Coda — Restaurant in Toronto

Okay, here is review of my experience at Coda and what to expect if you are considering coming here:

Security: as a generic mid-20s young white guy, oh wow, never before had I been frisked as much as I was at this place. It, sincerely bordered on harassment for me and almost made me break down in anger and go home. Asian woman security guard was honestly not having a good night or maybe her demeanour is simply extremely stern but expect full pat-down and show every pocket of everything you have on yourself. My suggestion is not to have anything in your pockets, but bring like a fanny pack and open it for them to look through or even leave it in your home/car.

Inside: Me and 2 of my friends came here together on the night when DJ Alley Kay was in. The sound system, decorations, lights, were an absolute blast in my opinion, all 3 of us enjoyed it a lot. Probably on the best dance experiences I've had in Toronto. Despite my devastatingly unfortunate experience with security, after 5 minutes, I ended up getting in the groove of it all, simply awesome, good music helps a lot when you close your eyes. They do have a coat-check that accepts exclusively cash, so I suggest bringing some with you in case you're planning on sticking around for more than 45 minutes, this place gets hot fast and very crowded at midnight.

Crowd: I don't know who is the average guest at Coda but on this night, there were many man with very low skills at maintaining healthy boundaries with others. I got asked for drugs, my friend had a lot of weird stared while dancing, a bunch of people seemed uncomfortable and that was kind of killing the mood at times. Therefore, I don't recommend coming here alone. Instead, bring a few friends, preferably 4-5, so you can make up your own space on the dance floor and not have too many people passing through you (oh god, so many people passing through it was ridiculous at times). There are clearly drug issues at Coda, security guards are being very thorough when searching people, whilst a lot of people were doing cocaine in bathrooms and literally on the dance floor which I found a tad amusing but very not in the spirit of enjoying techno. All in all, expect a big mix of sexually frustrated young adults looking to get high and some of those who really appreciate good music. If you are comfortable at holding your space on the dance floor and experiencing a lot of random bumps, flashes from phones, and such, don't worry then you'll have a blast at Coda.

Breaks: drinks at the bar are quite expensive as you'd expect in any night club, 12$ a beer, nothing unusual. If you want to go out for a smoke or for some fresh air, you can't leave the venue but you can come outside to a special smoking area where we met, not kidding, the nicest security guard ever. Like they'll make sure you're having a good time and chat with you for fun, kind of nice.

*sidenote: we got free tickets, so all our expenses were exclusively coat-check (something like 5$ per coat) and drinks 12$/drink+

In conclusion: bring good vibes with you bring cash bring a joint to relax don't bring bags or extra items with you be able to stand your ground with others

update: I have searched some info on the web and apparently at Coda in April of 2024 a bunch of women got their drinks spiked with GHB, so police investigation was conducted. I assume that it explains harsh security but also point out another point that please watch out for your drinks and don't leave them unattended, as there is a risk of someone...

I didn't really enjoy myself. Take this review with a grain of salt since it was a night during TIF and the event got cancelled since the DJ couldn't make his flight. So it was just a normal night $20 entry (can pay with card - good) $4 coat check (no card - not good).

Pro: -Staff is cool: this includes the coat check, security, the people who pat you down, and the people who make you pay to enter. -Security: they are professional (saw them refuse a very drunk guy at entry in front of me and told him to come back in 30 minutes after he ate, this was a good judgment call). -Vibes: generally, the people there have a good vibe. They seem a bit older and mature. They seem in there for the music. However, didn't start well with a jock cutting in line right in front of me. Either he was too drunk to notice or he was being rude. Didn't address it, didn't want to start something. Other than him, everyone else seemed polite and mature. -Music is good EDM. -Sound system is amazing, good bass. -Bartenders are good.

Bad: -Washroom is small. One door is broken in the men's washroom (come on guys, fix it, there are only 3 stalls). It's kinda hard to know which is the men's and which is the women's washroom. -Smoking area is small, but at least there is one, so you can go outside and breathe air. -The HEAT: CODA, please fix this. It is unacceptably hot in your club. Much hotter than in other clubs. Pump the AC please. I had to leave after 30 minutes since I thought I was going to faint from heat, I was wearing a thin shirt. -The venue itself is slightly too dark. Can barely see where you're going. Just a bit more light would be good. -The venue is also just a bit too small. I was a bit disappointed with how small this was. -Location: Bloor and Bathurst. A bit too North for me. Prefer downtime. But close to a street car at least, which is good. -Costly: they mostly throw events, these are usually like $40-$50 ish. I appreciated the $20 entry when my event got cancelled.

Won't return. It is not a bad club, just not for me. The dealbreaker for me is just the heat. You can't...

Coda nightclub is the epitome of a fantastic nightlife experience in every aspect. From the moment you step foot inside, you're greeted by professional and polite security personnel who ensure a safe and enjoyable environment throughout your visit. The bar staff goes above and beyond in delivering exceptional service, always ready to cater to your needs with a smile.

What truly sets Coda apart is its phenomenal crowd—a diverse mix of individuals who all come together to create an electric atmosphere that will have you dancing the night away. The club boasts an incredible sound system that elevates the music to new heights, combined with top-notch DJs from around the world who know how to keep the energy levels sky-high.

Not only is the entertainment top-notch, but the venue itself is impeccably maintained. From the dance floor to the restrooms, cleanliness is a top priority at Coda, ensuring a pleasant experience every step of the way. The addition of a designated smoking area is a thoughtful touch, catering to the needs of all guests.

And let's not forget about the prices—Coda offers reasonable rates that won't break the bank while still delivering a premium nightlife experience. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you'll find yourself drawn back to Coda time and time again, eager to immerse yourself in the magic of this exceptional nightclub. Don't be surprised if your first visit turns into many more memorable nights...