ocated in clubland central, La Rouge is a darkly-lit executive club, lounge and dance party offering up the experience at three cost varieties. The upstairs lounge is the type of place you could imagine idling about with Polynesian cocktails.

First off, the place is subdivided and decorated according to the area you’ve been delegated to. The upper VIP lounge (more on “VIP” later) is adorned in French colonial decor - velvet curtains, and grand oak wall units lined with hardcover books. A fireplace adds to the martinis-in-the-den-with-Jeeves look.

As for the rest of the union, both floors at La Rouge are in heavy burgundy hues warming the entirety of the dark cavernous space. Large columns and an oak staircase make it seem a bit majestic. Each floor has it’s own bar and dance floor, and VIP lounge.

The upper floor turns into a club late in the night with deejays spinning Latin, current house and top 40 starting at 10:30 p.m. just about the time folks start heading for the dance floor or decide to shake it atop the banquettes at the back. There is an older crowd here (read 25+) and an even more mature crowd taking in the lounge areas.

Okay. So, “VIP” a-la Rouge comes in tree flavours: VIPBronze $200.00, VIPGold $400.00 and VIPPlatinum $600.00. The tiers are priced according to the VIP treats you and your party people are entitled to on said package.

All stages get you into the Platinum Club, located on the second floor. The Platinum membership, the most exclusive, gets you into to the club (and therefore the Platinum Lounge) through a separate door, valet parking and a personal humidor with your name engraved on it for all to see and admire. The VIPGold gets you all that, minus the humidor. And all levels gets you in the door gratis and gives you priority when booking parties. It’s a private club sort of separation gap, but a tried and tested rationale that has gone on for decades.

Any nonmember can show up at the door, but should you pass the dress code scan, you'll merely be kept to the non-VIP grazing grounds. Which is fun in itself. La Rouge is going for the mature "executive" crowd, and the crowd they will get is that whom merely wants to unload his Lincoln SUV to the valet, and get the evening started.


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Reader Reviews

Farrah Scarborough
November 13, 2003
I go on Fridays, and the place is just bumping. They play house on the bottom floor, and R&B /Hip Hop on the top floor. They just added more lighting which creates a better atmosphere. They have a great staff, I never have a problem getting in. The crowd is pretty mature and diverse, and the vibe is aways good. The drinks are only $3 and entrance is free on guestlist. They also bring in different International dj's every now and then, and they don't change the price of admission. They also have a limo service which I think tops it off. I would highly recommend this place.


pretty damn special
Alex, toronto
Dec. 30, 2002
I dunno but the guys at the door think their pretty damn special.... the club is not that old but it looks pretty dingy inside. Lots of guys wearing leather black jackets, lots of girls wearing way too much make-up. If you want to go to a club for solid beats and dance the night away don't go here. Most people are hanging around the outskirts of the dancefloor posing. Bad. Just being honest, this place wont last much longer.


Oct 14, 2002
JOANNA REED, TRONTO
LA ROUGE IS RATED #1 FOR A REASON I THINK ITS BECAUSE ITS THE BEST LOOKING CLUB IVE EVER SEEN AND AS FAR AS THE STAFF GOES THERE GREAT I ALWAYS SEEM TO GET SERVICE RIGHT AWAY ANY WITH A SMILE . THE CROWD IS SEXY AND SOPHISCATED NOT SUCK UP. AND WE EVEN CALLED IN TO GET ON GUEST LIST AND THEY SENT ME AND 10 OF MY FRIENDS A FREE LIMO RIDE SO TO ME I THINK IS MY NEW HOT SPOT


Pat B., Toronto, ON
June 27, 2002
I give La Rouge 3 stars because it has most everything I look for in a club. The clientele is layed back and low-key, dress up hot or dress up not, its your choice, its not one of those snobby clubs where you have to wear a sport coat. It is great for a night out, and It is also a good place to go when going out with a large group where everyone likes different music and different club scenes.

Needs some tweaking
Roscoe Vinny, Toronto, ON
June 24, 2002
A sharp looking place in a good location. Too bad the service is snobby and unattentive. Staff is more interested in looking good than doing their jobs. Music is good, but the theme needs some tweaking.


Not for "Hipsters"
Richard Thompson, Toronto, ON
June 23, 2002
I doubt that La Rouge will continue as a “private club” place. While the “regular areas” were much more interesting than the “VIP areas” were, I am yet to see why one would pay for a package


Already a regular
Zak, Toronto, ON
June 23, 2002
"La Rouge IS the home of reality. You get all types from business suits to people with so many piercings they look like a Christmas tree. I am one of the Christmas trees.