Smiling Buddha is a dive bar and music venue located near College and Dovercourt.
Coming from Finch, take the subway southbound to College, and from there take the 506 Carlton Streetcar westbound along College. Its REALLY far west along College, get off at College and Dovercourt and its right there at 961 College.
It's a decent enough bar with cheap drinks, PBR tallboy was only $6.50 . They also book great talent. They usually host local indie bands but occasionally get some touring bands. I went down here to see one of my favourite bands TOPS from Montreal live for the third time at a sold out show here.
This was by far the most intimate show I've been to. A smaller venue than The Horseshoe (which I already thought was incredibly intimate), at about 400 people. Capacity at the Buddha is about 100. This turns it into a really cozy, almost neighbourhood bar feel that's unheard of for a venue.
The only downside is with such a small capacity it gets full FAST. That is why you need to GET THERE early. Knowing that the show was sold out I got there for 7 an hour before doors to make sure I got in. I also bought my tickets way in advance knowing that this show would likely be sold out given how small the venue is.
After the show met TOPS and talked to them about the show for a good 10 mins.
If you're a fan of a band than it's a real treat to see them at this intimate venue.
The bar is too far out of the way to come here often for drinks but it's a great venue.
With cheap drinks and an incredibly intimate atmosphere I would definitely come back to the Buddha for a show.