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Experiencing Toronto’s Exciting Night Scene: Top 10 Clubs You MUST Visit
Forget Netflix and chill—we’re not getting any younger, so we might as well enjoy the night away while we can. Sometimes, dancing away all our worries is just what we need to end the week.
We’re pretty lucky that Toronto has a bustling nightlife scene, from small, intimate clubs to massive spots where good music never seems to end. So, don’t be shy – it’s time to ignite the night, step onto the dancefloor and let the music take you.
Here are our best-kept secrets of Toronto’s club scene, all with good music, great drinks, and spectacular DJs. Put on your best outfit and enjoy electrifying music!
Bambi’s
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Address: 1265 Dundas St W
Contact Information: (289) 845-9200
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: Closed
- Friday – Saturday: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Services: DJs, karaoke
This underground club just around the corner of Dundas and Dovercourt is the perfect intimate setting for good drinks and great music. There’s just something about the cozy ambience of this nightclub that just brings everyone together.
Upon entering, there’s an unintimidating feeling that will bring out your fun persona even if you’re not used to Toronto’s nightlife. The place is mostly a dance floor, and the sound system is clear to guarantee you’re dancing all night long.
This club is not what you typically see in Toronto since it has a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for listening to good music without feeling pressured to have a good time because the setting just brings it out of you.
Pro Tips:
Bambi’s only accepts cash so make sure to bring some since there aren’t any nearby ATMs.
This is an LGBTQ+ friendly place. There are gender-neutral bathrooms so you can feel safe inside.
Coda
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Website: https://www.codatoronto.com/
Address: 794 Bathurst St
Contact Information: (416) 536-0346, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: Closed
- Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 PM – 5:00 AM (long weekends included)
Hours may vary during special events
Services: DJs, coat check, table reservations
Coda, a club on the 2nd floor, brings the best DJs to Toronto. It’s like they have all the connections to invite the biggest names in electronic music—pair it up with an incredible sound system, and they’re the ultimate spot to have a fun night out.
The 9000 sq ft space has two bars and the dancefloor is smack in the middle, giving the DJs the best view of the audience. It does get loud here, so we suggest bringing earplugs, but it does lead to maximum connectivity through music, dancing, and great drinks.
It’s sort of in the middle between a small underground club and a mainstream nightclub. And this brings out different kinds of individuals, which makes the dancefloor an exceptionally fun spot you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
Pro Tips:
Bring cash. There’s a $4 fee (cash only) for the coat rack for every hung item. And if you forgot your earplugs, you can purchase them at the bar for $2.
If you’re coming in with a large group (up to 10), it may be wise to reserve a table in advance.
Smoking is not allowed inside the venue, and they don’t allow re-entry once you step outside. But there is a smoking area patio on the premises you can go to.
El Convento Rico
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Website: https://www.elconventorico.com/
Address: 750 College St
Contact Information: (416) 588-7800, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: Closed
- Friday – Saturday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
- Sunday: 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Club Events: DJs, drag shows, dance lessons, table reservations, bachelorette parties, birthday parties
Tucked in downtown Toronto, El Convento Rico is the club that provides a safe space to every community—it’s LGBTQ+ friendly and welcomes everyone from all walks of life. This club has continued to challenge the norms since opening its doors in 1992.
It’s safe to say that this club is the G.O.A.T. for ultra fun weekends. You get to dance to Latin, techno, classic, and Top 40 music and take part in incredible events you won’t see in other nightclubs in Toronto—and there’s a decent selection of drinks.
Besides inviting talented DJs, you can also delight yourself in exciting drag shows and maybe witness dance competitions on the floor! You can even take part in dance lessons to get yourself ready for a long night of fun—yup, there are actual lessons in the club.
Pro Tip:
If you want to catch the drag shows, they usually start around 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM.
Wiggle Room Toronto
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Website: https://wiggleroomtoronto.com/
Address: 772 Dundas St W
Contact Information: (416) 268-7339
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: Closed
- Friday – Saturday: 10:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Hours may vary on selected nights depending on the event
Club Events: DJs, live music, coat check, venue rental, table reservations
Nestled in the corner of Dundas and Markham, Wiggle Room is actually a live music venue that serves as a hub for local and emerging artists. This vibrant space hosts lively house music that will keep you dancing all through the night.
We have to say, the vibe here is rad. The sound system is very crisp, which definitely adds to the buzzing experience. There’s a nice diverse crowd, too, who are energetic because of the atmosphere and music in the club (at least, that’s how it felt for us).
Sure, it’s not the biggest place, but there’s a collaborative ambience with plenty of room to shimmy on the dance floor. There’s even a pool table where you can play with new friends and lounge areas to rest your feet for a while.
Pro Tip:
If you can’t find Wiggle Room, look for the pizza restaurant—the club is just above it. You need to walk up the stairs to the second floor to reach the entrance.
Bar Cathedral
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Website: https://www.barcathedral.ca/
Address: 54 The Esplanade
Contact Information: (416) 864-9996, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Club Events: DJs, live music, comedy shows, open mic nights
It’s not every day you get to be a part of the electrifying atmosphere of a club after taking your mom for a spaghetti dinner. It’s like you just flip a switch and a restaurant magically turns into a small music party.
Bar Cathedral is actually connected to the Old Spaghetti Factory, where you’ll be greeted by gorgeous stained windows that elevate the whole clubbing experience.
Despite being an intimate venue, this place is brimming with lively energy. It’s all about good music and incredible live performances, from open mic nights to comedy shows.
There’s also a decent amount of room on the dance floor, but if you prefer to watch the crowd, there are plenty of tables that still give you the perfect view of the open stage.
The menu is filled with interestingly named cocktails—our fruity favourite is Sinfully Sweet.
Pro Tip:
Make sure you’re following their socials to get free entry during Ritual nights. If you’re coming to this, arrive early because there’s going to be a line at the door, which can get long (after all, the entrance is free).
Barcode Saturdays
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Website: https://barcodesaturdays.com/
Address: 559 College St
Contact Information: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM
- Saturday: 10:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Club Events: DJs, bachelorette parties, birthday parties, themed parties
Smack right in Toronto’s Little Italy, you will find Barcode Saturdays, a club that plays a diverse mix of music, from hip-hop to Top 40 to reggae. It’s the absolute place to be if you’re looking for a fun and safe night.
This Toronto club also ensures you’re not hungry. There’s pizza here, actually, which you can order freshly baked to fuel your energy so you’re sure to dance the night away.
It’s also the top destination for holiday parties (which are organised really well), which also makes this the place to bring your friends—there are plenty of booths and bar tops for groups.
The energy inside is lit because of the incredible music scene and diverse individuals who are just looking for a memorable night.
Pro Tips:
If you’re coming with friends, availing the Bottle Service is highly recommended. It already includes a bottle, pizza of your choice, mixers, and seating.
If you’re getting Bottle Service, you may want to reserve in advance since it runs out pretty quickly. This club is also an ideal spot for birthday and bachelorette parties, so the reservation gets pretty full.
The Drake Underground
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Website: https://www.thedrake.ca/thedrakehotel/underground/
Address: 1150 Queen St W
Contact Information: 416-531-5042
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: Closed
- Friday – Saturday: 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Club Events: DJs, live music, spoken poetry, comedy shows,
In the basement of The Drake Hotel is where you’ll find the Underground, a small nightclub that caters to about 150 partygoers.
This club has an intimate setting that’s not overwhelming. It’s actually surprisingly tiny but still very much alive without a suffocating feeling.
The stage is low, which is good because you actually feel close to the artists. There’s the usual DJs and live music, of course, but what’s unique is it also hosts comedy shows and poetry slams, so it’s not always just about dancing—kind of like an introvert’s dream.
This small setting does bring out the best of Toronto’s culture by inviting emerging and established artists. You can enjoy good music while having some delicious cocktails and food.
Pro Tip:
We highly suggest getting there early for a table. There’s limited seating, so once it runs out, you’ll end up standing the whole night since most customers won’t leave until the end of the performance.
The Libertine
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Website: https://www.thelibertinetoronto.com/
Address: 1307 Dundas St W
Contact Information: Via inquiry form on the website
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday – Sunday: 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Club Events: DJs
In downtown Toronto is where you’ll find The Libertine, an underground speakeasy with an intimate setting. It’s kind of like a prohibited bar since it’s tucked behind a tarot card reader neon sign.
Despite this being a lounge, there are still DJ events so you can dance the night away. It has a good vibe, which makes it ideal for individuals not into the massive mainstream clubs—and it’s not overly crowded, so it’s pretty chill.
Make sure your tummy’s full before coming in, though, because the drinks here are strong. The cocktails are irresistible, but they hit the spot pretty hard (and fast!).
Pro Tip:
The Libertine club doesn’t serve food, so we suggest hopping to a restaurant before going in. Maybe get a burger or two since drinking on an empty stomach can get you drunk quicker.
2 Cats Cocktail Lounge
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Address: 569 King St W
Contact Information: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Friday – Saturday: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Club Events: Holiday events
Besides having a cool name, 2 Cats is an inviting nightclub. There’s a good crowd who are just there to sing and dance to good music—expect to see a diverse group, but you’ll find many are aged 30 and up who are ready to have fun after work hours.
Located in Toronto’s lively nightlife street, this club is known for playing retro music, so expect to hear anything from the 70s to the 90s. It’s kind of like having a house party with old and new friends because of the overall vibrant atmosphere.
The best part is that the drinks are affordable, especially for this part of Toronto. You can get $4 drinks during happy hour, which is 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Thursdays and 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM on weekends—even the regular prices can’t be beat!
Pro Tip:
Better get there early if you want to avoid crowded places. It’s not a big club, so expect it to get crowded, especially during late hours. Once the club’s full, there won’t be too much space for dancing, so most of the time you’ll be drinking and talking.
CC Lounge and Whisky Bar
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Website: https://www.cconfront.com/
Address: 45 Front St E
Contact Information: (416) 362-4777, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 PM
- Thursday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Club Events: DJs, live performances, whiskey tours
Right in downtown Toronto, just a hop and a skip away from the iconic Gooderham Building, is the speakeasy-style CC Lounge and Whisky Bar.
Sure, it’s not exactly a club, but the vibe changes once the sun goes down, from a whiskey sommelier spot to a thriving night scene.
It’s perfect for a night out because it’s not too crowded and there’s enough wiggle room for everyone. It attracts clubgoers of a diverse mix of ages, especially with the DJs playing the hottest beats.
You will not only dance and drink (you have to try their whisky, of course) but also enjoy live performances like pyro shows.
Pro Tip:
If you’re a whiskey connoisseur, book a Tunnel Tour. It’s basically a private whisky tour at the bar, which includes tastings.
