Phoenix Concert Theatre

One of the worst venue experiences I’ve had in Toronto. Disappointing experience, largely due to poor security conduct and venue management. Security inspected my DJI Pocket camera at entry, which I appreciated, but ultimately denied it despite the venue website stating non-professional cameras are typically permitted. The inconsistency was confusing and set a negative tone. I was not intoxicated (I had one drink at dinner before arriving), did not argue, and fully complied. However, security was unnecessarily confrontational and dismissive, treating paying guests as problems rather than customers. Questioning anything would clearly have resulted in staff “pulling rank,” which felt unprofessional. Line management outside was also poorly handled. Security created the lineup and then tried to push people out of it while guests stood in below-freezing temperatures on a public sidewalk, with no heaters or shelter. Inside, entry forces guests to walk through the stage/crowd area, which is awkward and poorly planned. Bartenders were friendly and drinks were well made, but the venue itself is cold, run-down, and the women’s bathroom was visibly unclean. (see spider web from light to stall in pics) People pay for an experience — this venue misses the mark.

Experienced this venue for the first time last night to see The Darkness and I was quite impressed! It was my first time ever going to a small music venue like this and it was one of the best concert experiences I’ve ever had. I was also very impressed with the location. Many places nearby to grab a bite before the show and super convenient parking right across the street. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for more music acts that come through The Phoenix.

I was just there Saturday, January 17 2016 to see a free concert by Paul James a Torontonian, blues guitarist and singer amazing! the place is still like it was 20 years ago, when I used to go there regularly.

Got to see Peach PRC here, one of my fave shows ever, great environment, General admission got us close to the stage. Easy to get to location. Thank you for a night we will never forget! 💖

Went to see strange advance, who put on a great show, including background, projections and lasers, with the box, who are talented and seasoned performers, although I’m not a big fan, but my friend who got the tickets is. Images in Vogue opened and they were not very good in any respect in terms of stage presence, and the sound for them was terrible, as if they didn’t do a sound check that sound system at the venue is loud but the only way it was bearable was with earplugs And it wasn’t very clear, but the concert was like $55 for three bands and so it was a good deal. The three bands were from the mid 80s and we were into them in high school and so the crowd was like 50 to 70 years old, but that would’ve been expected and that’s in our age range. Overall it was a good experience.

Its a decent venue, some would say legendary, sound system needs an upgrade IMHO.

I won tickets from Virgin Radio to the Pink Pony Club event (which was AMAZING)! This was my first time being there and so happy for the memorable experience. Great vibe, super inclusive space 💕 The Djs and Boa from Drag Race Canada were 🔥

Such a lovely and intimate theatre while having plenty of space. It seems to have a rich history with plenty of well known musicians who have played here. We went to see TR/ST on November 7th, 2024. Got the opportunity to get be close to the stage when we showed up early. Plenty of bars and has a balcony to watch from too. Great experience here and hope to come again!

My wife and I were visiting Toronto for the first time this year and on a whim I did a "Bands in Town" search only to discover that an old favorite (Matthew Good) who I've wanted to see for going on 20 years was playing here at the Phoenix with I Mother Earth for an impromptu fundraiser concert, a short walk away from our hotel. As I've yet to see him tour the US where I live, I was beyond elated to make such a discovery. So perhaps my review of the Phoenix may be influenced by that, however I feel a "4" is a solid/accurate appraisal for this establishment. Every city worth it's salt has a concert venue like the Phoenix-- primarily standing room where fans can get up close to the stage if they wish, some tables around a balcony, and a couple of bars. Low lighting. I'll say this one was cleaner than many I've been in; sound was great 90% of the time (the other 10%, mainly in the first act, included some loud feedback). Drink prices were surprisingly reasonable. Staff venue efficient and friendly. While not the venue's fault at all, a small portion of the crowd did their consistent best to push their way past those who had their spots for hours to try to get a better view, but that's really my only complaint. I'd recommend seeing a show here and if back in Toronto I will likely do the same.

Great venue which operates independently from the live nation overlords. You can get up close and personal with your favourite artists. Sound quality is always done well (for the shows I've been to - which are many!) Note this is a grungier venue so be prepared for some fun characters hanging outside on Sherborne street. Photos from Dadi Freya show. No saleable food on site. Drinks are around $12 for a tall can. Staff are forward. Make sure you are ready with tickets and ID ahead of getting to them in line.

I struggled with how many stars to give as, as an adult in their late 30s, I realized this style concert venue is just not my speed anymore, I am too old to stand through too many openers, before the band I actually want to see. However, my 20 year younger self would have loved it, and so in reviewing it for it's purpose I feel like it deserves the 4 stars. I saw a lot of reviews before coming about rude and over the top workers, but I found everyone friendly, and I liked the fact that they did a thorough search of everyone going. It is sad that we live in a world where they have to, but I felt safer that they opened every little section in my purse, most places don't and it does make you wonder what people bring in. They did have a VIP section for the particular concert I was at, not sure if it is available at every concert, that had seats at least, not sure of all the particulars but that is an option if you are old like me. Otherwise, it is exactly what I would expect for some mid or lower tier bands that you plan to stand to see.

Really overdue review, but hey, I somewhat have time now soooo. Went to a concert here a while back (Epik High, woo!). Excellent concert, no doubt, but I'm here to review the hall. The hall and seats are cozy and everything was clean, but the lighting work was off during the concert. We sat in the balcony seats and 75% of the time the light was glaring in our eyes. As you can imagine this was pretty uncomfortable and soured our experience a bit. When Epik High asked us to whip out our phones and wave them to a song the lights glared even brighter, defeating the purpose of us getting our phone screens out to wave sigh. -.- Security and staff were friendly though and I don't think anything was organized poorly. Overall, it was a decent, intimate venue so a solid three stars.

Not as many concerts in the past decade. Yet the Phoenix was and is a staple in the cities concert history... good club setting for a show and great sound

I've been here many times for concerts. It's always a good time except for the part that I'm short and tall people always stand in front of me. However, this time the ticket I bought was for the balcony. I was so pleased to see that there was seating and that I wouldn't have to stand the whole time. Bonus points for the seating being on raisers so even people at the back would be able to enjoy the concert. Also, be prepared to have your bag searched.

Got balcony seats for the Alina Baraz concert. The seating was great. The only drawback to this section is that half of the time, the stage lights are shining directly in your eyes and flooding out your ability to see the artist perform. (Check my photos and videos) It's nice to get the front row on the balcony seats BUT there will be an iron bar railing right in front of your eyes which somewhat obstructs your view of the stage. If you sit a little bit higher up and further back, you're slightly further away but you get an unobstructed view of the stage. No one stands up in the balcony seating area and they advise you not to when you enter. People seem to respect that which was cool. There is a side area stemming from the balcony where you can pay an additional amount (third level ticket) to have Barstool seating which brings you closer to the stage without the lights getting in your eyes, but also it is a side view which I personally don't prefer. All in all, the balcony area has its drawbacks. If you want to be away from the stuffy smelly crowds, you have to deal with having stage lights in your eyes.

The "security" team at this venue is unlike anything I've seen at any other. Rude and outright abusive. I was denied entry for 'being intoxicated', which I was clearly not. And guess what, it's normal to drink before a show. "Have you had any drinks tonight?" No shit, and you're not a cop. When I asked why they were doing this, I was attacked and physically removed while they yelled "don't yell at us sir" - I didn't even raise my voice. I will not be returning here, and urge concertgoers to save their money.

I came to this venue to see Andy Grammer perform and it was definitely an interesting experience. Andy put on an amazing show but I'm not really rating him but the venue. The venue was small and in a bad part of town. I felt unsafe walking to the venue from Bloor. When we arrived we got in quickly but they did check our bags quite thoroughly. It's good for security of all guests but I felt like it was a bit much. The coat check had barely anyone in line when we dropped off and picked up our coats. This made it easy to get to the floor to watch the show and leave once the show was over. This show didn't have a lot of people, so I'm not sure how it would fare on a busier night. The crowd was very chill but I am a little nervous to go back in a few weeks for a bigger show when the floor will be crowded. My boyfriend says it's always crowded at this venue and I'm not really a fan of that environment. I will update my review after round two!

I saw Angus & Julia Stone here the other night and will not go back to this venue. I've been to a lot of concerts and have to say this is the first time I've gone to a show where I was convinced it was oversold. The entire floor area was packed with people, even at the back, and even WAY back behind the sound guys. I expect it to be crowded if you're up near the stage but like the option to have some room to dance (or even stretch) when I'm close to the back. It made me feel a little unsafe to be honest, thinking what would happen if the fire alarm went off or there was some other sort of emergency. There did seem to be quite a few exits but there were just so many people. I've also never had problem hearing a band because of the audience talking. My friend and I started out near the back bar and ended up moving because it was loud. Makes sense as you need to talk to order drinks, and maybe people who aren't super interested in the music would stay at the back. We went over to the main floor and were closer to the bar on stage right. A group of about 5 people having a loud conversation for the entire concert - I've never heard anything like it. (In addition some of them were sitting on the bar and then on each others shoulders.) We moved again, a little closer to the stage and into the crowd, and were then close to a different group of friends having another very loud conversation. I actually had trouble hearing the music (coming from someone who has very sensitive ears and excellent hearing). I understand the venue can't control what kind of people come to their concerts, or how much an individual will enjoy a certain type of music, but it seemed like there were a lot of people there more interested in getting drunk than seeing a show. The fact the venue was so packed made it that much worse - it was difficult to escape these people and really affected my ability to hear the music and enjoy the concert. I definitely won't be going back here.

Honestly the worst venue I have ever attended a concert at. They are pumping hot air into an overcrowded already hot room. With in 10 minutes my glands in my through were swollen. The security were brutal and searched every pocket on my wife and I and tried to confiscate my prescription non narcotic medication that I need. One guard took an energy bar from my wife's pocket and started eating it! I am pretty sure they over sold and not everyone was even able to get inside. There had to be a good 3000 people there no way was there only 1500. I'm am very surprised no one collapsed from the heat. It was a good 40 C in that room. Everyone was drenched with sweat.

Had a fabulous time at Snarky Puppy concert. The staff and security were awesome. The concert was standing room but the staff were great at accommodating a pregnant lady and other patrons with mobility difficulties. I have a hard time walking due to knee surgery and a security staff personally made sure I was looked after and comfortable.Another security staff made sure I was able to get through the crowd to go to the washroom and back . .

A perfect size for a nice concert. I got here early enough so I was in the front of the stage. The sound and ambiance was excellent as well. Plenty of street parking nearby. Only reason I didn't give them five stars was the dingy nature of the bar. The sound was great as I mentioned, but it seemed dirty overall.

Hadn't been in here in about ten years, but I didn't remember it being this bad. Was there for Lucinda Williams concert last night and I have to say, it was like they had never hosted an event before. Doors were supposed to open at 7 PM, didn't open until about 7.20 PM. It was a senior, seasoned concert-going crowd that were treated like HS kids. It was also about -5 degrees outside. When the doors did finally open they asked everyone that had will-call tickets to raise their hands and form a separate line as they'd be going in first. Shouldn't this have been done at 7 PM if you're going to make people wait outside anyhow? Just a really poor job by management. I don't blame the security people, they are just doing their damn job, but someone at the top needs to figure out how to run things over there. I'd consider going back if the Beatles were still around, but I don't see myself ever returning. Sightlines are terrible too. I'm 6 feet tall and it's still an issue if the place is packed, but that's not a bigger issue to me than how the place is run.

These type of concert halls are never perfect but do the job. The best part about the Phoenix is the location. It's right downtown, in a seedy location so it won't disappear overnight, and easy to get to with a cab or TTC. You know you won't get stranded there, unlike Kool Haus and its funky location where you may lose your life trying to get back to civilization. Appreciate the spaciousness of the Phoenix, with the huge ceiling height with the balcony. There is a smoking section toward the street at the rear of the building next to where you come down from the balcony. We saw a kickass show here, The Darkness, with a full light show, lots of schmaltz and theatrics, and spandex too.

My Concert: OK GO Pros + SOUND: this speaks for itself. OK GO uses a lot of tricks and gimmicks to add to their creative juices. This concert hall complimented that perfectly. + CAPACITY: OK GO had confetti flying out, they utilized a bed sheet and had video recordings for special effect, their concert was overall VERY kick ass and I'm glad that Phoenix did all they could to facilitate that Cons - ATMOSPHERE: Dark, dingy, dirty. Everything you'd expect from a dive but it's a concert hall. - DRINKS: As you'd come to expect from Toronto, overpriced & understaffed. I thoroughly enjoyed my concert going experience and was bobbing my head all the way home on the TTC. I loved the OK GO concert, loved the price of tickets (rather reasonable) and the overall experience. Thanks for everything, guys!

4.5 stars. I love this venue for concerts. Usually smaller name bands play here. Great sound quality and atmosphere. You can see the stage from all areas and get up close to the band - a great atmosphere. Some commented it's not the cleanest place but it's a concert hall for rock / metal / rap bands - not for the Toronto symphony. I find security a little aggressive here and their presence is felt (this is also a good thing mind you). The bar staff is great and there were 4-5 bars spread across the venue. A fairly quick walk from the subway. I didn't like that your forced to stay at the back of the venue if you have a beer but this is not the end of the world as your still fairly close to the stage. I imagine this is not the case if the concert is not designated "all ages". I always look forward to returning.

The staff in recent times have been welcoming and really good but in Toronto it really depends on who in security you get on any given day. i rate this place for the sound , one of the best for a medium sized venue , elevated stage . The place had underwent several transformations as a club and was even a pool haven in the 90s but at present it is primarily an excellent place for bands .

Phoenix is a great venue. Seen many shows there. Saw DJ shadow tonight. He was awesome! Would it kill them to give me a lime wedge with my vodka soda though?

Ahhh....the smell of pee. Where else can you be but the Phoenix! Was here for the Jully Black concert a few weeks ago. Before that I haven't been here for a few years - usually they have a pretty fun Halloween party. It's dark and kinda smelly if you are on the side with the washrooms. I wonder what would show up if you put those black lights in this club...on second thought I don't want to know. I always feel like I'm walking into some dungeon in here. I didn't pay a cover b/c I was here for a concert, but if I had to I would want my money back. Much better places to lounge on a weekend. The only plus this place has going for it is that there is a parking lot right across the street.

New policy: security will scrutinize, touch and sniff your properly labelled prescribed medications, forcing you to out your disabilities in line in front of strangers to defend your medications. My friend's Advil got scrutinized. My prescribed meds were touched by some "medic". No longer a comfortable place for the invisibly disabled. A shame, since aside from the god-awful bathrooms and lack of proper accessibility, this is one of the better smaller venues in Toronto. Guess I'm giving the Danforth Music Hall even more of my heavy concert-going business!

Security was being extremely rude than necessary and shouting at guest instead of directing us in a calm manner. I understand that some people may not listen but having someone threaten to throw you out for not listening to a "simple" instruction. Next was the Facebook event page releasing the set times an hour before doors open, it was released so last minute I was already in line by the time I checked that the artist I wanted to see was going to be out at 10:40 and it was 7 by the time I checked. Therefore I wasted 3+ hours for no reason when this could easily have been solved if someone posted sooner. Lastly the venue had the artist come in late and nobody let anybody know what was happening, I had to post in the fb event page to ask what was happening and I still had no answer. Overall the venue was small, had overly expensive food and very rude security guards as well as a lack of explanation from the venue

aside from the kool haus, and the opera house, this venue ranks up with the greats. amazing sound, amazing location, great size of venue, and ease of access is so good. i met one of my idols outside of the venue because of the layout.

The Phoenix Theater in Toronto. The security guards forcefully shoved me, when I told them to stop touching me the African American security guards pushed even more.

The Phoenix is a thousand person concert theatre on Sherborne. The good part is that it's a really intimate spot for a concert, and a great alternative to the Guvernement (which is the same size). I saw Tegan and Sara here and it was epic. They also do a lot of different kinds of concerts for a mix of people, not just trend following stuff like some other venues. The bad part is that it's on Sherborne, and almost every time I get off the subway and walk south to the venue, I get propositioned for sex. It's kinda a prostitute neighborhood, so try to go in groups or drive. It's not dangerous, just creepy. On the weekends, it's a club, but the bouncers aren't my cup of tea and it's a little hit or miss when it comes to how rammed it'll be. In it's hay day, it was the king of clubs, but there hasn't been much reno of any kind that I can see in at least 10 years.

Too big for a flat-floored venue and/or the stage isn't raised enough. I've been to a couple of concerts there where if you wanted any kind of intimate closeness you had to allow yourself to be jammed into the crowd that surges to the front. Or else go so far back that you can breathe but you might as well be at an arena. And unless you're very tall your view will be blocked. And yes there's a balcony, with very few seats. It's waaaaay at the back too so again, arena-like concert-going experience.

Yeah I really cannot see myself back here unless someone I really like is performing. Just getting in the place is a total nightmare, as if you're someone who's carrying a lot of stuff (like me!! who had to transit down straight from work just to be here!) they will spend 10 minutes going through each and every item in your bag - opening bottles, containers, books - they even opened up my pencil case and dumped it! And look, I get it - you're checking for drugs, weapons, etc. and it's your job (and the reason why I'm not at one star is because the woman was REALLY nice, and even complimented me on my outfit after, lol) but I can't imagine ANYTHING that could even fit into my pencil case that would warrant that kind of search. When you finally get in there, they have the two biggest fans blasting the entire audience, which wouldn't be a problem if it was hot outside to begin with. It was totally freezing and my friend and I were literally shivering and hugging each other for warmth! Then when I went down to the bathroom, about half of the stalls actually had a working lock on them and the rest were pretty gross. Soooo unless Carly Rae Jepsen comes here, I will definitely not be coming back anytime soon. (Also - they took my freaking half bag of pretzels! I have a 2 hour commute home after this concert and I can't even keep a couple of lousy pretzels.)

Can we blow this place up and put in a Loblaws? Usually people protest when trying to put in big box grocery stores... but I'll give five quick points that you will be physically unable to counter on why a Loblaws should occupy that space 1) I'll have an easier time getting in and out of Loblaws freely without telling me I can't exit through clearly labeled exits 2) Drinks will be cheaper at a grocery store....and if not, Loblaws will at least do price match 3) The Limes will actually have juice in them at Loblaws 4) Staff are miserable at both - but I doubt the cashier at a grocery store would be on a power trip outside of charging 5 cents per plastic bag. 5) The sound quality coming out of a grocery store PA system is better than whatever the heck is coming out of the tin can sound system at the Phoenix. Location is everything... and Phoenix has a great one. They can also book pretty decent talent.... but I GUARANTEE YOU THIS..... You put in a Loblaws and set up an old lady at the end of every aisle armed with a sample tray and a crockery.... We'll have a better tomorrow. #Concerthall4Crockery LET'S GET IT TRENDING !

I'm going to risk sounding REALLY not cool here, but why are these places so dirty? When the lights are dimmed but I can still see a thick layer of sediment of ceiling fixtures....that's dirty. I don't know; maybe I need to drink more to see past the filth? Sure, this place has excellent acoustics, and an awesome view, but I'd think twice before returning. There is nothing to do whilst waiting endlessly for acts that invariably start late. I realize the owners want patrons to drink up, but I don't go here for the ambiance. It's downright depressing to sit in the rickety chairs and attempt screaming conversation to kill time. I thought it was telling to see most people glued to their cell phones until the main act started. I guess I'm not the only bored one here. The women's bathroom should win an award for lowest air-pressure hand dryer EVER. Basically it's useless. And would it really kill them to clean the place up? That's it...I'm officially old I guess.

I was there on Saturday night (3/13/10) for the Joanna Newsom concert. The doors opened at 6PM and Joanna went on a little before 8PM. She told us that the management of the club gave her a really early "curfew" and as such, she stopped playing a few minutes before 9PM. The management immediately turned the house lights and music on but the SOLD OUT crowd wouldn't move until Joanna and her band came back out for an encore. They played a 9-minute song, a great f*ck you to the club management. If they were willing to treat her, her band, and the huge, sold out crowd so rudely in public, I can't imagine how they treated her backstage. I won't be rushing back to another show at the Phoenix.

Really like this venue. During 19+ events you're usually forced to stand in the back behind a fence which is slightly inconvenient but meh...if you want booze and music, you'll accept it. I like the acoustics here, it reminds me of Great Hall but a little more grungy. It looks like it's got a lot of character. There's an upstairs sitting area and I think 3 bars - one at the front and two in the back. The servers are nice, so are the bouncers - never had a bad experience with them. Drinks aren't cheap and the selection isn't great. They have Stella, Keith's, Bud, Budweiser and all the cans are small and 6-7 bucks. It's easy to get close to the stage if you come like an hour or two early which I recommend if you really like the artist but the venue's is small enough that even if you're in the back you'll see/hear just fine! Overall one of my favorite places for shows in the city, not the best but all together it comes nicely packaged :) PS I love Abbas.

Saw Ok Go here on Thursday and it was quite the show! But yes, this is about Phoenix Concert Hall. The concert was accommodated extremely well by the venue. The bands went on and off the stage and all the equipment changed with ease. The lighting was amazing and vibrant. The stage was a good size for what was going on. The sound was amazing! I could hear every instrument and even through my ear plugs (dorky, I know) it was still a good volume. Problem: It was an all ages night. And while that's not so much a problem in itself- except for the boy in the red spandex unitard dancing and trying to start chants behind me- the issue is what they did with that. The bouncers were nice, handing out wristbands to those of age but everyone that was drinking/having a drink was held like cattle at the back by a metal barricade gate. Hello? It is a basic concept that the drinking people should be mixed into the crowd, thus making things lively. Even the band noticed and pointed it out disappointedly! The merchandise booths were in a good spot where everyone could see them and there was enough space for lines to form for each booth. People from the bands even came out to sign stuff! No Ok Go though, they're too cool for that shit.

I'm completely torn about the Phoenix. It has excellent acoustics, and a great layout for concerts. On the other hand, the idiotic drinking pen and the near-rainforest heat and humidity make it almost unbearable to stay in the building. The lineups in winter are brutal, there's no reason that they need to keep people out in the cold when it's perfectly withering inside, and there's generally plenty of room. I doubt you would ever find me here outside of a concert setting, as the only night they have anything else is Edge 102 Saturdays, and that appeals to me about as much as thumbscrews or Susan Boyle (the two are roughly equivalent). Their website plays music, which is a big no-no, and it comes back with every click, which makes a bad thing worse! Somehow they manage to get great bands to play here, so as long as that's par for the Phoenix, I'll probably be back.

The Phoenix is well situated to get to on public transit, and is just on the outskirts of the downtown core (you could even walk over from College station, or down from Sherbourne, if the weather is nice). I've never had an issue with door staff, they are reasonable and do their job quickly to get you carded and in the door. No problems with bag searches. Inside is a little weirdly set out - you wind through a hallway via the coat check and where the merch stand (if any) will be set up, before hitting the main concert hall. It's pretty divey, i'm not going to lie. Very dimly lit, everything painted black, strange old decor crammed into forgotten corners and overhangs. It's strange. There's 3 bars which should all be open on a busy night when there's a sold out concert; drinks aren't super cheap, unfortunately - and bottled water is sold at a criminal $3. Washrooms are all the way at the back and downstairs, but there's a lot of them to avoid too much wait. They're not glamorous, but they do. Sound is great here, i've not had an issue with the quality of that impacting on my enjoyment of a show at all. Space-wise, there's quite a bit - a massive large space downstairs where everyone just lumps in together, and a smaller area on a balcony upstairs which is more casual and there's some seating; not ideal for actually watching a show, more loitering and listening. Overall I wouldn't hesitate to go see a show at the Phoenix, and you just have to know that you'll probably enjoy yourself despite some of the venue's quirks and appearances. So it sorta evens out to 3 stars, I suppose!

Came to this venue for the first time a few days ago. How have I never seen a show here?! It's an intimate venue, with a bit of a grungie feel. The ceilings are high and I found the sound quality to be top notch. The venue itself has 2 levels, first level is a flat open space with the upstairs having seating,if you prefer not to stand. Despite standing towards the back I found the sightlines to be great, I had no problem seeing the stage. There are about 3 bars throughout the venue so getting a drink is not a problem. Drink pricing was reasonable, they don't gouge you like some other venues. However the selection of beers leaves a lot to be desired. I usually find Toronto crowds to be quite chatty at concerts but on this occasion the crowd was awesome, very energetic and fed off the performer. For an all ages show the venue will be blocked off by a steel railing seperating drinking and non-drinking areas, so if you choose to drink you will be herded to the back like some sort of alcoholic sheep. Baaaahhhh. The venue is accesible by basically any form of trasport, it's close to the subway, the downtown core, and very easy to get to if you're driving. However the Green P across the street is chaotic and has very tight spaces, your car will have a 90% chance of getting dinged so unless you drive a hoopdie like me you're better off parking elsewhere. One thing of concern is that their phoenix symbol looks like it was drawn by Joeseph Goebbels but I will chalk that up to coincidence. I really enjoyed this as a concert venue and I look forward to returning.

the ladies at the coat check are rude and lazy. Last night we had a concert at the theater. we had to get inside the venue and all they were saying were like'we are not open.' Even we explained to them the security staff was asking us to do our coat check they didn't listen. So i gave up lol.

A small venue in a odd neighbourhood. I would not have noticed it if there wasn't a huge lineup down the street, waiting to go in to see the concert! I don't dislike smaller venues, as they allow a more intimate concert with the artist you're going to see. This venue definitely gives you a close and intimate concert experience, but I'd say that was the best part. Even in line, the first thing you notice are the staff. They are loud, rude, and definitely do not want to be working there. You get the vibe that they are talking down to all their customers, as if they are all stupid and don't understand what they are saying. Not a single smile on their faces when dealing with customers, and they yelled everything they wanted to say. Some of the stuff they said felt demeaning (I'm 'not' stupid, thank you), but were laughed off by some people as 'funny'. Once inside, the first thing I noticed was sticky floors. Everywhere. Could you just imagine what this place looks like when the lights are on?!? Not a pleasant thought. Felt disgusting to even touch anything inside. Luckily, the venue was well ventilated, so it didn't feel like a furnace with all the people inside. Not the worst venue out there, but unless you absolutely love the artist that's performing there, I would refrain from coming here. You don't think much of this stuff while the concert's going on, but it's definitely in the back of your head!

Came here to see Beirut and Owen Pallett recently and had a great concert-going experience! We arrived at 9pm (doors opened at 8pm) and caught most of the opening act. The venue is big but still feels intimate and acoustics are excellent. I like that you can choose between the main floor or go upstairs for a different vantage point. I stayed on the main floor most of the time. There is a bar on one side (beer only) and a bigger bar at the back. Mixed drinks are $5.75 with tax and the bartenders are actually nice. Based on warnings from other Yelpers, I avoided the bathrooms completely! I heard it gets super-hot, but it was not that bad. They were definitely using the A/C liberally. This is definitely one of the better concert venues I have been to in the city!

Sure, this place isn't the BEST place for a concert, but it's a helluva lot better than the Sound Academy, so I'll take it! People have given great tips below, so I'll just add my two cents. I've been to countless shows here over the years and I've come to appreciate it's size and know the best spots to stand in order to see. A lot of people figure the closer the better, but I don't quite agree. Standing near the back by the soundboard or on the little step provides a nice clear view of the stage and in my opinion, sounds a little better. If it's open, there's also a balcony up top which, if you get there early enough, you can get a spot with a table and chair which is STELLAR. I've seen a few shows from up there and it's definitely the best spot in the house. It's not in the greatest of areas but when the show lets out, there are tons of people walking around everywhere so it doesn't feel too strange walking back to your car. There aren't too many good eating options nearby which is a bummer, but there are thankfully a few hidden gems!

To my surprise, I went back to Phoenix and had a good time. If you're not tall and you're not at the front of the line, sit upstairs. If it's an all-ages event, you'll need wristbands to go upstairs. The chairs/couches were rearranged from when I was last at Phoenix for another concert. Last time, they were arranged booth style, where the couches weren't facing the stage. This time, they were, so the view was perfect. Maybe because not as many people lined up last time so the venue filled up slower, the upper level felt way further away. I was pleasantly surprised by how good the view was for this concert, however. Matched with the relatively comfortable bench/couches and the sound that traveled all the way back to us, I was very happy. There are still issues and I'm still not convinced I would come here if I had a choice, but then again, I don't think it's too often that artists play at more than one venue in the same city for the same tour. I lined up 2.5hrs before doors opened for Tori Kelly and the line was the longest I've seen for having lined up so early. Line up early. I think the Tori Kelly line was exceptionally long, but if I were to revisit the Phoenix, I would probably line up at least two hours ahead. I was in the first row upstairs with a perfect view of the stage; I feel like the rows further back upstairs would not have been as ideal. Security is a mess. One guard let his friends bypass the huge line and walk right through the middle of hundreds of people. Others yelled at people to squish together in the line, and then only started handing out wristbands (for 19+) at the very end, so foul-smelling staff squeezed through the herds, reaching for IDs. They also peel off the plastic for the adhesive on the wristbands and throw them on the ground...which is appalling if you think about how much litter that generates year-round. Some of them also walk up and down the line yelling unintelligible nothings that no one can hear: "Please.....and........yes, I work here.....so...I will..." If you have to verify your employment, perhaps your attire and demeanor are problematic. In general, Phoenix is not great, but it can be acceptable if you're early enough. If you're short, either line up at the ass crack of dawn to be at the front or head straight upstairs and nab a front row seat.

Worst unprofessional physically rude staff. Tried to kick us out when we paid for vip. Ripped it off our wrist. Laid their damn hands on us. terrible service.

Security are pricks and you definitely cannot spark up in this venue. No warnings, just instant removal. I wish I had checked the other review that mentions this instead of going in blindly thinking "Hey, I'm going to a trippy show in Toronto. There should be no problem with this!" First song in I was out. Other times I have been here have been hit or miss. Not optimal for easy viewing, especially if you are short. Sound can be good but have been occasionally when speakers are cracking or simply cut out.

It's ok. It's quite big and has a few bars. But I really don't like the sound quality for hip hop concerts. Also, when it's packed, it gets hot as hell in there... unreasonably hot. I'd advise you to have a friend RUSH to the coat check when the concert is over. You don't want to spend what could easily turn into 30 minutes in that line. It's sadly understaffed.

Still can't get over how horribly I was treated by the belligerent security staff for doing absolutely nothing. I entered the coat check from the wrong direction and a huge ugly guy the size of Bigfoot wanted to assault me. I remained calm and left. I l was visiting from the US and I can't say Toronto is the friendliest place I've been but the Phoenix Concert Theatre is a brutal place. Just don't go there.

Its a dive but the washrooms are clean Its a concert venue so you will be able to stand right up by the stage They have a coat check Its gritty and shiny at the same time The beers are reasonably priced I guess at $6

Terrible security here, rude and invasive with no accountability I urge any bands, tour managers, etc. to not book your shows at the Phoenix, and instead find a less audience-unfriendly venue. Lee's Palace? The Garrison? Anywhere but here. PS: the sound sucks too

This is another place in the city where I've seen many a great band perform. Formerly the Diamond (he types definitely giving away his age), the venue was reborn as the Phoenix, rising from the ashes of, well, nothing as far as I can tell. I'm pretty sure the metamorphosis from The Diamand to The Phoenix seemed to be just some fairly straight-forward reno and a change of the sign out front. It's a large open space with a balcony and a large stage that has housed and continues to bring in some really stunning bands. One of the key changes I suppose is the division of the place into different rooms, allowing for different types of music to be played during the night. This affords you to go to the large DJ area in the main space or find a quieter snug to chill out in. Between the main room, the Loft and the Parlour, you should be able to find a place that suits your ever changing moods throughout the night. Go on Saturdays and Edge-102 take over and play a live-to-air show from the club. Big mix of music that pretty much rubs everyone the right way.

A diverse venue, that is used as a concert space, a night club and occasionally somewhere that is rented for private parties. The private parties are catered by outside sources, so no, Phoenix doesn't have an elaborate kitchen of any kind. The nightclub aspect of this place usually takes place on Saturday nights, when 102.1 The Edge broadcasts live from here. It's mostly classic rock, pop rock and top 40 rock music. Beers are in the $5 for a bottle, and yes, it's always a busy place. No worries of an empty venue here on a Saturday night. As a concert space, the Phoenix is one of my favourites. It has an excellent sound system, and also is a great size, allowing about 1000 before capacity. It doesn't hurt that they have a steady flow of some very fantastic bands. If you're at a concert on Saturday night, make sure you go early, because these concerts usually wrap up at around 9 or 10 pm, so that they can open doors for the Club night.

Good venue. Good shows. Parking sucks, and the paintings on the walls behind the bar are creepy as hell and i don't understand them, but there are raccoons that live right behind the venue and eat out of the dumpster; so there is an added wildlife refuge entertainment feel. The crappy parking allows people to meet and bother their favorite bands. Plus, where else are you going to go?