Dance clubs in Toronto's west end
Toronto’s not London or New York, but we’re not trying to be, either. Instead of a mod vibe that never dies away or a snotty attitude, Torontonians have created their own brand of partying. For a taste of Toronto's dance scene, check out these clubs in the west end.
Lula Lounge
1585 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1T9This Dundas West dance destination plays host to some seriously spicy Latin music, whether it’s a three-piece brass set or a small-sized orchestra. Reserve a table for dinner and then make that your home base for when you need a break from the dance floor or to refuel with a glass of wine. Tables are set up in a U-shape around the dance floor, with a stage at the front where the musicians play. Arrive on time because this salsa hotspot fills up quickly.
Velvet Underground
510 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B3This Queen West club is the ultimate playpen for hard rockers, the kind of above-ground grotto where the beats play hard and fast long into the night. But the owners didn’t just put up four walls and call it a rock club; the space has been designed with details in mind. The dance floor feels spacious yet intimate, the bathrooms are easy to get to and there's a big pool table on site for those who don't feel like dancing.
Miss Things
1279 Queen St W, Main, Toronto, ON M6K 1L6When you’re looking for some seriously underground musical acts, there’s no better place than Wrongbar. They consistently bring in rock, hip hop and punk artists that most of the world hasn’t heard of yet. It also has a refreshing lack of pretentiousness that other dance clubs have in spades, so you can feel free to smile and actually talk to other patrons.
The Hoxton
69 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5V 2P6You may be thinking “the Hox-who?” especially if you’re not a fan of Kenny versus Spenny. But when one half of the show’s foul-mouthed stars (Kenny Hotz) isn’t engaging in gross dares and challenges, he’s busy managing this Bathurst Street nightclub. When you first walk in, you’ll notice a distinct lack of décor but the minimalistic aesthetic makes it easy to set up for a variety of tastes and interests.
Raq N Waq
739 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G1It’s one-part pool hall and three-parts dancing, with a classy black-and-white colour scheme that just keeps looking better the later the night gets. While the music can tend to get a bit loud, just move away from the speakers and to the centre of the floor. No matter how old you look, never arrive without government-issued ID – it’s one of the few things The Raq gets sticky about. Apart from that, all you need to do is dance.
