The Press Club

came here on a friday night with a few friends, we were really looking forward to it based on the positive reviews here. So we were walking down Dundas, we spotted the PC and excitedly opened the door to… a totally empty bar. It was friday at 10pm and it was completely dead; but we were in the area for another event already so we grabbed a table. being the only table there, the lady bartender took at least 5 mins to come over to acknowledge us, so long that we started to wonder if we were supposed to go up to the bar. we asked what was on tap, she read off the list in a disgruntled manner, took our orders, and firmly said «it’a CASH ONLY» and walked away. Pleasant.
during our drinks, the bartender leaves to go take a smoke outside. while she’s away the music stops which was unprofessional of her to leave her ONLY patrons without music. before we leave, we find out that it there’s a patio in the back — she didn’t even mention that to us. The thought that her only customers might enjoy sitting on a patio on a warm summer’s night didn’t cross her mind. As such, we sat in the divey bar (it’s not literary as someone described it, i have been to actual literary bars in Seattle — this does not reflect any of those), it’s a basic bar with pornographic photos on the walls. anyways, we left after our drinks and headed over to the event.
I failed to see the positive attributes mentioned in previous reviews. I won’t be returning since there are tons of other places in the area where i’d rather spend my money.
positives-​They have a lot of beers on tap. There is a drum set in the corner so it seems like they have live music.

Tiny place, but just right because when you walk in it feels like you’re at a get together with close friends, as opposed to a bar where you don’t know anybody. Everybody is very friendly, and the night was filled with conversations with random folks. Perfect environment if you’re under 25, lots of young people all joking around, dancing, and having a good time. Heard a fantastic band known as Dead Jack Pine here. The lead singer’s voice is like silk! My date and I had an amazing time here. There was one older lady killing the vibe, but I think she was just grumpy about being at the wrong place. On another note, they make a very strong rum & coke!

How have I not written about this place yet?
VIBE
Total literary vibe and some journalists in the city are trying to revive that. Just mix in a few hobos and crazy peeps and voila you’ve got a story. Maybe it’s why the journos come here (only occasionally). I love that’s it’s unpretentious and beer isn’t over $ 7.
Great place to see a band and don’t forget the lovely back patio.
DRINK
It’s a usual Heineken for me. With a side of church pew. Thanks.
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
Want to learn how to pitch? Perhaps, this is your place. But the easiest way to do that is to just start drinking (Trust).

It’s amazing that everyone seems to be commenting on the «literary» quality of this place. I don’t know why or how, but it has an unvarnished, middle-​brow-​journalist-​working-​halfheartedly-​on-​a-​true-​crime-​novel kind of vibe to it, sort of like an old Underwood typewriter. Laid-​back barkeep, good beer. You kind of half expect to see Mordecai Richler posted out at the bar here working on scotch #3 and paging through the Baseball Almanac.

Immediately reminiscent of a secret afterhours spot circa 1935, this teeny tiny establishment offers up great DJ nights mixed with the occasional live band. Arrive early to make sure you can squeeze in to enjoy the laid-​back atmosphere.

I’ve recently been trying to take advantage of the Dundas W. bar scene, and although I agree with Anna V. that on the inside The Press Club has a bit of literary vibe going on (and I must admit, I’ve been there with some literary-​type folk) and that it is small-​ish, what the two previous reviewers fail to mention is that this bar has one of Toronto’s most BEAUTIFUL backyard patios. The patio has a very «European neighbour-​hoody feel» to it, with its overgrown trees, little lights, all natural wood siding and benches. The owner has created quite the little oasis in a somewhat dismal area of the city/​bar scene. And although the inside is small, and it’s true, from time to time you’re subjected to some questionable indie-​music, the bar itself is not that bad. The bar staff are extremely conscientious and have a pretty good selection of local and international beers, and yes, scotch. I’m in agreement with the previous reviewers, in that, if you ARE going in the winter, go in small groups. But be sure to check out the patio before summer’s over!

Very small, very local indie bands play here. When I went there was a hip-​hop/​rap dude and some more instrumental rougher rock/​punk-​ish stuff.
Very small place. The dance space was about 3 people deep, got crowded extremely quickly. Small groups would do well here.

I went to The Press Club on a date with some guy who was trying to impress me with his knowledge of beat bars in the city.
It’s dark and cozy, but in a different way than the Embassy or Ronnie’s. It’s more of a literary place, i guess as the name says. This is where you go if you’re a journalism student to use big words and flex your knowledge on scotch, even though you’re super broke.
I would recommend this spot to anyone trying to hide an affair or as a local watering hole for anyone living near Dundas and Bathurst.