TOAD'S PLACE

Toad's Place is a 750-capacity live music venue and nightclub located at 300 York Street in New Haven, Connecticut, adjacent to Yale University. The venue also includes Lilly's Pad, a smaller 200-capacity room. Billed as the place "where the legends play," Toad's Place is one of the most storied independent music venues in the northeastern United States.

Toad's Place hosts live music across all genres plus weekly college dance parties. The venue programs national touring acts through Live Nation alongside independent bookings. Past performers include The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, U2, Johnny Cash, Snoop Dogg, Post Malone, and Dan + Shay. Shows range from all-ages matinees to 18+ late-night events, with ticket prices typically between $15 and $50.

Toad's Place was founded by Mike Spoerndle, who rented the building and opened it in March 1975. The space had previously been the Yale Co-op, then Hungry Charlie's restaurant, and Caleb's Tavern. Spoerndle named it after a childhood joke. In 1976, the venue pivoted from restaurant to dedicated live music hall. The venue celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025 and has published a book documenting its history. Virtually every major touring act has appeared on Toad's stage over the past five decades.