The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Queen's U chapter.
If you’re from Toronto and you haven’t experienced much of Toronto nightlife, or if you’re planning to visit the city soon, finding the right nightlife can feel like a daunting task. To help you decide on which nightclubs and bars to attend, I’ve compiled a list of a few popular spots and my opinion on what these places have to offer. Read till the end to find out my favourite spot in the city!
- 44 Toronto
This newer Toronto nightclub is perfect for a night of dancing when you’re in the mood for an exciting but traditional clubbing experience without the stress of going to larger clubs, like Toybox or Rebel. The music at 44 is standard, mostly consisting of hip-hop and throwbacks. Although it’s one of the more upscale Toronto clubs, there’s a little something for everyone.
Cover: Free before 11:30PM for girls on the guest list. Usually, $40 otherwise.
- Petty Cash
Petty Cash is perfect for an unfussy night out. You can dance on one of the bar’s many dance floors or just hang out and enjoy the vibes and music. Petty Cash is at its most fun when you don’t want to commit to clubbing but still want to have an exciting night. The music mostly consists of throwbacks and the crowd tends to be on the younger side, so it’s perfect for students. The line normally moves quickly and bartenders are attentive to patrons.
Cover: Usually free.
- The Madison Ave. Pub
Ah, the Maddy. A Toronto classic and a university student staple. Everyone should go to the Maddy at least once in their university career for a fun night of pool, sweaty dancing, and friends. While the drinks are cheap, you may struggle to catch the bartender’s attention. Try and show up earlier if you don’t want to wait in an outrageous line to get in and get a drink.
Cover: $5 or free.
- Fifth Social
If you haven’t been to the Fifth Social on Fridays, you haven’t experienced the perfect laid-back yet simultaneously elevated clubbing experience. The club is built to resemble a loft but is definitely one of the larger establishments on the list. They’ll play classics you know and can never get sick of, but beware of the pricey drinks. Overall, Fifth Social is a solid clubbing experience. Note: It’s much more fun on Friday than Saturday. I would recommend going elsewhere on other nights if you want to go to a packed club.
Cover: Free before 11:00PM for girls on the guest list. $20 otherwise.
- Toybox
I get wanting to go to Toybox once to see what all the hype is about. But if I could, I would save you from attending this well-known horror of a nightclub. The music is fine, it’s mostly a mix of hip-hop and throwback pop-hits. The bigger issue with this place is its tendency to attract massive lines and its reputation for being a hotspot for pick-pocketers and other petty crimes. For such a massive club, it can get incredibly crowded and even worse: blazing hot, as the layout provides poor air circulation. Unfortunately, they do not have a cooling system.
Cover: Free for girls on the guest list. Otherwise, prices vary.
- Call Her Juliet
I’ve personally been to Juliet a few times. Every time I’ve gone, I’ve wondered why I subjected myself to the experience. While the blend of throwbacks and current hip-hop hits should make for an enjoyable escapade, the crowd’s energy tends to be low. Go to Juliet if you want to stand around and look miserable with all of the GTA’s other miserable people.
Cover: Probably free before a certain time if you’re a girl on the guest list. However, I wouldn’t make the effort to find out if I were you.
- Door Three
If Juliet’s music sounds like your vibe but you’re looking for a more energized crowd, Door Three is the place for you! Not only is the music and crowd great, but the layout and aesthetic of the club make for an enjoyable experience. Everyone is dancing and drinks are easy to attain because of the decent bar-to-patron ratio. Door Three usually isn’t too crowded and is one of the smaller nightclubs on the list. That doesn’t make it any less fun, though!
Cover: Free for girls to enter before 11:30. $20 otherwise.
- Apartment 200
I’ve saved the best bar for last. You’ll never go wrong choosing Apt 200 for a night out. The night can be whatever you make it. The music is the perfect mix of throwbacks, R&B, hip-hop, and good ambiance. It’s hard to pigeonhole the types of music played at Apt 200 as there tends to be quite a diverse mix. The layout is supposed to resemble that of a house party, so while the space is small and can get quite crowded, the atmosphere is always positive. My personal favourite aspect of the club’s design has to be its inclusion of arcade games. Head over to Apt 200 with your friends and good energy, and I guarantee you’ll have a great time.
Cover: $10