Killer Toronto venues: Clinton's Tavern

In the heart of the Korean business district, in Toronto, On., stands a relatively underground haven for scenesters and Indie supporters of any genre. Clinton's Tavern, located at 693 Bloor Street West is by far one of my absolute favorite places to take the stage. A home away from home.

Easy Way Out has had both their EP release and their CD release there. It's comfortable, affordable and best of all, the sound is explosive.

Easy Way Out at their self titled EP release Nov. 2006.

If you were to walk through the front doors, you might think it was a portal to some kind of, turn of the century, chalet. A log cabin look that, I'm almost positive, has everything to do with the fact that they are Toronto's second oldest watering hole.

Clinton's front area is a magnificent dinning room, split into 2 sections and decorated with vintage booze signage. (it is a tavern after all) The menus are covered in vintage record albums, mostly tongue in cheek, like Lee Aaron, Dokken, Dio... and the like. The menu consists of your standard pub fare, peppered with popular cultural dishes from around the world. No kidding, the food is really, really good. They also have a great patio for the Spring, Summer and Fall Seasons.

Even Darth Vader and his entourage come to Clinton's Tavern.

After having a pint and a bite, you can head to the back room where cover ranges anywhere from $5-$10 depending on what the bands are charging that night. Note: the bands get to keep everything they make at the door. Once you have your stamp, you're in a big square room, capacity of 170 (but can easily fit 200), fitted with small tables, couches and mirrors on the wall. The sound booth is embedded into the back wall and doesn't interfere with the patrons' migrations throughout the night. When the bands begin, prepare to experience sound the way it was meant to be heard. (Seriously, one time I was listening to a band and I thought the song was making sweet love to my ear drums).

The head sound tech at Clinton's goes by the name of Fletch. I've met him many, many times and as far as I know, that's his only name. Fletch is legendary in Toronto, not just for the quality of sound he produced on the floor and on the stage, but because of his dedication to his craft. Trust in the sound tech is naturally imperative to coming off a show pleased with your performance and Fletch knows how to deliver. (if you play this venue and Brandon is there instead, you'll get the very same quality work, I'm actually a little suspicious that they are actually siamese twins joined at the talent).

I don't have a picture of Fletch: Sound Guy, so here's one of Fletch: Chevy Chase's character.

The bar staff is friendly, management is too and Clinton's Tavern, as a whole, is one of the most supportive venues in Toronto when it comes to Independent Music. If you're in toronto, do yourself a favour and check it out, play there or just grab a pint and watch the Leafs lose again.... oh they also host comedy and Improv there too. Check out Clinton's Tavern online.

Easy Way Out will be playing Clinton's Tavern on Friday March 28, 2008. EWO is hosting Windsor On. rock act: Evelyn Falls, Toronto Rock act: ADA and Toronto Ska/Rock act: Street 66.