The Lab416 (Labyrinth Lounge) image

The Lab416 (Labyrinth Lounge)

Bar Comedy club

Casual bar & lounge, a few blocks from the U of T's St. George campus, with a lively patio scene. People often mention comedy, good, nice, drinks, comedian, great, staff,


Address

298 Brunswick Ave, Toronto, ON M5S 2M7, Canada

Website

thelab416.com

Contact

+1 416-925-7775

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (470 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

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

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: comedy (10) good (9) nice (9) drinks (8) comedian (6) great (6) staff (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Arroyo S. 8 months ago on Google • 321 reviews
    Five stars for the service but unfortunately I came here on one of their open mic comedy nights. It was a blast until this one comedian. He was a really disillusioned white man who used a racial slur (the N word) in his set. I was dumbfounded and confronted him after. I asked him why he did that? He didn't really care and threatened to call the police. I let it go but not everyone is the same way. The worst part is, three weeks later I see the same racist at the Metro down the road, stocking yogurt. I felt so gross inside. Maybe his boss should know. There's no room for racism in comedy for now and forever.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gregg V. 4 years ago on Google • 685 reviews
    Great little hidden gem. They’ve got a few beers on tap, great bar rail with good whiskey and scotch options at reasonable prices. They’ve got good drink deals on the popular nights as well. 2 floors and the basement is usually not too busy. It’s a nice private cellar feeling or you can stay on the first floor that’s usually pretty lovely.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica W. 7 years ago on Google • 792 reviews
    Cozy atmosphere, cheap drinks, has really grown on me as the go-to watering hole. Love the romantic lighting that the candles bring and it's a pretty nice and clean place overall. Great revolving 80s alternative soundtrack. They don't have pitchers here other than the Amsterdam Brewery stuff. Overall, friendly staff and nice bouncers. It gets busy but never too busy.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Brandon H. 2 years ago on Google
    With a little more work the comedy "show" could be significantly better. For now it's like crowding into an old townhouse concrete basement with a few chairs slapped down on the floor. Cold, uncomfortable and very dwery. I don't recommend this place for the comedy shows, at least until they improve the atmosphere a little bit. The bar upstairs is ok, staff are all friendly. It's mainly the environment that's lacking.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Karan K. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to attend the comedy show, which to our utter surprise was in their stinky basement with some random furntiture thrown in, no vibe, no atmosphere, disappointed
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katie J. 7 years ago on Google • 372 reviews
    It's loud and crowded, but the drinks are always a good price and Scott (manager?) is the nicest guy I've ever met and makes it worth coming back.

  • 5/5 Matheus M. 6 years ago on Google • 72 reviews
    One of my greatest findings, if you want a simple cozy with the friendliest staff (the security guy even always remembers me!) that's your place. They got daily specials, from bar rail cheaper beer to absolut and Jameson $3,50 shots, it's a nice place if you want something quiet dark and discreet for a date for example. Cheers. Ps: they do got food, they share the same kitchen from the Future Bistro (which is also a great place)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tyler T. 1 year ago on Google • 256 reviews
    A solid little bar and a classic spot for students and people looking to avoid pretentious bar environments. Sadly prices have gone up in the past year or so, but where have they not?! Even so, you’re still able to get a double shot for $8 (so not bad at all). If you’re looking for a easy bar in a laid back environment, come here with a few friends and enjoy.

  • 3/5 Kyle G. 1 year ago on Google
    Low traffic for a Saturday night which was just what we were looking for. But the vodka was incredibly watered down, so save your money and stick to beer.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shalini T. 1 year ago on Google
    The Open mic in this place was amazing!! It was definitely above expectations. The crowd was great and the host too! Really enjoyed and would definitely recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vinnie V. 6 years ago on Google • 55 reviews
    I came on Monday night, the place had a good crowd but not too busy. They had a $4 bar rail special. Kevin the bartender was very nice on the phone when we called before coming, and equally as nice in person. Music was famous pop songs from the 90s, it wasn't too loud and people could still have good conversations. Overall it was a very cozy place for some drinks.

  • 5/5 J D. 3 months ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    The lab holds a special place in my heart. I came here every weekend for a whole summer. Years later I popped back in and they still remembered me. Cheap drinks, great sweet potato fries, the perfect chill place to hang out with some friends.

  • 5/5 Diana D. 2 months ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    I love coming to the lab for drinks, vibes, and comedy (if i’ve had a few beers.) The comedy acts have stepped up in the last couple years it has made the experiences there a lot better. Anytime the odd offensive comedian messes up, they rarely have been back anytime i’ve been there. For example, i saw one comedian get sloshed before his set, mildly harass myself and my group afterwards, and his name hasn’t shown up in the lineup ever since. There’s a lot of effort being put in to make sure everyone has a good experience at their bar and i find i don’t see that every time i go out. I love coming here to see the friendly staff and have some drunken crispy onion rings. check them out!

  • 5/5 Lauren R. 2 years ago on Google
    A Staple of the neighborhood for many years, the crowd is young but respectful and fun! Staff here are absolute gems and always treat their guests well. Thank you!

  • 5/5 devante b. 8 months ago on Google
    Very chill vibe cheap drinks, surprise comedy shows?

  • 5/5 Geoffrey S. 1 year ago on Google
    Francis and his crew are incredible. Really cool spot and we are lucky to have it in the neighborhood.

  • 5/5 James F. 1 year ago on Google
    Great drinks. Basement comedy Thursday night. Hilarious, great venue

  • 5/5 J C. 3 years ago on Google
    My favorite place to meet friends in the city! The owner is such a nice guy!

  • 5/5 Dani P. 2 years ago on Google
    Always had a good time at this bar. Went to George Brown Casa Loma so we hung at the Annex a lot, we would always end up at the Lab. Cheap drinks, good music, great bouncer (such a nice guy) and all around good times at this place everytime. No complaints.

  • 4/5 Conor H. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the better cheap'ish bars in the Annex. The service was okay but it always seems like their are not enough people working there.

  • 5/5 Chantelle H. 2 years ago on Google
    Appreciate how this classic spot from my university days in the mid-late 00's is still going strong!

  • 4/5 Lesley-Anne S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great staff! Scott was amazing and d efinitely made our night! The other staff were very polite and accommodating whilst informing us of their COVID rules and regulations. Very impressed

  • 1/5 Syndey P. 1 year ago on Google • 1 review
    1) Went with my friend. The garlic bread was delicious, the onion rings were awful. I could not finish eating one. I returned my onion rings and the barman said "ok". Later on, I passed in front of my onion rings again and half of it was eaten. Yes I paid for it. 2) The comedy club. It's in a small basement. It can get crowded and it feels like it would be nice to have more air circulation after an hour or so. However, the comedians were funny and chill ... At the beginning. Then the presenter left and another one came to replace him and that's when everything went down. The new presenter was obviously not prepared. He kept on looking at the time and complain that he has another 2 minutes to fill but clearly nothing to say. It was soporific. Half of the public left and new comedians are being called. Unfortunately, for some reason the crowd was not as enthusiastic anymore and each comedian kept pressuring us to laugh. News flash, we can enjoy a show without laughing out loud. But hearing each comedian complaining about how the public is "dead" was killing the entire vybe. When one comedian started threatening the public to lock us in and beat us up for not laughing enough, I think this was my clue to leave.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍


Call +1 416-925-7775 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Kerbside pickup

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