Alley Catz - 2409 Yonge St., North York, Info: 416-481-6865

August 4, 2003 -- Alleycatz-August 4/03

I am writing about a particularly bad night I had at Alleycatz due to attitude I received on the part of a particular bartender. Before I continue, I just want to say that I hope no one else gets subjected to this kind of treatment because it is totally unacceptable. The situation: I ordered a certain amount of food and drink and I was overcharged by this bartender and when I advised him of this, he tried to worm his way out of the situation by saying that the manager is not here and the transaction already went through so he couldn't change it. He offered to pay the difference back to me in cash. Which was fine except that was not what I wanted as a customer. I wanted a receipt with what I ordered, nothing more nothing less. He then goes off to change the receipt, but was really rude about it. As a result of this, I didn't leave him a tip. What does he say? "THANKS FOR THE TIP" (in a VERY rude and sarcastic tone)-I have witnesses to vouch for this. I called today to speak to a manager and got the owner. I proceeded to tell him (the owner) what happened but before I finished, he proceeded to rip into me. What's worse was that he didn't even hear me out when I tried to tell him the reason for not leaving a tip (the bartender's rudeness). I know people who work in the service industry do not get paid a lot and they work under pressure, but this is no excuse to take it out on others, especially when an error was made on their end. Now, before any of you who read this try to accuse me of disrespecting the bartender first, that was not the case. I simply advised him of the error. It was he who didn't want to take accountability for it and make the necessary changes until I made it clear I was going to stand my ground. I should not have had to do this. -- Salsera

Ba-ba-lúu - 136 Yorkville Ave., Toronto (416) 515-0587 (W,Th,F,S,Sun)

December 3, 2003 -- Hi Rose!
I needed to write to you, particularly to follow up on the comment made on November 4, 2003 about the rude DJ at Babaluu on Thursday nights. I have been going there for a while, and wanted to make sure that the readers of your column did not mix up the DJs. Perhaps the guy on Thursday nights is a little off in his behaviour...I can certainly sympathize with them, however, readers please be aware that the DJ on Friday and Sunday nights is a real treat! I understand, that by stating this Babaluus may be a little busier;) but this is not the kind of secret one should keep! He is very approachable and great with requests, seems to know his crowd well and plays a variety of spectacular songs. So before anyone writes Babaluus off because of one bad apple, please know that the DJ on Fridays and Sundays will certainly not make you uncomfortable...he comes complete with manners! ---Nathalie

PS. Please post this if you can...I would hate to see such different people get mistakened for one. Thank you kindly!

November 9, 2003 -- Re: Club Review - Ba-ba-luu I thought I would share my feedback from my wonderful experience at Ba-ba-luu last night(Saturday). In my opinion, the dj played an excellent variety of music with equal set durations of salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, and dance/r&b.

Although the dance floor was quite crowded, particularly during the salsa sets, the dancers managed to successfully execute turn patterns and other moves, in the available space. I especially welcomed the "no smoking on the dance floor" policy.

I would recommend this club to anyone interested in social dancing (at any level) on a Saturday night in a cozy, lively atmosphere. -- Monifa

Dear Toronto Salsa, Last week I went to Babalu for the third time ever and looked forward to the experience. It was my good friend`s birthday celebration. I approached the DJ booth and requested my friend`s favourite song only to encounter a drunk whom looked me up and down and laughed at my request. I thought it was bad manners but dismissed it as my bad spanish pronunciation. The complaint is that he did not only, never played the song but he also ignored the requested birthday greeting. While I was paying close to $10 per drink my question is if Babalu can afford at least an english speaking DJ... I guess manners would be too much to ask!!! -- Michael

Out for a night of dancing on the long weekend that just passed, I had the pleasure of running into no class,no manners, no people skills bouncer at Babaluu's. Fine I understand that bouncers have friends and that there is also payola to get in clubs. But this guy is a whole head of lettuce short of a salad-no etiquette whatsoever as a bouncer. Maybe he's related to the owner judging by the amount of complaints over the past two years and the fact that nothing has been done. After being in the line up for nearly an hour (time unheard of for a lot of people) with only five people ahead of us to go, during the next 35 minutes of waiting he let in about sixteen people-out of which four were girls and the rest were guys. Maybe its just us, maybe he's gay (not that there's anything wrong with that)but working at a club and experiencing something like this makes me laugh and it also makes me feel bad for such a nice place.

I was with some regulars and I'm sure they'll keep going back and I understand that it's a decent place to hang out and dance at. Me on the other hand, even though I love salsa, hardcore that is, I will NOT be returning anytime soon. Plus we hear through the grapevine that Indian Motorcycle will be looking to launch a salsa night (hardcore that is)with a small touch of new salsa to satisfy the new age salsa lovers, at a fantastic location, just perfect for salsa dancing. Large spacious HARDWOOD floors thru out for the non stop salsa dancer, pool tables for the more laidback crowd, luxurious leather sofas, ambience and atmosphere for the more sophisticated. All combined with a great menu(for those late nite snackers)and service staff-and having been there myself the bouncers are not pr!@ks. I also hear that they are looking for a well known and respected salsa instructor/school.

Nice place for the future-enough griping for now -- Anon

The bottom line is, you can go to Babaluu if you want listen to latin music or if you want to dance, but just don't expect polite behavior or good customer service from the bouncers or the employees!!!! -- Anonymous

ok, I love babaluus. I think its great that they promote respect for the dance floor (I.e. "Please, no smoking on the dance floor!) but those bouncers and bar tenders have got to go, or at least take a course on customer service. Anon, maybe you are just lucky to have never gotten short changed or punked off at the door. I went to babaluus with my boyfriend and a couple of friends last week and because of our young looks (we are ages 22-23), we get grilled about our IDs.....then, when we get in, we are dancing and chilling, my boyfriend decides to buy some drinks. The total was 12 bucks. My boyfriend gave 22. all you mathemeticians, how much money do you get back?....10! Very good! Why is it that the bar tender only gave my boyfriend 5 bucks??! Thank God for this feedback cause before we went to Babaluus, I reminded everyone of what I read about the short change, etc. So, I told the bar tender, "Im supposed to get back 10 because I gave you 22" and he must have felt stupid because i had to speak slowly and repeated myself numerous times! Man, anyway, I have experienced that, so I'm telling everyone that its true, they do short change, so watch out! Nevertheless, babaluus has a great floor and a great selection of music, I love it. Thanks Rose and the rest of TO Salsa gang for giving us this opportunity to read ahead..and be forewarned about stuff like that!! :0) -- Salsera4Life

The last two fridays the weather has been really crap, but that has never stoped my friends and I from going to babaluu's - our regular friday night hangout!!! Despite the cold, the club was still packed and everyone was having a great time!!!

In response to the previous e-mail- I have never had problems with being short-changed at the bar - in fact the staff are so nice that sometimes I've even received bottles of water for free!!! -- Anon

BUT, I have had quite a number of incidents with this particularly rude bouncer at the front. My money is paying for his salary and I think I deserve better treatment than to always be passed up by whosoever has kissed his ass before.

I hope this message and the others are being sent to Babaluus management. Thanks -- Anon Feedback

hello, I read the review on the treatment at babaluu. I have experienced the same treatment. I went on a thursday night alone. My friend was already inside. I was lined up outside on the steps. It was cold that night. It looked like I was with the people in front of me because we all started talking. The bouncer announced that the club is reaching capacity. He was letting people in as others were leaving. When the group in front of me were let in, he stopped me. I was waiting for at least 15- 20 mins before he let me in. Meanwhile he let many people bypass the line to go in before me. He seemed to know them and felt no shame . I just found it unfair that he let at least 10 people in before he let me in and I was by myself.

Other than this particular incident Babaluu has a nice atmosphere and great music, although when I am there I find it overcrowded and do not have room to salsa -- Natasha

I hafta agree with this fella, the bouncers at babaluu have some serious attitude and have "special" treatment for certain folks, but I noticed it's far more chronic on weekends when there's line-ups than on wednesdays (and I must admit, wed. @ babaluu is one of the best salsa nights in toronto). I understand their intimidating demeanor is intended to frighten potential trouble makers, but c'mon folks the bouncers at english clubs are even friendlier! It sucks when they give certain folks special treatment, and right in front of u too... without the remotest hint of subtlety!!!! At any rate I just opted not to go to babaluu's on the weekends anymore, don't like to be intimidated by anybody, especially bouncers who are supposed to be there to ensure a secure environment for me. Another factor might be its popularity? I was surprised that some non-salsa friends thought of babaluu as an "up-scale" nightclub (despite the fact they hardly ever salsa, that's their impression of babaluu), maybe cause it's in yorkville area? Suffice to say there are alot more friendlier places to go, just do a quick scan of this page bro and u'll se what i mean. Jose

April 24, 2002 -- Bouncer at Babaluu Complaint # 2
I have just read the comment about that one bouncer in Babaluu. My homegirls and I have experienced a similar incident where one of my girls forgot her ID. We are regulars there but we could not get past this one puto who wouldn't let any of us in (the rest of us had our ID) to find the people we know inside. Then two other timid girls from New York who took a cab there did not have their ID either. He wouldn't even let these poor tourists in. Then he starts letting a heap of people, some very young looking, into the club right by us. We got my homegirls ID delivered and finally went in - but what a pr--k!!! This guy looks French, looks like a rock, very ugly - for any of you who care to know and offer some of your attitude to compliment his own. We don't need losers like this working for our Salsero Clubs !!!Que rubio feo de mierda!!! Anon

Feb. 18, 2002 -- What's UP with the Bouncer at Babaluu?
Has anyone else experience this extreme rude behaviour from one of the bouncer's at Babaluu? I arrived at the place early to have dinner and was told there was a special function, and the place was filled with diners. Fine. Four tables are clearly empty and had no reservation sign. There were already some non-diners just chatting at the bar -- not drinking. I was told you needed a reservation. Fine. Four people came and were told the same thing and lined up behind me. Ten minutes later, they were allowed to enter just because they "know" the bouncer. 15 minutes later, another six people came and were told to line up as well, and then they were also allowed to enter after 10 minutes - right under my nose. None of these people were even intending to have dinner. Some of them were allowed to enter just because they had "pretty dates" with them - what the h_ll is this? I can't believe the management at Babaluu would hire bouncers like this and not know about this. This is not the first incident I have seen this. Even at regular nights, this "informal" VIP line seems to happen just for the purpose of creating a line to make the club look busy. What ever happened to the VPC being treated well (Very Paying Customers). Sometimes most these VIP (Very Irritating Patrons) don't even drink or dine. I hate to turn this a witch hunt, but I think if any of you have experienced this kind of "inconsistent" just doing his job crap, write it, and e-mail it to Babaluu. Of course, I realize that bouncers have to do their job, but I don't think this bouncer is particularly right for the job. -- Anonymous

Oct. 10, 2000 (Salsaholic): I have been in the Toronto salsa scene for over a year now and I must say my favorite night to salsa has become Wednesday nights at Babaluu's. I was getting tired of the same old music with breaks of R & B and house. It was always the same every week. I find Wednesdays to be very different from most other salsa nights. The DJ plays really great music a lot of salsa (all the classics and a lot of stuff I've never heard before.) He also plays other latin stuff. Every week the music is different. Also the vibe there is really great. I find it more laid back than other salsa nights ( I've seen people in jeans and runners and people in dresses and heels - the full spectrum) and there are always a lot of good dancers there. Also the live percussion accompanying the records is a nice touch there's always a spare bell or conga so anyone can join in. The only complaint is that the DJ sometimes plays too much Cha Cha in a row. All in all though it's a really good night. Another one of my favorite nights to dance is Sunday.

Cervejaria Downtown Bar-Grill - 842 College St. (416) 588-0162 (F,S)

El Convento Rico - 750 College St., TO (416) 588-7800 (W,Th,F,S,Sun)

August 1, 2002 -- El Rancho (class act)
I will say this about El Rancho. It's a class act. I took my friend from Ottawa and his lady and my roommate there and they had a wicked time. I will admit it's a little crowded on Fridays but the music arrangement was excellent and it seemed everyone was having a good time. There was a little incident involving two guys and a girl btu no one was seriously hurt. However, there was no bouncer downstairs for a good five minutes and the bouncer I talk to seemed to be a bit naive about the incident. Even some of the patrons tried to break it up.

Other than that, El rancho is the hotspot on Fridays. I wanna bigup both DJs for the wicked music they were playing. Hope to see all of you people at El Rancho. Tyrone

May 13, 2002 -- What makes El Rancho such a difficult place for us to get asked to dance ???/ anonymous

April 23, 2002 -- El Rancho
El Rancho is great on Thursdays! It doesn't get extremely packed so people don't step on your toes as much and you're able to show off all your sexy moves! :) Julia

Fregata - 1900 Dundas St. E., Mississauga (905) 270-6265 (Th)

February 8, 2004 -- Fregata Nightclub post 16/01/04

Hi all, I've been to Fregata Nightclub on several occasions recently. I find that the DJ (don't know his name) doesn't play salsa for the entire evening. He branches off into arabic, R&B, etc. I go there with the intention of dancing to salsa music. If I wanted to hear R&B or anything else, I'd go to mainstream clubs -- Susannah

Latin Fever - 2220 Keele St., Vaughan (905) 761-9402 (F, S)

Left Bank - 567 Queen St. W, Toronto (416) 504-1626 (Sun)

Lula Lounge - 1585 Dundas St. W., (416) 588-0307 (M-S)

September 26, 2002 -- Lula Lounge (Cuban Tumbao)

Rose, Too bad you missed Saturday night at Lula Lounge. It was the best night of Latin dancing I have had in the city. I love the atmosphere. You had a great view of the band from any place and enough space to dance. But too dark for my taste and too few chairs. I am grateful for the dance lesson. Now I finally know how to dance Timba. You've got to move your shoulders and hips a lot.

It was great night for people who prefer Cuban salsa. 100% Timba, no merengue, batchata or DLG (thank God). Although the Colombians I went with, they prefer romantic salsa or Grupo Niche. They love Gilberto Santa Rosa (it's that his name?). Can you imagine that? I just want to say Charanga Habanera is the greatest salsa group that has ever existed -- Hortencia

Just wanted to give some feedback on Plaza Flamingo. I must say that Plaza Flamingo used to be a great club to hang-out, party and dance. But lately, its become so predictable with its Dj Gamboa and MC Puppet (here we,here we, here we go againg) that it makes me sick. Plus what ever happen to that $8 dollar cover charge and $3.50 for a Corona. Seriously, their charging an arm and a leg but offering little in return. Lately it seems that everybody has an attitude including the Ramon the owner. All i know is that i wont be going back anytime soon. The place is pure GHETTO. -- Salsero

yea, out of town salsera, you are absolutely right. Plaza Flamingo sucks big time. They charge what they do because they think they are the tops......hey but you know what? People out there know that its always packed, everyone there knows eachother......people like me, who have basically grown up there (i.e. first club, etc.), its hard not to go back. Everytime I go, I get charged the same thing...and listen to the same set of music (and I mean the EXACT same, like I can actually know what song comes next), anyway, its just one of those clubs that are just there (if you know what I mean), I don't think that they are trying to be THE salsa club. To me, I know that Plaza just serves as a hangout and a place to chill. My boyfriend and I are salseros and we don't even expect to dance, we basically go there to chill out and see friends.......its a gathering place. Any die hard Torontonian salsero knows that Plaza is not a place to go dance. They would go to Berlin or Babaluu's. Anyway, its a place to chill. Sadly to say, but unless people boycott plaza, that place would always be in the business just cause they have been around for ages and people can predict that they can have "fun" no matter of the weather, or time of year. -- salsaYmambo

Hi - I just wanted to pass along some feedback from an out of town salsera who recently had the pleasure of going out in the fabulous city of Toronto. My observation has to do with one club in particular - Plaza Flamingo - this was the second time I had been to this club and I have to say that I will never return to this club (unless someone pays me a massive amount of money to do so and even then I will have to think long and hard). I have no idea where this club gets off charging $11.00 for cover - for WHAT??? At least at a club like Berlin you get an amazing live band for about the same amount. I can also understand paying this amount, or even more for a wicked club in New York or L.A. (of course in US dollars) - because at the very least you can be assured that most people present are competent dancers whose etiquette does not include trying to grind their crotches against your leg, much like a dog trying to hump your thigh. Again, I would hesitate saying anything if this was my first time at Plaza, but as the saying goes "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me". Thank you Rose for such an amazing and informative web site and allowing a forum for this type of feedback. CK

Am I the only one who hates the new design of Plaza Flamingo. I am talking about the "glow in the dark skyline" of Toronto, with a faceless couple with a huge glass wine cup with Salsa in big letters. It is so cheesy, tacky and in bad taste. They should have left to it a real artist or put up something that has cultural significance or history. Or they should have just left the original brick wall. Heidy

Picante Tapas Bar - 326 Adelaide St. W, Toronto (416) 408-2958 (F,S)

Wow! Ever entered a club and felt that you have been magically transported to Cuba? That is exactly how I felt last Friday at the Red Violin. The club itself is very clasically decorated, with a nice smooth hardwood floor and excellent dinning. This would be an excellent place to take a date, it is a bit smaller and more intimate than either Lula or Acrobat.

The night started off with a dance performance by Consuelo Herrera, followed by her band No Nos Callen, which played a lot of cuban favorites with incredible energy. There was a dance contest and a kick ass Rumba demonstration by Juan Carlos and Consuelo.

Most people there were dancing Casino like there was no tommorrow, and I counted three ruedas during the night. DJ Vladimir played mostly timba, which was different and unique than most of the music spun on the Toronto turn-tables. At the end of the night, Ana Machado and Consuelo Herrerra led an Afro-Cuban movement conga line.

I would highly recommend those who haven't already to check out the red violin. The place absolutely rocks. -- Chinito

Hi! I took beginner Salsa lessons a year or so ago.. and just getting back on track. I live in Burlington and went to Yanni's Casablanca last Saturday.

I'm no experts at clubs but except for the ambiance (or lack of)... the lesson and music is pretty good!

There was a Salsa lesson at 8:30 by Mark of Beyond Salsa(I think)... Anyway, the lesson was very good. The students were rotated every so often, so you can come without a partner! That has always been a concern for me because none of my friends are interested in Salsa. Anyway, the lesson was great and then they played mostly Salsa/Merengue/Bachata.. I left at 11:30, so I am not sure what happened afterwards.

I'll try to go to another club -- Uplounge this Wednesday and will write again if I do.. I heard the place is a bit better.

Thanks to you! because this is where I saw the phone number for that place.. :)

By the way, the phone numbe 905-51-SALSA is what lead me to that Saturday club (but the 905-51-SALSA was listed for Wednesdays) Regards, Theresa

Bamboleo (Tapas Lounge) 1910 Yonge St, Toronto (416) 483-2111 (F)

Jan 5, 2001 (Mary): I went for my first time to Bomboleo on a Friday, and I found it great. It plays different kind of spanish music. It plays more rock and pop, with a little of cuarteto and cumbia. This club is best for people from Argentina, Mexico and others that do not know how to dance well salsa and merengue. This club is great, because it is different from other latin clubs. Also, there is a new club opened called "It" (recently knowned as "momentos") on dufferin and st. clair. (1201 st. clair ave. west) It is great. I recommend this club to everyone!!!

Nov. 25, 2000 - RoseKnows wrote: "I suggested Bamboleo as I knew alot of the regulars were planning to go there that night and I didn't have a chance to check it out before. I was told that it would be good choice as it's not overly-packed and they would play latin music all night long. But instead, we barely got any salsa music as there was a birthday party with non-salsa dancers. What even made it more irritating was to pay $10 cover to "not dance" most of the night, breathe in tons of cigarette smoke and then dance in a small section of the crowded dance floor which was missing tiles! Needless to say, Bamboleo left a "lasting" impression on me! Definitely not on my Top 10 List of Favorite Hotspots!"

Bar One 173 Eglinton Ave. E., Toronto (416) 482-4447

January 23, 2003
This club is only open on Wednesdays for Latin Nights

May 16, 2002 -- Bar One
Hi Rose, Great Site. I just wanted to say that I went to Bar one for the first time on Wednesday and I really liked it. There wasn't alot of people there which was nice because we had more dance room to dance. I got to dance with Salsa Teachers and I really enjoyed it. I will definately go back -- Nikki

May 10, 2002 -- bar one nightclub
Thought I'd write in to say that I had a "BLAST" at bar one on Wednesday. This was my second time there and I found it extremely and had a great time. there was only about 80 people there but I had a great time watching some of the best dancers show their stuff.
I would also like to wish Rene a happy belated birthday. I was there last week to see how many friends you have. the place was packed with the best dancers in T.O. as well as some pretty good students.
I'm surprised that it's not that busy every week. The cover is only $5 and i hear that you get a free class with it. it's a great looking place but what i loved most about it was the wooden floor. this club has got to have the best dance floor. Ariel

Berlin - 2335 Yonge St., Toronto (416) 489-7777 (T)

April 9, 2002 -- Berlin Salsa Competition
Hi,congratulations to all the winners and contestants at the Atlantis competition!

I only have one thing to say: THE DJ IS TERRIBLE! It's supposed to be a Salsa competition night,and we can't even get enough Salsa songs for the night! And they were announcing to come to Berlin with the same DJ and Merengue band -- forget it (no offense to La Banda Bella!).

I used to love to go to Berlin--the classes are great. Attention Berlin management: Play alot more salsa and maybe the dancers will sweat and drink more! (We will still pay cover you know) - Frank

Cafe Havana - 236 Adelaide St. W., Toronto (416) 598-4444 (Th, F, S)

"Just thought I would give you some feedback on Cafe Havana in Toronto. I went there with some friends this past Saturday for the first time. We are regular visitors to the Latin clubs in Toronto and I was looking forward to seeing Cafe Havana. I have to admit I was quite disappointed. Although the club advertised salsa, merengue, etc., they only played house music with a few token Spanish songs in between. When we asked the DJ why he wasn't playing any salsa, he said it was not his decision but that the boss had ordered him to play house music. There was a live band playing salsa on the first floor, however there was no room to dance as the bar and all the tables occupied the available space. To top it off, the cover was $10, so the evening turned out to be a complete waste of time and money. I certainly won't recommend this place to my salsa-inclined friends. If they claim to be a Latin club, they should act the part. Maybe they have recently changed their policy and I was unaware, but if that is not the case, you should make it known in your club section that they do NOT play salsa and merengue. Thank you for your time, and keep up the good work!"

Coppa Cabbana - 398 Steeles Ave., Thornhill (416) 478-9767 (F)

June 9th Note: It was packed after 12 midnight, at which time the small dance floor became too small for even a basic cross body lead. It's a middle-eastern restaurant converted into a nightclub at night. The location is not easily accessible by TTC and is considered too far north. They play a variety of music, including salsa, merengue, dance.

Courthouse, 10 Court St., Toronto (416) 214-9379 (F)

June 7, 2003 -- Another Fabulous Night at the Courthouse

OK, so the Courthouse was blazing hot last night (can we get some AC in there or something....) But so was the music..... DJ Salsero kept us going all night with some excellent songs. Many were familar, but you could tell he had some new stuff.... You know the stuff your dancing to and thinking WOW... who sings that song!!! This guy is pretty leading-edge and has a good ear for a hit. He has been playing Picosito Yemyere by Charlie D'Cali for weeks....

Indeed TO DJs are some of the BEST in the world and we must make sure that they are prominently featured in the upcoming TO Salsa Congress -- Happy Dancer

Personally, I love the Courthouse because I have a passion for salsa dancing and want to keep getting better. It is really the only place in Toronto that people can practice dancing with different partners of varying levels. It is for the love of the dance that people come to the courthouse. For those of you who are looking to pick up or get drunk or listen to some house music, you will not like it here. For those who want a great and friendly social hot-spot to practice or improve on your dancing skills, this is THE place to go! -- Holly

March 1, 2002
I have just returned from the Courthouse. I cut my evening short. The guys were so racist they wouldn't dance with any of the Black women -- Anne

Jan 29, 2001- Courthouse on Friday: "After reading Rose's comments on this event I have to agree that it is a beautiful venue. My only feedback on the venue is TURN OFF THOSE FIREPLACES!! It was caliente even before I got dancing. It has the potential to be one of the best Salsa nights in Toronto. Many of the regular faces were there with a strong showing from United Salseros and a 3-5 minute show from Strickly Salsa. That aside, I think that the music was not 'Explosivo' (sorry I had to). Instead, it was repetitive and didn't give us a break to cool off. What happened to Bachata? House or dance music? Also, what about giving us some of the new Salsa music. Heck, I didn't hear anything that really got my feet going. I am hoping that the DJ will change that this week. Despite these comments, I would agree that most people had a good time and those leather couches upstairs were great for relaxing on - Arthur

DiCarlo - 1655 Weston Rd., Weston (416) 247-1811 (Th, F, S, Sun)

Oct. 30/2000 - "I trekked my way there by TTC last Friday to find it closed, with no notice of any kind. Called them yesterday and was told it was undergoing renovations but that the restaurant portion was opened. After the "renovations" though it would be questionable whether the club would re-open. Needless to say, I was heartbroken. It was a slow club but it had a large dance floor and the locals were great dancers and the conversation could be interesting if you spoke Spanish!...."

Sept. 22, 2000 - "Di Carlo night club is Salsa every Friday Sat. and Sun. Live bands on Sundays. Latino crowd on Fridays. Older crowd and more couples on Saturdays. Club doesn't get busy till after 11 pm"

Open City - Federal Street

Open City, 2 Federal Street Toronto, Ontario
I am crazy about Latin Music, can not possible get enough of it. I recently got invited to a Alta Descarga Party hosted by Open City, a non profit group located at 2 Federal Street Toronto. When I arrived at the venue the band was in the middle of their first set. Approximately half an hour later the band announced that they were taking a break and DJ Jazzy George will entertain the crowd. When the D.J walked up to the DJ set up, I immediately recognized him as a DJ who played at lot of the Toronto night clubs many years ago. I was a bit puzzled because this DJ, as memory serve, played mostly funk, rear groves and house, and so I wondered why Open City would hire him to play for a Latin Party. Once DJ Jazzy George began to play, I quickly lost track of of his past and embraced the cooooool latin tracks he was played. I have been to a lot of latin parties and I have heard a lot of latin DJs but none of them plays as smooth and entertaining as Dj Jazzy George. Toronto is in for a treat because this guy is really good. My friends and I danced so much we could feel the sweat reunning down our backs and all the while DJ Jazzy George kept on laying down the tracks. He plays so smooth that you can not tell when he is switching from one song to the next. Sorry nite club owners, he is not interest in playing in a nite club. I do not know the next time that Jazzy George will play but I will keep my ears open and I will drop a line. Check out the open city website at www.Open-City.ca -- Anthony

Dear Anthony, thanks so much for sharing this information... another cool DJ -- sounds like someone I'd like to hear... keep me posted... and Open City... how could I forget -- I checked the website and there's another "Alta Descarga" with Luisito Orbegeso Quintet playing their own blend of Latin Jazz and Afro-Cuban Salsa on February 27th... Rose Know

Palazzo - 99 Peelard Rd. (N. of Hwy 407), (905) 738-0000 (F)

Oct. 15, 2001
After many months, I decided to revisit Palazzo on salsa Fridays. It didn't take me long to realize why I stopped going there:
- getting frisked at the door; they even checked inside my wallet!!!! (need I say more???)
- rude bouncers in general
- getting charged twice at the coat check (for coat and shoe bag)
- young crowd who can't dance
- sticky dance floor
- young girls who hang out in pairs, preferring to dance merengue together
- young latin studs who try to appear macho (while failing to dance with above girls)
- way too much non-latin music (they have two other dance floors there dedicated just for that music)
- fights
In summary, I have the feeling that the mgmt treats this like a standard dance club, and unlike the regular salsa hangouts. Very disappointing experience -- Peeved

Jan. 16, 2001 (LaTari)
Palazzo is one of the salsa clubs that is going to explode in to the latin club scene very soon, if not already. That club has everything, great dance floor, lots of room, DJ Carlitos is excellent, around 4 bars, great security...this club will do well, i can feel it. I have been dancing there now for 2 weeks and it seems that every week, more and more people attend! Also, this club is more for the mature clientele, so you see more dancers and people who love to dance, or are willing, rather than ones who are drunk and take up dance floor space. All in all, i strongly recommend this club to anyone who loves to dance and feel free, at the same time!

June 11, 2002 -- Paparazzi Nightclub
Hi, Just wanted to let you know that Paparazzi no longer accepts the free entrance coupon from your site. I believe women are free before 11, and it's $10 for guys. I'm not sure if they're going to discontinue the latin night on Fridays, but last Friday the place was pretty dead - I would definitely not return -- Michael

Park Avenue - 2800 Hwy #7, Concord (905) 738-1727 (W,S)

Aug. 29, 2000 - Alex Wong wrote: "Ok, you want my opinion on Park Ave -- it's awful! The dance floor is concrete, therefore you'll get shin splints! The elevated seating arrangement makes it seem as if we're being judged by the Godfather! Are there any dancers out there? Location Woodbridge... we're talking Diamond girl territory. Hence the attitude! If I were just a beginner, hell I wouldn't travel that far to learn how to dance. There's absolutely no one to watch, and admire. Music is fine, but the floor. Oh my, bad, bad, bad.! The overall vibe... .too much attitude, very few dancers!"

Society - 137 Peter St., Toronto (416) 488-7899 (M)

Notes: We went to the Grand Opening of Society (previously Abracadabra) on Monday, June 5th, and all the salsa addicts had a blast, and enjoyed the company of guest DJ Henry Knowles, from Copacabana Nightclub in New York. He is currently DJing around the world and has been in the business for about 20 years! Our prediction is that it will be the Monday hangout for Toronto dance instructors and regulars as they will be playing 97% salsa; and although it's not very large, it has a great wooden dance floor with a very cozy atmosphere -- almost like being at someone's house party. During the evening, we received at least 3 other invitations for new latino club night openings.

Tequila Lounge - 794 Bathurst St. 2/F, Toronto (416) 536-0346 (T)

August 1, 2003 -- Club Review ---Tequila Lounge

Once!...never again! I was all excited about trying a new club in the T.O area. So we decided on Tequila Lounge. I won't step inside this establishment again. We started by having the salsa lessons at the beginning. That was good. I have to say that the United Salseros were good teachers. But the place itself is so ...for lack of a better word...discuting! The place was hot, there is no air conditioning, no windows open or fans of any kinds. the bathroom...don't even go there!, the place was dirty and for the service...after one hour of class and sweating like pigs, I asked the bartender for two bottles of water. I waited and waited...he never gave them to me... but was nice enough to serve people beside me. So after seeing his behaviour we decided to leave the place. My opinion...do bother with the place, go to El Rancho, Lula Lounge just to name a couple. -- Anon

The Docks - 11 Polson St. (416) 461-DOCK (W)

June 7th Notes: It was probably the poorest showing for a Grand Opening... this is probably due to the following factors (and challenge us if you disagree...):
1. The established clubs of Park Avenue and Plush Lounge with their loyal following are not going to go out of their way to head down to the south-east end of the city, especially since there's no subway access.
2. Most of us probably only found out early this week. To ensure a successful opening, you need to let the Toronto salseros know at least 1-2 weeks in advance, and hit all the major clubs in Toronto and distribute free passes to everyone!
3. They are charging $5 for parking (on a weeknight), $5 cover for guys, and $5 for the ladies. The only way a lady can get in for free is if she has a pass which is only good before 10:30 pm. Although many clubs have this policy, this is not a great way to start promoting a new club night.
On a positive note -- it's a nice club with lots of room for dancing. Also, it's one of the few clubs you can go outside and chill out with a great view of the Toronto Skyline.

The Ritz Nightclub - Mississauga (S)

June 17, 2002 -- The Ritz Nightclub
This message is for all you salsa lovers out there.
I have been going to the Ritz for the last three Saturday's this month and am very disappointed by the turnout. It is a beautiful club with great music, lots of seating, and a large sized dance floor.
Why is it that people aren't flocking there on Saturdays?
I think that people should definitely give it a try. Like I said, the music is amazing and there is no cover before eleven for everyone. Can't beat that! -- Michelle