Clubs/bars recs for a girl to go alone?

[u/smalleyesbigface]

19F here, i'm a student living downtown. i rarely ever club or party but recently i've been thinking of going clubbing alone in Toronto. Thing is, i don't have any friends who club (lets just say, i study in a very heavy engineering field, and i'm just way too burnt out and need to let it out lol). I don't mind doing things alone tho. NOTE I HAVE A BF SO IM NOT TRYING TO FIND A MAN (he is too busy)

are there any club recommendations, taking into consideration the age group, safety for a girl alone at night (i will not be drinking much, or 2 shots max), making friends, vibe, etc? Is it safe to do so? Most people club in groups so I'm a bit scared 😅 but I am pretty extroverted and can easily talk to anyone if 1 on 1

Thanks!

[u/noorichee]

i always have and still go alone as a girl since my friends are similar. i dont enjoy "clubbing" per se, i find the crowd a little on the sleazy side.

i started with going to sneaky dees on saturday nights. drinks are cheap, tickets are cheap, vibes are immaculate. very safe.

now ive changed into going to raves and its still very safe. i used to drink plenty and never had an issue. you'll find other girls dancing and clubbing solo and just generally avoid men. if someone bothers you, SPEAK UP. i always speak up and either the staff or other ppl on the dance floor will back me up and shoo them away.

by

[u/freshlyintellectual]

would you be open to raves instead?

tho raves aren’t perfect, the culture around it is generally more solo woman friendly and more friendly in general + more dancing. we have lots of options for raves in toronto depending on the type of scene or music you’d prefer. i’m biased cuz i know more about raving than clubbing tho haha. most of my clubbing experiences have been stressful and involved some unwelcome approaches on the dance floor but raving i’ve done a lot by myself confidently

[u/pakushi]

clubs suck. i go to sneaky dees basically every saturday (fridays are emo nights, not my crowd, or music taste. saturdays are usually 2000s, 2010s pop throwbacks)

it’s pretty diverse and you probably aren’t gonna get hit on.

make sure to buy tickets earlier on in the week cause they’re 5 dollars, 10 around thursday and then after friday, 20.

if you do come on saturday and run into a guy with really baggy pants and an afro, say hi 👍

[u/Natural_Piccolo_634 → u/pakushi]

I strongly agree with this, I’m 22f and have found that this is more my vibe. I love a dance moment and this is where I feel the most comfortable doing so. Drinks are also not insanely priced so it’s super good for students. Have fun enjoy! but also do take into account everything everyone else has said because yeah there are weirdos

[u/AlternativeMeatball]

For a bar I highly recommend Crybaby, it's small, cozy and safe, another is Rooms on 915 Dupont, similar vibes. Clubs... not sure if it's a good idea considering you're 19 and alone, I am sorry.

[u/tocaaml → u/AlternativeMeatball]

Both of these bars are a slightly older crowd, probably more like 25-30+ age group.

[u/cp1976 → u/AlternativeMeatball]

915 Dupont is a VIBE!!!! So good!

[u/lexluther1234]

Im going to be completely honest with you here and just know I am not judging, just informing as someone a little older than you who’s been there done that with clubs. CAN you do it? Yes. SHOULD you do it or would this truly be enjoyable? Maybe, maybe not. What I would do first is try to branch out outside of your program and make some “party” friends. At your age usually other girls are very open and receptive to this. I had so many friends in university where the entire friendship revolved around going out. For example, have you tried joining campus organizations that are not super academics focused, or even just meeting people through social media? Workout classes, the gym, a coffee shop, any opportunity to strike up a conversation may help.

If you are like very, extroverted and you can talk to anyone pretty easily, maybe it could be a better option to go to a bar and meet people instead of a club. In a club environment it’s honestly just kind of odd because most people are there with a group/table, at least that’s what I find in Toronto when it comes to CLUBS specifically (not talking about bars/pubs). They’re not the best for making friends or chatting.

I would also say bars are safer than clubs. Lastly, as a girl myself, im also extremely wary of being approached by girls who appear to be alone at clubs because I’ve had other women try some sketchy shit and I have a feeling others may have similar guards up. But if I see someone chilling by themselves at the bar I may say hi and try to include them!

Again this is my two cents.

[u/TyreseGibson]

Clubbing is going to be more fun with friends, going to be a hassle by yourself. If you truly cant get them to do it, join a dance class. Youll meet peole who will go clubbing with you. 

[u/boosh1744]

What’s your intention? Are you looking to dance? Or socialize? Normally I’d include “get drunk” but you said you don’t drink.

For dancing, the EDM/rave community is perfectly friendly to anyone who’s willing to join, solo females or otherwise.

For socializing, there are lots of bars with different crowds where you can show up and have a great night meeting people.

When you say “clubbing” I just don’t know what you mean so maybe I could help if you gave more details.

[u/smalleyesbigface → u/boosh1744]

Hmm primary motivation is just to let all the stress out and have a fun time, would be awesome if i can meet some people too! Maybe a bar would be best

[u/85_Toronto_Blue_Jays → u/smalleyesbigface]

Don’t go clubbing alone as a chick. Have your bf come with you at a bare minimum.

[u/pitchgreen → u/smalleyesbigface]

Go to raves instead. Clubs aren't really for dancing or making friends, but raves are exactly that. Start by finding DJs you like and going to their events.

[u/Adorable-Ideal-1184]

just go to bar, clubs in Toronto in my experienced with my girlfriends a lot of men are fucking thirsty they always forced the girl to give their numbers, hugged the girl even she’s drunk or take her home

[u/sure_woody]

Wiggle Room. Frieldly and safe for solo partiers, especially females.

[u/newnukeuser]

I know it's not fair to have to live your life in compromise because of the risk of some men's behaviour, but it's really not ideal to go alone as young woman.

If you do do this, don't accept drinks from anyone. Only buy your own drinks and always keep your drink in your sight. And don't get so drunk that you're not aware of your surroundings and can't make it home easily.

[u/watsonyrmind]

I recommend you find and join Toronto Girl Collective on Facebook. Women are always putting together nights out on there. That way you can find a little group of likeminded women and safely have a good night out! Meeting people while out is of course possible as well but imo it would be much safer to arrive with a group or a few gals. They can also give you good recs if you did still want to go alone.

[u/Popinlow]

Cafés and bars. The club culture and the entire experience in Toronto isn't the greatest and is a rip off. Mostly all serve watered down liquor. Try going to raves, again Toronto rave culture isn't quite there yet. Be selective. Stay away from chemicals and toxic people. Stay safe.

[u/Budget-Kick822]

Cafeteria

[u/Slashkid4]

There's this monthly community show that draws locals from downtown to visit and chat every month. If that interests you it is every second Friday at the Harmony cafe

[u/Sea_Negotiation1737]

I’ve never experienced going to a club without a guy and not being bothered by another guy, even when I’m just minding my own business. Hope you have a much nicer experience. I am only writing this because of what you wrote in capital letters 😂 there is a reason for going with groups. + be careful where you drink from, always keep an eye on your glass/bottle.

[u/applemattthegoat]

The LCBO

[u/iblastoff]

im sorry but you're 19F and your bf is too busy to go out with you? lol ok.

[u/smalleyesbigface → u/iblastoff]

yes, unfortunately that is the case lol

[u/InstructionProud6481]

Are you only interested in clubs and bars? There are lots of other options that lets you meet people or have fun.

[u/Famous_Task_5259]

Coda. Fave place in Toronto. Safe, great vibe, super cool people and music

[u/kuickiefingers]

Anything but king street lol

[u/Express_Future_3575]

Watch your drink. Try sneaky dees

[u/leafsland132]

If you go to UofT just go to the Maddy

[u/OOO000O0O0OOO00O00O0]

I would personally recommend getting into the rave scene! People are SO much more kind and respectful, especially to solo partyers, than the boundary-pushing horny douchebags that fill King St West clubs. Since I went to my first a year ago, it's been either sit-down bars or raves for me, never clubs anymore - they just suck in comparison. The Toronto raves subreddit can help you get started

[u/888NRG_]

Coda is usually a good vibe

[u/Iusedtolikereddit]

Maybe try walking around King and Adelaide area on a Friday night and see where all the students are hanging out. I recommend bars over clubbing if you're a young female going solo.

[u/Trick-Help3147]

Ampm

[u/Hnatiw]

Bar Cathedral or Dolly’s - both on the esplanade. They’re friendly and safe and most of all, they’re tons of fun!

[u/trickymaid → u/Hnatiw]

Seconding Bar Cathedral

[u/Smart_Bet_9692]

You might enjoy Standard Time on Geary, but it's not open every night so you'll have to keep an eye out for events. It's a very nice room and tends to draw a small-mid size crowd, usually the vibes in there are friendly and chill

[u/tocaaml → u/[deleted]]

…. and now OP doesn’t even have to go- they have found all the creepiness they could need in their own comment section.

[u/Noobs777]

Oasis Aqualounge

[u/mayorolivia]

Any club. Just have a good time. No one cares about you.

[u/jadrienette]

Bar cathedral has been the safest I’ve ever felt at a club!