Empire is King West done two ways. Italian dinner early, then the room flips into a hip-hop and Top 40 club that runs till 3am. Dressed-up 19+ crowd, bottles moving, DJs reading the floor. Here's the honest rundown, plus the free guestlist so you skip the line.
The sceneWhat it's actually like
Empire sits right in the Entertainment District, across from Roy Thomson Hall and steps from the Royal Alex. Early on it's a supper club: Italian plates, cocktails, screens on the walls. Later the lights drop, the DJ takes over, and the floor turns into a real night out. Two moods, one room.
This is an upscale spot, not a dive. You come dressed, you come to eat or to move, and you come for a polished King West night. If your thing is hip-hop and Top 40 with a put-together crowd and bottle service on deck, Empire delivers.
Quick factsKnow before you go
Empire Fridays & Saturdays
Two nights, one upscale room. Here's what each weekend looks like.
Skip the line
Get on the Empire guestlist or book a table
Free guestlist smooths your entry. Arrive before 11, check in under your name, and walk in. Want dinner and a booth instead? Pick bottle service below and we'll sort your table. Heads up: the guestlist closes at 10pm, so get there early on a busy weekend.
We'll text you to confirm your spot. Want it faster next time?
We submit your request to the venue on your behalf. Entry is subject to the venue's approval, capacity, age, dress code, ID, and cover, and is not guaranteed. By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request and may receive related offers.
Empire Toronto: the full review
Address & location
Empire's at 220 King St W (M5V 3M2), just east of Simcoe in the Entertainment District. Across from Roy Thomson Hall, steps from the Royal Alexandra Theatre, right in the thick of King West.
The room
It's a supper club layout: dining tables and VIP booths early, then the floor opens up for the DJ later. Wall-lined screens, a sharp sound system, and an intimate feel that keeps the night close. Booths seat small groups, so book ahead if you want one.
Who's there
Young professionals, early-20s to mid-30s, dressed to the dress code. It pulls a polished King West crowd that's there to eat well, then party. Want energy with a touch of class? Weekends here bring it.
What's great
- Two nights in one. Dinner and a club under the same roof, so you can make a whole evening of it.
- The music goes. DJs run hip-hop, Top 40 and Latin, switching it up as the room fills.
- The setup's sharp. Screens, sound and lighting done right, with real bottle service.
What to know going in
- Booth space is limited. VIP fills fast, so reserve ahead if you want a guaranteed seat.
- It's an upscale room. Come dressed. The door holds the dress code.
Move like you know
- Beat the line. Roll up before peak and before the 10pm guestlist cutoff.
- Want dinner and your own service? Book a booth ahead instead of fighting for floor space.
- Birthday? They do birthday specials, so let the door or your host know.
The music
Empire's a weekend hip-hop and Top 40 room with Latin worked in, plus the club anthems that keep the floor full. Toronto DJs run the night, reading the room and switching it up. The audio-visual setup is built to pull you in, so expect big sound and lights to match.
What to wear
Dress code leans up: semi-formal to formal. Come fashionable, leave the hats and the athletic wear at home. This is an upscale room and the door treats it that way, so put the outfit together before you head out.
Cover & how to skip the line
Cover runs around $20 for the guys, with ladies free before 11:30, so getting there early pays off. The guestlist is your move for a clean entry: check in under your name at the door and walk in. The list closes at 10pm, so don't leave it late on a busy weekend.
Age limit
19+ on club nights. Ontario drinking age, so bring real ID. Keeps the room grown and on the same page.
Dinner, booths & bottle service
Empire's a supper club first, so you can come for Italian dinner early, then stay as the room turns into a club. Want to do it right? Grab a booth: guaranteed seat, your own service, no fighting for space. Drop your date and headcount in the form and we'll line up the right table and minimum for the night.
▸ Reserve guestlist or bottles
