Dina’s Tavern is taking over the former space of the Silver Dollar Room at the corner of Spadina Ave and College Street. Located within the lower levels of the questionable Waverley Hotel, the former incarnation was known for it’s laid back atmosphere with regular live music, including the widely popular Bluegrass Wednesdays. It was also known by a completely different crowd down on the basement level, as the Comfort Zone catered to the late night after-hours dance society. Side note: The Comfort Zone has relocated to West Queen West and is still going strong.

Now, the hotel has been replaced with boutique condos, and Dina’s Tavern will be located within this new chic space. Under ownership and management of the team behind Toronto’s Track & Field bar, we had an opportunity to chat with owner Nickie Minshall to find out what to expect upon opening sometime in September 2025.

“In terms of atmosphere and design, you can expect a dimly lit, casual, rockin’ good time with high-energy weekends and mixed bag weekdays. We don’t want to give away too much of the design yet, but there are certainly elements of the old Silver Dollar incorporated throughout,” explained Minshall.

She continued, “In terms of programming, you can expect a wide variety. We plan to have live music every night we’re open, but Dina’s 165 capacity keeps it flexible as far as the programming goes. Larger acts can create an intimate experience, and newer acts can develop and hone their craft with a low barrier to entry. Right now, we’re planning for cover/party bands on weekends, followed by DJs, but the middle of the week could go in several directions.”

In the words of booker Nick McKinlay, the programming will run the gamut “from Ambient to Zydeco and everything in between.” He states, “I’ve been playing music in Toronto for 17 years, a not-small-percentage of which has been in this very room! A consensus amongst many of us in the scene is that Toronto is sorely lacking smaller capacity venues – places where musicians, both new and seasoned, can develop and work. The goal at Dina’s is to provide a low-barrier live music experience for the audiences and artists alike. Keep the town vibrant and keep the town rockin’, y’know?”

All in all, this is sounding amazing, and we all know Toronto needs more live music venues as so many have shuttered in the past several years. BTW, rumours are bluegrass will be back. Hopefully Dina’s Tavern will follow in the ranks of the Cameron House and Horseshoe Tavern, and be with us for years to come!

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.