TOIKA LOUNGE 471 Richmond West, 416-868-6452, www.toikalounge.com Rating: NNNNN
VIBE
Toika is a brand new dance lounge focusing on hiphop, R&B, deep house and soul. It’s run by Junior Palmer, who some might remember from his PhatBlackPussyKat jams in warehouses and clubs all over the city. The crowd is a bit more dressy and mature than some urban music spots, but it’s definitely not a yuppie lounge.
PAST LIVES
Most recently, this spot was In The Mood, but has since shed that restaurant vibe in favour of something more clubby. It’s also been known as Room 471, Sucre and Zinc.
VALUE
Cover charge depends on the promoter and the event, and a domestic beer will cost you $5.75 ($6.50 for a mixed drink). Bottle service is available, but is definitely not the focus (meaning you’re allowed to sit down without reserving a bottle of vodka).
CAN YOU DANCE?
The small spot has much more room for dancing than any of its past incarnations, and there’s plenty of bass. Plans are to tear out the old kitchen soon to make more room.
