The Shop started out as a metal and punk bar underneath an arguably more famous business, Matty Matheson's Parts & Labour. With the restaurant upstairs now shuttered, it's garnered a reputation in its own right.

The scene these days is oriented more towards DJs, hip hop, and more eclectic sounds like U.K. garage. The Shop is only open regularly Thursday through Saturday at 10 p.m., occasionally hosting the odd event here and there on off-nights.

The space with a capacity of 163 still has all the original equipment, but received a makeover upon reopening in 2019 with new lighting, artwork by local Ink & Water tattooer Mr. Koo, all-gender signage on the bathroom doors, and a second bar where the coat check used to be. 

Seating consists of bleachers scattered around the edges of the low-ceilinged room, plus eight bar stools that get taken away around 11 p.m.

DJ Grump runs event Duro here and Sucio at Drake Underground, spinning mostly Latin-infused Afro beats. Some old school and pop vibes sneak into the set with a recognizable tune here and there.

Gimmemar backs up Grump for Duro, a local DJ, singer and songwriter. Other events include popular hip-hop party Boosie Fade once a month as well as a house music series called Housewarming.

Always owned by The Social Group (Dog & Bear), new management was brought in for the reopening: Oliver Dimapilis, Justin Bella (Cold Tea), Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli, and Quinn and Ethan Danielis (La Carnita). The Danielis brothers are actually producers and DJs in their own right who used to throw parties here.

To drink, there are mini bottles of prosecco for $15, or full-size bottles for $50, along with a list of other beverages that, while limited in typical club fashion, manages to take things to the next level.

For example, there are regularly changing batch cocktail specials like Negronis and Old Fashioneds for $10. They taste decent and you even get a proper citrus peel garnish.

They even do Spritzes for $10 with Aperol and prosecco that are also pretty good but a little less boozy.

There are also vodka slushies ($10) in ever-changing "party punch"-type flavours like strawberry peach, which is thick and frosty.

There's also open WiFi, and the space can be rented out for private events.