The Cameron House

Just played my album release show here in the back room, sold out show! Cameron House feels like a home for me when i'm travelling and far away from my comforts... I know I can go here and relax and feel welcomed. OH! and don't miss the Doghouse Orchestra on Sundays. LOVE.

This, along with the Tranzac Club, is my favorite music venue anywhere. I love the vibe, people sitting without loud conversation or others standing blocking the view, and being able to enter the front room without waiting for the sound check to be done.

Cameron House is a great spot for a night out in Toronto! The bar has a cozy, welcoming vibe with a nice selection of beers to enjoy. The host was super friendly and made us feel right at home. I especially loved the live concerts—they showcase some really talented musicians and create a fun, lively atmosphere. It’s a fantastic place to grab a drink and enjoy good music.

Amazing place. Best venue to go and enjoy great live music during the week as well as on the weekends. Good prices for drinks and highly recommended to spend some time there and just enjoy! Support your local artists!

I went to the Cameron House with some family from out of town on Friday night. There was about 7 of us there. The bouncer went up to my cousin and got real aggresive and shouted at him to move his chair back. I guess it was because we were closer to the stage. But tbh his chair was against the wall so it wasn't like we were blocking anyone from being able to get back. My cousin replied and told the bouncer that he can talk to people in a nicer way. We were literally starting to move our tables and chairs back in case we were in the way. The bouncer told my cousin to leave. The place was dead for a Friday, and we had been there for over 1-2 hours buying drinks, tipped the band, so for that to happen was pretty brutal. Especially because I have actually had some pretty good times at the Cameron house. After that though I won't be going back. Better places to spend your money.

Love this place! I was in Toronto each of the past two weekends for the Mariners-Jays ALCS playoff games and made this my postgame hang out spot. Great live music with no cover (at least when I went). The brother/sister owners (Annelise I believe is the sister’s name?) are awesome as are the regulars. Cash only but there is an ATM there. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun night out!

An unforgettable night at The Cameron House! I stopped by yesterday and was absolutely blown away by the quality of the live music — and it was completely free. The band Regal Road was incredible, full of energy and talent. The whole place just radiates authenticity — from the quirky art on the walls to the warm, intimate atmosphere. It’s rare to find a spot that feels this real and alive.

I absolutely love this music venue. The Cameron House is a beautiful historical building that was first opened in 1881 as a dry goods store on Queen Street. Over the years, it became a tailor shop, furniture store, and then a hotel. Then, in 1881, it was turned into a music venue, and what a wonderful gift that has been to our city, as in my opinion we don't have enough music venues. You can see a wide variety of musical acts at the location. It's a small, intimate venue great for a date night or just to groove with your friends. There is limited seating, but it seems sufficient for the size of the location and a pretty big bar with seating as well with standing room next to it. The area in the middle of the room in front of the stage is open for those individuals who like to bust a move. Or for those times when it's packed so people have an additional space to stand. It's a cash only bar but has a cash machine located inside the establishment if needed. It is definitely worth checking out, not just to enjoy the fantastic bands that play there but also to relax in such a beautiful, warm environment.

The Cameron House Toronto's staple for Live Music on Queen West.. Snacks chips , great friendly atmosphere with great customer service ..

The Cameron House is exactly as advertised. It is not trying to be anything more than a memory of what Queen West used to be. If you have any interest in experiencing a call back of old-Toronto then you should stop in for a pint or two. But, be sure to bring cash because they don't accept anything but. A throw back to a before-time that is all part of the experience. Don't go looking for a place to sit down either; but there's enough wall space for everyone to lean against.

this is a great Queen W staple.. in 90's I remember it more for House music, appears more folk during the day incredible interior, great acoustics CASH only kinda old at this point... not to many carrying cash anymore

Bring cash for tickets and drinks and come early! And consider bringing ear protection since it's a small venue. My friend and I stumbled across this place on Eventbrite when looking for things to do on our trip to Toronto. There was no place to purchase tickets online so we decided we would figure it out when we got there. The groups we went for were in the back room, where we paid 10 CAD each for access, in cash. And WOW what an amazing experience! In total, we saw four groups: blue sienna, Moondoggy, fighting chance, and Phelix - all local indie bands, with a show lasting over 3 hours. Not bad for $10. Maybe it was just that night, but a lot of the crowd knew each other from university, so as tourists we felt a little bit like odd ducks. but we had a great spot near the front and a wonderful time, just wish we had brought more cash for the somewhat expensive drinks!

Lovely place with good beats and vibes. You can only talk between songs because it gets loud so don't come here for deep conversation. Come here for music and sweet short talks.

Amazing place that features the absolute best in live music. Every show is guaranteed to be good. You never know what kind of music it will be, but rest assured it will be first rate!! Smaller rooms (2),front and back, only about 65 people in each. So come early if you want a seat The front has no cover so it's a "pass the hat" kind of deal which is more than fair for good entertainment. The back may have a cover charge for its acts, which go directly to the band,the house takes no cut of the action. Great atmosphere and even better it reasonably priced Smallish dance floor but that is only due to the space availability.

From the unusual decor (cowboy shoes hanging from the ceiling, posters on the wall...) to the very nice atmosphere (free bands, people dancing or asking you to be their +1!), this place definitely is worth a shot! Will definitely come back!

Love this place. Great mural art on the walls and ceilings. I personally wouldn't call this hipster at all (not sure why I saw a hipster tag). Lots of blues and country and good music. They have a coffee maker with decent coffee. Also have beers on tap of course. I like Cobblestone Stout, myself. Mostly I like the music. Particularly the Sinners Choir (exams roots rock; three part harmonies; legend Terry Wilkins on bass) on Tuesday nights (except the 1st Tuesday of the month). Two live music rooms. Great variety. Good sound. A mainstay of Queen St culture for decades. Worth checking out next time you are in the area. Lots of music and spots to check out in the neighbourhood.

Cameron House is my new favourite local pub, that just happens to have awesome live music on both stages most evenings, no cover and reasonably priced drinks. Having come here a few times a week since moving to the area, I have enjoyed watching some great live shows from local artists. The service is always good and the beers are standard prices. The decor is really cool and the whole place has a relaxed, informal vibe without being too "hipster". There is another stage at the back which I am yet to try out (no bar back there though) so if you don't like the music at one stage, grab your drink and head to the other one. Bonus points for being cool with people bringing in take out to eat and having a small patio at the front so you can people watch on Queen Street.

Live Music on every night with a good mix of local musicians from different genres and most importantly a very good selection of beers and ciders too! So far I haven't had to pay to get in but don't hold me to that if you do on occasion, so long as its not much I'd say its worth if for the chilled atmosphere and music alone...So take your date and act like you booked. Extra bonus - I don't think I've heard anything 'Drake' related in there before which is a nice change for Toronto!

This is for the comedy club that's held on Monday nights. We were looking for something to do, and we decided to give this a go as we've never been to a live comedy show. It was such a pleasant surprise! It was an intimate show and we both got incorporated in a lot of the jokes. My cheeks hurt by the end of the 1.5 hour show. The comedians were also personable and kind, and chatted with us some after the show. If I'm in the area again, I'd be back for more.

The boy and I came here on a random Wednesday night, slightly intrigued by the loud music heard from outside. The place seemed small at first, but it turns out there's an entire space hidden behind! And while it is very oddly decorated throughout, we took a liking to the Victoria-era ceiling and the comfy velvety couches to sit on. We also realized after awhile.. the band playing was pretty good. Very much hippie, indie music but it was lovely, and the lead girl could sing/play guitar/play the harmonica all at once! Also ordered a yummy, Hawaiian-flavoured beer and a whisky sour (which was so big and not watered down, either). Definitely coming back here!

This must have been a spectacular small hotel when it opened in 1891, the original and now innovatively painted plasterwork on the ceiling is something to marvel. It's a great shame that the original entranceway which must have been magnificent has been replaced with a couple of small cheap aluminium windows. The ambience is warm and very arty, the staff friendly and the beers somewhat unusual including the coincidentally named Cameron Lager and Ale. They often have live music, when I was there a saxophonist, pianist and a female vocalist with the melifluous husky voice of Ella Fitzgerald turned up. Simply marvelous.

I was around the area and looking for a place with live music. It doesn't have a cover which is great! so you can save your money for the drinks. They have two rooms with different bands playing in each of them. The atmosphere was very laid back. Not an-uptight crowd. Age group 25-50~ years. I came outside as my friend needed a smoke. I chatted with the bouncer - white older guy with a beard and long hair unfortunately forgot his name. He was very courteous, respectable and sociable. I also spotted Rory McCann (the Hound from GOT) unfortunately I didnt get a picture because he didn't want attention as it was his B-day weekend, and I respected that, but OMG!!!!! I grabbed the bouncer by both his shoulders, shook him and yelled "OMG DO YOU KNOW WHO THAT IT?!!!" He replied "yes I do that's by buddy please calm down he doesn't want attention hahaha" Looks like the Hound survived Arya's little poke from Needle ;) HAHAHA -_-'

I fell off a barstool here once, but I guess that means I had a good time.

It's been around forever, or as long as I can remember. The Cameron house is on the corner of Cameron and Queen, an area that is getting a makeover as Queen West pushes past Spadina, but that particular corner remains the same. Inside it's small and intimate, one part local bar and one part venue. It's the kind of place you'd see Jeff Buckley play (RIP), like a coffee house meets a smoky bar. One of my favourite aspects of this spot is that they don't really have a patio, but they have a bar with a couple of bar stools set up on the side walk which is so cool. The building has a big painting of a face that covers both sides and every few years they change it, which is also super dope.

I loved this bar! In pretty much every city, state, country, etc. I go to, I always look for live music. Thanks to Yelp, my husband & I found this place. It was a chill, laid back divey bar with cool stuff painted on the walls and scribbles on the bathroom stalls. The Tuesday night crowd was small but seemed loyal, like they came to Cameron House every Tuesday night to see the band that was playing. Drinks were decently priced ($6.50 for a gin & tonic). It's a cash only bar, so come prepared. If not, there's an ATM in the bar. The band that played was amazing. There was no cover, which was nice. The band had a tip jar, which is totally cool because they were fantastic and deserved tips. My only bummer was how trashed the women's bathroom was. For a slow Tuesday, your bathroom shouldn't look like a bathroom at the end of a busy Saturday night. Paper towels and toilet paper were everywhere! It looked like the Tasmanian devil had been unleashed in there. But other than that, I would definitely come back.

Funky lounge bar west of all the clubby BS on Queen Street. The space is set in the lobby of a fomer dive hotel. You're vaulted over by an old muraled 40' (sorry 13m?) ceiling and lots of weather ornate detail in the room. The walls featured local artists' work. This is one of the cooler spaces I've ever run into. The front room consists of the bar and decent amount of tables and seating to chill at while having good conversation over a few. The back room had a live act ($10 cover) and was fairly crowded. We stopped by on a Friday and stuck to our table in the front room. The deejay in the front room was spinning an interesting mix ranging from indie to electronica. Being a Yankee, we ran into a lot of new beer on tap throughout Toronto, what they had on tap at Cameron House was tasty. They seemed to be a little short staffed. The service was a little slow, but friendly. The crowd was older and artsier. I'll definitely stop by this place again the next time I'm in Toronto.

Been a regular for 3 years and the music service is amazing. My local THIS IS PARADISE

Ok, I am fiercely trying to assert that I'm not a hipster...my jeans are simply not tight enough, and I don't own any flannel. I do sadly have to admit, that I kind of like their restaurants and bars. And well, Cameron House, is a pretty cool hipster bar. I came that night to see a play...a really f'ed up play. They actually have a little local theater venue in the back of the house...crazy huh? And really cool. What was even more awesome was the live band they had. It was like Canadian bluegrass/country/awesome. Lots of fun. They have a very active live schedule. The vibe was great. They have a decent selection of beers on tap/in bottle. Nothing too exotic, but not a bad list. As an FYI, they do not have hard liquor....must like beer to drink here. I just liked the atmosphere. And yes, hipsters, I'm not one of you...I just like to hang out with you.

I was walking down Queen street the other night on my way home from another bar when I heard something beautiful coming from Cameron's. We went in, and I will admit there was a sparkle in my eyes because of all the wine, but it was the most amazing way to end that Thursday. Everyone was into the music, there was a GREAT live band playing some funky tuba and drums that got faster and faster until everyone in the place was dancing for their lives. At two am the drumming circle hit the streets and everyone on the floor followed right after them- to a point where we all stopped traffic on Queen. Amazing. amazing amazing amazing. The crowd was definitely a older sampling with a fair amount of 20-somethings and it was just lovely. It was the perfect place to dance by yourself, everyone was feeling the music and no one was about to bother you with a bad pick up line. The only reason I won't give it a 5 is because I was drunk when I got there... I don't know how far it effected my "I loved it!" bias.

The Cameron House is part of the fabric that makes up Queen St. West. Along with the literal fabric businesses catering to the fashion district nearby, the Cameron sticks to its roots, in this case roots rock and country music played live. They have a honky tonk style upright piano with its front panel removed to be able to hear it above the amplifiers. As you enter, look to your left and check out the festooned bar curving around you, pulling you in for a pint. Then look up at the ceiling art-decorated with Victorian style panels. The front room has a few tables and a bench along the wall where you can grab a seat if you're there early enough and enjoy some of the regular bands who crowd onto the tiny stage. ...for free, although sometimes they pass a donation pitcher around. The washrooms are behind the stage, and the back room entrance is just to the left of the stage. Since it is such a casual place to listen to live music, it is a natural for stopping in with visitors to the area. Live music starts early in the evenings so you can pop in, and continue your travels after getting freshened up with some live music and cold draft.

The Cameron House is a live music spot located on Queen Street West, just west of Spadina. It's been long known for the murals and unconventional paint jobs along the front and side of the building as it goes down Cameron St. If you don't know it based on being a visual landmark, you may know it as a venue for live music as that seems to be its bread and butter. I've never actually had reason to come here before, but ending up here on Canadian Music Week and I got a chance to check out both rooms and will say that I understand why people like it here. It's a very down to earth building. The front room is probably 2 to 3 times bigger than the back room. The place is raw and rocking, and I wouldn't say it's trying to impress anyone through things like decor or an impressive sound system. The floral/branches and leaf motif in the back room had some uniqueness to it at least though, but on the flip side the sound back there was very quiet compared to the main room. Drank some beers, listened to some bands, and appreciated its convenient location which made for easy bar hopping. I'd consider it a success and the crowd was one of the better groups I saw over a variety of CMW events (less douchey, more chill, actually listening to the bands). I'll admit, I have no idea who 99% of the bands on their websites event listings so don't think I'll be back any time soon, but that won't stop me from giving this place the A-OK seal of approval as a venue.

Outside of the bar seems like mediocre however inside, the most cossy, cool & intriguing. If u r lookin for a rehab, u r at right place. And this place is so natural tht u can chase some ants straying around. Beware! Only beer served.

I have nothing but love for this place. Awesome vibes, good beer selection, and very good music. The crowd is usually pretty diverse, young & older, artists and 9-5 job havers. It's always a very laid back and fun time.

The only way I can describe Cameron House is intimate: after squeezing past the people standing in the doorway, you'll see the front half of the venue is fairly narrow, dimly lit, with no more than a dozen tables or so. The atmosphere is relaxed; the interior is covered in painted plaster (check the ceiling), with nicknacks and cowboy boot decorations hanging everywhere; a small stage up front with a distressed looking piano that has evidently been well-loved over the years. The crowd is friendly and easygoing as they take in the house band, casually conversing between songs over their drinks in hand. House bands usually play two (usually free!) sets a night (6:30 and 9:30), and if you're not into them, there is often something tucked away behind the heavy velvet curtains in the back room in the later part of the evening, where you may very well find a packed house. Cover for the featured bands/events is usually $6+ or so, making it budget-friendly even for your friends on the tightest of wallets. Staff are friendly and service is quick, and the bar selection as far as I'm concerned, is pretty good (although I'm not sure of their range of draughts, if that's your drink of choice). Highly recommended if you're wandering the streets looking for a place to warm your toes and catch a few tunes, or if you have no plans and want to have a great experience. Be prepared to stand on busier nights, and if you're not interested in folk music (although I urge you to give it a chance), you may want to stop before you step through that big red door.

The Cameron House is a nice bar that's been holding down the fort for many years. With a front room that often sees local bands play, and a back room that has a stage which is also used for bands, but also performances, readings, etc. Most of my experience here comes from the monthly Comic Jam (as in comic books, not stand up comedy) that happens in the back room on the last Tuesday of every month (excluding December.) They do all sorts of events like that that you usually don't hear about. The drinks here are a bit more expensive than I'm accustomed to, but they have a fairly decent selection of beers.

I love this place! I come here very often for cheap drinks (bring cash, bottles of beer are very reasonably priced!) and amazing music and dancing. I have had so many memorable nights here, and if you're new to the city and looking for a funky bar to visit, this is the one. The have a front and back room, so you can listen to two different types of music if you're interested! Also, in my opinion, this is a really great place to meet an s/o, hookup, or someone cute! I have met lots of cool, respectful, and music loving folks here. Lastly, the age range is excellent. Young or old, you are welcome!

Ok, Cameron House is a WEIRD place... with the split front/back venue. I went to see a friend's band (the Dildoniks in case you are wondering... wicked surf music) in the back room. While the beer selection was cool, and the band was, again, awesome, the place was stuffy and hot. The size is pretty good for a small venue. And the sound quality was also good. They just need to be able to circulate the air better, in my humble opinion.

Wicked venue! Saw my brother play a show there, had tonnes on fun!! Freeman Dre & The Kitchen Party. Wooo!! Caters or everyone. :)

The Cameron House is random. The crowd is random. The décor is random. And the bands that come through are the most random of all. I've been here a good handful of times over last few months and can solidly say the only thing that is consistent about this place is you have no idea what to expect when you walk in. The décor feels like you're on a weird drug trip, the bands range from country to heavy rock to brassy instrumental bands and everything in between. The crowd is often old, like my parents age old, with sprinklings of young kids dancing in front of the band...and well everyone in between. It's noisy ,the beer is decent, the seating is passable. I'd say this place is worth checking out if you want a uniquely Toronto experience. I will continue to pop in here for a pint or two when I'm in the area if for no other reason than pure curiousity at what could possibly be going on in The Cameron House on any given day. ***TIP: There is never cover but a hat is passed around near the end of every show to help pay the band***

We wandered in on a Friday evening based on the reviews, and while the bar was aesthetically pretty cool, we definitely felt like major outsiders intruding on a private party, which is not really the vibe we were looking for. Additionally, we had only been in the bar about 3 minutes when the hipster dudes playing guitar asked for money to be dropped in a hat being passed around. Interesting place, but probably better suited to local tastes.

There's a sign on the wall that says "this is paradise" and that's exactly where we are. The Cameron House is my favourite place in Toronto to see good music with good people. beer is fairly priced. There's a sense of family at the Cam that you don't find elsewhere. Lots of regulars and characters that you'll come to know and love. The front room is always where it's at. pass the bucket and turn your loonies into love. "There will always be a small time". I've been all around Canada and haven't found a place quite like this one.

I like the vibe here. Very casual and fun for an evening to come and enjoy some live music. Genre of be music played varies quite a bit but it is a fun atmosphere and crowd who comes. It can get quite packed here once night hits so grabbing seating could be tough so I'd recommend going early evening ish especially on weekends.

Was visiting for the weekend and a bartender from another establishment recommended this place. Glad I checked it out. Friendly staff and two stages. Ferrara was the house band playing that evening and they were really good. Alcohol is reasonably priced and everyone is so friendly.

This is one of the most unpretentious bars in town. It's a decent place to grab a pint and listen to some cool live music. There is no cover, so it never hurts to walk in and sample a bit of music. The crowd is in their 50s but it's not unusual to find a few 20 somethings in the mix. There is a very strong sense of community among patrons and you're always gonna get friendly folks come up to you and start a conversation. Regardless of whether you are a fan of the atmosphere or not, you can not deny the significance of Cameron House on the Canadian Indie music scene. It's partially responsible for launching the careers of household names like Blue Rodeo and Ron Sexsmith.

The Cameron House stands out on Queen Street West. Not only because the building itself acts like a gigantic canvas that's covered with the portrait of a golden-haired beauty (my favourite!), but also because it's simply a cool place to hang out with friends and listen to some live music. It's big, it's spacious, the decor is funky and edgy and the bar staff are friendly and welcoming. I went here to see a well-known Toronto-based band play, who rocked out while I kicked back with a Mill Street Organic brew in hand and a little smile on my face. Beer + good live music and I'm a happy girl. Clearly, it doesn't take much to please me, but even if it takes a lot to please you, you're sure to end the night on a high note (or on a lot of musical notes) if you give Cameron and the golden-haired beauty a chance!

Decided against a 5 star, simply because my limited experience in the area would make that a very hasty call. That being said, I friggin love this place. The few times I've been so far were welcoming and relaxed experiences. Really nice layout and vibe, excellent artwork by A.Shay.. something. The bands have also always been very entertaining, great showmanship and good pace. From a newbies perspective, this place immediately feels like home.

This place is absolutely unique! Firstly, let's talk about how pretty the interior is. Its not something predictable or tacky but very interesting to look at. The walls are filled with victorian themed paintings and wall ornaments that adds a vintage touch to the whole setting. As if the place isn't hipster enough, only cash is accepted and a cool band plays country music in the background. This definitely a very chill place with hipster people hanging out and enjoying the music as well as the booze. I would recommend this place for a chill night if you're in the mood for cheap drinks and live music!

Great dive bar - friendly staff and the prices are reasonable. Visited just once and was lucky or perhaps its just the standard to see a fantastic live band playing. Really made the evening worthwhile and memorable.

Nice place with some history, but expect same old same old here. Personally I like places that are unpredictable, but here they play the same old music in the folk genres, same old crowds and because of its location and the fact that they've been open for a while now seems to have little attitude. Pretty nice interior but there are cooler places to hit up with better atmosphere.

The bar service in the front room was excellent, but the wait for a drink in the back room was unacceptable. It was faster to simply go to the front room bar and get your drinks yourself. The sound in the back room was flaky at best, I'm not sure if the sound guy was even paying any attention or not. It's a cool place and a really neat venue, but the service and sound could be improved upon dramatically.

Cool at first, but then it got old quick. 2 rooms to check out. the back room we paid 5$ cover and it so wasn't worth it. we came and saw in about an hour's time. ahh well, good to try something new.

Love this place! I was stuck in Toronto for a couple of days due to Pearson closures and read about this place on yelp. Great dive bar, and awesome live music. The night I was there an alt-country duo (love locks) were playing, great!! Good beer too! This is a totally unique spot, like nothing we have back in vancouver and wish we did!

Really cool atmosphere the live entertainment was great! It was super crowded though and not much place to sit. Overall, I recommend for 2-3 people but not groups :)

i used to have a rule back in new york city: if you can't see inside a bar from the sidewalk then, for god's sake, go in. there's bound to be something good inside. my old mantra holds true for this place. awesome interior and nice bartenders. Go!