Vatikan Reviews

Below you can read what your fellow club-goers think about the Vatikan (1032 Queen Street West). If you would like to submit some comments/opinions/reviews to be posted here, or even some pictures of you or your friends at the Vatikan, we'd love to hear from you.

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Comments from Pittsburgh

I live in pittsburgh, PA

as one of the pghgoths, I try to enjoy clubbing nights such as Ceremony held at Club Laga/Upstage... yet there is always somthing missing.

I travelled down to Toronto this weekend to see what was out there, and found myself pleasantly entertained and had a kickass time at the Vatikan

the music was awesome, the couch area surrounding the dancefloor was very comfortable, and it was so great to be able to buy a bottle of Rev at an affordable price:)

...i must return to toronto:)

- review by cat - Nov 12, 2003

Whatever happened to Nadx?

Last summer, every once in awhile, we would make it down to the Vatikan on a Saturday and dance up a storm to some industrial and ebm. We had a really good time. We still enjoy hearing DJ Bolt spin but whatever did happen to DJ Nadx?

- review by razor - August 30, 2003

Metal

All i have to say is thursday nights are metal night. METAL ROCKS!!!!!!! and i'm the bartender. i don't care if it's dead, they play METAL!!!!!!! AND HEAVY METAL IS G.OD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- review by lydia - August 30, 2003

In response to Phelan

I feel the need to respond to the misinformation posted by Phelan regarding "Sanctuary". His comment, "Lance (Owner of Sanctuary) didn't feel like fixing up the bar", is proof enough that he, "Phelan", is obviously not seeing the 'forest from the trees', so-to-speak. Which is odd, because anyone who has been in the "scene" for as long as he claims to have been should be able to do just that. First off, Lance DID try to fix the place up. Several times. I was there to watch the artist paint the murals on the sides of the wall near the booths. Some of which took him 6 hours or more each. Less than a week later, the gutter punks were punching holes through them. I saw the mirrors in the bathroom replaced, only to suffer the same fate as well. The only thing that seemed safe from destruction, was the design that was painted on the wall near the dancefloor. So if Lance did, in fact, reach a point where he stopped fixing the place up, based on the track record of how long those improvements previously lasted, one could hardly blame him for doing so. Now could you? Because as a buisness person, it would be impractical for him to do so, knowing full well that he would be, essentially, throwing the money for those improvements right out the window. Something for you to think about.

- review by dustin - July 23, 2003

music is instrumental

Well, I thought I would contribute to this seemingly ongoing debate on the Vatikan. I like most "Goth" clubs I have been to over the years. I liked the Sanctuary, liked Anarchists Cocktail and I like the Vatikan. The reason is the music. No matter what night I have been there I have always enjoyed the music, it's something for everybody, 80's goth and other alternative though to current darkwave, goth and industrial. After all, that's an instrumental part of any decent club, the dj's and the music they play.

All the polemic about who is or is not a real goth or who has been a goth since 1929 doesn't really interest me. Who cares? If we like the music and the scene let's support it and let's be thankful for the fact that there are still clubs out there that will be play it and provide the alternative to bad dance music and hip-hop.

- review by dreamdoctor - May 15, 2003

clean bathrooms..

So, I have been invovled in this scene for a long time now and I have done alot of clubs over the years and I have to say the only thing, slightly flattering about this bar is the fact that the BATHROOMS are CLEANER, then they ever were over at The Sanctuary. There is nothing even remotely different about the type of place that it is , it is just Sanctuary all over again.....same owner....same Hi I used to live above the old Sanctuary crowd....same bartenders (well atleast 1 or 2 ). And the music is not the slightest bit updated in years...yes and I believe that there may even be a few of the same Dj's (get a life guys)! Not to mention, it moved from 1 hole in the wall to the next hole in the wall. A small peice of advice to Lance....GIVE IT UP!, Invest your time, money and efforts into something more worth while.

- review by anonymous - April 29, 2003

new incarnation?

In regards to the Vatikan itself, I think it's a great club with friendly people and a great atmosphere.

Contrary to "Phelan", I don't think it's just a reincarnation of Sanctuary. I was a regular at the Skank for a couple years. The Vat, at least for me, has a different vibe and a more welcoming atmosphere. In short, it is its own entity. Phelan, no disrespect intended, but it sounds like you have a personal vendetta against Sanctuary, or maybe Lance personally and that you're now directing that towards the Vatikan.

If you haven't been there, you should check out the Vat and see if it's your scene. It has it's bad nights, it's better nights and it's great nights. Every club does.

- review by PaleMistress - April 24, 2003

new incarnation?

What Can I saw of the new incarnation of Sanctuary......It's Crap. Let Sanctuary die Lance, you too Johnny. Folks back in the day sanctuary was the place to be, That is it took up where the Twilight Zone left off. Unfortunetly Lance (Owner of Sanctuary) didn't feel like fixing up the bar and everyone left...oh well. For anyone who thinks I'm young little Gothling, go f**k Yourself, I've been involved with Goth life in Toronto for about 16 Years, Trust me don't go to the Vat-a-can't

- review by Phelan - April 17, 2003

response to "Edward Lionheart"

This is a response to "Edward Lionheart, and should be taken as review about Vatikan itself: I happen to be one of those "(905)er's" you mentioned in passing. I was born in Toronto, but moved to the burbs because it was less congested, and much cleaner. I was also part of this "scene" while you were probably in grade school. There was not a goth club owner I was not on a first name basis with, starting back well over 10 years ago and up until the present day. So if you think that being from or living in the burbs somehow disqualifies you as a contributing memeber of the "scene", as you make it sound, then I'd have to say that's a pretty ignorant assumption. While I totally agree with you, that no one wants to go to a club and deal with a world of aggrivation, I have to disagree with what you and the term "mainstream". Or, at the very least, point out that what you might consider a "sub-culture" or "avant garde" , another like myself would consider "mainstream". And judging from all I've seen and my experiences, goth has certainly gone that way. It's all a matter of perspective. I, for one, thought goth was going mainstram when I saw a coffin-shaped display in a "Club Monacco" store here in the burbs, selling "Vampire Wear" T-shirts, complete with plastic fangs. That was back in '95. No, I'm not making this up, and I was not under the influence when I observed this. I do find it odd, however, that junior goths today can walk down the street and hardly draw an upard glance from anyone, but when my friends and I walked those same streets back in the early 90's, in our ruffled shirts, eyeliner, and lipstick, we would not only get called names, but it was not all that uncommon to have someone threaten us, or even go so far as to pick a fight. We would literally, at times, be taking our lives into our own hands. So I guess, even if neither of us can ever agree on what is "mainstream" or not, I think you'd have to at least give people my age the credit they deserve. We took risks not many people would by expresing ourselves in ways that were not always safe nor accpetable, and in a sense, paved the way for others to do so with fear and prejudice. Maybe goth is not "mainstream", but it is far more socially acceptable today than it ever was. Thanks, in part, to people like my friends and myself.

- review by Gh0st - March 20, 2003

My Fix

I don’t live in Toronto, but I come up every two months or so. The Vatikan is where I go to get my fix.

The musical repertoire is fantastic. I found the staff to be especially chatty, Dj’s took requests and (*gasp!) apologized when they didn’t have what I asked for. One has to wonder though, how much forethought was put into the location of the Dj booth. Ladder + long skirt=awkward. And the thought of having to practically crawl on your hands and knees to make a request. Well, that was probably a happy coincidence…

All ages of people, all types of Goths. Yes, there a few leches, a few goofy raver-types, but all in all, patrons and staff are friendly. Plenty of room to dance, plenty of seats to watch from. The kind of place you can ask for tonic water and not get a funny look.

All I have to say is, check out Toronto-Goth listings to find out the score, and don’t be afraid to make a request or two.

It’s my heaven away from home.

Oh, and Lance, I hope you are behaving like the kind of bad boy I have respect for.

- review by Agwani - February 13, 2003

Since when is Goth mainstream?

I'd like to respond to the "uninformed" person that gave the Vatikan a bad review....(obviously, not only does this person NOT know what "goth" is, but this person must also be an "out of towner"(905'er)) I also can't believe that it took more than six months to write a review....anyway...

First of all the gothic SUB-culture is NOT mainstream, it never was mainstream and it never will be because it should NOT be mainstream. Hence goth club=non-mainstream club. (I think some people do not know what mainstream means.)

Secondly, if you like going to the "civilized" part of Toronto, be my guest...I've been there...and I don't like it. Why? Because of people like "uninformed", who seem to think that a nightclub should be filled with nothing but attitude, so that her impudent boyfriend can fight with a bunch of bullshit macho-gino-asshole-losers, who like to flex their steroid-induced-fake muscles, like a bunch of impotent beach boys...places where if you so much as accidentally breathe on someone, you end up getting a black eye, or even worse you might get shot and/or stabbed! Hey, I don't know about you but I (and many other people will agree) think that a night club is place to socialize- NOT fight.

So, if you like to spend your money at a rich-corporate-owned-mainstream club to get beat up and TRY to socialize with a bunch of posers and snobs, be my guest, because you know what? WE don't want people like YOU in our clubs!...I will always support the small business owner who runs a place where I can be myself, have a good time and not have to worry about getting beaten-up, shot at or stabbed by a repulsive ape!

And lastly, this "uninformed" person also mentioned that she didn't even get hit on...well honey, if we men don't find you attactive, it ain't gonna happen- and I'm not speaking about looks either, because (good) men don't like women with your attitude- doesn't matter what the F#@% you look like!

...and you can take that to the bank!! HA!!

- review by Edward Lionheart - January 2003

A not too flattering review

Well, this is my review of The Vatikan.

Once upon a time there was a cute little goth named Linn. Linn, her friends and her fiance decided that, before they went to gay pride that they all would shit faced: Well that didnt work out. See, they went to a tiny, hard-to-find goth bar (thats COMPLETELY away from the mainstreem, or the civilized part of Toronto, for that matter). Why did they not get trashed? Well, my dark and furry friends, thats simple: Your somewhat faithfull narrator picked a night where DJ was playing crappy music (They played Dragula by Rob Zombie, that was the only decent song that he did play, but whatever!). So after a round (not even) they left. Linn didnt even get a chance to yak with the owner for an interview or something along that line, or the absolutely gorgeous bartender that she went to gawk at in the first place.

Why else did i not like this bar. That, too, can be 'splained. Well, the crowd was dead (yes, thats a wee bit of a pun, and now that im retyping this, i think i kinda meant it....not in a bad way, tho). I DIDNT EVEN GET HIT ON (which kinda depressed me). But thats ok, cause it meant that my fiance, John, didnt have to come close to knocking anyone out. No body was dancing, my friends werent feeling to wonderful, and it was Canada Day weekend....and Gay pride weekend. Ahh well, what can u do? Im guessing that third times a charm.

So, over all, i give the bar a pair and a half of ratty old, black, torn up fisnets. (atleast the first time that i went, they played Industrial!)

I congratulate u if uve read this far.

Much love,
Linn

- review by linn - December 2002

I am new / green / what ever to the Toronto Goth scene.

One quiet Friday evening I decide to hunt on line a new venue for me and a few friends to frequent.... I came across the "Vatikan" during my hunt and the music listed for Saturday night appealed to the group in question.
So on Saturday Sept 28, we doned the approved black and set out. I was surprised at the emptiness at the begining of the night, but it seemed to fill up quickly. So often when out for a night at a club I can't stand half of what is played. But not so there... all was pleasing to the ears and the brave souls that dance were great to watch. The Vatikan is filled with intresting characters and surprisingly friendly people... in your average bar/club people are all attitude and glariy but no so there...
We had such a good time we came back the next weekend... Oct 05. Again the Vatikan surpassed the norm for friendliness and good music, tones of great dancer and a good time had by all.
So much so I beleive this to be a new frequent haunt for us.

- review by ahdarius - Sept. 28 & Oct. 5 2002

Awesome

All I have to say is that The Vatikan and staff are awesome....awesome...awesome!!!
I have never felt so relaxed and welcome in all my 30 years of existence!
There is no attitude & no egos!!!
Great music and great friends!
It just gets better and better!
Keep up the good work Lance & staff!

- review by Sarana - Sept. 23 2002

Vatikan

Even from the outside the Vatikan looks cool. The first time I passed by it I was intrigued just by the symbol! It reminded me of the trendy restaurants back home, the trendier they are the less noticeable they are- no signs, no names...

I'm from New York and recently fell in love with the Toronto goth scene when I came up for Synthpop... So I came back again. And this time I got to check out the Vatikan. The club is decorated well, and freezing! No cover?!? (In NYC, the cheapest cover you will find is $3, and the drinks are even more expensive at those tiny clubs!) The DJs were amazing, very friendly and cute! In NY I hear the same friggin; set every week, same music ALL the time... and unless you are a cute pretty boi good luck getting a request played!

Ok so I didn't do much dancing, but that was because of the charming design of the dj booth- climbing a ladder in fetish boots, drunk- BAD IDEA! So I yakked it up with the djs- blah blah blah blah BLAH. Ok so Karnage played a whole lot of Covenant, but it is rather fitting... Covenant.... the Vatikan. And he did play their newest song, Call the Ships to Port... That's okay, at the Batcave (in NYC) it's the same 5 VNV songs over and over! A dj I recently met told me when he attended Batcave he heard VNV mixed into VNV!

Anyway, I got to hear some really good music; some old favorites and some newly discovered bands and mixes. I was very happy to hear PTP- Rubber Glove Seduction!! I was beginning to think i was the only one who still listened to that song! I was also impressed to hear songs like :w:/ Christfuck, A23/ Disappoint (Guilt Remix), Skinny Puppy/ Worlock, XMP/ Facer, N. Fish/ Wake Me Up, Stromkern/ Perfect Sunrise (IOC Mix)... As well as bands I only knew by name or never get to hear like God Module, C-Tec, Negative Format, Plastic Assault, Hocico, Suicide Commando, E-Craft, Flesh Field and BlutEngel...

Anyway, I could go on forever about how impressed I was with the music. The djs really did a great job! Plus I got to meet some very nice intere sting people; the djs, the owners, the regulars.... And even Marco from Decoded Feedback!! I had a blast and definately plan to hit up this club again on my next visit to Toronto!!!

Thanks again to D for making sure my trip was fun....... blu!

- review by SkittlZ - August 9 2002

Vatikan

Since walking through the doors of the Vatikan about September last year, I've made this club my second home. On walking in, (on a wednesday night) last year, I was greeted by a very lovely bartender and one of the owners. I think out of every club Ive been to in my life, this has to be the most relaxing and friendly club/bar on the list. Having gone to Savage a few times prior to discovering the Vatikan, I wasent very happy with the grumpy bartenders and crusty bouncers at the door. Their Dj's always played the exact same songs pretty much every night, and the atmosphere is nice, but a little too crowded for my tastes. Being a non smoker, the high ceilings at the vatikan are also a huge plus, so I dont have to inhale two million cigarettes a night, and I dont go home stinking of smoke. The Dj's rule, they are always out and about on the floor to make sure everyone is having a great time, and they are totally down to earth, personable people. Unlike savage, its got a! seperate bar area and dance floor, so if you just feel like sitting down for a drink, or dancing the night away, or just walking around socializing, there is room for you to do so. Everyone is so friendly, Ive never had an encounter with any too-goth-for-you people there.. everyone is approchable espically the management. Drinks are very reasonably priced, good music, good people. what else would you want?

- review by Deviant - July 14 2002

Vatikan on Sat!!

Wow. Where to start? Last night (Saturday) was the first time for me at Vatikan and I must say I was impressed! With DJ boLt at my side introducing me to all the lovely patrons, a fun night was assured. I must say that my future attendance is guaranteed. The people I saw on the dance floor were gorgeous creatures dressed in latex and vinyl, beauties of both female and male persuasion. The artwork surrounding the entire club is stark white against a ghastly black background. Stunning images of gothic and biblical content that entranced me. (Also make sure to sign a Jagermeister ;) The music is also a plus, with the DJ's always willing to listen and accomodate any request you may have. Well what else can I say about this fantastic club? go and see it for yourself. You'll have a grand time and meet some of the friendliest people around.....

- review by Solitude - June 16 2002

Vatikan on Sat

I decided to try out Vatikan since all of my friends wanted to try something new on Sat and since we always go to Savage; I thought why not? To my surprise (since the last time I went I hated it) it was actually an awesome night! The DJ played music I haven't heard in ages; it was good to finally hear some old gothic music at the club. I remember when DJ's would play it all of the time, but now it is hard to find a club that will play the older music. Don't get me wrong, I like some of the new music that gets played but I also miss the older stuff! Anyhow, the night was an awesome night and I will definitly be going again on Sat.

- review by Patty - April 29 2002

First time on Saturday night!

I just wanted to say that Saturday night was the first time for me at Vatikan and I haven't danced so much in such a while. Bravo to the DJ's. The music was terrific and the people where friendly. No egos, which was nice for a change. Keep up the good work!
I am now to be a regular on Saturday nights!
Bravo!

- review by Insane - April 29 2002

That DJ Chris Way!!! (Wednesdays @ Vatikan)

i went to check out DJ chris way on his night at Vatikan,(wednesdays) it is a retro thingy, but i heard music that i have not heard in a long time, lol-----could be the retro thing? but he played some awesome sets, from nitzer ebb to old cult, love and rockets, to b-movie, some sisters, bigod 20, it went on and on, reminded me of the old days, Empire/Catch 22, and i think it is a star bucks now, lol...Sanctuary... he had everything i asked for, quiet guy, but amazing DJ, the club was not that busy, but in due time i am sure it will be!!!!! if u are tired of the EBM, then i recommend wednesday nights.. cheers

- review by JL - April 15 2002

Vatikan (April 2002)

Being a die-hard club goer for years on the Queen W strip I could not find the alternative (quick fix) that could replace the Sanctuary and my "need to bleed" on the dance floor until the Vatican opened in June of 01. "Great darkn' comfortable atmosphere, with music and poeple that will make you come back for more. keep up the great work Johnny, Lance and staff.

- review by mick - April 9th 2002

Vatikan (January 10th, 2002)

In my neverending quest to find a club that plays electro-goth, I entered the Vatikan one dark Friday night. Tired of the glam bullshit of Velvet on weekends and the Industrial noise at Savage, I welcomed the swirling guitars and vocals that greeted me as I walked in. Once again, I was not dressed the part, and there I sat on a barstool with beer in hand, just taking in the atmosphere. An enticing dance floor full of dry ice and hot babes was beckoning, and I was about to hit it when the industrial began. As if on cue, I sat my ass back down on the stool, hoping and praying it was just the one selection. But no, one turned to two, and two to more, and finally I ventured up to the dj's area.

"Hey," I said. "I really like the shit you were playing before. I came here to get away from the mainstream industrial. Can you stick with the real goth?" he just kind of nodded, half-acknowledging my words.
"Can I make a request?" I asked. "Can you play Switchblade Symphony, or Bella Morte?"

"Ok" he said, and I left, content in knowing that I would at least hit the floor soon. As I sat and talked with my friend, the industrial just kept banging away. The crowd had left the dancefloor and Mr DJ just didn't get the hint that maybe it wasn't working, and that perhaps the more melodic stuff would keep people dancing. Or at least play GOOD industrial - like Wumpscut or L'ame Immortelle. Not the crap he was spinning. But it just didn't stop. The crowd thinned out and like one of the swirling guitars that had pierced the air earlier on, I faded out as well.

I'd go back, but only if a playlist was provided beforehand. the venue itself is pretty cool-looking. Now let's just get the music to match.

- review by jeckyll/hyde - January 10th 2002

VatiKan (early August 2001)

As my last trip to vatikan was during the sporatic "we're open-we're not" phase (late 2000), in particular, Hallowe'en, i thought i'd take a peek at a Saturday night.

The lack of people is definitely a problem. When I arrived at 12:45am, there were about 10 people present. I asked why so few and was told "it's early yet". Having made the switch from Skank to the Garden, I can tell you that if either club had 10 people in it at 12:45 Saturday night, they wouldn't be so non-plussed. Can we say catastrophe-in-the-making?!

It's too bad, really, because there was a real buzz through the Skank crowd about VatiKan opening. The Skank people miss quasi-moshing the night away to pumping music (which is another problem.. the music isn't loud enough at VatiKan). Furthermore, putting the couches on the dance floor might make it more "Velvet-homey" but it seriously shrinks the available space. For such a big club, it has a dance space comparable to the Garden in size.

In all, there is a niche open for a new club/ re-structured night, as a lot of Skank people seem to be looking for a place with harder music and space to dance on a Saturday. VatiKan is capable of providing both and should take advantage of the situation.

- review by jerushya - August 27th 2001

venerate in the vatikan - Saturday June 30th

Ah, the Vatikan. A new haven to enjoy on a weekend night. If you haven't been there yet, do so immediately.

Why, you ask?

Beautifully decorated, and the lighting is hauntingly atmospheric. In particular, the bar is a pretty site to behold, dressed in delicate icicle lights, candles, gargoyles, and urns as ash trays. It especially looks wonderful if you are sitting in the raised level of the club, which allows you to observe and admire the whole estate and its patrons.

There is much more space to dance in than the Savage Garden, but not so large as to make you feel that you it is not intimate. This extra space was much appreciated by myself and my friends as it has been a long time since I haven't received a steel-toe boot to my shin, elbow in my back, or some other unwanted contact. Also, the are ventilators above the dance floor that blow refreshing gusts of cool air so that you don't suffocate whilst writhing about in our not-so-breathable goth fabrics like PVC.

The music was wonderful. The DJ spinned tunes you do not traditially here in most of the goth clubs, and it was an even mix of both old and new, the most melodic and beautiful of gothic and darkwave, and the most hardcore of industrial. None of the songs you hear at the Savage week after week after week after week (you get the point now, don't you?) were played, which provided a nice rest for my ears.

The place is wonderfully clean, and has beautiful couches, wooden tables and candles adorning every flat surface. The bathrooms are in excellent shape, with ample supplies.

Admittedly, the only thing the matter with the club was that not too many people were there, so if you like to people-watch then the Vatikan is not the place to be. Hopefully the lack of people is just a symptom of its being a very newly opened club, and that in time, people will abandon their regualr haunts, and give the Vatikan a try. It really is worth it.

- review by scorpia - July 8th 2001

Well, even if you did not like the drinks at the Vatikan, you would have at least liked the little entourage of the girls and the guy who were handing out the Smirnoff drinks... talk about marketing... haha.. ;)

I thought I walked into hooters for a second, and yes, there was a strapping young dude there too for the ladies and guys who like guys as well! ;)

But it was pretty good of a night... I had a friend who would go to the guy, ask him to take her out, and walk her back in so she could keep getting the free "welcome" drink.. haha.. and oddly enough, he complied... they had lots of fun, and again the night seeems to be attracting a crowd, albeit a late arriving crowd, but either way a good one.

I can see how after attending other clubs for about a year, it will be hard for some to break the habits to go to Vatikan, but with there being a lot of people who live in the west end, it helps to just hop the queen street car, and get off at Ossington to walk to Vatikan.

For me, living at the Dovercourt and Dundas area, it is only two blocks away for me to get there, and this is greatly appreciated... epecially after the night is over and I am tired and want to get home ;)

review by John - June 11th 2001

It was nice to finally see the Vatikan open it's doors again. After months and months and more months of waiting, I am glad to say it was worth it. The owners have really done a really great job fixing up the place, with great art work all over the walls. I was a bit suprised when I walked in there, the place was very dark, gloomy, and in a way haunting, ( that's was I like). The mood of the place was perfect, with candles lit on the tables, soft, soft, soft sofa's and a pool table in the center of the room, and the fog machine really made a differance on the dance floor. All I can say this place is going to fuck'en rock...

- review by coven - June 2nd 2001

Goth goer's of the old sanctuary will be in a state of surprise if they actually do bother (and are able) to check out the new location. You can notice the new club by it's new sign. A cool looking, but rather small dragon skeleton picture. Yup that's it. The crowd is bleak, but still friendly, the dance floor bleeds into the tables and chairs area, but is still a bit bigger than Savage Garden's. There is a cool comfy lounge area that overlooks the main portion of the club. The astetics of the club however are quite unimpressive. What happened to the dark, dirty and delightful club that we all loved as Sanctuary? It looks as if the club is catering to a more trendy goth crowd. There is still a ray of hope in my heart though, so I'm giving the club some time and I'll check it out again in the summer of 2001.

Overall I would have to say Sanctuary only deserves a 2 out of 5.

- review by eric - May 2001

Although it's currently closed for 'renovations', the Vatikan does show a lot of promise.

On the plus side, there's a fair sized dance floor, with tables and couches along the side of the bar (reminiscent of AC). A raised stage at the back with more tables and couches gives a nice view of the dance floor, and would be great for live shows. The decor and the sound was impressive the few times I got a chance to go, and with the improvements Lance is currently working on, it can only make things better.

On the downside however, is the location; Located on Queen just west of Ossington, there isn't anything in the area except for the mental hospital across the street. Sanctuary was far enough, it would have been nice if it were closer to Bathurst, and not further away. The bathrooms are another horror show, with the steps leading down to the men's bathroom being rather difficult to navigate when inebriated. The selection at the bar is rather limited, and it would be nice if they spent a little more money and got 'quality' alcohol, and not the cheap shit. More than 2 domestic beers would also be nice. Oh, and whoever was controlling the smoke machine should take their elbow off the 'on' button. It was getting way too smoky in there.

All in all, there is some hope for the Vatikan. Good for live music, and with better booze, and a good DJ, it could start taking the crowd away from AC and Savage with time.

- review by affliction - March 2001

Three words for this new club right across the street from the famed 999 Queen West Asylum - GOOD GOOD GOOD. The night started off slowly with a few adventurous souls on the dance floor, but by 1 the wallflowers were outnumbered 5 to 1 and the bubbles were raining like the Pope's tears.

The evening starts off with a pair of charming, beautiful and very appropriately dressed coat check vixens who I hope had a chance to hit the actual club and enjoyed the gum. There's one bar after paying a far too high $10 cover charge almost made up by the $3.50 drinks and charming bar staff (hello Kelly - the rings are on the way). There's too much ice in the mixed drinks, but if you're picky, they are made with perfection.

The dance floor is generous and well lit by a pair of green lasers and lotsa black light [wear black but go to town with blue and yellow yarn in your locks or glowy make up]. There were a fair spattering of fat-pants'ed ravers, and they seemed to enjoy the inexpensive glow sticks and seldon left the dance floor. The DJ booth is well stocked, and although they didn't seen to fit into the scene fashion-wise, the spinners did a great job of keeping the air new and dark. Not a bit of Covenant or VNV or AB which was nice for a change since it stayed dark.

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