About 220 King St W
Empire Supper Club at 220 King Street West is a unique “supper club” – combining upscale Italian dining with a high-energy nightclub in Toronto’s Entertainment District . The venue, perched on the building’s second floor, spans a long narrow space accented by party-ready LED light walls . In an online restaurant guide it’s described as offering “a wonderful fine dining experience, and a spectacular night life” under one roof . Part of King West’s cultural scene, it sits a few blocks west of the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre and across from Roy Thomson Hall . The building itself is over a century old: constructed in the Edwardian era by industrialist Frederic Nicholls, it retains a heritage façade even as the interior has been lavishly refitted . This blend of history with modern amenities underscores why 220 King W matters – it revitalizes downtown architecture with cutting-edge design.
Inside, Empire’s décor immerses guests in opulent retro-chic style. Hints of a bygone era pervade the space – for example, gold-toned leather banquettes were recovered from New York’s famed Studio 54, and the wall behind one seating area is papered in authentic Versace fabric under a sparkling chandelier . Custom LED screens line the walls and adjacent to the long wooden dance floor, syncing with the music to create a fully immersive party ambience . A specially decorated corner known as the “Versace wall” (with signature wallpaper) doubles as a popular photo backdrop. There is also a private “City Room” near the entrance – an enclosed lounge area for groups of 6–12 with its own speakers and TV, and even a view of Roy Thomson Hall . These signature touches make Empire’s vibe unmistakably flashy and fun, but the atmosphere is still noted as warm and welcoming – staff treat every guest like a VIP, ensuring a relaxed, high-energy experience .
Events and Programming
At 220 King W the week typically peaks with themed nightclub events rather than scheduled concerts. The supper club frequently hosts late-night dance parties (often on weekends) under promotional names by Toronto event companies. These include multicultural nights like “Habibi Toronto,” “Arabs on King,” and “Beirut in Toronto,” all put on by the organizers of Wilde Events . Music during these events ranges from Arabic and Latin anthems to hip-hop, Top 40 and EDM – the DJs are known to “play the room,” adjusting their mix based on the crowd . On a given dance night you might hear anything from current pop remixes to reggaeton, tribal beats or even a live belly-dancer or percussionist joining in . The club also offers VIP bottle service on party nights, with elaborate lighting and visuals that transform the dining area into a packed dance floor as the night goes on .
Special events follow a predictable schedule: most public parties begin around 10pm on Friday or Saturday, and the space fills through late night until closing at roughly 2–3am . Advance tickets are sold for themed events (often via online promotions); for example, a night in early 2023 listed “Online Tickets $20” for pre-sale, with $30 at the door . This aligns with the club’s usual cover policy (approximately $20 for men and free or discounted entry for women before 11:30pm) . On New Year’s Eve and other holidays the venue may host special celebrations. Apart from nightlife parties, Empire can also host corporate gatherings or private dinners, but most of the weekly focus remains on public nightlife programming.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for events at 220 King Street W are usually sold in advance through the venue’s affiliated promoters or guestlists, rather than through an independent box office. The club’s calendar is announced via event pages and social media of local organizers, and many themed nights require purchasing early to guarantee entry. General admission tickets often cost about $20 online (with door prices closer to $30) . For very popular events, tickets may sell out, so it’s advised to grab them weeks in advance. Cover and tickets can typically be paid at the box office inside the club on arrival; staff will then admit you after checking your ID. For faster entry or discounts, many guests reserve a spot on guest lists – for example, women on the guest list enter free before 11:30pm .
For groups, Empire functions partly like a restaurant: reservations are needed during dinner hours, especially for larger parties. In fact, any booking of 10 or more people requires a deposit and one of the restaurant’s preset menus . This means large groups planning to dine and party should contact the venue in advance. The club also offers VIP table and bottle service packages (typically about $1,000 and up for a ten-person booth) . To book a booth with bottle service, you would usually email the venue’s reservation team to arrange date, minimum spend and deposit. The club accepts cash and all major credit/debit cards on site , and as always all guests must show government ID (since the venue is 19+ only) .
Seating and Layout
Inside, Empire spreads out on a single elevated floor: a long, narrow main room with seating along the sides and an open space down the middle. Dining booths and tables line the walls, while the central floor becomes the main dance area in club mode . The DJ booth and small stage sit at one end of the room. Because of this layout, all seats have a clear view of the performance area, so there are no “bad” tables. For the full nightclub experience, standing near the center of the floor (closer to the DJ) offers the best vantage and sound. The sound system here is designed for a party, so you’ll hear bass and beats all around once the music starts. There are no elevators or upper tiers – everyone is essentially on one level. The exception is the private “City Room” (away from the main floor) that’s set up for group bookings of about 6–12 people; it has its own separate sound system and a more subdued vibe .
Certain spots in the venue are even more distinctive. A corner draped in Versace-pattern wallpaper and highlighted by a crystal chandelier is a favorite area for photos and small gatherings . The bar runs along one side wall, with high stools and bottle service platforms built into the booths. If you have reserved a VIP area, booths are often raised slightly on platforms above the dance floor. Otherwise, booth seating and standing room are both general admission. The “best seats” depend on your preference: sitting at a booth toward the middle keeps you in the action, while standing near the front of the dance area ensures a great view. The acoustics and lights are tuned for the club experience, so be prepared for a lively, concert-like environment.
Getting There and Parking
220 King Street West is in downtown Toronto’s King West neighborhood, at the corner of King and Simcoe. For public transit, the easiest access is via the TTC subway: the closest station is St. Andrew (Line 1), located just two blocks east of the club. From St. Andrew Station exit onto King Street and walk west until you reach 220 King Street . The 504 King streetcar goes west from Yonge Street along King but terminates at Bathurst, which is about a 10-minute walk. Several evening buses also serve King West, or you can take any bus to Bathurst/Yonge and transfer. If you’re using a rideshare or taxi, tell them “220 King W at Simcoe.” Drop-off is convenient on King St W in front of the club’s door.
If you’re driving, plan ahead: King West has very limited street parking, especially on weekend nights. There’s no private lot at the club, but several public garages are within a few blocks. For example, the Roy Thomson Hall / MetroCentre lot (Impark #120, 377 spots) is about a 4-minute walk north and charges around $15/hr . The RBC Centre garage (600 University Ave, 412 spots) is about 5 minutes away and is slightly cheaper (~$10/hr) . These lots fill up on busy nights, so reserve a spot if possible. Nearby hotels also have paid parking that might be an option. Many visitors skip parking entirely and take Ubers/taxis directly to and from the venue. A taxi stand usually forms near King & Bathurst or you can call a cab to the front door. Keep in mind Toronto nightlife peaks around 11pm–1am, so give yourself extra time to arrive.
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival at Empire, expect to queue briefly for ID and cover charge at the front desk. Security will verify that everyone is 19+ so have a government-issued ID ready . The dress code is enforced at the door: you must wear fashionable attire (no athletic wear, jerseys, sweatpants, or flip-flops) . Hats, baseball caps and large backpacks are also not allowed. Staff reserve the right to refuse anyone who doesn’t meet the code. Once you’ve paid cover, you’ll get a stamp or wristband and can enter. Coat check is right inside the entrance ($4 fee) for coats and small items . Major credit/debit cards and cash are accepted for payment around the bar and tables .
Inside, you’ll find a full bar serving cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks. Food is generally served only early in the night as the Italian kitchen winds down before dancing begins. Make sure to order a cocktail or mocktail from the menu – bartenders stay busy all evening. The house specialty is ordering bottle service if you plan to stay for the club; as noted, booths with bottles are the norm for large groups. The atmosphere is lively and flashy, but reviewers note that the staff keep it fun and friendly. In fact, one write-up praises the “above-and-beyond staff [who] treat every guest like a VIP” and says that even with all the gold décor, “the atmosphere is comfortably relaxed” . Expect loud music and dark lighting once the party is in full swing. There’s no live entertainment on most nights beyond DJs (although sometimes surprise performers join in).
Restrooms are located on the same floor – just follow the signs to the washrooms near the back. These are standard club facilities, so lines can form at peak times (midnight onward). The venue doesn’t advertise free Wi-Fi for patrons, so consider using your mobile data. Overall, the interior is designed for a night-out experience: professional sound and lighting gear, plenty of visual effects from the LED walls, and the decadent decor we mentioned. It feels more like a theatrical show venue than a simple bar, which is exactly the point.
Nearby Amenities
The district around 220 King St W is packed with options for dining, drinking and staying nearby. For pre-show dining, you’re within walking distance of restaurant row on King and Queen Streets. A block east on King is the Social Kitchen & Bar (100 King St W) and a variety of eateries. There are casual pizza and sandwich shops nearby, and numerous pubs for a quick drink. Late-night diners and sandwich shops in the area can satisfy a post-party hunger (for example, cafes around Bathurst & King often stay open late). If your plans start early, other King West hotspots about 5–10 minutes away include pub-style places like The King and Queen, or 24-hour diners on Queen Street.
When it comes to beverages, the immediate King West strip itself has bars on nearly every block. Some close by are the Good Fortune Chicken (brewpub), the Flying Monkey (live music bar) and KingCraft (craft beer pub) – all within a few blocks of the club. If you’re leaving late, you can also walk a few blocks to Bathurst or University for licensed restaurants and bars (Roy Thompson Hall area) that host crowds after midnight.
There are also hotels within easy reach. The Novotel Toronto Centre (85 John St) at King & Bathurst is about a 10-minute walk, and the Delta Hotel Toronto (King & Simcoe) is just one block south. Other downtown chains (Sheraton Centre, Park Hyatt, etc.) are within a 15-minute walk. The Cambridge Suites (near Richmond Street) is a few blocks northeast as well. In short, whether you need transit or accommodations, you’re in the middle of the downtown core. Many out-of-town visitors simply pick a King West or Entertainment District hotel a block or two away, since the congestion and busy nightlife make short walks more convenient than driving.
When planning your trip home, note that the King Streetcar (504) and the Queen Streetcar (501) run late into the night (they switch to night bus service around 2am on weekdays, later on weekends). The 304 King (night King) and 301 Queen (night Queen) buses take over after the subways stop. There’s usually a taxi stand near King & Bathurst. Many opt for rideshare pickups – just ask drivers to meet you at 220 King St. W (they’ll know it’s between Toronto Dance Theatre and Simcoe). Having a plan for the last train or cab is wise, since downtown taxis can be busy by 1–2am.
What Makes This Venue Special
Empire Supper Club stands out on King West for several reasons. Architecturally, it occupies a heritage 1910 industrial building that anchors a block of preserved Edwardian-era warehouses . Unlike a flashy new skyscraper, this reuse of a vintage structure gives the club old-world character. Inside, no other Toronto venue combines lavish décor and dining the way this one does. The genuine “supper club” concept – enjoying an elegant Italian meal and then staying on to dance – is rare in the city . The rich décor (Versace print wallpaper, a giant crystal chandelier, leather banquettes from a famous 1970s disco) evokes a glamorous throwback style you won’t find in a typical bar.
Culturally, Empire injects global nightlife into this part of town. By hosting events like Habibi Toronto and Arabs on King, it has created spaces for Toronto’s Middle Eastern and Latin communities in an upscale venue – something city nightlife tends to lack. These themed nights celebrate diverse musical traditions, making the club feel inclusive to many first-generation music fans. At the same time, for mainstream partygoers the club delivers an upscale, modern nightlife experience on par with the city’s best lounges.
Inside and out, Empire’s uniqueness shines: it’s a restaurant, lounge, and dance club all in one. Guests praise the venue’s atmosphere, saying it makes everyone feel like a VIP – as one write-up noted, “the staff treats every guest like a VIP” amid all the gold-glittering décor . In short, it's a place where history, design, and entertainment blend together uniquely. Whether you came for the dinner or the dance party, you leave remembering the venue’s theatrical style, the LED visuals, and the high-energy vibe. That combination of character and hospitality – sitting down to share an old-school Italian meal and then dancing under a flush of modern lights – is what makes 220 King St W special in Toronto’s club scene.
Visitor Tips and Information
Some quick tips for visitors: ID and Age : Empire is 19-plus only , so be prepared to show a valid photo ID. Dress code : Dress to impress – no athletic wear, jerseys, hoodies, baseball caps, or short pants . Upscale casual or semi-formal attire is recommended. Tickets and Entry : Entry is usually $20–30. Women often get Free entry on the guest list before 11:30pm , while men pay around $20 cover. Premium events may have advance tickets – check online for price. If you arrive late after 11pm, be prepared for a line. Joining the online guest list can speed up entry and save on cover. Banned Items : No big bags, large electronics, or outside food/drinks are allowed . Weapons, umbrellas, and professional cameras (no DSLR video) are also prohibited. Pack light. Timing : Doors open around 9–10pm. Arriving by 10/10:30pm ensures you get in early; after midnight the club is standing room only. Food and Drink : After dinner hours the kitchen closes, so order any food early. The bar serves drinks all night – credit/debit and cash are accepted . Coat check : Available for about $4 per item . Payment : Expect to tip bartenders (15–20% of drink order) as usual. Facilities : Restrooms are on-site (lines form late). There’s no public Wi-Fi announced. Exit Strategy : Night buses 304/301 run after hours. The 305 and 313 buses run on weekends through the neighborhood. On-site taxi stands appear late on Bathurst, but booking an Uber/Lyft is easiest. Finally, if you have accessibility needs note the club is upstairs only – as an older heritage building it has stairs at the entrance and no public elevator, so wheelchair access is limited.
What is the typical cover charge for events at 220 King St W?
Cover charges vary by event. On most weekend nightclub nights Empire Supper Club charges around $20 for men, while women often get free or reduced admission before 11:30pm . Some special shows sell advance tickets (often ~$20 online, rising to ~$30 at the door) . Check the event listing in advance.
How do I buy tickets or get on guestlist for Empire Supper Club events?
Tickets are typically sold online through event promoters. For example, Wilde Events often hosts parties here and announces tickets on their event pages. You can also join guestlists on the club’s or promoter’s social media to get free entry (women usually get free entry before 11:30pm) . Walk-up cover is sometimes available at the door if not sold out, but buying ahead is safer.
Is there a box office or can I pay at the door?
Yes. When you arrive, you'll pay cover at the box office inside the entrance. The box office staff handles entry ($20 cover for men, etc.). For special ticketed events, arriving early is wise as space can fill up. Payments of all major types are accepted on-site . Keep an eye on the online event page to see if door sales are allowed or if you need an advance ticket.
What are the parking options near 220 King St W?
There’s no private parking at the club, but several public lots are nearby. The Roy Thomson Hall parking (Impark #120, 377 spaces) is about a 4-minute walk and charges ~$15/hr . The RBC Centre garage (600 University Ave, 412 spaces) is only five minutes away ($10/hr) . Both lots run roughly $10–15 per hour evenings and can be reserved. Street parking is scarce. For convenience, many people prefer taxis or rideshares (they can drop you right on King St below the club).
What is the nearest subway or transit stop to 220 King St W?
The closest subway station is St. Andrew (TTC Line 1) – exit, walk west on King St for about two blocks, and you'll be at 220 King St W . Alternatively, the 504 King streetcar stops nearby (get off at York or Bathurst) and it's a short walk. Late at night, the 304 King or 301 Queen night buses serve that area. A taxi or rideshare can be dropped off on King St in front of the venue.
What is the seating layout and best viewing area at Empire?
Empire’s main room is very long and narrow , lined with booths and tables along the walls and an open dance floor in the middle. The DJ booth is at one end facing the dance floor. For the best club experience, stand or sit closer to the center near the DJ to catch all the action. If you have a table, any booth along the edge still has a clear view. The decorative “Versace wall” in one corner is famous for photos . The private “City Room” is quieter and off to the side (reserved for groups of ~6-12) .
Does the venue offer VIP booths or bottle service?
Yes, Empire Supper Club provides VIP tables with bottle service for larger groups. According to the club’s information, booth packages (for about 10 guests) typically cost about $1,000 plus tax and tip . Individual liquor bottles range roughly $300–$500. To reserve a VIP booth or bottle service, you must book in advance (usually via email to their VIP hosts). These areas come with dedicated service and are usually located in the booth sections along the sides of the room.
What is the dress code at Empire Supper Club?
The dress code is “fashionable forward” – essentially upscale nightclub attire . Do not wear hats, athletic jerseys or shorts, jerseys, tracksuits or flip-flops. Smart casual or dressy attire is recommended (shirts with collars for men, chic casual dresses or tops for women). The staff enforce this strictly, and anyone not dressed appropriately may be refused entry .
What items are not allowed inside the venue?
Empire enforces a strict no-outsides policy. Guns or weapons are absolutely banned. Also prohibited are professional cameras (DSLRs or video cameras without press approval) and large tablets/laptops . Water bottles or outside alcohol are not allowed either. Essentially, only small personal items (wallet, phone, keys) should come in. Any disallowed items will need to be checked (coat check available for $4) or left behind .
Is there a coat check and are there restrooms at 220 King St W?
Yes, coat check is available just inside the entrance for a small fee (about $4 per item) . You can leave coats or small bags there while you enjoy the club. Restrooms are on the same floor – signage inside will direct you. They’re standard club restrooms and are reasonably clean, though lines may form late at night. If you plan to stay late, it’s wise to visit before midnight to avoid queues.
Can I reserve a private party or dining area for a group?
Yes. Empire can be booked for private events or large group dinners. For dinner reservations of 10 or more people, a deposit is required and you must select from their fixed menus . For club-party gatherings, you can reserve sections like the private City Room (fits ~6–12) or multiple adjacent tables. Bottle-service tables are also reserved in advance. To set this up, contact their events team with your date and group size to arrange the booking.
Does Empire Supper Club have any famous or particularly memorable past events?
The venue is relatively new (opened around 2022), but it has already made a name with recurring theme nights. For example, events like “Habibi Toronto” and “Habibi Party” in 2023 drew media attention . These nights feature live DJs and performers (belly dancers, drummers) celebrating Middle Eastern music and culture, marketed on city event calendars (like BlogTO’s listings) . While there aren’t concerts by chart-topping pop stars, the club’s own special nights have become popular hangouts for diverse crowds, making them notable highlights.
Is Empire Supper Club wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, the main club area is on the second floor accessed by stairs, so it’s not fully wheelchair accessible. As an older heritage building, no public elevator is available. Patrons needing accessibility should contact the venue ahead of time – in some cases staff can assist or possibly open a ground-floor service entrance during private events. Otherwise, visitors using wheelchairs may find it challenging to access the main space.
