The Commerce Times

Avoid predictable clubs, check out Toronto’s alternative hotspots

Irritating club promoters and a flood of Facebook event invitations can make planning a weekend difficult. With so many options, clubgoers need to know who frequents these venues, how good the music is, how cheap the drinks are, and the cover.

The Social, Wrongbar, Sneaky Dee’s, Atelier, Strangelove, The Augusta House, The Supermarket, The Drake Hotel and Tattoo Rock Parlour are on the docket.

The venues were evaluated on their affordability, sound system, musicians and overall appearance.

Each bar has its own specialty, perfect for a student’s bank account: The Social’s $2 drinks before 11:30 p.m., Wrongbar’s free guest list on Saturday and Friday nights, and Sneaky Dee’s cheap meals.

Overall, Wrongbar wins the bar battle (1279 Queen St. W). It has fairly priced drinks, free guest list, famous DJs, an amazing sound system, light effects and a stylish crowd.

“I look for a place that’s up-to-date, where people are there for the same reason,” said Wrongbar partier Daniela Gysler.

Nav Sangha, 35, also known as DJ Nasty Nav, created Wrongbar to fill the hole in Toronto’s music scene. Sangha, who also owns Play De Record and NastyMix Records, wanted a small club with a great sound. He describes the venue as “a music lover’s bar.”

“Most places that sound great are in clubland,” said Sangha, referring to the Richmond and John Street district. “It’s always been about finding ways to do music.”

Sangha wanted a place where a large mixture of people came together for music, and that’s what he got.

Having music scenesters Isis Salam from Thunderheist, DJ Barletta, and Edmonton’s Shout Out Out Out Out as fans doesn’t hurt either.

But there’s more to a hotspot than just great music and a free guest list.

“It depends on the atmosphere and the lighting. The look [of a venue] sets the success of the night,” said Matt Eckensweiler, the co-founder of The Mansion Entertainment Group who organizes events at Wrongbar and other popular venues.

Each bar has its own look. The Social has a distinct, flower-printed wall, while Sneaky Dee’s has spray painted walls and Christmas lights surrounding the bar.

The Augusta House has a lounge area perfect for conversation, and the Drake Hotel serves great food right next to live music and a full bar. And The Supermarket has a large patio that’s just right for socializing in Kensington Market.

Discover Toronto’s hidden hotspots and avoid predictable, over-priced nights at Guvernment or Circa.

Party every day of the Week:

Monday: Monday Meetings @ The Social
Why: $2 drinks before 11:30; $5 cover on guest list; top Toronto DJs.

Tuesday: Timebomb Tuesdays @Tattoo Rock Parlour
Why: Catch international music scenesters; $3 drinks before midnight

Wednesday: Dans Le Noir @ Atelier
Why: No cover; appearances by Toronto socialites; a chance to dress-up

Thursday: Strangelove
Why: No cover; a small venue with a large crowd; mix of music.

Friday: Arcade Fridays @ Mod Club
Why: Large venue; top DJs; great sound system

Saturday: Saturday Night @ Wrongbar
Why: Free guest list; stylish interior with smoke machines and light effects; great music

Sunday: Freefall Sundays @ The Supermarket
Why: No cover; great food; large patio; live music