t's easy to get distracted at this Industry-heavy spot, feeding off Queen West's thriving art scene. This former townhouse space attracts an art gallery-type clientele. But you’ll find a combination of Large-livin' Bay Street Suits who order $95 bottles of Moet, and inner-city slackers who are perfectly happy with a Komodo Dragon Shot. A true steal at $6.00.

The Place
You have to descend three steps below street level and enter through a black leather door to gain entrance to this cool little spot. Once inside, you’ll find a long narrow, two story cocktail bar seeping sensual vibes. Inside, the attitude is low-key--considering the crowd. Past the entrance is the lounge with its constantly flowing bar. Here, you have two options: downstairs, which houses mostly hip-hop crowd; or the more glamorous and fashion-conscious upstairs.

The Rules
When you head to the Up & Down Lounge, make sure you wear your attitude on your sleeve. This is where the beautiful peeps creep and their gear comes straight out of the magazines. For women, it's cool to wear heels, but not too high because you'll probably be standing, puffing seductively on your Gitanes; The seats are a privilege here, and although the music is a sample of the best, there is no dance floor. Always, always, always have something in your hand -- be it a stogie, cigarette, or drink. This is a crowd that can tend toward model-worshippers and Eurotrash. No need to travel to la ville lumières to sip Veuve Clicquot by the flute, just come on up (and down).

The Vibe
The place kicks off at 11:00 with to the likes of Lil' Kim, Jay-Z, Ce CE Peniston and a plethora of DJ D-Nice’s soulful house, acid jazz, trip hop, and old funk. Plenty of models and celebs, too. Worth checking out for this masterful blending of house, and an attractive crowd of trendy downtown heteros on the make. . . and the cheetah rugs and high-backed chairs are fun too.


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Reader Reviews

A perfect date spot!!
Wendy Clark, Markham
Very cool, chic and cute! Attentive staff, cozy little couches (upstairs)...perfectly dimmed lights.... Too quaint for a first date, but if the vibe's there, it's a must see!!


it's showtime Synergy
Anonymous, Toronto, ON
July 18, 2002
The hot red dress came up, then back down the stairs, then up, then down again... I sipped my declicous cocktails like the good girl I am, sat back in my hard- won cushions, and enjoyed it all immensely... (with a new appreciation for dark lighting, and blondes in red dresses)


Boys!
Posted by A good little girl
Oct. 14, 2002
So this is where all the boys went!!!!!! Good vibe.


What Happened
Linda Party Girl, Toronto, ON
March 22, 2002
What happened to the dance floor, and the great music? This is the problem with Toronto clubs. Every place wants to be a claustrophobic swanky lounge with expensive drinks, no dance floor, and nothing but house music and hip hop. There are other types of music, but every club is a clone of all the others. What about old school funk, disco, international music, eighties, reggae, etc... Anyway, other than that beef, the place is pretty cool.


A place for pool and fun
Jamie T.., Toronto, ON
Feb. 26, 2002
The Up and Down is a hot little secret, great drinks, fun, music, and just to relax with friends. There is only a cover on the weekends, which makes it a great weekday bar! I've grown accustom to Thursday nights at the Up and Down.