Whether it’s Tuesday night or the middle of the weekend, there is always something going on in one of Toronto’s most charming neighbourhoods. Little Italy has plenty of options for your next girls’ night out.
When the weather’s nice, you and the girls will want to arrive early so you can grab a table out front on the patio. Those are prime viewing seats in one of the most charming and eclectic neighbourhoods in Toronto, and the patio’s especially nice at sunset. The only essentials at any time of year are a big appetite and a love of live music.
There are few things more fitting for a girls’ night out than a drag show, and if you wander off the College Street strip, the night can take a truly baroque turn. Rico’s basement location gives it a sense of mildly illicit fun. Sure, the drag shows can be a tad cheesy at times, but it’s fun to cast aside the seriousness that accompanies such shows in the gay village and just have a night of fun and laughs.
One of your favourite bands is coming to town and with luck, it’s playing the intimate Mod Club instead of the mausoleum-like ACC. The venue feels as snug as a backyard reunion, especially if you’re lucky enough to grab couch seats on the floor. If not, upstairs seating is your next best bet for an awesome view. With the route to the bathroom crossing the musicians’ path to the stage, you might even get the chance to say hi.
With Netflix, HDMI cables and Apple TV, it’s awfully tempting to save a few bucks and watch movies at home. But no matter how cheap it is, nothing compares to watching a movie on the big screen, especially when you’re hitting up a Depression-era theatre. The Royal is one of the oldest surviving cinemas in the city, giving modern movie-watchers a truly retro flavour. They also show offbeat films you won’t see elsewhere.
Whether you like it shaken or stirred, EMM will do it all. They offer many dozens of different kinds of martinis, so you’ll have a hard time stumping the bartender in creating a truly unique one – but please do try. The martinis are on special throughout the week, but Thursdays draw the biggest crowds. The loud beats make everything taste all that much better.
Ready to unleash your inner Picasso? Whether you possess secret artistic genius or need a little help from your friends, Paintlounge will help you create a masterpiece. They supply smocks, easels and paints, while all you have to do is think of what you want to appear on your canvas. And, if you need a beverage break from all your hard work, there’s a really nice selection of coffees, teas and iced drinks to keep you refreshed.