Having been to a gay bar only once before I was looking forward to partying with a good friend on his birthday at Buddies In Bad Times. Having never been here before, I was shocked when I discovered that it was not a full time night club but a performing arts theatre most of the time.

The night started out pretty slow (and we got there at 11:30), but come around 11:50 (10 minutes before the... more

No frillz thrillz. Everyone having a good time. Music sucks. Always pregame before you go to a Canadian bar. Drinks are really weak. But vibe was good

Tonight Gord and I saw "Freda and Jem's Best of the Week" at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.

The set was very minimalist ... just a raised platform which becomes a bed, a table, etc.

It was a good story and the actors did a excellent job. It was funny in parts yet sad in others. The actors were believable in showing the pain when a family breaks up. It bounced back and forth from today to the... more

Absolutely fantastic

Went there for the first time to see a play. Loved everything about it. Simple, friendly, interesting, great space for an intimate play. Definitely lived up to their value mission of a safe, friendly, non-judgemental environment. Play was fantastic, audience was great. Will go back again for sure!

BIG fan of Buddies for the dancing aspect... I have not been to a show here, but I'd like to go (any takers? haha).

Buddies usually just keeps one room open for dancing, but on really crowded nights, they will open their second room. Somehow, even when the space is tripled, it's still packed and sweaty--spelling out a good (but post-shower-necessary) time. Of course, you will find mostly gay... more

A fun night dancing

We weren't looking for a gay club but stumbled across this place as it was the only one that had music that we could find !! There was a $7 cover charge and when we arrived around 11.15pm it was very quiet. The staff were great and we were treated to our first drinks :-) By 11.30pm the place was... more

I have been here a few times for special events. The space is okay. The bathrooms are downstairs, the drinks are priced reasonably.

Penelopiad was fantastic theatre

This is an interesting little venue mounting great theatre. The play was the best I have seen in a long time, and I am a regular theatre goer. Staff are pleasant and helpful and there doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house.

Great theater space and plays that speak to the gay community.

I had asked a bartender in the Village, where do people usually go on a Friday night? He told me either Fly or Buddies. I had my reservations about Fly because of all the bad news that happens after-hours at that club. So, I made my way to Buddies.

I arrived at the building and wasn't sure if it was a club or theater. I walked around to the entrance on the side of the building and was told... more

Theatre Turned NightClub for LateNight

Most travellers looking for a gay club in Toronto end up at Fly or maybe Crews & Tangos. But not a lot of visitors know that Buddies in Bad Times Theatre turns its space into a nightclub each Friday & Saturday night after 10:30-11pm. It's a nice change from the massive club anthems played at FLY.
I'd recommend Saturday nights.... more

Largest gay and lesbian theatre in North America

This is definitely a great place to see some fantastic new plays. Anything playing at Buddies deserves a look... more

Buddies - always a good time

Whether you're going to Buddies on a Saturday night to dance your feet off or on a Sunday afternoon for a play, you'll enjoy yourself. Buddies in Bad Times is a very versatile space nestled in the Church-Wellesley Gay Village in Toronto. It supports young artists with a variety of play festivals and has a great, intimate theatre space in... more

This place is awesome. And unlike most clubs, their staff is awesome too. I ALWAYS have a good time at Buddies!

Check it out - fantastic theatre

Excellent theatre; intimate venue and stage; wonderful exposure for local talent.

I've been dancing here and I've been to shows here--definitely more a fan of the latter, because a space that's perfect for an intimate performance tends to get a little shove-y when you cram a bunch of drunk people in. Still, the crowd that tends to come here is fun, and the drinks are generous--good times!

U don;t have to be gay to enjoy this fantastic queer theatre

Buy a pass and enjoy. It's cheap (even cheaper if under 30) and their shows are of good quality.

LOVEEEE THIS PLACE!

July 31st, I went here for my friends birthday and she had just move downtown so what better way to try the local gay bar up a few streets.

WOW. I had the most amazing time here, the crowd doesn't start picking up until 11...and it gets PACKED. Majority is European ,tanned boys. The music is awesomeness the bar tender (Patricia) is the sweetest EVER!.
if you haven't been... more

I went to Buddies in Bad Times Theatre to see the show "Madonna Saved Me" it was the best comedy musical ever! The first girl act is an impersonation of Leona Lewis' song, "Bleeding Love", and she starts getting into it, when Jason of horror movies, comes out. It was off-the-wall hilarious. You can see the videos on youtube under :Junkeequeen. I will be posting more up from the show, except I... more

Best time, and entertainment

I went to Buddies in Bad Times Theatre to see the show "Madonna Saved Me" it was the best comedy musical ever! The first girl does leona lewis, and then jason comes out. I mean it was off the wall hilarious. you can see the videos www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9eCVPCnw0A. I will be posting more up from the shoe. except i decided to... more

How is this the FIRST review of Buddies?

Although the prime function of this space is a theatre space - they also throw a f@!%!*g, mean queer parties on Friday and Saturday nights.

As a queer/gay club, I really enjoy Buddies. The crowd is somewhat mixed between men and women and typically pretty laid back. This is probably one of the least pretentious queer venues I've been to in Toronto and... more