Circa

126 John Street Website
Phone: 416.979.0044

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Posted by Staff
October 5, 2007

Currently 3.16/5
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Rating: 3.2/5 (32 votes cast)

Peter Gatien's 3000 capacity uber club at John St. and Richmond finally opened its doors last night after years of legal spats, a failed partnership and false starts. The verdict? It was worth the wait.

While Circa will alienate many - especially those it's purported to seek the most - for its long queues, cavernous main room, clubland prices and attitude, it does a lot of things right; and most importantly offers a fresh approach and ideas to the Toronto scene.

The entrance to Circa starts familiar enough with a Guvernment-esque box office. Beyond the cash registers is a long, dimly lit hallway filled with display cases where you might spot a female Elvis impersonator squeezed into a gold jumpsuit a top a pseudo-Harley, or a foxy mechanic working her pliers on a model engine.

All is just a prelude to the stairwells outfitted with leather clad mannequins. Or perhaps the topless dancer who parades under a see-through umbrella. Then there's the unisex bathroom outfitted with a bar and DJ.

A club this size implores ingenuity and creative flare. The massive dance floor which on this night housed giant speakers that emanated so much base it forced us to scatter, demands areas that offer reprieve. My favourite is an intimate room at the east end of the third floor which surprised with live musical performance and mood lighting. For a moment I forgot where I was.

Then there's the Kid Robot adorned bar on the west side that features Frank Kozic's smoking bunnies (some pimped up in gimp outfits!). It's a Magic Pony fan's wet dream.

Elsewhere is more standard fare like an obnoxiously tricked out VIP glass cube overlooking the dance floor (for celebs and athletes I'm told) or the bottle service booths for Bay Street bankers to show off their, um, personality.

But unmistakably, there's embattled impresario Gatien's touches. On this night, a stream of masked ballerinas strut on the second floor. It's a Kodak moment.

All photos by Zach Slootsky

Reader Reviews and Comments

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?Long cues?? As in for playing pool?

Posted by: Joe Clark at October 6, 2007 3:13 PM

How was the music? I've been into the techno/house/tech-house DJ/club scene for over 10 years and was very puzzled by the DJ lineup. I didn't recognize a single name with the exception of A.D./D. (which I'm assuming is Mario J). Is the music more mainstream?

Posted by: Jerrold at October 6, 2007 3:54 PM

Went to Circa Friday night. This place is *AWESOME*. I loved the place.....there is so much going on...you can't get bored. They got those interactive exhibits, the actors, the random dancing french fries, bottles, lips and more! THe lighting system was amazing and the sounds system definitely kicked. I spent a little time in every room (i think) and was definitely impressed. Note though...at least Friday night are for those who dig electronic music....only a tinge of mainstream music

Posted by: SamNotTheRecMan at October 6, 2007 6:39 PM

The music ranged from the mid 80s to present day dirty south, but every single track was an experimental electro remix. Constantly kept you off-guard while doing a really good job of continually hyping things up. I definitely didn't recognize a single name on the lineup, but that's fine, it was much better than any of the nights where I do!

I'm really not a clubland person and I really enjoyed the night, I think Circa lived up to every scrap of the hype around it, and I'll definitely be going back... but mainly to introduce other people for their chance to have a first time there, I can't really imagine going weekly and having it turn into some sort of a lifestyle, while I'm betting there will be people who do exactly that.

Hmm, I wonder what the Saturdays are like...

Posted by: Chris Orbz at October 6, 2007 6:51 PM

base = bass; a top = atop

Posted by: Greg at October 7, 2007 4:31 PM

What is the cover charge for this spectacular playground?

Posted by: J. B. Goode at October 7, 2007 9:55 PM

this is the greatest club I've ever seen. All the other Toronto clubs shoudl be concerned, it looks like there is a new king in town. Can't wait for next weekend.

Posted by: jimmy james at October 9, 2007 3:45 PM

$15 on Friday

Posted by: James at November 12, 2007 3:23 AM

Took a bunch of us to circa for the first time to see Mr. Flash and had an incredible experience. We just had to go back again the next weekend. You know this place kicks some serious ass when you can go without knowing a single one of the DJ's and still have the best night out you've ever had. No attitude from anyone, the bouncers, other dudes, girls. There's nothing else you could ask for from a club (except maybe cheap drinks, but fuck, this is on par with any top club in north america)

Posted by: Cam at November 18, 2007 11:31 PM

How much are the drinks there anyways?

Posted by: Xero at December 29, 2007 9:23 PM

I have been to many clubs in many cities.
Circa has impressed me above all for a multitude of reasons. The atmosphere is incredible. The lighting, the music, and the themes are crafted with a great deal of care and expense.
People will complain about paying to get in and the prices of drinks, but in dealing with a quality environment with a higher class of patron, this is essential. I have never seen so many pretty girls in one club.
Everything is done right in my opinion.
There are plenty of spots where the music isn?t as loud so you can speak with people or even make a phone call.
You can leave one district and walk into another and feel as if you?ve driven across town to a different club.
And it?s the only place in the city I?ve been to which play?s good house music. Even if you?re not crazy about house, different rooms cater to different tastes in music.
You can tell the management cares about this place because everything from the decency of bouncers, to the nightly themes and DJ?s, are designed so people have a good night.

Hope this helps.

Posted by: Brandon at January 19, 2008 2:06 PM

cue as in lineup.

Posted by: youwish at April 18, 2008 11:09 AM

That would be queue. ;)

For an updated look at Circa, check out this review from February's redesign.

-- Roger

Posted by: Roger at April 18, 2008 1:40 PM

brutal club...terrible bouncers!!!!

Posted by: Adam L. at July 14, 2008 2:39 PM

Circa is an amazing venue!! Not sure if Toronto is ready for it yet!! They constantly have the best DJ's and by far are the most creative managment staff especially when it comes to putting on a show!!

You will get lost, but if you find your way into the Kid Robot room be prepared to be blown away.

If youve never been its worth checking out. http://www.clubpath.com/ always has a good listing of events at Circa.

If youve never been then you have to check it out, you would be crazy not to!

Posted by: Bryan F at August 5, 2008 4:45 PM