Rating: NNNNN
VATIKAN 1032 Queen West, 416-533-9166
VIBE Remember the Sanctuary? When that goth institution was replaced by a Starbucks a couple of years back, the owners took the show down the street to an old legion hall and kept the party going. The Vatikan is generally on the goth side of things (industrial music, excessive eye makeup, PVC clothes), but it also gets booked for other types of events, even some theatre. There’s a stage, decent sound and lots of black lights. They love their Jägermeister here, so be prepared to have shots forced on you.
VALUE Good for a low-budget night out – the cover is usually low or non-existent and drink prices are pretty reasonable (regular beer $4.50, mixed drinks $5.50). No mandatory coat check and no washroom attendant to tip either.
LINEUP The place tends to fill up after midnight, but even then a lineup is unusual. Don’t worry about it.
BATHROOMS Cleaner than the Sanctuary’s were, but still pretty grungy. Remember, this is a goth bar. Shiny, pristine washrooms would be weird.
