The Rockpile

283 reviews

5555 Dundas St W, Etobicoke, ON M9B 1B8, Canada

www.therockpile.ca

+14164647614

About

The Rockpile is a Night club located at 5555 Dundas St W, Etobicoke, ON M9B 1B8, Canada. It has received 283 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday8PM-12AM
Tuesday8PM-12AM
Wednesday7PM-12AM
Thursday7PM-12AM
Friday11:30AM-12AM
Saturday7PM-12AM
SundayClosed

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of The Rockpile: 5555 Dundas St W, Etobicoke, ON M9B 1B8, Canada

  • The Rockpile has 4.2 stars from 283 reviews

  • Night club

  • "I love the Rockpile"

    "Was there for the madchild show last night, bar needs to be remodelled, couldn't believe the number of underage people that were there and getting served alcohol we sat at table near door beside the bar and didn't see anyone get ID the whole night"

    "The sound"

    "This place is like a glorified Swiss Chalet with its cabin style ambiance"

    "Didn't order food so N/A"

Reviews

  • Jessie R

I love the Rockpile. I've been here a number of times and each time has been an absolute blast. While the venue feels dirty, grimy and seedy - that's exactly the kind of vibes I'm looking for sometimes. It's like when you get a craving for burgers, you know it's probably not the best for you but is it delicious - hell yea. That's what the Rockpile means to me. It's my comfort food. The regulars at the Rockpile are always so welcoming and friendly. They're almost what make this venue for me at times. The staff here are hilarious as well. I took one star down though because I met my ex who broke my heart at this venue and while that's no fault to the venue itself - I can't go back and experience it the same way anymore. TL;DR Come to the Rockpile for a greasy good time, but don't come here if you're looking for cleanliness, prim and proper cause you won't get it. Who knows, maybe you'll get your heart broken from a long haired metalhead you meet here, maybe you'll enter an epic mosh pit, or maybe you'll experience some local talent- whatever its guaranteed you'll have a time

  • Krystal Fekete

Was there for the madchild show last night, bar needs to be remodelled, couldn't believe the number of underage people that were there and getting served alcohol we sat at table near door beside the bar and didn't see anyone get ID the whole night. There was a young girl that was stumbling in and out of the door all night security wouldn't let in any further then the door who looked like needed help, my friend ordered fries I didn't have any as I could tell the fryers hadn't been changed in quite sometime. My fiancé used the bathroom a couple times each time coming out with more horrific story, first time came out said men's bathroom had urine all over the place another time came back and said there was a used needle in the bathroom stall.As someone who has been in the industry for 15+ years I was very disappointed in what I seen last night not only as someone in the service industry but just as a decent human being it's truly a shame bar has so much potential if ran correctly. On a positive note the staff was friendly.

  • Laura Heale

The sound. I'm 44. I went to support my sons show. As a mother, it was hard to stand by and watch how rude and arrogant the security were to my son. Add to that, I personally have never before paid money to be treated so disrespectfully. Both my son and I are well brought up, kind and and polite people. My opinion is that the club would make money if they didn't put so much effort into repelling potential customers. I wasn't allowed to purchase a drink or go outside to smoke and gain re-entry. (One man did amend the not being allowed back in eventually ) The reason given is that I had no id. And, apparently that's the law. Is it? Weird. For the last two decades I have not had to show id the LCBO, The Beer Store or any other establishment. Perhaps because I usually frequent places with decent security staff who have social skills. It's too bad since Stacey is great. Jake is phenomenal.

  • Richard Muszynski

This place is like a glorified Swiss Chalet with its cabin style ambiance.fantastic bands play here with much of the best live rock and roll and heavy music bring your black leather and black attire to rock out with truly one of the best live sound systems I've ever heard in a Toronto bar . you can thank Dominic for that a true Class Act and hard-working man that runs this place literally on a dime.come out and see some live bands you'll be pleasantly surprised. it also furnishes a backyard patio outside. Check out the rock pile online for a list of bands playing weekly
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking

  • Vanessa Laws

Didn't order food so N/A. Decore was awesome!!! Nothing I expected. Killer patio...great to have an all ages night so youth can experience the Rock n roll ..live bands..and party w their family for a change and in my case....the kids git to see their dad play in his band!!!! Staff were super friendly ...and the outside was so unexpected! Kind of boom there it is ..by itself..and the character of the building made me think of From Dusk to Dawn Rock on!! Can't wait to go back to your establishment....amazing!!!
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • IM StillStanding

Every time I come to an event here, the staff is very friendly and helpful, excellent customer service. But yesterday they went out of their way to make sure I enjoy the fries I got.. I was a bit under the weather and couldn't finish them (finishing them now! YUMMY!!) but the staff was literally looking for me to make sure I got them while they were still warm, and packed them for me when I said I might just need to take them to-go. You guys rule! Thank you for continuing to stay open during these hard times and for the joy and kindness you give your customers!

  • Perry Prior

Went for the first time to see Anvil, had a great time all around. Don't trust a review lower than five stars -like, what, was the dive bar you walked into too dingy looking? Were the drinks too expensive at one of the few places actually booking small/unknown bands? The staff were great, they had a range of seating options and the bathrooms were weirdly big and kept stocked, what more could you ask for? I'll certainly be back!
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking

  • Parris Brooks

Absolutely love this place. The owners are soo nice. When I started out playing, they gave us the opportunity to play and get our name out there. Drinks are obviously gonna be a little more pricey so I dont know why people complain. Overall, great sound.... like unbelievable for the size of the Venue. The last time I've visited was last year when eric johnson performed. However, I do plan on visiting again soon. The crowd is very friendly, the only thing I would suggest is they do a little renovating but I love the theme

  • J. M. Ziadeh

Having played in various clubs and dive bars in Toronto from over the years, I always appreciated the Rockpile West as a standout in the local club scene. Large stage, great lighting, a second patio stage (for outside gigs), minutes from Kipling Station and enough space in the crowd to set up a Wrestling ring (which HAS happened on more than one occasion!). My favourite decorations were the police lineup chart, celebrity mug shots (all in good taste), and you can't go wrong with ....an electric chair!

  • Dmitri Kouznetsov

I am a 40 year-old engineer who sometimes comes to this place to support his friend's band. Today was the last time for me though because I literally got yelled at by the door-lady for sitting down to drink my $10.00 beer at the bar. Apparently, it's a new COVID-related rule, which I would've been happy to comply with if it was explained to me in a respectful manner. Instead, I got reprimanded like a schoolboy. I'm sorry, but there's really no reason for me, or anyone else, to put up with this?

  • Nathan Fraser

Can be dead or completely packed depending on what band is playing. This is mostly due to the fact its located in a semi-industrial part of Etobicoke's underdeveloped downtown area near the airport. Great stage. Great sound. Friendly staff. And they have food! Also close to Timmies in case you need a road coffee for the ride home.
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

  • Daniel Cristian

The place is absolutely legendary at first you my think that the place is not fun but this is a must see if you pass by In Toronto,The Manager Dominique is a wonderful person and There is Mark which is wonderful to talk to. Don't be shy definitely you will enjoy the music and the people inside, it's something out of common but it's something you will remember. Parking is free and handicap person access. Trust me it's something you will talk about it.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • James Alcock

Dom always treats the bands that play the Rockpile fairly, and Jake is hands down the BEST Soundman in the GTA, and one of the best I Canada. There is a real sense of Brotherhood among the bands that play there and those that attend the shows. I have opened there, and headlined there with three bands. I've attended numerous shows and always have a Blast. Bands that come out to The Heavy Metal Jam the last Thursday of every month more often than not end up getting booked there as well.

  • Sheree Cadarette

I went there for karaoke last year, for my birthday. For concerts and/or live shows, I think the space is AMAZING. I adore the retro 90's feel of the place too. But for me, nights out should include great food and this was where the place fell short for me the most. If they pumped that up more, the place would be prime. Im also not a fan of doing karaoke on a stage, but that is my own personal preference.

  • Becca Bruzzese

I'm cool with overpriced drinks, I get it, bars have to make their money somewhere. $6-7 for a tall can is reasonable. But $9.25 for a tall can of PBR? Ridiculous. I've paid less for a craft cocktail. On the plus side, really great and friendly staff, lots of parking, great venue. Just drink before you show up, unless you're rich.

  • Sarah Nicholas (sarnic)

A great place to spend one of there all ages event. I came for the Halloween event and I was lit. It had a DJ on a stage with a dancefloor, two bar areas and a seating area. The music was really good and the service was quick. It does get kind of tight when people start pileing in but overall you still have a great experience.

  • Marco Christmas

Overpriced beer, $9 a bottle, they really drag out the concert, went there for a tribute band, got there at 8 pm, stayed to almost midnight, and it still had 2 more hours to go, had to leave, otherwise I'd be stuck there for 6 hours. Another time, I waited almost 3 hours before the band showed up. I will never go back.

  • Scott Roffey

Loved this place....an old school dive bar but the stage show...light show and sound system were top notch....great show and enjoyed incredibly....but they need more staff....only one waiter for the entire bar....so you waited a lot for a beverage....other than that this place is cool and has a real cool atmosphere

  • Diane M Carmean

Awesome sound, lighting and stage!!! Really great atmosphere and people!!! Yeah...the prices are a bit high but find a place that isn't . Fantastic Band Lineups!!! Great Shows!!! Absolutely Love this place ta death!!! ✌️
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Paul Costea

A+ experience if your expectations are right. I went to reconnect with my high school self. The venue has limited possibilities, but they use them to the max. Friendly “no BS” staff, loud music, no stress about damaging anything of worth. Just like in high school. Thank you for a night to remember!

  • Jeremy Gilbert

Excellent Times Had @ The Rockpile, Some Great Bands Come Through There ! Met Alot Of Excellent People There As Well, If You're Into Rock & Metal Then This Is Your Place ! I Visit Quite Alot There ! I Recommend You Check Out This Place ! ⚘️Rock On & Enjoy Yourself Thank You! …

  • Karola

Free parking. Not too many places like this around anymore. Great price for concert tickets. Great talent and line up. Beer $10 can but that's how they stay in business. Some food. People seem to know each other. Bring their kids. Need ear plugs. Get your picture taken on the mugshot wall.

  • Andrew Patrick

Many local bands do and have played here. Extremely good sound. Very cool surroundings. Photographs of bands who've performed there. Tons of parking right by the highway with an Apache Burger within walking distance. Beautiful bartenders and very cool staff. 1980s rock and roll vibe here.

  • Jeremy (jeroli74)

Brings new meaning to dive bar. Everyrhing about this place is nasty and it should have been torn down years ago. Food is garbage and overpriced, washrooms are never cleaned, music is way too loud and sound system is horrible. Avoid at all costs. I would have given 0 if i could.

  • W T

Great time. Friendly environment. Service was exceptional. They put on a lot shows here. Seems to me they are often cover bands but excellent sound. We saw cover bands of Neil Young, Led Zepplin, and Pink Floyd. Considering going back soon. Metallica cover coming soon.

  • John Dobinson

Dive bars are great, but the prices should be reflective of that. The venue itself is fine with a good layout and sound, but $5.75 for can of coke? Get real. Went to see Black Flag, and while the band wasn't trying to gauge their fans, it's clear that the venue was

  • The Cycling Couple

The best place for Rock N Roll. Ive been bringing my sons here for the Thurs Metal jam and got his first ever gig 2 weeks ago. Its amazing and everyone is so friendly. Everyone is welcome for the weekly Hard Rock & Heavy Metal jam. Hope to see you all there.

  • Bre O

Always love going to the rockpile. Great time. The best staff. Good food. Love the atmosphere. Bathrooms always clean. Sound is quality. The staff is honestly the best from security to bartenders ect. Never had a bad night there and will go back for sure

  • Phreddieboy

Awesome niche rock bands for 300 or so rock and metal fans. Tasty burger on toasted bun w/ fresh tomato lettuce & onion, great fish and best French fries anywhere. Dominic and his staff are real people pleasers. Pat Travers was wicked and very friendly.

  • Michael Pavlyak

Just a fantastic venue for rock and metal bands. Abundance of parking. BRING CASH with you as they only accept cash payment and I think their ATM charges a $4 service fee if I'm not mistaken. I saw Anvil play there and I'll definitely come back again.

  • Gillian Smoke


Price per person
$80–90
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
Awkward driveway, accidentally turned too soon.

  • Ali Collins

Interesting venue for a concert. Fairly small with some tables near the back. If you're vegan looking for eats I wouldn't recommend it! The bathrooms and common areas could definitely be cleaner. But if you're there for a show it's not bad.

  • Dave Lapsley

Somehow, this small venue along Toronto's far west end has become a near essential stop for rising and old school rock legends alike. You'd drive right by it in 4 seconds, but I've seen some great music come outta this place.

  • Metal Queen

The Rockpile is home sweet home for any fan of The 80's, Pretty Boys, Long Hair, Leather, Lace and having a great time !! The food is pub fare and delicious and very reasonably priced ... you must try the French Fries !!

  • Jennifer Gould

Love this place. Spent lots of time at the usuals in Toronto but living a quieter life in Mississauga. Nice to be able to access that same vibe much closer to home! Great place. Friendly staff. They attract great bands.

  • Chris Hale

Went to a show advertised for $25/person. Guys at the door said , "No it's $40." Pretty sure they pocketed some money. Very expensive beer for a dive bar.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

  • Frieda Nagel

Love this place. Great stage. Folks are friendly and the players top notch. Live music every night of the week from big stage shows to hot jams. A musical gem in etobicoke.
Food: 5
Service: 5

  • Tyler-James Skakun

Rockpile has always been safe, clean, and a great venue for bands to perform and for people to watch! Lots of parking and security are nice! Venue has one of the best sound techs in the business as well!

  • Tutty Lee

One of the last great Rock bar's of Toronto, showcasing local musicians, kareoke singers, and professional bands......
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • eddie lo

I agree with Kat's review. Very nice staff, they care about the customers and the place too. Everybody seems considerate and polite, including the other people in the place, at least every time I come.

  • Sean Martell

Had the opportunity to see the legendary band Black Flag at this venue. A wonderful intimate spot. The staff were very friendly and accommodating I look forward to seeing more shows at this hidden gem

  • Eric Liu

Never been inside. But I live 3 blocks away and can hear their music through the night on the weekends. I assume this place is popular. But just hope they can be more considerate to the neighbors.

  • Tasha Snailz (Electric Snailz)

One of the "classier"rock joints in the city. The stage is great and their regular sound tech is renowned with good reason. Its clean and well maintained, and there is plenty of parking space.

  • kaitlynn walker

I don't usually do reviews but, I was at a concert here the other night and I wasn't feeling well, the staff were absolutely amazing. They made sure I had water and kept checking up on me.

  • Brenda Miller

Concert - ANVIL live show Great venue, Newdaywoman.com went to see Live Shows went with Sean Collens of SeanCollensMedia & Tye-Hurricane both YouTube channels - saw Anvil May 27th, 2022

  • R. Anthony H. “The Ethos” Rock

Great Venue for Live Concerts, especially those who enjoy great Music: Michael White and the White; Heaven’s Fire, Pop Cherry and many others ... Support Toronto's Live Music Scene.

  • Dana Duta

Great sound and atmosphere. There’s no other place like this in Toronto. If you like live music, this is the place!
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

  • Mark Boller

The greatest venue for intimate hard rock concerts IN TORONTO area. Need more parking and more locations. Maybe one in Scarborough and one in Thornhill.

  • Sam Cam

Security and management have a history of sexual violence against visitors under 18 years of age (all ages events). THE ROCKPILE IS NOT A SAFE PLACE.

  • Brian Greene

The rockpile is my favorite place to go. Tons of great bands play there. The staff and security are always super friendly . The food is really good

  • Siri Van Gruen

Called 2 hours before 9pm to ask if they were open for the night. They said yes, put on my fishnets, and when I showed up at 1130 they were closed.

  • Cindy Mcalpine

The best night club for live bands playing, the owner and servers are all very nice, great people! My favorite placd to see live bands, the best!

  • Careful Body Care

Went Saturday evening with friends from work to see Night Prowler, excellent show. you have to have them back. Great crowd and service was good.

  • Terry Smith

Scruffy, but it's like tattered jeans in that it's a fashion statement. Good beer, food, audio and live bands. I go all the time. Recommended.

  • Ben Topham

Been to a few concerts and it's a great venue if you like to be close to the show. Overpriced drinks, trashed dirty bathrooms. Nothing special

  • U S

This place is a dump run by rude & trash management. Went there a few times before the pandemic to see some USA bands shows but never again!

  • Christian Palicki

great place to enjoy life music and they are taking care to bring the best sound to any band. They make you feel welcome and keep you safe!

  • nick knickle

Its only for rock bands, food is not good, place is really dark inside and its super loud in here during any performances. An alright place

  • Liber Soria

Love the music, loved the vibe. But the decor needs some refreshing for my taste
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

  • Gina

This is the entrance. Shameful and so disrespectful. Take a broom a clean, your venue looks like a third World country. Shame on you!

  • Brenda Miller

Saw live stage - Moorheadache tribute to ( Motörhead) fave son “Ace of Spades” & Sons of Sabbath (Black Sabbath) tribute band

  • WD Petryga

Great place to perform! Live bands, excellent stage. Dark and dingy decor. Food is OK. Casual. Patio with summer karaoke.

  • Louis Christou

Books a lot of rock bands past their prime who did large stadiums so you can see your music heroes up close and personal.

  • Michael Reider

Great concert venue, if you are seeing a band here they need your support, a bit of a walk from the subway though!

  • Jake Disman

Personable staff, great food, anazing sound and lights, and the biggest stage for a vwnue if it's size in the GTA

  • Guy Inguelph

I saw intervals here great venue and floor , if your playing here maybe the stage is to close to the floor.......

  • J F

Wow, last time I was here it was still Bert & Ernie's, I think back in 2006. They really changed up the place!

  • Danny Lazary

Need more live music supporting clubs like this! Best venue around for local and recording artists! Love it!!

  • Marcello Vena

Dom is the last honest venue owners with a continued interest in keeping music alive with young talent.

  • Gabbie Johnson

Great staff awesome place to see your favorite local musicians and bands from the past and bands to be.

  • Artem “Toprollking” Taranenko

Great n fun place
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Josh Reid

Great Venue for live music! Amazing sound, greats lights and some great Live acts! Support Live Music!

  • Marianna Lvovskaja

Great customer service/staff, awesome bands, great sound! Always have the best time at The Rockpile!

  • Gaia Miranda

Never miss a Pat Travers show when it's going down! Great venue and good place to hear live music!

  • Georgian Bay Hypnosis

The last of the great rock bars in my opinion it's gritty heavy and very loud the way it should be

  • Rae P

The beer is too expensive for such a dirty dive bar in the middle of nowhere. Nice staff though.

  • Rae Rea

The venue could use a renovation but the staff is ridiculously awesome. Will return many times!

  • Zsolt Sabou (Zso1t)

Great concert venue free parking aswell lots of underground artists come here and they go hard

  • Lindsey Dallaire

Have always loved this place glad it's still here friendly staff always a great time there

  • SaNaz AmiRi

It's probably one of the only places that is worth going for a show luv it …

  • Dacker

Staff were awesome for Richie Kotzen meet and greet, cool rock vibe. 2 horns up …

  • Steve Read

Great place to see your favourite Hair Metal Bands of the 80's at a great price.

  • Aash “Half Smashed Face” Martin

Best French fries I've ever had. Plus they let cool local bands play gigs there

  • David Isaacson

Great venue to see a live show. Been here a few times and been a lot of fun.

  • Bruce Ford

Loved it. Heading back for AC/DC and then METALLICA cover bands mid April.

  • William Murray

Great place to be close to the band ...only bar to get quality live acts .

  • Jeremy Gabbs

Great place for a night out could have been 5 if the drinks are cheaper.

  • Joseph Samuel

Went for a Tech N9ne show, great atmosphere and live. Awesome concert.

  • Kat's Metal Litter Box

My second home. Everyone is nice. Good bands and monday night jams.

  • J W

Great LIVE rock n roll venue with great sound and a concert feel.

  • Juan S. & family - J-Crew

Great place for enjoying live music with friendly stuff/service.

  • Rahuel Alvarez

Great stage for concerts. The sound is very good in this place.

  • Robert Tilly

Amazing, friendly staff but the prices on food were very high.

  • Ryan Anderson

Decent venue, friendly staff, very easy location to get to.

  • The Fowl Wowl

This is a great bar! Kick a** Live music! Check them out!

  • Allison Gordon (Allison Leigh)

It was a good night.The Bar Needs a deep clean though...

  • Armand Lapierre

Always a great place to see great live bands up close!

  • Bojan Dubovljevic

Awesome place for small concerts!

  • Michael Norman

Ok small place to see Metal bands

  • Amanda Schilz

One of my favourite venues

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