Gary D.
Yelp
What can I say about The Horseshoe except that it's been my go-to live music bar for two decades now.
My favorite night to go is indie 88 nu music nite where you can enjoy up five bands for no cover. Each band plays for 30 mins. So it's a great grab bag; if you don't enjoy the current band, the next will be on shortly.
There is a little merch counter nearby the stage where the local bands often offer shirts, vinyl and buttons and will often stop to chat.
Teddy is a witty and friendly bartender at the front bar who also plays drums for various bands and Ty is a super smart and down-to-earth guy who handles security and loves birds, food and checkers. I don't know them overly well but when you go to a place almost weekly for 20 years you do get to know the staff. :).
My music nights are seriously the best-kept long-standing secret in local live music that I know of... in a sweet, historic building, and great sound as well thanks to Bryan on the soundboard. He is always tweaking stuff and if you stand at the ledge behind the soundboard you'll have great sound and a place to rest your beer.
Bring earplugs with you if you plan to go up-close. As with similar love music venues, the sound can get very loud.
Seating is ample and there's a cute old-fashioned checkered dance floor right in front of the stage.
So glad this place is still around and hope my kids get to enjoy it too, when they're old enough to get by the watchful security.
There is a little tunnel that passes through to the restaurant next door (used to be Gorilla Monsoon, now it's A&W. Still..) that you can use to order food.
We are lucky to have the Horseshoe - it's up there with the best of them, world-wide. The cameron house is also steps away and on Tuesdays (except the first of the month) they have the Sinners Choir which are an amazing group. Also nearby is the Rivoli which often offers great music and comedy. Between these three spots, all within steps of each other along Queen St, you really can't ever go wrong on a Tuesday nite. If you can spare the time.
Of course all the other nights are great as well, with lots of performances each night.. Really enjoyed Bruce Youngsteen on a recent visit with my wife.
The Rolling Stones, Bryan Adams, 54-40, Stompin Tom, The Tragically Hip, and many more have graced the stage and with thousands upon thousands of other talented performers.
One day, I hope to play the 'Shoe as well :)
Cheers!