Citizen Toronto

Citizen is King West's casual, no-fuss late-night spot in the Fashion District: Top 40 with Hip-Hop and EDM till 2am, a friendly mixed crowd that loves to dance, and no guestlist line to deal with. Here's the honest rundown, plus how to set up free cover for the ladies and book a booth.

Citizen Toronto: the full review

Citizen is a popular spot near the centre of the Fashion District clubs, known for a laid-back, casual crowd that mixes young professionals with more mature patrons. It's a decent backup or spur-of-the-moment club to hit when you don't have plans locked, since there's no guestlist required. Depending on the DJ the music can swing either way, and we feel some nights have room to cater better to the crowd. Citizen's redeeming factor is a genuinely friendly vibe, so if you want to meet new people or just dance, it's a great place to do it. The crowd is usually having a great time and isn't picky. Getting the main bar's attention during peak hours can be tough, so be assertive or head to the elevated secondary bar. Peak runs from about midnight to 2am, when the crowd slowly fades out.

Address & location

Citizen's in the Fashion District at 522 King St W (M5V 1K4), near the centre of the King Street West clubs. It's easy to spot: look for the large patio out front and the light-bulb illuminated sign that reads Citizen.

The room

Capacity is about 450, so it's a medium-to-large venue. There's a large central bar and main dancefloor, an elevated platform with its own bar and booths, more booths scattered through the room, and a patio out front. Smoking area is in the alleyway at the back, and bathrooms are downstairs.

Who's there

A mature, casual crowd, roughly 20 to 30-plus, dressed pretty casually. It's a mix of young professionals and older patrons who are sociable and love to dance. Want a friendly room that's actually full and not picky? Weekends here deliver.

What's great

• The vibe is friendly. The crowd is sociable and loves to dance, so it's an easy place to meet people.
• Location's central. It sits near the centre of all the clubs on King St, so it's easy to fold into a bigger night.
• No guestlist gate. First come first serve means you can roll up on a whim, and bottle prices start fair for the area.

What to know going in

• It gets crowded. Peak hours pack out, great for energy, less so if you want elbow room.
• Bar service slows. The main bar gets slammed at peak, so use the elevated second bar if you're waiting too long.

Move like you know

• Perfect club for ages 22 to 28. Show up no later than 10:40pm on a busy night since it can hit capacity quickly.
• Want a guaranteed spot and your own service? Book a booth ahead instead of fighting the floor.
• Coat check is on the right as you walk in, around $5 in winter, and the line can get long, so plan for it.

The music

At Citizen, expect mainly Top 40 with the occasional Hip-Hop and EDM banger. The mix appeals to a broad range of tastes with a bias toward Top 40 hits. Depending on the DJ the music can run hot or cold, but the constant is a floor that wants to dance.

What to wear

Dress code is casual and classy. As long as you're dressed nicely you shouldn't have problems getting in. Collared dress shirts are generally required, no sneakers or runners, and the room reads clean and smart casual. Bags aren't allowed, though women can bring purses. Men, no sportswear, boots or side-bags.

Age limit

Strict 19+ on a normal club night, no exceptions, so bring real ID.

Where Citizen is

More Toronto clubs

If Citizen is not your night, here are more spots close by or with the same energy.

Or browse every Toronto club, the best clubs in Toronto, or sort a bottle service booth.