OPIUM LOUNGE 222 Richmond West, 416-971-4222 Rating: NNNNN
VIBE A new small club in the heart of clubland straddling the mainstream and underground scenes, with techno or drum ‘n’ bass one night and top 40 another. The look is warm and subdued – lots of red, with bamboo accents. There are plenty of booths, but a fair amount of space is devoted to the dance floor.
PAST LIVES Most recently known as 222 Bistro, it was Ice and Lovesexy before that. The restaurant aspect of its last incarnation has been dropped, making it more like earlier versions.
VALUE A mixed drink normally runs you $5, but $3 drinks are sometimes featured all night long. Cover is usually around $10, more for special events, less for weeknights.
DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT The most memorable element of this location is the large rooftop patio, which in the summer is where most of the action is. In the winter it’s covered, but the roof is transparent, so you can still impress strangers by pointing out the constellations.
