An average dive bar to see a band:
Hard Luck is a little out of the way but not too bad, about a 10 minute drive from Dundas Station. You could also take the 505 Dundas streetcar westbound from Yonge and Dundas to Dundas and Bathurst and its right there.
I had ever heard of this place until they booked one of my favorite bands, Craft Spells. I've been following him since pretty much the beginning and I knew that I HAD to go see them live. Hard Luck's a really small bar, capacity is about 200 half the size of the Horseshoe.
Hard Luck mostly books local metal/hard rock bands so I was surprised to see them book a touring indie pop band like Craft Spells.
The sound wasn't the best, there were a few technical issues during Craft Spells set but nothing too major.
It's a really small place but great if you're a fan of the band. The show was really intimate. The drinks are pretty much the same as any other venue, overpriced, $7 for a tall boy of PBR.
After the show met Justin from Craft Spells and we talked the show, and about his records for a good 10 mins.
I'd never come here just for drinks but if they book another great band I'd go.