Octopus Lounge

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Photo: Tim Shore

About Octopus Lounge

I was having a good old time last night until myself and a group of friends tried to go to

Despite getting there at 1:45 and music blasting away inside, we're told by a grumpy doorman that it's apparently closed. We wait around for a bit and observe that he continues to let in people that he seemingly knows, along with a "special handshake".

Very annoying. Hate it when the fate of your night is determined by a doorman with some egotistical issues.

Address: 293 Palmerston, Get Directions

Neighborhood: Little Italy

Website:

Phone: 416.929.7214

Hours:

Tim on December 11, 2005 at 11:16 AM

spite (noun): malicious ill will prompting an urge to hurt or humiliate.

so, the music editor of blogTO isn't worthy for the octopus lounge? i have them down as a nominee for the best of indie toronto poll (out later this month) under the category best new lounge/club. should we drop them?

brokenengine on December 11, 2005 at 8:27 PM

My best friend is good friends with the owner. I am emailing this post to him, in order to try and get an explanation from said owner.

Laura on October 30, 2006 at 2:21 PM

OCTOPUS LOUNGE...

This past Saturday, my boyfriend and I tried to meet up with some friends for a going away party at Octopus Loung. We arrived at about 11:30pm and we told by the doorman (probably the same grumpy one as before)that we would be let in as people left since the place was "at capacity". Well, after about 30min of waiting in the cold, no one in front of us in the line, in fact, we were the only ones, and watching about 15 of his buddies (who knew the hand shake) get let in, we just about had it. Fortunately, not only did the doorman let in his friends, he also let in packs of girls. So, when a group of our friends arrived, although we almost got passed up again, we managed to get in. Here's the thing, we got in, had a horrible taste in our mouth, shared our experience with all our friends (the reason the place was full in the first place) and left after only one drink. Not only will we never go back to Octopus Lounge on account of this doorman, I will see to it that given the option, neither do my circle of friends. Word of mouth marketing is one of the strongest forms of advertisment in today's society. I think the owner of Octopus Lounge should seriously rethink who they have representing their establishment.

Johny cash on February 13, 2007 at 2:09 PM

Well i work at the octopus at the door but i am not the only one who works at the door, the thing is people don't understand that there are regulars that always get in so if u come to the octopus early u wouldn't have to waite so for those of u who are pissed off plz try to understand that we are just doing our job, and if were regulars we let u in no problem and we cant go over capacity so else we be fined and closed down as we were for one week.

Saladays on March 2, 2007 at 3:38 PM

The Octo lounge needs a donkey punch. I had the same problems at the door. There's a million other way better places that I/you can get in no problem. Don't waste your time on this dildo factory.

dancin fool on April 1, 2007 at 8:27 AM

Went to Octopus Lounge last night and had a FABULOUS time - just like I remember having the 1 or 2 times I went back in the 90's...

I got there around 11:30 and because they were not full I was let in no problem.

The crowd was great - people there for dancing and good music. Also, I found the staff quite friendly and agreeable with the one exception of a surly bartender(bartendress?) on the lower level - no prob, i took my drink money upstairs and never looked back.

understand: On the door it says they have a capacity of 92 - not very many people. The vibe is dynamite so not many people leave to go someplace else...

I think the lesson is get there early if you want to get in! I will definitely return!!!

Syndrical.One on October 16, 2007 at 3:54 PM

I will admit, when this place gets packed it's PACKED !!!!!

I do recommend getting there early (b4 11).
Or getting to know the bouncers by going there on Thursdays.

tanya on October 26, 2007 at 12:09 AM

had adoor problem myself one nite . If ur out of the loop $ more than ayear , forget it no one remembers u SO SAD!!!!

Allan on November 14, 2007 at 6:31 PM

Dear Octopussy,
Thursday nights are great.
If you like good house music... Great DJs.
Nice vibe.
Add one more small bar (at the north end of the venue...) you'd probably double you're bar revenue.
The door staff is passable at best. Really. The guy with the afro-ish hair has zero tact, zero people skills. Actually, he'll do a good job of running a good vibe into the ground.
When I find a good place, I ususally frequent and spend lots of loot. It's all good.
Just my 2 pennies.

Tw on November 23, 2007 at 8:30 PM

No offense, but trying to get in ANYWHERE at 1:45 in this city, much less a venue with capacity at 92 people, is totally crazy and perhaps even a bit arrogant. 15 minutes to last call is no time to try walking into a place that's rammed with people who have been paying for drinks for hours. You're really winning no friends at the door trying to get in so late.

Angry Black on December 28, 2007 at 3:15 PM

Well well,
I'll have everyone no that the Dj on Thur nights (Won't name names) Has decided to leave/give up his gig due to ill vibes given out by working staff (especially one dark skin, frizzy hair brother that ain't got no respect for people chill vibes and peace of mind. He won't let certain people upstairs to say "what up" to the Dj, dance, or create space for the sake of the entire lounge. Also, he can't wait until you come down to use the bathroom or buy a drink so he can reject you from going upstairs again. And another thing.... oh ya back to what i was saying). This is big news b/c Thur was one of the dopest nights in terms of vibe. I hope the establishment learns a lesson in social etiquette and moves in a more positve direction. I personally always tried to be nice to the staff and owner because they were contributing to Toronto's house sceen (which is small but growing). Anyways, hope i've been informitive. Peace and god bless in the new year.

Dale blows on February 21, 2008 at 1:10 AM

I'll name names...Dale and his whole lot good riddance, now maybe we can get a dj with some talent and GOOD music in there thursdays. dale sucked, and his music and crowd sucked. I hear the new girl's awesome. Good bye you talentless hack midget. Good bye dance battles by tap water drinking rejects. We wont miss you. People who enjoy good music are welcome anytime.

j on March 21, 2008 at 11:41 AM

wow, i can't believe the sheer nerve and idiocy of the post above me.
Dale is an AMAZING DJ, probably one of the best, if not THE best Underground House DJ in the city.
He has moved on to a new venue, and i must say, the vibe of the new place is much better. There is NO drama, people come to dance , hang out and have good times, and its always PACKED.

again, addressing the post above me, you obviously work at octopus...re-read your post, and then understand why people have left your venue...you are RUDE for no reason...you need some sort of anger management. i don't understand why you see the need to hate on dale or the dancers...grow up.

Arman on November 15, 2008 at 7:03 PM

cheap place for cheap ppl they dont serve gray goose - so go figure. security is looking for a tip at the lineup they are nothing but bunch of losers

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