About 1096 Queen St W
1096 Queen Street West is a two-level bar and restaurant in Toronto’s Little Portugal/Queen West area. The main floor is home to The Good Son , a modern neighborhood eatery known for its wood-fired pizzas and eclectic shared-plate menu (torontolife.com ). The interior feels like a cozy old drawing room – walls are lined with vintage photos, mismatched clocks (dozens of them) and porcelain plates (torontolife.com ) – giving the place a whimsical, “Alice-in-Wonderland” charm. The space boasts impressively high ceilings (about 18 feet tall (www.loopnet.com )) and an open kitchen at the back. It seats roughly 75 diners (up to 120 standing) (www.tagvenue.com ) (www.tagvenue.com ). Above the restaurant is a hidden lounge/nightclub called Wayward , which adds another ~2,300 sq ft plus a 1,000 sq ft rooftop deck (www.loopnet.com ). Together the building offers on-theme Italian-American comfort food, craft cocktails and late-night dancing in one spot.
Chef-owner Vittorio Colacitti (a former Top Chef Canada finalist) opened The Good Son in 2017, taking over the space that used to house the now-shuttered Nyood Bar (torontolife.com ) (torontolife.com ). Since then it has earned a reputation as a local hotspot – in fact a reviewer called it “the newest hotspot to hit the Queen and Dovercourt area” (www.clubcrawlers.com ). The venue regularly draws a fashionable young crowd (even celebrities like Jennifer Aniston have been spotted dining here (torontolife.com )) and is often packed most evenings. Its mix of high-quality cuisine and a lounge upstairs makes it a notable anchor of Queen West’s vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene (www.loopnet.com ) (thegoodsontoronto.com ).
Events and Programming
The venue hosts a mix of dining and nightlife events. The Good Son itself functions mainly as a dinner restaurant, so most evenings are filled with casual DJs or playlists and guests enjoying food and drinks at their tables. There is no formal concert stage downstairs – instead think of the main floor as a lively dinner crowd (often rowdy after 9pm) rather than a concert venue. Upstairs at Wayward, however, the programming shifts to club nights. Wayward typically opens around 8pm on Friday and Saturday and brings in DJs spinning house, R&B and hip-hop beats until late. These weekend “Wayward Fridays/Saturdays” are recurring parties with danceable pop and urban music. Cover is often free on these nights (many reviews note that entry is usually unrestricted (discotech.me )), and the vibe is upscale lounge meets dance club.
Ticket pricing is simple: most nights require no advanced ticket purchase. The Good Son is a restaurant (no tickets) and Wayward nights are typically general admission (no fixed ticket price) – occasionally a special event or holiday party might be ticketed. Drinks at Wayward are moderate (roughly $15 CAD for a cocktail, based on typical club menus). Food at The Good Son is à la carte; entrees and pizzas generally run in the mid-$20s range (one review noted their pizzas are “a few bucks cheaper” than Toronto’s pricier pizza spots (torontolife.com )). There is no box office on site – you simply walk up, and on busy nights expect a line for walk-ins. In practice, guests often just drop in and pay cover (if any) at the door. Only private or large group bookings would use a host desk or event booking in advance. Reservations for dinner are recommended (one reviewer noted the place was “totally packed by 8:00” and “highly recommend making” a reservation (www.tripadvisor.com )).
Tickets and Booking
Because The Good Son is primarily a restaurant, there is no traditional ticketing. To dine, you can reserve a table through the restaurant’s booking system or just arrive and put your name on the waitlist. The venue strongly encourages reservations for weekend nights (several diners noted it fills up early (www.tripadvisor.com )). Walk-up seating is possible at the bar or high-tops if space allows. The upstairs Wayward lounge likewise does not sell advance “tickets” like a theater; most guests simply pay a cover fee (often zero on regular nights (discotech.me )) at the door. For special DJ events or holiday parties, the venue may open VIP bottle service or ticket lists via their website or social media, but in general you can just show up. The best strategy for a popular night is to arrive before peak time (around 7–8pm) to secure entry. Overall, think of it as a casual drop-in club – no box office hassle, just arrive before it’s crowded.
Seating and Layout
Main Floor (The Good Son): This level has fixed dining tables (up to ~75 seats) arranged throughout. Some tables look onto the street, while a large communal table anchors the center (torontolife.com ). There are also bar stools along the counter. Seating is unassigned – first-come for walk-ins, or held for reservations. For a fun communal vibe, grab a seat by the big central table; for a quiet meal, a small table in the corner or by the wall is better. (One review mentioned enjoying the bench seats facing Queen to watch street life.) Atmospherically, this floor is a buzzing bistro – good lighting, acoustic music, with the kitchen’s wood-fired oven often visible from your seat.Second Floor (Wayward Lounge): Up a side staircase, the Wayward club/lounge opens up into a large open space. Instead of traditional dining tables, it has velvet couches and lounge chairs, plus some bar tables. There isn’t a separate stage – the DJs set up along one side, and the rest of the floor is a dance-friendly open area. All spots are general admission (no reserved seating) – you can move around or mingle. VIP sections (roped-off couches) may be set up for private parties or bottle service. Acoustics are booming up here: expect club-level sound and colored lighting. The upstairs also leads out to a rooftop deck (1,000 sq ft) with outdoor seating for grab-n-go drinks in warm weather (www.loopnet.com ).Best views/sound: On the main floor, dining by the street or near the open kitchen offers lively sights. Acoustically, the restaurant is cozy enough for conversation. Upstairs, the best “view” is the dance floor or bar area – crowd energy is king here. The sound system is typical club-grade (loud bass, lights) so dancing guests enjoy it most; spectators might prefer a couch corner near the DJs.Areas to avoid: The venue has no bad sightlines, but be aware the bathrooms are tucked to the rear of each floor (not scenic). If you dislike loud music, avoid standing too close to the speakers on the second floor. On the main floor, seating near the cramped entry hallway can sometimes feel crowded. Overall, the house staff will guide you to an open spot or waitlist if things are busy.
Getting There and Parking
Address: 1096 Queen St W, Toronto (Queen West, just west of Dovercourt). Nearest intersection is Queen & Dovercourt. It’s in the Parkdale/Little Portugal area (www.loopnet.com ).Public Transit: The easiest way is by TTC. Take the 501 Queen streetcar and get off at Dovercourt or Dufferin; the venue is on Queen just a block or two west. The Dufferin subway station (Line 2) is a 5–10 minute walk north. After-hours, the 301 Queen night bus runs a similar route. If cycling, bike racks are nearby. (Note: Dufferin Station is fully wheelchair-accessible (www.ttc.ca ).)Rideshare/Taxi: You can be dropped off right at the curb on Queen St W in front of the building. The main entrance is on Queen, and there is also a side door (with a neon sign) for the upstairs lounge.Parking: There is no dedicated parking lot on site (www.tagvenue.com ). Street parking is limited to meters and permit zones along Queen and side streets, and those fill up quickly on weekends. Paid parking lots can be found a few blocks away (near Queen and Bathurst or Dovercourt). In short, it’s easiest to walk, bike or take transit; parking will add extra time and cost.
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by staff at the entrance. The Good Son has a host stand at the door for diners (check in if you reserved) and a side bar for walk-ins grabbing drinks. Security is very low-key in the restaurant; for the upstairs club nights, there may be a bouncer at the door but no elaborate screening. Expect clear seating sections: Hostesses will guide you to a table if reserved. The decor is warm and dimly lit – Edison bulbs and vintage fixtures set a cozy mood. The open kitchen in back means you can often see the chefs making pizza and plating appetizers (torontolife.com ), which adds to the atmosphere.
The Good Son offers full waiter service. The menu mixes comfort and power flavors – think steak tartare, hamachi and eclectic salads alongside the pizzas (torontolife.com ). Food portions are meant to be shared (almost tapas style). There is also a full cocktail and wine list, plus beers. Outside food or drinks are not permitted. One nice perk: the venue has complimentary Wi-Fi for guests (www.tagvenue.com ), so you can look up the menu or post pics mid-meal.
Restrooms are located towards the back on the main floor, and also upstairs near the lounge. Coat-check service is generally available in the second-floor club area on cold nights (for a small fee), but there isn’t a formal coat check in the restaurant (hangers are available). The whole space is air-conditioned (fully climate-controlled) for comfort (www.soldbyluciano.ca ). The staff are friendly and used to serving both dinner crowds and rooting club scenes, so the switch in atmosphere from dining room to dance floor happens seamlessly around 10pm.
Nearby Amenities
Restaurants: Queen St W is lined with eateries. A few doors west is Seven Lives (famous tacos), and a bit further is Bare Pizza (wood-fired by the slice). Near Queen & Dundas cocktails, Casa Mezcal serves Mexican; Woodlot on Shaw Ave does Korean BBQ. Trinity Bellwoods Park (a 5-minute walk south) has cafes and a weekly market.Bars: In the same block are laid-back pub/veranda style spots and wine bars. Local favorites like Laneway Lounge and Index Café are a short stroll east. The Gladstone Hotel (1100 Queen) has an art gallery, rooftop bar and live music on weekends. For craft beer, the Junction area is a few blocks west.Hotels: The nearest boutique lodging is The Gladstone House (1214 Queen St W) just a few blocks east. Downtown hotels and hostels on King St. or Ossington are a quick cab away. Late-night transit service 301 Queen or Uber/Lyft can get you home safely if you stay past midnight.Shopping and Services: This is a mixed residential neighborhood. Right down the street or on nearby Ossington Ave are small groceries, shops and a pharmacy. For convenience, the venue is only a 10-min walk from the large Sobeys supermarket at Queen & Lansdowne.
What Makes This Venue Special
1096 Queen St W stands out because it combines a top-tier dining experience with a lively nightlife in one memorable setting. Architecturally, the space is unique: soaring ceilings and an open layout give it a loft-like feel, and a massive rooftop deck (www.loopnet.com ) is rare for Queen West. The decor – lots of wood, brick and vintage furnishings – gives it a boutique, homey vibe. The Good Son’s menu (designed by a Top Chef finalist) has been praised for its creative “Toronto fusion” of global influences (torontolife.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com ), and their pizzas alone have sparked a small local “war” for best slice. Up top, the Wayward lounge adds exclusivity with velvet curtains and chic couches – a classic speakeasy environment that Toronto nightlife fans love.
Culturally, the venue has quickly become a local institution. Vogue once called this area one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in the city (www.loopnet.com ), and 1096 Queen epitomizes that energy by drawing foodies and night owls alike. It frequently lands on “best of” lists for Queen West, and interior reviews note it as being the “newest hotspot to hit Queen and Dovercourt” (www.clubcrawlers.com ). Moreover, the venue has turned this block into a destination: customers willingly travel from across the city to eat and dance here. For artists and DJs, Wayward offers a more intimate lounge venue compared to big clubs, and performers often comment on its great sound and crowd engagement. Altogether, 1096 Queen’s blend of innovative cuisine, creative cocktails and homegrown party nights gives it a special character that keeps locals and visitors talking.
Visitor Tips and Information
• Reservations: Plan ahead for dinner. One diner noted the place was “totally packed by 8:00” on opening week (www.tripadvisor.com ), and recommended making a reservation. Arriving early (around 6–7pm) will also help you avoid lines. For the club upstairs, there is no formal ticketing; just come before 10pm if you want easy entry on a Friday/Saturday. (www.tripadvisor.com ) (discotech.me )
• Dress Code: The Good Son is casual-dress friendly (jeans and a nice top is fine for dinner). Wayward Lounge, however, is upscale club attire: dress to impress. Collared shirts and closed-toe shoes (no sneakers, hats, or athletic wear) are strongly encouraged (discotech.me ).
• Age Limit: The Good Son restaurant is family-friendly through early evening. The Wayward club (open after 8pm) is 19+ (the legal drinking age). Always bring government ID after dark, as the bar staff will check it for anyone ordering liquor.
• Bags and Security: Generally, there are no bag searches for restaurant patrons. For club nights, security may check large bags or backpacks as a precaution. Avoid bringing large or suspicious items. Standard safety rules apply – anti-harassment policies are in place and security is on hand if needed.
• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the restaurant (www.tagvenue.com ). Keep your phone handy for menus or photos. The venue is well-lit for pictures, but flash photography may be discouraged when the club is dancing.
• Accessibility: The main level entrance is street-level (no stairs into the restaurant) and should be navigable for wheelchairs. Note that the second floor and rooftop require stairs, so those areas are not wheelchair-accessible. The restaurant has a restroom on the ground floor that can accommodate a wheelchair.
• Payment: Major credit cards are accepted for food and drink. It’s customary to tip servers (18–20%) on the bill. There is no coat-check fee for brief stops at the front or ushers, but if the lounge is crowded a coat check may operate (usually for a couple dollars per item) on the 2nd floor.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t misjudge how busy it is – arrive early or with a reservation for popular times. Don’t assume there’s parking – that can lead to fines or loops around the block. And don’t overlook the upstairs lounge – the entrance can be easy to miss from street level, so look for a side door or neon sign. Lastly, listen for announcements: on very busy nights the hosts may call reservation names out loud or seat multiple parties at the large communal table.
Do I need to buy tickets to go to events at 1096 Queen St W?
No formal tickets are sold for regular dining or club nights here. The Good Son is a restaurant – just make a reservation or walk in and order food. The Wayward lounge upstairs usually has free general admission (some nights you may just pay a small cover at the door). Only rare special events might sell tickets, in which case those would be announced on the venue’s website or social media.
Where is 1096 Queen St W, and how do I get there?
The address is 1096 Queen Street West, in the Little Portugal/Parkdale area of Toronto, just west of Dovercourt Road. By TTC, take the 501 Queen streetcar to Dovercourt or the 29 Dufferin bus to Queen. The nearest subway is Dufferin Station (Line 2), about a 5-10 minute walk north. If driving, there’s no dedicated lot (www.tagvenue.com ) – street parking and paid lots are limited. A taxi or Uber drop-off right at the door on Queen is usually easiest in evening traffic.
Is there parking at 1096 Queen St W?
There is no private parking lot for this venue (the listing notes “Parking not available” (www.tagvenue.com )). Metered street parking exists on Queen St and side streets, but it’s in high demand and has time limits. The safest bet is to use transit or rideshare. If you drive, look for paid public lots a few blocks away or a nearby neighbourhood garage, but plan extra time as spaces are scarce.
What are the best seats or areas inside the venue?
For dinner at The Good Son, the big communal table is lively for groups, while window seats offer people-watching on Queen. Smaller corner tables are good for quiet meals. At Wayward upstairs, seating is more casual – cushioned couches by the DJ booth or along the walls are nice for relaxing. If you want to dance, anywhere with open floor space will do. No matter where you sit, the staff will guide you to any open table or lounge area.
What should I wear (is there a dress code)?
Casual smart is fine for dining – think jeans or slacks with a nice top. The Good Son has a relaxed atmosphere. The upstairs Wayward lounge is dressier: gowns or cocktail wear aren’t required, but men should avoid athletic shoes, hats or shorts (the club enforces a “dress to impress” policy (discotech.me )). In short, neat and stylish attire is recommended for night-time entertainment hierarchies.
How late are events and what are the hours?
The Good Son restaurant is typically open from afternoon through late evening (menus often run from around 4pm to midnight, though hours can vary). The Wayward club opens later: around 8pm on Friday and Saturday nights and stays open until around 2am (www.clubcrawlers.com ). If you plan to stay late, note that TTC subway service does not run after ~1am, so buses (or rideshares) will be your transport. The kitchen usually stops taking new orders near closing time.
Is there a coat check or lockers?
A full coat check (for a small fee) is often provided upstairs during winter or crowded club nights. On the main restaurant floor, there isn’t a formal coat check, but you can ask staff to hold coats in the service area. The venue does not provide lockers. Plan to hold onto valuables or use your own bag for brief storage.
Are there age restrictions?
The Good Son restaurant admits all ages during dining hours, but keep in mind it becomes louder and more bar-like at night. The Wayward lounge upstairs is strictly 19+ after dark (Ontario’s drinking age). Always carry a government-issued photo ID if you plan to buy alcohol upstairs, as you will be asked at the bar.
Does the venue have Wi-Fi and accessible restrooms?
Yes – free Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout The Good Son (www.tagvenue.com ). Regarding accessibility: the main floor is at ground level with a step-free entrance, and an accessible restroom is located on the same floor. However, the upstairs lounge and rooftop deck are reached only by stairs, so they are not wheelchair-accessible. Service staff can assist with any specific accessibility needs on the ground floor.
Why is 1096 Queen St W a notable venue?
It’s notable because it seamlessly blends a trendy Italian-inspired restaurant with a cool speakeasy nightclub under one roof. The space itself is architecturally distinctive (high ceilings and a rooftop patio) (www.loopnet.com ), and the interior is styled with vintage flair (torontolife.com ). Locals love it for its creative menu (Top Chef–level cuisine (torontolife.com )) and for bringing unexpected nightlife (the Wayward lounge) to Queen West. Media have called it a “hotspot” in the neighborhood (www.clubcrawlers.com ). In short, no other nearby nightclub-restaurant mix feels quite like 1096 Queen St W, making it a special part of Toronto’s scene.
