was okay. Not spectacular, granted I wasn’t expecting that either.

Love love love the live music, every night of the week you can’t go wrong. They had a $ 5 drink special all night which I enjoyed thoroughly. I can see this becoming my new hangout.

Do you like:
— awesome live music?
— cool, rock n’ roll from the 60’s to the 2000’s?
— friendly people who make insta-​friends with you when you smile at them?
— over-​sized board games?
— dressing casually, but appealingly (eg: jean/​tank top/​band shirt, funky top) vs dressed like a slut or business man — and still feeling sexy?
Most of all, do you like to DANCE like no one’s watching? Then this is the place for you!
With a $ 10 cover after 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, you get way more bang for your buck than some lame, unskilled DJ at an overpriced bar with overly fake, clown-​faced and utterly unfriendly people.
As a female patron, the guys here are oh so very good looking. From musician to patron, I couldn’t turn my head without seeing a cutie. Yet, many upscale bars — and almost all dives — can’t claim to this. This place walks a fine — an oh so fiiiine — line that it works. :) Many do seem to be over-​drunk, which is surprising since the drinks are quite watered down (at front bar especially — my vodka was imperceptible in a iced shot and vodka/​cran). Yet, the prices are competitive ($ 6.50 for a bar rail mixed drink, 5.35 for a Cold shot. etc). I think the bottled beer’s the best bet. maybe that’s what the guys were so hammered on…
The best bet after 10 is the live band. i love how even the guys here love to dance. I made so many new friends within minutes of arriving at 12 am on a Saturday night. There’s also giant Connect Four or Giant Jenga for those who don’t want to dance.
For people who say this is not a pick-​up bar. well, maybe you just don;t have game! j/​k I’m sure it all depends on luck and the night — like anywhere. WE were lucky. I met many a receptive cutie — and so did all of my friends — male and female.
A really good bet. Probably even better when it’s not raining and the patio is open. :)
Looking forward to next time.
PS: The coat check girl is sooo sweet and awesome. I’m not sure if she said her name was Sarah or Darla (music was loud), but what a gem of a person!

This bar reminds me of one you would stumble upon on a road trip after slowing the car cruising through a small city, just glad as heck to find a place open, not too scary, and has parking out front on the street for a quick getaway. There’s always some kind of lame band playing on stage, seemingly happy to be playing covers from decades past, and content to be at a bar on the world famous Queen St. West strip.
With a funky interior, as if dreamed up by my teenage mind along with my friends help in a basement somewhere, it has the mancave look that is appreciated best at night after a few beers.
The beer selection is great too! Along with the usuals on tap, like Guiness, proudly advertised on the paddock fence outside, they have Granville Island Lager. On Tap! Yessssss, that beer brings me back to fun trips to Vancouver where we once bought a mini keg of it for my brother’s wedding. The back room where they have a pool table proudly displays empty bottles on the top book shelf, along with books. Think of that… empty bottles… books… there you go, I’m sure you will reminisce at some point in the evening, at the Hideout On Queen.

Let me start this review by saying: pretty much everyone likes Hideout.
Let me continue with this review by saying: it’s not entirely clear to me why.
It’s happened so many nights, the fellas wanna go out and have a good time. I say ‘tonight fellas, let’s not even worry about girls, I just wanna dance.” I’m usually joking, but I do often say that. And sometimes we’ll find ourselves on Queen West without a plan. The list of proposed possibilities ALWAYS includes Hideout and I ALWAYS vote no. But sometimes democracy is a flawed system and we end up going anyways.
Depending on what the live music situation is, the scene is often the same. There are lots of people, but the ratio of people who seem to be having a genuinely good time is remarkably lower than in other establishments. There are people dancing, but noone is really into it; there are people standing around looking cool, but they aren’t really passionately cooling; there are people flirting, but it’s kind’ve that dirty desperation flirt where both parties are partially in their head imagining other things or wishing they had something else. The only endeavour people ever seem genuinely attempting with any sort of drive is those focused on drinking– which, don’t get me wrong– is something, atleast. Take a comparable establishment in the area and inject 10cc’s of ‘after hours’ vibe, and you get Hideout. Except there isn’t the after hours excuse of no other options.
The walls in the dancefloor/​stage area are painted an oppressive red. Pretty much everything else is just blah. There’s a pool table in the back surrounded by bookshelves and dirty seats where people go to grope each other while on display, which is all somewhat cool I guess.
We never have a particularly good time, but we always go back.
I’ve often philosophized about what exactly makes The Hideout, The Hideout, and the best I can come up with is this:
It has a catchy name, good location, and more room to fit more people than many other places in the area. It also stands out visually on the corner of a popular street with quasi-​iconic painted exterior. People remember Hideout, know they can go there, and know other people will be there. It is the place where listless masses who feel «I should probably go out tonight,» go– more out of obligation, than of lust for life. They are not there to dance, flirt, drink, revel, be debaucherous, laugh, nor enjoy the company of others– they are there because they feel obligated to be there.

Officially my favourite bar any day of the week and for any occasion. They always have live entertainment, a good crowd and the staff are amazing. Not much else to say that I haven’t said before, but consistent good times have been had here!!!

This place has always been seedy. A man kept bumping into my breast at the bar and grabbed my arm saying it was ok if he touched me because he works there and refused to let go. I then proceeded to throw my beer in his face unable to get him off me. Turns out this is one of the owners who against their smart serve was pouring shots down girls faces from the stage all night.
He then retaliated and strangled me and escorted me to the door by my throat.
Double my size, it is fair to say excessive use of force was used to remove an individual.
Sharing my story with others i realized I was not the only one subject to this sort of violence by this individual. Should i also line up here for a clitoridectomy?

We were there on a Sunday night, so the place was dead. Service was decent, live music a plus. A giant connect four game was fun. We were bar hopping and stayed for quite a bit, if that tells you anything. A decent bar to listen to music, grab a few drinks and challenge your friends to a game.

After living in Toronto for so long I can’t believe it took me so long to check out The Hideout.
On a Saturday afternoon I joined some friends on the west-​side patio for some sun and libation.
Pros:
— live music on the patio was great
— relaxed vibe
— plenty of seating options for large groups
— $ 15 pitchers of sangria (after tax)!!
— taro nachos (yes, you should try them)
— friendly, relaxed service (don’t go if you’re in a rush)
Cons
— the inside is a little gross and dark. I’m sure it’s great for a show, but not for a drink with friends
Seriously, just go for the $ 15 sangria, you can’t go wrong!

This place had an awesome band on a Wednesday night.
The Hideout is very cozy and Real.
I loved hanging out here. Very relaxed. More ppl need to know that there is somewhere to go to see an awesome band even on a Wed night!!!
Also, the pool table is a draw for me.
Will Definitely be back.

By day, The Hideout doesn’t look like very much, just another building along Queen West in Toronto. However, by night, this spot comes alive and is a première rock club and bar in the city!
No matter when I’ve come here, and no matter what state of inebriation I’m in there are two guarantees that are as consistent as death and taxes:
First off, I’m going to hear some fantastic live music, from local indie acts to tribute bands to even some semi-​professional rockers who just really dig this divy looking hipster hangout!
Secondly, I’m gonna have at least 4 shots of Jameson Irish Whiskey. Sorry for those of you who aren’t really big on Whiskey BUT you cannot visit this Jameson strong hold and not have at least two shots (that’s right 2 not 1… 2!) It’s a right of passage, and given that Jameson is plastered absolutely everywhere around this bar and on the patio, it would be an insult if you didn’t! Don’t worry, only the first one hurts
Good music, unique décor that makes me feel like I’m in an early 90’s grunge music video and an endless flood of Jameson make for a good time… everytime. At least from what I can remember

Had an amazing time here last night! My friend and I arrived to catch a band called the Brilliance. They were awesome, the show was free and the ambiance was great. I love pseudo-​dive bars and this place was in line with my love. Kind of dirty, just dirty enough, actually. Good vibes all around, quite a spacious place with seating. And they were playing the baseball game on the TV which made me very happy.
Decent selection of beer on tap and in bottle form. The sound is not the best to be honest but who cares! I also liked how they came out to the patio to let us know when the bands were starting and that the doors would be locked, and showed us alternative entrances.
Overall, I had a good experience here for a Wednesday night. I’m not sure what their party scene on weekends holds, but I’ll have to venture out for the experience in the future.

PARTY BAR!!! This place never fails… sometimes you can actually catch some good live music too.
I first went to the Hideout 6 maybe seven years ago… There is a great set up to the place, bar, dance floor, couches, lounge in the back, and a small patio.
I was sold when they served shot glasses on a tea light candle tray!!!

Ended up with friends in this place after they attended the U2 concert. The place was full of energy for a Monday and had U2 tribute band playing that night not to mention all sorts performers who jumped at the Stage. Service is lacking but they did have Blanche de Chambly on Tap so a big plus. The owner seems to know what keeps a place like this going i. e a friendly vibe. That meant women getting up on the bar to dance and pouring free shots! that explains the poles on the bar. There was entertainment till almost 3AM!!! That too on a Monday!!! Service is poor so be warned as you really have to push the bartender to get served. Other than that I don’t expect much from a place like this except good live music and beer!
3.5 Stars overall.

This place was a lot less dirty than I expected it would be, and I was pretty impressed by the friendly atmosphere. Before reading the other reviews I never thought to compare this place to Tattoo Rock Parlour because TRP feels more like a tourist destination; most of the people there seem out of place and it feels more contrived than The Hideout.
What I like most about The Hideout is that there is plenty of seating and rooms to sit in away from the stage, which makes it far more easy to socialize and relax if you’re not dancing. The patio area is pretty big, but I found it too smoky to linger around. I’m glad there are no TVs and annoying sports-​bar fixtures, which don’t add anything to most bars except a focus point for bored, glazed eyes with conversation becomes impossible over loud music.
The biggest drawbacks here are the bad sound, which blasts out to the point of annoying distortion, and the small bathrooms. The bathrooms are very tiny but mostly clean; I’m not a big fan of the advertising they use in the mirrors though! That being said, I wasn’t here very late so I imagine things look a lot more crowded and less clean by closing time.

I have always ended up here after a bad experience at either: The Bovine Sex Club, Velvet Underground, or Tattoo Rock Parlour.
The cover has always been $ 10 to $ 0.
Each and every time, it has given me an uplifting end to the night.
The live bands vary in genre but tend to fall somewhere on the rock scale. Whether it’s classic rock, bluesy modern — all the bands are excited about the music they’re playing and the fact that they get to perform for you.
The crowd is mid 20s to mid 30s. Unpretentious, welcoming intelligent folk will be found here.
This is the bar I had been searching for since moving to Toronto. I come here in: jeans, minimal make up and with a friendly spirit. Rock out with your heart out.
It’s okay if you dance with a rando (it’s very likely he will not grope your ass! — what?..), to use your real laugh, to pull out your cheeziest moves.
You know in rock music videos, that little bar/​club that is homey, has an enthusiastic crowd, a genuine band — this is it.

This is an old-​school, neighborhood pub which doesn’t put on any airs or try to impress anyone. It just is what it is and the simplicity of that is what makes it wonderful. I have many wonderful memories that have been made here. Times with friends who are no longer in the country, people-​watching on the patio after work, watching my friends’ bands, and even meeting my boyfriend. As with any pub or bar, if you think they are going to make the fun happen for you, you will be dissatisfied. Places are what you make it, so bring some friends who you love spending time with and have fun!
Music is usually pretty good, the staff and owners are awesome (love them all dearly), they make a damn good drink, it’s cheap, and the atmosphere is great. The patio is the best of the best and the venue is eclectic and features art from Stu Playdead.
The main room has a large bar, the stage where all the music happens, and booths along the windows. To get to the patio, you go through a lounge-​y area with seating along the walls, a centre railing for beverages and chatting, and a small bar. The final room before the patio is the chill space featuring comfy couches, bookshelves with real books and a pool table. The patio is large and highly popular in the summer. The newly renovated washrooms are downstairs as is coat check (available through the cold months).
This is the locals spot for those who miss the way Queen West was and yearn for a low-​key dive to hang out in and listen to good tunes with friends. A spot where staff knows your name and the bartenders remember your favorite drink. You can almost forget the condos going up across the road and remember a simpler time when Queen West still had that awesomely gritty and edgy vibe.
Check it out!