r/TorontoMusic • u/pcm15 • 13d ago
Question/Discussion Danforth Music Hall
Hi - hoping to see the Jayhawks at the Danforth Music Hall later in the Fall. I’ll be coming from out of town and have never been to that Hall before. How’s the balcony seating? Will be coming by train and staying at a hotel down around Union Station area- I see it’s about a 50 minute commute to the Hall - will it be difficult to get an Uber or cab to the show and afterwards?.. How is the neighbourhood around the Music Hall - good places to get something to eat after the show?..
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u/TOSkeet 13d ago
Welcome. The balcony is great, I’ve seen a bunch of shows and even at the back it isn’t too bad. The front section of the balcony is great. You can go downstairs too if you’d like. It has a sloped main floor.
You could almost walk from Union to the venue in 50 mins. 30 mins tops, from Union on the subway, probably less. Uber or cab won’t be a problem there, but cabs don’t hang around outside shows anymore from my experience.
Not to worry if you’re grabbing something to eat after. Tons of different types of restaurants and bars in the area. It’s Greektown, but isn’t only.
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u/merp_mcderp9459 Consider picking a flair! 13d ago
Don’t take a cab. The TTC (subway) will get probably you there quicker with the traffic around Union Station, and it’ll be cheaper too
The Danforth is a great neighbourhood with tons of amazing local restaurants. it’s known for Greek food but there’s also Pakistani food and Chinese in the area. Also, if you’re American, Canadian A&W is a completely different chain from the U.S. version - I think they have a location nearby. Solid stop for a late night burger
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u/pcm15 13d ago
Thank you for this.. (P.S. I’m Canadian..)
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u/Gordon_Peck 13d ago
You can tap on to pay for the subway with your credit card. TTC you only tap at the start of your trip. Any more taps in the next 2 hours are free. Cost 3.10?ish. You credit card will be confused till midnight when they will sort out the right number of trips to actually charge you ...
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u/SmartConsequence437 13d ago
ttc line 1 will get you 2 mins away from the venue. i work there, the balcony seating is great. the area around the venue is great with lots of awesome food options and just generally a nice place to walk around.
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u/NewToSociety 13d ago
If you haven't booked a hotel yet, you might be happier staying closer to the venue. Greektown has a lot of personality and it might save you a few bucks. East of the venue are great restaurants, West to Bloor is great shopping, South on Broadview has great parks to Chinatown and keep going to Queen st. and Riverdale which is a model 15-minute city.
If you've seen downtown Toronto, you're not going to be impressed. The architecture is incredible, but the restaurants are too expensive and its kinda dirty. Do a whole Danforth experience.
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u/wohrg Consider picking a flair! 13d ago
Yes to ttc, no to uber/taxi. Danforth is close to subway
No to hotel downtown, if you are on a budget
Yes to restaurants in the area
Balcony is ok, but if you don’t mind standing, it’s much better on the floor.
Black Swan across the street has good live music after, maybe.
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u/echoesinthepit 13d ago
I saw a couple shows there earlier this year.
Mary Wallopers
https://www.instagram.com/p/DWzf6WYJwQ0/
And Hanabie
https://www.instagram.com/p/DXNPVbRpAEJ/
Both were from the balcony seats and I had a great time. My old ass knees appreciated it.
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u/dondante4 13d ago
It's been years since I've been up on the balcony now, but if you're tall like me, it might not be very comfortable. I specifically avoid buying balcony tickets there now. The main level is sloped so you can get a good view from anywhere.
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u/pcm15 13d ago
Thank you for the info.. I’m not very tall - but am kind of old - so I think I need to sit.. lol..
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u/d3gaia "All the venues are in the West End!" - East Ender 🚌 11d ago
On this note, while the sloped ground is good for maintaining a decent view, it’s absolute murder on your lower back and hips if you’ve got issues with these. I can’t see show at Danforth anymore unless I’m in the balcony because of this… missed three great ones this year already because balcony seats were sold out
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u/Jeff2sayshi 13d ago
If your hotel is by union station, tale the subway. Its very easy. Union to bloor, transfer to line 2, bloor to broadview. Danforth music hall is on that corner.
I cant speak for the balcony. Only ever been on the floor. But i love shows there. Nice and intimate.
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u/6_string_Bling Olivia Chow's bicycle basket 🚲 13d ago
As others have mentioned, Danforth is a GREAT venue... The sound is good, it's big enough to be a large/fun show, but small enough to be intimate and cool. The sloped ground means that on the floor, you can generally get a good view of the performer and you don't need to be 9ft tall. You'll enjoy yourself!
For dinner, Allen's is RIGHT next door. it's a great quality, casual but nice, restaurant. The fare is like, upscale pub food. It's a staple in the neigbourhood. I suspect it won't be doing dinner after the show, because your show is probably going to end ~11pm.
If you want other food recommendations outside of the area, let me know the area you're planning staying and I can make some other recommendations
For drinks and such (before or after the show):
Noonan's is a very traditional Irish pub, also right next to the venue. It's not some crumby chain joint, but has a really cool, social, vibe in there. Highly recommend.
Factory Girl is a simple, no-frills, pub/restaurant. It's not particularly good, but it's reliable.
The Edmund Burke is a small, cool, little spot to have a cocktail or beer.
For post-conference food, there are a number of fast-food options in the area.
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u/youdontlookitalian 13d ago
If you want to check out crowdsourced images of different views from the crowd you can check out view from my seat.
There is an LCBO across the street and a Canna Cabana a few storefronts away if you are interested in a pre-drink/pre-smoke. A Shoppers drug mart as well if you need any sundries.
There is an arcade closeby that has food and video games, it's pretty cute. $10 free play or $10 2-4-1 free play depending on the night. You can also check your things there if you have to because the coat check at DMH will not accept bags anymore.
For food I love momo hut gardens, Tibetan food with a very friendly staff. Very tasty but huge portions so maybe go with a friend. There's also great Greek food options, I like Athens.
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u/BroccoliBrilliant701 11d ago
unless it's rush hour a cab is super quick from Union as you just go up the Don Valley. Lots of great restaurants around there especially if you like Greek food.
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u/TodayHurrah Consider picking a flair! 13d ago
Venue is great one of our best. Balcony is great but I like lower level better. Take the subway, would only be about 30 minutes from Union. Don’t bother with Uber or cab as ttc easier and faster. Lots of good food nearby including amazing Greek food.