When I first moved back to Toronto from Montreal, The Bovine is the only place that I felt was truly accepting.
The place is a total rock bar in the truest sense. There's a real bond among the staff and it's really laid back. What happens at the Bovine stays there, and generally it's impossible to get out of there having only consumed a few drinks. I usually end up getting high school smashed and making out with one of the hot bartenders who look like the Lunachicks or Joan Jett (then not now). They play rock, mostly hard rock and the crowd is a bit older, although it's not weird if you're younger (like 19).
There is all this garbage art hanging from the outside and in. There's a small stage at the front and a lounge at the back. Don't be fooled by the rough exterior of the joint, they have some of the cleanest bathrooms in the city.
If you're itching to hear Thin Lizzy, Motorhead, or The New York Dolls, this is your spot.
They have bands and a DJ every night and a hot dance night called Thunderpussy on Sunday nights.