Living in Toronto definitely has its perks: all bands that come to Canada play here, there are street cars, and I earn points for traveling when I shop at the liquor store (on pace for a Beijing round trip by end of summer).

   The nightlife of Toronto cannot be left off this list of perks! You want exclusive VIP lounges where big bosses pop bottles? You got it. Legendary music venues, some of which have two stages in the same establishment? Check. How about a dirty dive bar with a backyard patio and 8$ pitchers at all times? Toronto’s got that too, but I’m not telling you where it is.

   Going out at night is great here because of the diversity of Toronto’s neighbourhoods. There are distinct feels to each one - the subtle hipness of Queen Street West, Liberty Village’s nouveau-chic, the dusty coolness of the Distillery District, the Opa! of Greektown.  

   One of my favourite haunts has been up around College St. and Bathurst. There is a cluster of fun, no-cover bars there and the area borders on Little Italy, which is a whole different beast to conquer. I also have to give a shout out to a converted mansion around Bloor and Spadina that boasts several MASSIVE patios, a live singalong piano player and 12 separate bars strewn throughout. Good times.

   But going out at night isn’t about drinking; it’s about having a good time with friends, meeting new ones and being entertained. I can’t talk about Toronto nightlife without tipping my hat to all of the amazing cultural events going on here! There are more festivals in this city than… well, most places.

   Heading out to festivals, new areas in town and other cultural offerings are always good bets in you’re looking for new experiences, or a glimpse into other worlds.

   One of my more memorable nights here was spent at the ballet - yeah, the ballet. (I do have a classical music degree, after all.) It was refreshing to watch dancing that involved grace rather than intoxication, the music wasn’t quite the same as epic guitar riffs at a bar or the pounding bassline at a club, and I actually made it back to my place without destroying my guts with yet another all dressed Polish sausage (street meat + Al = bff).

   All this being said, this week I’m going to be staying up late to search out some night time fun. I’m aiming for guaranteed good time events, but not the standard bar-with-the-boys or hittin’ da clubz fare. Wish me luck!

   Yes mom, I’ll be safe…

Velvet curtains AND beer? Pretty much unbeatable.