Einsteins
229 college st just east of spadina, 416 597-8346, (http://www.ein-stein.ca). although it is run independently of the university, it is very much a student bar, offering food, drinks and good times. on thursdays, their home brew is $8.50 a pitcher before 9pm. fridays and saturdays are also quite busy. wednesday is open mic night, you've been warned.
The Madison Avenue Pub
14 madison avenue just north of bloor, 416-927-1722, (http://www.madisonavenuep...). a very popular meeting place and singles bar populated by young professionals, frat boys, and preppy students. they also serve food but do not expect to find a table if you do not arrive early, despite several floors and an extensive patio. pricier than most annex options.
The Brunswick House
481 bloor st w, 416-964-2242, (http://www.thebrunswickho...). est. 1876, and recently renovated after decades of neglect. the brunny is famous for its long weekend line-ups no matter what the weather, live bar-rock, and very impatient bouncers. caters to frat boys, college football players, party girls, and associated hangers-on. not recommended for people outside those groups except as a social observation experience. the bouncers are notoriously proactive in dealing with theoretical trouble-makers.
Labyrinth Lounge
298 brunswick, 416-925-7775. a small bar attached to future's bakery see eat section. a more subdued place that stands in stark contrast to the often-raunchy brunswick house across the street. drink prices are comparable to other bars in the area. live music on tuesday nights.
Lee's Palace and the Dance Cave
529 bloor st w, 416-598-0720, (http://www.leespalace.com). lee's is one of the premier performance venues for current live music, catering to a wide range of tastes. bands play almost every night of the week and ticket prices at the door range from $2-$25, depending on who's playing. the dance cave, upstairs from lee's, is a club that runs almost every night of the week, leaning towards house/goth/industrial music. of note is that the age range in the cave is unusually broad, so if you are 19 or approaching 40 and like to dress up in black and go dancing, you won't be entirely out of place.
Molly Blooms
191 college street, 416-916-6448, (http://www.mollyblooms.ca). not really a crazy party place, but a great spot to hang out and play board games, pool, pinball, foosball or darts. sunday-tuesday are .55-ish cent wing days. thursday is $3 night pints, martinis and shooters and saturdays have cheap kokanee and guiness.