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Best Cabarets In Toronto (2026)

Independently ranked by our review of ratings, reviews and reputation · Updated 2026 · How we chose

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At a glance

# Business Rating Reviews
1 Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 4.0 665 View ›
2 The Painted Lady 3.8 661 View ›
3 Crews & Tangos 629 View ›
4 El Convento Rico 3.0 506 View ›
Best Cabarets In Toronto (2026)
1

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

4/5 665 Google reviews

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is a well-known establishment that has been around for many years. It has a rich history and is known for its inclusive and welcoming environment.

  • Location: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Ambiance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Entertainment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Cost: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros

  • Inclusive and welcoming atmosphere
  • Amazing staff
  • Well-stocked bar with decent prices
  • Great venue for parties and events
  • Hosts incredible drag shows

Cons

  • The club was only open for a short period during Pride
  • Disappointing to see another LGBTQ+ bar/club close down

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is a fantastic venue that offers a welcoming and inclusive environment. It is known for hosting incredible drag shows and has a well-stocked bar with reasonable prices. While it is disappointing that the club was only open for a short period during Pride, it still remains a popular spot for parties and events. Overall, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is a great place to unwind and have a good time.

Address
12 Alexander St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1B4, Canada
Phone
(416) 975-8555
2

The Painted Lady

3.8/5 661 Google reviews

The Painted Lady is a popular spot in Toronto known for its great atmosphere and live music performances. While it has its strengths, there are also some areas that could be improved upon. Here is a breakdown of what we liked and what we didn’t like about The Painted Lady.

  • Location: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Ambiance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Entertainment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐
  • Cost: ⭐⭐

Pros

  • Selection of drinks: The Painted Lady offers a good variety of beers and other drinks, ensuring that there is something for everyone’s taste.
  • Friendly staff: The staff at The Painted Lady are known for being super friendly, creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for customers.
  • Atmosphere and music: The venue has a great atmosphere, and the live music performances are always outstanding, providing a fun and energetic experience.
  • Unique artwork: The paintings and pictures displayed at The Painted Lady are refreshing and add to the overall ambiance of the place.
  • Talented performers: The live music performances at The Painted Lady are often praised for their high energy, great lyrics, and the ability to create a wall of sound.

Cons

  • Cash-only payments: The fact that The Painted Lady only accepts cash for payment can be inconvenient for customers, especially considering the high service charge at the on-site ATM.
  • Cover charge: The $10 cover charge at The Painted Lady is seen as quite steep by some, especially considering that there are other great places in Toronto that do not charge a cover.
  • Long wait for drinks: Waiting a long time at the bar for drinks is a common occurrence at The Painted Lady, which can be frustrating for customers.
  • Minimum spend for card payments: The minimum spend of $50 to be able to pay by card feels outdated and sketchy, causing unnecessary delays and inconvenience.
  • Unfortunate incident: There was a recent incident where a male staff member from the bar yelled and assaulted a customer, which is completely unacceptable and tarnishes the overall experience at The Painted Lady.

In summary, The Painted Lady offers a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and outstanding live music performances. However, the cash-only policy, high cover charge, long wait for drinks, and minimum spend for card payments are areas that need improvement. Despite these drawbacks, The Painted Lady is still worth a visit for those looking for a unique and entertaining night out in Toronto.

Address
218 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z9, Canada
Phone
N/A
3

Crews & Tangos

629 Google reviews

Crews & Tangos is a popular drag bar located in Toronto. During our visit, we had the pleasure of watching some of the best drag shows we’ve ever seen. The bar staff was friendly, the drag queens were entertaining, and the music choices were excellent. The atmosphere at Crews & Tangos was fantastic, making it a memorable experience.

Pros

  • Excellent drag shows
  • Friendly bar staff
  • Fantastic atmosphere
  • Entertaining music choices
  • No line up on less busy nights

Cons

  • Cash-only payment method
  • Limited seating visibility due to columns
  • Lack of cleanliness

Location: ★★★★ Ambiance: ★★★★ Entertainment: ★★★★ Reviews: ★★★★ Cost: ★★★★ Overall Score: ★★★★

Despite the pros of Crews & Tangos, there are a few cons to consider. Firstly, the bar only accepts cash, which can be inconvenient for those who prefer electronic payment. Additionally, some seats have limited visibility of the stage due to columns blocking the view. Lastly, cleanliness could be improved.

In summary, Crews & Tangos is a must-visit for those looking for a fantastic drag show experience. The performers are great, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is top-notch. However, the cash-only payment method and seating visibility issues are worth considering. Overall, we highly recommend Crews & Tangos for an entertaining night out.

Address
508 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2C8, Canada
Phone
(647) 349-7469
4

El Convento Rico

3/5 506 Google reviews

El Convento Rico is one of the most famous Latin bars in Toronto, known for its lively atmosphere and drag queen performances. Here’s what we liked and didn’t like about this club:

Pros

  • Consistently good music and vibes
  • Friendly and accommodating staff
  • Queer-friendly environment
  • Great place for a bachelorette or girls’ night out
  • Clean washrooms

Cons

  • Long queues to access the club
  • Crowded and stuffy atmosphere as the night goes on
  • Drag shows can take up prime dancing time
  • Sketchy individuals attempting to steal belongings
  • Bartenders could improve in terms of hospitality

Location: ⭐⭐⭐ Ambiance: ⭐⭐⭐ Entertainment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐ Cost: ⭐⭐⭐

Address
750 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C4, Canada
Phone
(416) 588-7800
5

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Watch: Best Cabarets In Toronto (2026)

Welcome to our first-hand review of the best Cabarets in Toronto! If you’re an entertainment seeker looking for a night filled with glitz, glamour, and captivating performances, then you’ve come to the right place. In this review, we’ll take you on a journey through the most mesmerizing cabarets that Toronto has to offer. From the sizzling ambiance to the jaw-dropping entertainment, we’ll share our personal experiences and insights to help you make the most informed decision. So, get ready to be transported into a world of incredible talent and unforgettable moments. But hurry, because these cabarets are in high demand and you won’t want to miss out on the unparalleled excitement they have in store for you!


Key Takeaways

  • Research and read reviews to find the best cabaret in Toronto.
  • Consider the genre, theme, schedule, and location of the cabaret.
  • Evaluate the talent and performers for a captivating experience.
  • Choose a cabaret with an atmosphere and ambiance that aligns with your preferences.
  • Follow these tips to ensure an unforgettable night of entertainment in Toronto.

FAQ: Best Cabarets in Toronto

1. What is a cabaret?

A cabaret is a type of entertainment venue that typically features a combination of live music, singing, dancing, and comedy performances. It offers a unique and intimate atmosphere for audiences to enjoy a variety of artistic acts.

2. What are the best cabarets in Toronto?

Some of the best cabarets in Toronto include The Second City, The Reservoir Lounge, The Cameron House, The Painted Lady, and Lula Lounge. These venues offer exceptional performances and a vibrant atmosphere for entertainment seekers.

3. What types of performances can I expect at a cabaret?

Cabarets often showcase a diverse range of performances, including live music, burlesque shows, stand-up comedy, theatrical performances, and dance routines. Each cabaret may have its own unique lineup of acts, so it’s always best to check their schedule for specific performances.

4. Are cabarets suitable for all ages?

While some cabarets may have age restrictions, many are open to all ages. However, it’s important to note that some performances within a cabaret may contain adult content or themes. If you’re planning to bring children, it’s recommended to check the age restrictions and content of the performances beforehand.

5. How can I buy tickets for cabaret shows in Toronto?

Tickets for cabaret shows in Toronto can be purchased online through the official websites of the respective cabarets. Additionally, you may also find tickets available through third-party ticketing platforms. It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially for popular shows, as they can sell out quickly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 4 Best Cabarets in Toronto offer a diverse and vibrant entertainment scene that is sure to captivate any entertainment seeker. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, with its top-notch performances and immersive atmosphere, is a must-visit for theater enthusiasts. The Painted Lady, with its cozy ambiance and talented performers, provides a unique and intimate cabaret experience. Crews & Tangos, known for its lively drag shows and energetic crowd, promises a night of non-stop fun and excitement. Lastly, El Convento Rico, with its Latin flair and energetic dance floor, offers a one-of-a-kind cabaret experience that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a theater lover or a fan of vibrant nightlife, these cabarets in Toronto are sure to leave a lasting impression. So grab your friends and immerse yourself in the world of dazzling performances, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Toronto’s cabaret scene awaits you!

Our Process: Uncovering Toronto’s Top Cabarets

At Best In Hood, we take our role as entertainment seekers seriously. We understand the thrill of discovering the best cabarets in Toronto, and we want to share our findings with you. That’s why we’ve developed a rigorous methodology to ensure that we only recommend the cream of the crop.

Step 1: Research

Our journey begins with extensive research. We scour the streets of Toronto, exploring the vibrant neighborhoods and seeking out the hidden gems that make this city’s cabaret scene so special. We consult with local experts, attend performances, and immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Toronto’s entertainment culture.

Step 2: Criteria

To identify the best cabarets in Toronto, we’ve established a set of criteria that each venue must meet. These criteria include factors such as the quality of performances, the ambiance of the venue, the variety of acts, and the overall experience for audience members. By using these criteria as our guide, we ensure that our recommendations are based on objective standards of excellence.

Step 3: Evaluation

Once we’ve identified potential candidates, we dive deeper into the evaluation process. We visit each cabaret multiple times, experiencing different performances and observing the consistency of quality. We take note of the venue’s atmosphere, the professionalism of the staff, and the overall enjoyment factor. Only the cabarets that consistently meet our high standards make it onto our list of the best in Toronto.

Step 4: User Feedback

We value the opinions of our readers, which is why we also take user feedback into consideration. We encourage our audience to share their experiences at the cabarets we recommend, allowing us to continually refine our list and ensure that it remains up-to-date and accurate.

Step 5: Final Selection

After careful evaluation and consideration of user feedback, we make our final selection of the best cabarets in Toronto. These are the venues that have proven themselves to be the epitome of excellence in the city’s entertainment scene. You can trust that our recommendations are based on thorough research, objective criteria, and the collective experiences of both our team and our readers.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cabaret enthusiast or someone looking to dip their toes into this exciting world of entertainment, rely on Best In Hood to guide you to the best cabarets in Toronto.

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