Phoenix Concert Theatre

My first concert was at this place watching «The Stills» about 10 years ago for a mere $ 20. It’s a dark, old building with sticky floors with a small, intimate, concert room and stage. I remember this being the height of experiencing Toronto’s hipster elite and indie rock scene all under one building as I have never seen so many fedoras and facial hair under one roof. It was like a Kevin Federline convention. In case you forgot or don’t know who Kevin Federline was (It’s been 10 years), he was Britney Spears’ handbag that was expensive for her to keep, so she had to let it go. Anyways, it was a fun night overall listening to this band live in concert before they eventually broke up years later. The Phoenix Concert Theatre is definitely one of those places I shall remember during my youth and recommend for anyone who wants to experience an intimate show and a memento of their youth.

Its dingy, dark and dirty. They sell beer in tall cans, the washrooms definitely need improvement and those are the precise elements that make this place this a great place to see a live band.
If you do decide to catch an act here, try and go upstairs and sit on the one of the three rows of old leather couches, there is a fully stocked bar right behind them and the view is excellent.
The staff here is down to earth and friendly, and surprisingly the sound quality in the building is very good.
The location is not the greatest, but the good news is that there is a lot of street parking within walking distance and parking on the street here is free after 9pm.
They also usually have selected specials on Tall Boy beer cans. If you do decide to see your favourite band play here, don’t worry about dressing to impress. Jeans and t-​shirts are the norm here.

Went for Freak Out the other night. Found the placement of the venue really odd. Immediately when we got to the front of the line to be ID’d someone pissed off the bouncer and got grabbed and thrown to the sidewalk. Not sure what happened but these bouncers are miserable and were every time I saw them that night.
I actually didn’t mind the size of the place (thought the main room was a good size) but inside was a bit of a maze. No one knew where the smoke area was, and it was an complete clusterfuck to get in and out of the venue. The back area was completely clogged and there was actually a line to get back in. Awkward.
Bathrooms were… Disgusting to say the least and I was told from another girl that a bouncer refused to let more than one girl in a stall… Meanwhile as I walked in the bathroom… Some dude was walking out. What? Apparently this was a regular occurrence. Gross.
Last comment… Would it kill you to give me a lemon with my tequila? :(

Sure, this place isn’t the BEST place for a concert, but it’s a helluva lot better than the Sound Academy, so I’ll take it!
People have given great tips below, so I’ll just add my two cents. I’ve been to countless shows here over the years and I’ve come to appreciate it’s size and know the best spots to stand in order to see. A lot of people figure the closer the better, but I don’t quite agree. Standing near the back by the soundboard or on the little step provides a nice clear view of the stage and in my opinion, sounds a little better.
If it’s open, there’s also a balcony up top which, if you get there early enough, you can get a spot with a table and chair which is STELLAR. I’ve seen a few shows from up there and it’s definitely the best spot in the house.
It’s not in the greatest of areas but when the show lets out, there are tons of people walking around everywhere so it doesn’t feel too strange walking back to your car. There aren’t too many good eating options nearby which is a bummer, but there are thankfully a few hidden gems!

The Phoenix is always a top notch venue to catch a show. I hadn’t been in probably 10 years prior to seeing The Walkmen perform this weekend. The show was incredible, but the venue always fits the bill. Very cool atmosphere and reasonable ways to get drinks without waiting in line forever.

To my surprise, I went back to Phoenix and had a good time.
If you’re not tall and you’re not at the front of the line, sit upstairs. If it’s an all-​ages event, you’ll need wristbands to go upstairs.
The chairs/​couches were rearranged from when I was last at Phoenix for another concert. Last time, they were arranged booth style, where the couches weren’t facing the stage. This time, they were, so the view was perfect. Maybe because not as many people lined up last time so the venue filled up slower, the upper level felt way further away. I was pleasantly surprised by how good the view was for this concert, however. Matched with the relatively comfortable bench/​couches and the sound that traveled all the way back to us, I was very happy.
There are still issues and I’m still not convinced I would come here if I had a choice, but then again, I don’t think it’s too often that artists play at more than one venue in the same city for the same tour.
I lined up 2.5hrs before doors opened for Tori Kelly and the line was the longest I’ve seen for having lined up so early. Line up early. I think the Tori Kelly line was exceptionally long, but if I were to revisit the Phoenix, I would probably line up at least two hours ahead. I was in the first row upstairs with a perfect view of the stage; I feel like the rows further back upstairs would not have been as ideal.
Security is a mess. One guard let his friends bypass the huge line and walk right through the middle of hundreds of people. Others yelled at people to squish together in the line, and then only started handing out wristbands (for 19+) at the very end, so foul-​smelling staff squeezed through the herds, reaching for IDs. They also peel off the plastic for the adhesive on the wristbands and throw them on the ground… which is appalling if you think about how much litter that generates year-​round. Some of them also walk up and down the line yelling unintelligible nothings that no one can hear: «Please…and…yes, I work here… so…I will…» If you have to verify your employment, perhaps your attire and demeanor are problematic.
In general, Phoenix is not great, but it can be acceptable if you’re early enough. If you’re short, either line up at the ass crack of dawn to be at the front or head straight upstairs and nab a front row seat.

A small venue in a odd neighbourhood. I would not have noticed it if there wasn’t a huge lineup down the street, waiting to go in to see the concert!
I don’t dislike smaller venues, as they allow a more intimate concert with the artist you’re going to see. This venue definitely gives you a close and intimate concert experience, but I’d say that was the best part.
Even in line, the first thing you notice are the staff. They are loud, rude, and definitely do not want to be working there. You get the vibe that they are talking down to all their customers, as if they are all stupid and don’t understand what they are saying. Not a single smile on their faces when dealing with customers, and they yelled everything they wanted to say. Some of the stuff they said felt demeaning (I’m ‘not’ stupid, thank you), but were laughed off by some people as ‘funny’.
Once inside, the first thing I noticed was sticky floors. Everywhere. Could you just imagine what this place looks like when the lights are on?!? Not a pleasant thought. Felt disgusting to even touch anything inside. Luckily, the venue was well ventilated, so it didn’t feel like a furnace with all the people inside.
Not the worst venue out there, but unless you absolutely love the artist that’s performing there, I would refrain from coming here. You don’t think much of this stuff while the concert’s going on, but it’s definitely in the back of your head!

Awful venue. Their staff were cold from before we entered the door. The place is outdated and your shoes stick to the floor almost no matter where you walk.
I waited 5 minutes for this one bartender to serve me, and instead serves the two ladies next to me who were not there as long. I didn’t say anything, but the two women pointed at me, saying I was first. The bartender said «I’m the bartender, I decide» and served the two ladies. When I was served, my change was put in two different spots and I was shorted two dollars. When I protested she contacted security, who told me I had to leave. They started push me towards the exit, and as I tried to explain, they told me I could explain outside.
I went to the lobby where he was joined by a second security guard, who then grabbed my hand and took my drink (I had only had 1, and the 2^nd one was full) and told me to keep walking. I asked to speak to someone about what happened but instead was put in a headlock by the first guard, and the second guard grabbed me as well. They forced me out of the building, as I yelled «stop! I’m not resisting!» several times, and I wasn’t. I never raised a hand to them. As they were doing this, they ripped my shirt. It was humiliating and I couldn’t believe what was happening. I will never go back here.

Ahhh… the smell of pee. Where else can you be but the Phoenix!
Was here for the Jully Black concert a few weeks ago. Before that I haven’t been here for a few years — usually they have a pretty fun Halloween party.
It’s dark and kinda smelly if you are on the side with the washrooms. I wonder what would show up if you put those black lights in this club… on second thought I don’t want to know. I always feel like I’m walking into some dungeon in here.
I didn’t pay a cover b/​c I was here for a concert, but if I had to I would want my money back. Much better places to lounge on a weekend. The only plus this place has going for it is that there is a parking lot right across the street.

This is one of my favourite standing venues in Toronto. It’s that perfect combination of size, intimacy, and accessibility. Many bands on their way up in popularity will make appearances here (usually for a pretty affordable price).
The set up is much better than many similar sized venues. I would highly recommend checking out your favourite artist or band.

Security are pricks and you definitely cannot spark up in this venue. No warnings, just instant removal. I wish I had checked the other review that mentions this instead of going in blindly thinking «Hey, I’m going to a trippy show in Toronto. There should be no problem with this!» First song in I was out.
Other times I have been here have been hit or miss. Not optimal for easy viewing, especially if you are short. Sound can be good but have been occasionally when speakers are cracking or simply cut out.

Wow.
First glance compared to actually stepping in is quite deceiving… It’s huge!
Though ticket prices seemed a little steep, I anticipated that seeing any great bands like Behemoth and Cannibal Corpse would be worth every non existent penny.
I heard this place actually is a club when there’s no live acts playing… So guess who’s visiting again? !? I would he interested to see what they play on a Friday or Saturday night.
Sound was decent for the most part. but Cannibal Corpse has their own personal sound guy hired to ensure perfection.
There is a balcony level with ample seating, but it was a metal show so who would? Fantastic for photo opportunities though!
I can’t recall if I ever visited before but I’m glad that I had a chance to celebrate the day before my birthday with a metal show no less.
There were a few bar areas placed around the venue but the one we visited often had a staff member that appeared less than thrilled to be there. I tipped her no problem as I always do, but I felt her service was slow and perhaps a little unattentive for such a large scale event. Half asleep? I doubt that. the music was so loud!
It appears that Phoenix is only a name as I saw no further indication of the latter. Some tacky candy skulls painted along the back wall near the ladies washroom appeared random and out of place.
I would wonder how things would be set up, perhaps entirely different for another day so I would still like to see that in order to maybe hold a difference in some opinions for after.

I always come here for metal shows. Security is really tight. 9 times out of 10, you will get busted for lighting up — I wouldn’t recommend trying it. There’s usually security near the pit to drag out anyone who takes a spill. The food and beer selection is a little rough but that’s par for a concert hall. Solid venue.

The security is arrogant and condescending.
The first time I came here I got a wrist band to say I was legal age to drink and yet every time I went to the sectioned off drinking area and showed them my wrist band they checked my ID.
The second time I went to the pheonix the bartenders consistently passed me over to serve someone else who had arrived after me.
The third time at a sold out concert in the middle of winter, minus 15 degrees, they ran out of space in coat check… how do you not realize you need more hangers? Same night I get scolded for standing on the stairs to see the band I paid 40 dollars to see, I’m five foot nothing, same security man let a girl take pictures from the stairs. .sorry I don’t own I $ 500 camera. To top it off someone puked on me that night. How about you monitor who you serve not the short asses trying to get a view.
In short the pheonix is a shitty venue and I wouldn’t bother.

aside from the kool haus, and the opera house, this venue ranks up with the greats. amazing sound, amazing location, great size of venue, and ease of access is so good.
i met one of my idols outside of the venue because of the layout.

Just went to the Canadian radio music awards with Walk Off the Earth head-​lining!
The hall had amazing sound and the bands sounded terrific! You could see the stage very easily.
The only down fall is the venue was disorganized letting the crowd in. They were 25 minutes Late opening the door and the first band finished before the first people got in, the VIPs enter first. Venue stared at 7:30 and they opened the door to the regular paying crowd at 7:20,it was suppose to open at 7
I would definitely see other venues there but go with the expectation of it being poorly organized start.

Its a dive but the washrooms are clean
Its a concert venue so you will be able to stand right up by the stage
They have a coat check
Its gritty and shiny at the same time
The beers are reasonably priced I guess at $ 6

Really like this venue. During 19+ events you’re usually forced to stand in the back behind a fence which is slightly inconvenient but meh… if you want booze and music, you’ll accept it.
I like the acoustics here, it reminds me of Great Hall but a little more grungy. It looks like it’s got a lot of character. There’s an upstairs sitting area and I think 3 bars — one at the front and two in the back.
The servers are nice, so are the bouncers — never had a bad experience with them. Drinks aren’t cheap and the selection isn’t great. They have Stella, Keith’s, Bud, Budweiser and all the cans are small and 6 – 7 bucks.
It’s easy to get close to the stage if you come like an hour or two early which I recommend if you really like the artist but the venue’s is small enough that even if you’re in the back you’ll see/​hear just fine!
Overall one of my favorite places for shows in the city, not the best but all together it comes nicely packaged :)
PS I love Abbas.

These type of concert halls are never perfect but do the job. The best part about the Phoenix is the location. It’s right downtown, in a seedy location so it won’t disappear overnight, and easy to get to with a cab or TTC. You know you won’t get stranded there, unlike Kool Haus and its funky location where you may lose your life trying to get back to civilization. Appreciate the spaciousness of the Phoenix, with the huge ceiling height with the balcony. There is a smoking section toward the street at the rear of the building next to where you come down from the balcony. We saw a kickass show here, The Darkness, with a full light show, lots of schmaltz and theatrics, and spandex too.

4.5 stars. I love this venue for concerts. Usually smaller name bands play here. Great sound quality and atmosphere. You can see the stage from all areas and get up close to the band — a great atmosphere. Some commented it’s not the cleanest place but it’s a concert hall for rock /​metal /​rap bands — not for the Toronto symphony. I find security a little aggressive here and their presence is felt (this is also a good thing mind you). The bar staff is great and there were 4 – 5 bars spread across the venue. A fairly quick walk from the subway.
I didn’t like that your forced to stay at the back of the venue if you have a beer but this is not the end of the world as your still fairly close to the stage. I imagine this is not the case if the concert is not designated «all ages».
I always look forward to returning.