249 Ossington Avenue 416-850-4579 [see on map] Official site

THE DAKOTA TAVERN is a bar and live music venue for urban cowboys (and cowgirls).

Its simple black and white sign at the corner of Dundas and Ossington beckons into a small basement filled with Canadian cottage bric-a-brac and some of the best roots and rock music you'll hear anywhere in town.

Opened in 2007 just before the neighbourhood exploded with hipster restaurants and DJ bars, at the Dakota musicianship and friendship come before bouncers and bottle service. (Its communal seating "Bluegrass Brunches" are already legendary.)

Run in part by members of the house band The Beauties, The Dakota books quality live acts whether known or unknown, although the listings are increasingly filled with the well-known: Jason Collett's Christmas variety shows are sell-outs, Barenaked Ladies, Broken Social Scene, Blue Rodeo and Ron Sexsmith use it for low-key rehearsals and unadvertised gigs. Country Music Television taped "The Dakota Sessions" TV series there, including episodes with Cowboy Junkies and Luke Doucett.