Comments on: Then & Now: Empire Dancebar

By: Barbara Dion

Barbara Dion — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 04:30:37 +0000

Looking to find Michael Holtzman if you know anything that would help please tell him I love and miss mom

By: Casualsuede

Casualsuede — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 03:49:21 +0000

First clubefore I ever went to in 88. Was 16 and had a blast! Got me into dj’ing a couple of years later for a spell.

By: Trevor Townsend

Trevor Townsend — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 22:54:02 +0000

I worked the door at The Empire for a year and a bit, and I have great fond memories of everyone there. Fellow doorman, Manny, and Caitlin on the bar. Great vide with great owners, super staff, and the best regulars.

By: Buffalo

Buffalo — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 03:56:03 +0000

For the logest time I was trying to remember where on young it was. I always thought it was closer to wellesley or even above wellesley . I had no clue that were were actually in the clock tower space. Used to go while I was in High school with friends for the Psychedelic Wednesdays, then head back to the burbs taking the after hours bus to get up to go to school in the morning. Music was real hit and miss though…always played that stupid crimson and clover song. On the wednedsts the music was not the greatest. im sure it was better on the weekends. The decor was cool though. it was a hug place, but not enough people people weekdays. too bright too

By: Historicist: How the St. Charles Tavern went from Chinese-Food Restaurant to Popular Gay Bar - Torontoist - RestaurantsPress

Sun, 26 Jun 2016 16:38:37 +0000

[…] St. Charles Tavern closed in late 1987. The upper level operated as a succession of clubs, notably Empire Dancebar between 1988 and 1992 . A succession of businesses have occupied the St. Charles Tavern space, while a condo proposal […]

By: Historicist: How the St. Charles Tavern went from Chinese-Food Restaurant to Popular Gay Bar | culture | Torontoist

Sat, 25 Jun 2016 16:11:08 +0000

[…] St. Charles Tavern closed in late 1987. The upper level operated as a succession of clubs, notably Empire Dancebar between 1988 and 1992. A succession of businesses have occupied the St. Charles Tavern space, while a condo proposal […]

By: Sarah Wayne

Sarah Wayne — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 22:48:19 +0000

All comments in the string below have been republished from their original appearance on The Grid website. We're including the readers' comments as they add to these Then & Now stories. We look forward to reading new comments here as well. Manhattan  Wow. What memories! Great article. The music. The girls. The good times. The Empire was my goto night club after I moved to downtown Toronto. I spent many an hour dancing and playing pool there. Really miss those days . .   5:00 pm on July 10, 2014        Hambone  I spent countless hours dancing here..it was truly a magical place in time and space…I went on to become head of security at The Freak Show and floor manager at Life on John..I miss those days and have fond memories of all the people that were involved.         Sandra   Well written piece that brings back many good memories. I was at the first New Years Eve party @ Empire. Met friends that night that I still have to this day. There was always good vibes all around there.   9:14 am on October 9, 2013        Thanks for another great installment!   This continues to be one of the best features i have ever read in a Toronto weekly. Looking forward to the book!   5:06 pm on October 8, 2013       jfurjohnson  We RAWKED> thanks for the memories Denise!   8:35 pm on October 8, 2013