4 Best Nightlife in The Annex, Toronto

Located a short jaunt west of the Annex is this basement club, a hotbed of activity for homegrown and touring comics alike. There are sketch and stand-up shows from locals most nights of the week, but the room has also hosted boldface names like Janeane Garofalo, Marc Maron, and Mae Martin.

An Annex fave since the '90s, this brick-walled spot offers a variety of drink specials throughout the week, plus bar bites and the odd live DJ set. Head right back the next morning for a tasty brunch.

The rowdy atmosphere—every guest is greeted with a cheerful hello in Japanese by kitchen and serving staff when you walk through the door—is just part of what makes this izakaya so charming. Grab a Sapporo, sake, or cocktail splashed with Suntory or vodka, but don't sleep on the delicious small plates.

Some of the most exciting bands in rock, indie, and punk play at this grungy-yet-venerable club with a psychedelic graffiti facade on the edge of the University of Toronto campus. Grab a Toronto-style roti (Indian curry wrapped Caribbean-style in flatbread) from the service window between sets. Upstairs is the Dance Cave, a no-frills dance club popular with students.