The Cameron House image

The Cameron House

Bar Historical landmark Live music venue

Intimate, bohemian bar with ceiling murals & nightly performances from local roots acts on 2 stages. People often mention music, live, venue, Cameron, night, great, Great, good, House, time,


Address

408 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A7, Canada

Website

www.thecameron.com

Contact

+1 416-703-0811

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (995 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 4 pm to 1 am
  • Tuesday: 4 pm to 1 am
  • Wednesday: 4 pm to 2 am
  • Thursday: 4 pm to 2 am
  • Friday: 4 pm to 2 am
  • Saturday: 4 pm to 2 am
  • Sunday: 6 pm to 2 am

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: music (41) live (21) venue (19) Cameron (18) night (15) great (14) Great (14) good (13) House (11) time (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Victor W. 8 months ago on Google • 292 reviews
    I had the most incredible time at The Cameron House, a vibrant live music venue nestled on the corner of Queen Street West and Cameron Street in Toronto. My friends and I decided to check it out on a Friday evening around 10 PM, and from the moment we stepped in, we knew we were in for an unforgettable experience. The place was abuzz with excitement as the venue was absolutely packed with enthusiastic music lovers. Despite the crowd, we found a perfect spot with both seating and standing room, ensuring everyone had a chance to fully immerse themselves in the live music. The bar offered a wide array of drinks at reasonable prices, making it convenient to enjoy the night without breaking the bank. But the true highlight was the amazing vibe and music that filled the air. The live performances were top-notch, and the talented artists showcased their passion and skills on stage, captivating the entire audience. What impressed us even more was the approachable nature of the band members themselves. We had the opportunity to chat with some of them during their breaks, and they were incredibly down-to-earth, making the experience even more memorable. The crowd at The Cameron House was simply fantastic – an eclectic mix of music enthusiasts who were there to fully embrace the musical journey together. The sense of community and camaraderie was heartwarming and added a special touch to the night. Needless to say, The Cameron House has won me over completely, and I can't wait to return. The combination of outstanding live music, approachable musicians, and an amazing crowd makes it a live music haven in Toronto. I highly recommend The Cameron House to anyone seeking an electrifying night out and a chance to be a part of the city's vibrant music scene. I will definitely be going back again, and I'm already looking forward to the next adventure at this fantastic venue.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dhruv K. 1 year ago on Google
    It's like a place stuck in time. Beautiful people, beautiful music, live music. It's cash only, but there's an ABM inside. Pretty good choice of taps and cans as well. 5 on 5 for just being good ol fashioned though :)
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Victoria O. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved the decor and ambiance of this bar! If you are in for some great vibes and live music, then def find your way here! Also, it's a cash bar so bring some cash!will be visiting again in the near future.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 savannah d. 7 months ago on Google
    I am disgusted by the management team here. I went to enjoy music the other night and was completely verbally harassed by one of the managers accused of throwing a glass bottle when I wasn’t even drinking. It was very clearly a homeless person walking by the venue that threw the bottle which was witnessed by many people. I was yelled at and accused for something I did not do all because he “heard it was me that did it” - which was not only embarrassing but very traumatizing. I have never been treated with such disrespect and unprofessionalism in the industry. I really hope this manager gets fired because they are not fit to be running a business treating people like this. If you’re in Toronto I would completely boycott this bar.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shashi L. 5 years ago on Google
    "Paradise is here" is an expression that hangs as a poster in the Cameron house and everytime I go there and sit with a pint of lager I feel out of this world. Love the place. Must go.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lexi S. 5 months ago on Google • 36 reviews
    The best place for live music in the city for the folks that don’t want the frills. Country, blues, comedy, jazz, you name it- it’s probably there. Beautiful owners with beautiful hearts who truly support artists 🫶 My mom has been going here for over 15 years, and I’m stoked I get to carry on the tradition 🎶
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael C. 1 year ago on Google
    What a great time. Freemond Dre and the Kitchen Party Band were unbelievable. As an added bonus, the drinks here are still reasonably priced! Can't wait to go back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 richelle p. 7 months ago on Google
    I just recently moved to Queen West and was excited to find some local spots with great live music to frequent on the strip, but after my friends experience last night, I know that Cameron House will not be one of them. My friend (a passive 24 year old woman) was on a date last night, standing outside the door when a homeless man walked by and threw a glass on the street. This wasn’t a glass from the venue, this man had his own glass. An employee approached my friend and said “I know that was you”. Assuming the employee was joking, because obviously she did not throw a glass, my friend said “you got me” and laughed. Minutes later, once inside the venue, a male manager approached my friend and her date and started screaming at her to get out. She was genuinely confused and didn’t know why he was yelling or asking her to leave. Once she realized what he was saying she repeatedly told him that she did not throw a glass and that she thought her and the employee were joking around when she said “you got me”. This manager continued to yell at and berate my friend and her date publicly, when they never even did anything!! Incredibly shaken up, my friend decided to leave. Being a manager myself at a venue on King West, I could NEVER imagine behaving this way toward a guest. You could have simply checked the cameras and seen that she did absolutely nothing wrong instead of screaming at a respectful PAYING guest, and forever losing business from her, her date, and all of her friends. She is totally shaken up by this experience, understandably so. That manager was out of line and owes both my friend and her date a serious apology. Will not be spending my money at this venue or any of its subsidiaries. Do better.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maddy 1 year ago on Google
    The Cameron house is the most fun bar! The bartenders Michele and nick were so fast and efficient and were so nice! Such a great environment! Will come back next weekend!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole T. 11 months ago on Google
    We went to see the band Catl and absolutely loved this venue. If you want a local bar with old school vibes and a great time, go to the Cameron house
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Carim “Caz” J. 6 months ago on Google
    Great location & atmosphere in the downstairs bar as a music venue, it's small but cosy.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sean O. 1 year ago on Google
    What a cool little place. Truly amazing and unique murals on the walls, ceiling art, cool bar. We saw a comedian in the back room. Very unique and memorable time!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Penny B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great live music, excellent service, and a cosy, nostalgic atmosphere...perhaps why four generations of my family have enjoyed coming here!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 María Paz S. 1 year ago on Google
    I love this place! my favourite place in town so far
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lianne S. 11 months ago on Google
    It’s a nice spot to listen to live music and dance if you’re up for it. They were playing country/folk music. Just keep in mind you should bring cash with you unless you don’t mind using the ATM there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Noushad R. 6 years ago on Google
    Very nice and friendly staff. Good pricing for the drinks. Awesome atmosphere and decoration. Just one complain; it would've been nice if at the beginning of every performance they made an announcement and asked for the customers lower their voices and let the audience enjoy the show. We went there to watch Zuze band play, aside from the fact that they started 20 minutes late, it was too loud that eventually we decided to leave half an hour after they started playing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeremy S. 4 months ago on Google • 94 reviews
    The Cameron House is a great place to catch a band play a set or two, on Queen just off Spadina. No cover, but it's always a good idea to throw something into the band jug to show your appreciation and gratitude. The beer selection is wide enough that there should be something for most people's taste. The house beers are all decent. The music often runs later than other venues, so you can come to the Cameron after having seen another show.

  • 5/5 Brittany C. 1 year ago on Google • 49 reviews
    Had the best time here!!! If you’re looking for a place to go to hear live music and actually have room to dance then this is it!! It’s the cutest little venue with very intimate vibes. Drinks are relatively cheap considering regular downtown Toronto prices. Went to see a live band, was pleasantly surprised as there was no cover. Had the best night listening to cover songs of the travelling willberries and danced the night away with my boyfriend. 10/10 experience and I can’t wait to go back!

  • 5/5 Dean O. 2 months ago on Google • 41 reviews New
    Love it here. Great live music

  • 5/5 Tommy G. 3 months ago on Google • 31 reviews New
    This place never disappoints! Great shows on the daily, some of the freshest draft I've had in the city. This joint definitely earned every star and more. There's a reason they've been a queen st institution for decades. Go see for yourself.

  • 5/5 Adrian Cahun O. 3 months ago on Google • 18 reviews New
    I visited this place thanks to a pay-what-you-can show, the cozy and intimate atmosphere made it the perfect place to hang out with friends and even make new ones at the bar. Although it only accepts cash, don't fret as there's an ATM conveniently located inside. I highly recommend checking out this spot for a fun night out, specifically when there's Blues involved!

  • 5/5 Lloyd 6 months ago on Google • 16 reviews
    Always fun here. Great eclectic crowd. No pretentious folk here. Bands are always great even if your preferred style of music isn't on the menu on a particular night. If you are a music lover, then you'll appreciate the calibre of musicians on stage here. Take note that its cash only here though they have a debit machine and if that happens to be on the fritz there's a near by store with a machine.

  • 5/5 Ryan G. 4 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    Gotta be one of the best small music venues in the city. Big on character, and I've never seen a bad show in like 50 visits. Ferraro, Jane's Party, and Devin Cuddy, and Sam Cash always put on really solid shows. Gotta get back to the Cam soon!

  • 5/5 Rami J. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing live music from the Doghouse opera on Sundays. The place was busy and the energy was electric. The perfect place to grab some drinks and dance along to phenomenal live music.

  • 4/5 BL G. 4 years ago on Google
    Local stalwart Americana/cover band/some indie/some country bar music venue. You'll find all ages and genders of drinking traditional music fans here where the drinks are not fancy but affordable. Beautiful interior with paintings all over and a separate room and bar in the back, which is as also where you need to go to use the loo. Like I said, gorgeous if nothing else.

  • 5/5 Ranga E. 6 years ago on Google
    The day I was there there was a cool band playing, enjoyed the time, standard beer brands cool place to hang out

  • 5/5 Vittoria G. 5 years ago on Google
    Staff are incredibly sweet and there's always amazing and talented folk playing everytime. Two areas, front and back. I find the back way better cause the front gets do crowded.

  • 5/5 Keith N. 6 years ago on Google
    Great venue with eclectic decor and good tap selection. Cash only. Bands every night. Well worth a visit any night. Right now I'm particularly enjoying Sad Mondays with Jon Brooks and Thursdays with Corin Raymond and the Sundowners.

  • 5/5 Helen G. 5 years ago on Google
    Great evening of music. Sad Monday with Jon Brooks and John Showman. We were in from NW ON and googled live music and found the Cameron House. We were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and getting to chat with the guys. Even more fun when we found out we had seen them before in our neck of the woods. Hoping they will come back to play some day soon.

  • 5/5 Robert A. 2 years ago on Google
    Great music, good beer. Heavy on the character, but deservedly.

  • 5/5 dylan r. 6 months ago on Google
    An institution of a venue. Cozy spot that almost always has a solid act playing in the front room, lots of classic folk, country and rock and roll vibes. Also has a secondary back room venue that holds some really nice intimate shows.

  • 5/5 Catia M. 6 months ago on Google
    Popped in for a drink and a show the other night - cool vibe, friendly service.

  • 4/5 Ravi R. 2 years ago on Google
    A nice place to grab drinks and listen to music. Right in the heart of all the great bars. A nice large place to hang out with a nice big gang. They have 2 venues. And both have great bar. Only problem is they accept cash only.

  • 5/5 Gaby H. 1 year ago on Google
    The Cameron House is a Toronto institution. You can always find excellent music here. It's "pass the hat" in the front room and usually ticketed in the back room. Whether you're looking to drop in for a quick drink or to spend the whole night enjoying the entertainment this is a great spot. Don't forget to tip the musicians and your bartenders!

  • 5/5 Matt A. 7 months ago on Google
    There aren't many places like this anymore in Toronto, and definitely even fewer on Queen West. Amazing bands often without cover, cheap drinks, and just a good vibe overall. Make the trek over and check it out for yourself. Won't be a mistake if you do.

  • 5/5 Martin 1 year ago on Google
    Great music, great vibes, really cool artwork, and drinks at a good price. Always a good time at The Cameron.

  • 5/5 Jacki J. 1 year ago on Google
    Great little venue. Good service at the bar and great music. Just a cool vibe all around. Definitely worth a stop!

  • 5/5 Brennan N. 1 year ago on Google
    Love to visit The Cameron anytime I'm in Toronto. It's such a good, intimate place to catch live music and always has different artists playing. Worth a visit to catch a show.

  • 5/5 Terrence S. 8 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Great venue for live music. Authentic old haunt. Cash only but ATM on site. No cover; bands pass the bucket.

  • 5/5 Sevag A. 10 months ago on Google
    The good old Cameron is like a home away from home. With good drinks made by good people and musical acts that’ll surely make you smile from ear to ear. Go check out Dog House Orchestra every Sunday night at The Cameron House for a guaranteed great time!

  • 4/5 Arshii A. 11 months ago on Google
    Beautiful, artistic, cozy venue for artists. I went here thinking it was a hangout bar, but I was wrong, it was much better. It looks like a place where lot of upcoming artists perform in their slots and you get to watch amazing performances sitting on your tables and sipping drinks! You have a small bar! P. S : Note there is no food menu here or any bites. I wasn't aware till I went, so letting others know 😁

  • 5/5 farhad f. 1 year ago on Google
    It was such a nice music venue. Comfy and cozy. A nice little bar with the friendliest bartenders. You can go there and just detach yourself from the rest of the world for a few hours. Absolutely lovely.

  • 5/5 Brandon Summers (Beacon S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great time watching Hey Stella perform at The Cameron House Great environment Awesome sound system Pretty decent beer selection Friendly staff Promotes local music 🎶 Would return again! 5/5

  • 5/5 gabrielle k. 1 year ago on Google
    Great live music every day. Friendly staff. Good selection of beer and cider for reasonable prices.

  • 5/5 Rozi K. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is amazing. Loved loved the food. We tried 3 different rolls and taccos and they were all so tasty, especially the queen rolls. The cocktails were really good too. This place worth the waiting line.

  • 4/5 Mab G. 1 year ago on Google
    They had a live band and the music was really great. The atmosphere is really fun.


Call +1 416-703-0811 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park

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