f you’re thinking you’re too cool to boogie… then don’t bother seeking out the little black awning and silver mirrored entrance secretly sandwiched beside Alexandre’s Pub on Peel St. But if reliving the days of disco ducks and dancing queens, or discovering what the bump and the hustle was really all about sounds groovy, then this is the party pit stop for you.

Saturday night fever is alive and well at Funky Town, a retro disco dance club replete with huge revolving mirrors balls, and a flashing dance floor that today’s generation might think resembles a giant DDR stage. The surrounding décor is all red velvet with gold tassels set off by very funky, monkey candelabras reflecting the decadent opulence of days gone by. The light show and the sound system are very much today however, backed by an energetic DJ spinning 70’s dance classics from real vinyl.

After a slow start eight years ago, this club is now often packed to the rock-the-boat rafters with standing room only. The entire room seems to be enveloped in a very smoky haze, whether it is simply too much tobacco smoke or dry ice is unclear, but once the ventilation finally kicks in, it becomes easier to catch your breathe after trying to step up to staying alive. It also becomes easier to scope out your next possible dance partner. The clientele is a surprising mix of ages ranging from veteran boogiers over forty remembering glory days and twenty-something newbies just learning to embrace the old beat.

Drink wise, nothing very retro or unique, just a basic bar selection of slightly pricey standards. There are three medium-sized bars, many stand ups, and a scattered maze of booth style lounge areas. Service is fun, fast and friendly. It seems that this city has never truly recovered from disco fever, and the rising popularity of this copasetic spot attests to the fact that it probably never will. If 80’s are more your style, Funky Town has a sister club called Electric Avenue on Crescent street dedicated to that era. - S.C.