Just Opened: Dolce Social Ballroom, condoland’s new dance club, goes after 30-somethings
Yet another dance club at King and Bathurst awaits downtown condo dwellers who made it to this side of the recession with some cash in their pockets. Dolce Social Ballroom, which opened this past weekend, is the latest venture from Travis Agresti—the man who, at 22 years old, linked up with Vince Carter to open Kai and Inside Entertainment Complex (all three are now history). Agresti is back, having spent 16 months and $2 million merging an Indian restaurant with a derelict lounge to create Dolce, a venue aimed squarely at mature partiers (dubbed “sophisticats” in press materials). “It seems there is a lack of nightclubs for the 30-something crowd to let loose in. You’ve got kiddie-land on Richmond and pockets here and there on Ossington, but that’s about it,” says Agresti, himself 28 years old. “We’re trying to discourage the younger crowd who spray champagne and go wild.”
To achieve this, Dolce is trying to exude an upmarket attitude. At a recent preview, guests were greeted with (not sprayed by) sparkling wine and a bevy of long-limbed hostesses in skin-tight uniforms designed by Toronto’s Joeffer Caoc. The decor strives for moneyed glitz and was handled by Charles Doell of the California firm Mister Important: sheets of crumpled gold metal line the columns and the ceiling, giving the illusion of rippling water. Psychedelic atom-shaped lamps hang over booths, and unisex bathroom stalls feature clear doors that turn opaque when locked (we’re told they cost $8,000 each).
It’s an ambitious venture for Agresti, and we’re not sure if Torontonians—be they sophisticats or not—are in need of more $20 covers and $200 bottles, particularly in a part of town increasingly saturated with similar options (Cheval, Cobra, The Roosevelt Room). Then again, the ever-changing whims of club-goers could tip in Agresti’s favour. With money starting to trickle back onto Bay Street, its denizens will need somewhere to spend it.
Dolce Social Ballroom, 647 King St. W. (at Bathurst), 416-361-9111, dolcesocial.com.
![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://torontolife.com/food/just-opened-dolce-social-ballroom-condolands-new-dance-club-goes-after-30-somethings/&title=Just Opened: Dolce Social Ballroom, condoland’s new dance club, goes after 30-somethings&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/staff.JPG&description=[caption id="attachment_14848" align="alignleft" width="360" caption="The ladies of Dolce (Photos by Karon Liu)"][/caption]
Yet another dance club at King and Bathurst awaits downtown condo dwellers who made it to this side of the recession with some cash in their pockets. Dolce Social Ballroom, which opened this past weekend, is the latest venture from Travis Agresti—the man who, at 22 years old, linked up with Vince Carter to open Kai and Inside Entertainment Complex (all three are now history). Agresti is back, having spent 16 months and $2 million merging an Indian restaurant with a derelict lounge to create Dolce, a venue aimed squarely at mature partiers (dubbed “sophisticats” in press materials). “It seems there is a lack of nightclubs for the 30-something crowd to let loose in. You've got kiddie-land on Richmond and pockets here and there on Ossington, but that's about it," says Agresti, himself 28 years old. "We're trying to discourage the younger crowd who spray champagne and go wild."
To achieve this, Dolce is trying to exude an upmarket attitude. At a recent preview, guests were greeted with (not sprayed by) sparkling wine and a bevy of long-limbed hostesses in skin-tight uniforms designed by Toronto’s Joeffer Caoc. The decor strives for moneyed glitz and was handled by Charles Doell of the California firm Mister Important: sheets of crumpled gold metal line the columns and the ceiling, giving the illusion of rippling water. Psychedelic atom-shaped lamps hang over booths, and unisex bathroom stalls feature clear doors that turn opaque when locked (we're told they cost $8,000 each).
It's an ambitious venture for Agresti, and we're not sure if Torontonians—be they sophisticats or not—are in need of more $20 covers and $200 bottles, particularly in a part of town increasingly saturated with similar options (Cheval, Cobra, The Roosevelt Room). Then again, the ever-changing whims of club-goers could tip in Agresti's favour. With money starting to trickle back onto Bay Street, its denizens will need somewhere to spend it.
Dolce Social Ballroom, 647 King St. W. (at Bathurst), 416-361-9111, dolcesocial.com.){kind=link}
“all three are now history”….soon to be four. How stupid.
Was at the opening on Saturday. IMO, this place can’t be compared to any of the three others. The design and attention to detail are lightyears ahead of any other club in the city. Just wait until this place gets kickin’, I think the celebs will line up, as this will be the place to be seen in Toronto.
Bring on the 905ers!!!
Myself, being apart of the Dolce crew and knowing first hand that we have a team [from those of us on the floor right up to the top] who are committed to bringing n’ maintaining a solid fresh vibe for “all” within the mature crowd to………[wait for it]……….
ENJOY YOURSELVES ;)
Bring those open minds, respectfully let loose and above all… GET YUH GROOVE ON! We truly do aim to please. The more we see you enjoy yourselves, the more incentive we have to follow suite. Fair trade, yes ;)
Till’ then, PEACE!
“T”…thank you for proving my point. Peace out yo!
mattagascar slim says:
“all three are now history”….soon to be four. How stupid.
&
“T”…thank you for proving my point. Peace out yo!
Peace out yo!?! Hey mattagascar slim, its ok to be jealous of a place you can never get into, be don’t be a douche – spouting facts of which you know none of. The club was designed for people looking for that touch of Vegas North of the Boarder, and they will not be disapointed! I was also there the opening night and I had a blast. Everything from the incredibly attractive servers, to the small touches like invitations made from copper plating. I will continue to come back for a great night out.
See you in the club yo! LOL!
First id like to say, im NOT 28, im 24, and i went to dolce lastnight (thursday). Ill start with the good, its a nice place, nothing crazy and not much to look at really, but its nice. ok that list is done…
Now…Who’s ever idea it was, to make it 28+ for guys, has GOT to be out of his/her mind. This has got to be one of the stupidest ideas and try hard way of “wanting to be different” that ive seen of so far. The club was packed with old balding guys who just stood around and sipped on their drinks. Girls? well what kind of girls do you expect to be at a club where all the guys are 45? there was about a 4 guy to 1 girl ratio at this place. BORING party, Music was ok, to bad none of the grandparents knew any of the songs huh? You guys might be thinking 30’s the new 20, but youre wrong, very very wrong. I give this place a month before they start BEGGING us mid 20’s people to come to their parties, and i say this based on the fact by 1:30 people had already started leaving. This is a crocodile rock with a dress code
From a business perspective, youve chosen a terrible demographic to cater to ESPECIALLY for a nightclub, considering the large portion of people who go out, spend money, and return time and time again to clubs are all UNDER 28. You dont want us at your club? DONT WORRY, we dont want to be there, century and cheval have nothing to worry about.
CJD…talk to me in February when the place is empty. By the way, there is no way in hell any club in Toronto can compare with Vegas…have you ever even been there?
Saw Dolce last night and thought it was great. I’m 30 and my gal is 25 and of course we were both welcomed in. Club looks great and has a great feel. Pretty good night for a rainy Thursday too.
Looking forward to seeing the Saturday crowd!
P.S. The staff is hot!!
P.P.S Blowfish across the street has a great sushi menu too!
Dear 20/20:
I too was at Dolce, but I’m not the mid-20’s girl that you speak of that goes out to nightclubs. I’d like to think of myself as a mature, professional, 30-something year old woman, who still likes to go out and socialize with people my age. Frankly, I’m glad you didn’t like Dolce and that you want to stay at Cheval and Century. Those were my spots years ago until the kids moved in and took over. I prefer my male friends to be older than what you’re used to. I prefer professional men who have careers and are not concerned with the latest DJ at Century. I’m not putting down Century or Cheval, their demographic is just no longer my style.
Are you so narrow minded to think that only 20-somethings like to go out and have a good time? Sweetie, you’re sadly mistaken. Let’s see how you feel in 6 years! You’re also mistaken if you think that us “grandparents” spend less money than you 20-somethings!
From a business perspective, you obviously have none. Why should Dolce start another BORING nightclub targeting ONLY 20-something year olds? But you’re right, Century and Cheval have nothing to worry about… their 20-something year olds can stay there, because we don’t want you partying with us at Dolce either.
Here’s an idea – If you dont like it dont go! Personally, as a 30 year old, would not step foot in that Dolce place.
They are trying out their concept which they believe in. So be it.
And if does fail and they mix it up and try to cater to a lower age group and all the 20 somethings start to go because its the happening place, I am sure 20/20 will be in line.
As for the 905’r comment, I am not a 905’r but who cares if they go. It is more than likely that 60% of the people in Toronto bars are from outside the core so why make it some huge deal? All the so called “Hipsters” dont even really live in the city anyway. Bogus.
pay your bill’s and maybe they will
I, too, have been to Dolce Social and, from someone who has been clubbing for just about 15yrs (and I’m only just turning 30) I can honestly say that I was pleased. To 20/20: I have to say your closed-mindedness is going to kick you in your behind sooner than you know! You have no clue about business sense seeing as the demographic of clubbers my age far out-weigh yours. You probably wouldn’t know that though seeing as most of the people in your age bracket have only just started clubbing where people in mine have been doing it before we were even legal. That was the way it was – more underground parties and a lot easier to get into regular clubs with a fake ID (not that I’m promoting that LOL). I’ve been, and continue to go, to a large number of venues in and around the city as well as travel extensively, visiting some interesting clubs and lounges around the world. Dolce is a nice, upscale venue with an attractive, sophisticated clientele; music is not the best but it’s nothing that can’t be sorted out. I’m in total agreeance with 30-Something who stated that she, like me, went to Century when Century was good and not overrun with children trying to emulate “coolness”. I am the club-goer who goes for the music as well as the company. The clubs in this city cater to kids who want to grind up on one another and drink beyond the point of comprehension. When I was in my early 20’s it wasn’t like that so surely, 20/20, you can appreciate that times have changed. 30yr olds are not all boring old fogies at home with a family; people are settling down a lot later in life now. I, along with many others my age, would still very much like to go to a nice place, hear good music and socialize like a human being as opposed to a sexed-up animal who is only let out of the house on Saturdays having to act like a fool to get any attention. I’ve seen clubs come and go as I’ve seen clubbers come and go. Is Dolce my numero uno – no; but it’s far from horrible and shouldn’t be frowned upon for catering to a demographic which has more money, more class and more common sense than anyone in the early 20’s. Clubland on a Friday night is nearing ‘ghost-town’ status whereas when I was partying on the regular Thursday through Sunday were busy nights in the downtown core; no matter the season. So please, refrain from stating that your demographic is greater in number when you have no experience to back it up. When you reach 30 and start to notice that life didn’t end and you still want to go out and enjoy yourself because ‘surprise’ you don’t look like an 85yr, you will want to go to a place where little boys that reach your chest are not trying to pick you up with tasteless one-liners while trying to ‘feel you up’ as you walk by and women are decent, not darting dagger-eyes because you might be standing next to their boyfriend in line by the bar. You surely will get to the point where you don’t want to feel like a chaperone because people in their late 20’s and early 30’s are feeling that very way in the clubs that are exclusively catering to the “just got legal wooo hooo” crowd.
There should be more places like Dolce opening up but for the time being I’ve heard nothing but good things from people in and around my age. Yes, it might attract some older men but seeing as they just stand around and don’t try to grope you like the 22yr olds do, I’m not too bothered.
My company was cleaning Dolce for 2 months. They asked me to buy wax for floors so I can bill them later. They called me numerous times say at 6pm saying that construction guys did mess and needs to be cleaned before 9pm opening. At the end they didn’t pay me $2500 for month and a half saying that it was large amount (wax only cost me only about $700 and additional cleanings). Never return call and it’s like they don’t feel like paying.
Sometimes you loose money as part of the business, but these people would treat me like a lowlife, offered my employees to work for them directly. They put it this way either I accept their terms and abuse or get out, which I did. Very very unrespectfull people.
I so wanted to love this bar. It should possess everything the 30+ crowd would want for a night out of good company and good dancing. I attended with a seasoned crowd of party goers who have been to the best clubs in New York and Montreal and Dolce fell flat.
Sadly it was the DJ who did the bulk of the damage. While his mixing skills were formidable and to be appreciated from a listening stand point (as a former DJ myself) his consideration for the dancers was almost zero. He allowed for no rhythm or tempo as he jumped from one song to the next in 30-45 second intervals.
Everyone in our group felt robbed repeatedly as you would just celebrate the intro to a great song and start to move towards the dance floor or start moving to the beat only to have the tempo and beat change as the next song was immediately mixed in.
DJ’s need to learn that it is not just about their mixing skills and is also about giving dancers some time to enjoy a song and dance to a beat with having them change pace and tempo every 30-45 seconds.
Not one of our group said they would go back and that is sad because otherwise this bar has tons of potential for the over 30 set.
In response to the last post, yes the dj did mix a little too much but his selection of music was fantastic so that made up for it. Negative was that it was very difficult to get a drink at the bar and I love to be able to enjoy many..LOL! I’ve been to Dolce a few times now and I’ll definitively be back. Crowd is amazing, no edhardy printed T-shirts and great looking guys and girls. Decor is not Toronto at all its like walking into another city, service staff was also fantastic. A lot of Celeb sightings as well, Saturday night Mats Sundin and Tie Domi were there with some other Leafs and on the other side of the room in a booth was Carmen Electra and friends… Whoa! def Toronto’s new hotspot!
Brought my staff there on Saturday! Place was packed! Good people no kids (i.e 19-25yr olds). We had a great time, rumor is they have a big patio opening… Can’t wait for that!!!!
The club looks nice but its small. Good upscale bar with nice decor and good looking people. (Went Mid July ’10)
Odd thing is that once you wait inline outside the club you got to wait inside in another line if you want to go to the patio. Which is tuff if you have a large group
Music was okay… but the audio quality was terrible… and for some reason they just kept cranking it up which annoyed me
Drinks are cover are mad expensive $7.50 drinks and $20 cover but that what you get if you want to party with a mature crowd.
Overall average nite…. but i guess it all depends on the nites crowd.. cheers!
This place will die a FAST death soon like Circo. Where is the mature money crowd they were/are hoping to get ? went there & the 20 somethings were in the guest list line – the bottle service line was so young they were asking for ID & credit card & poor thing could not find a credit card.
So, after being on the so called guest list, had to join another long line which were all guest list people. Sp pretencious and strange from the outside I said to my friend and the bouncers who possiblt make minimum wage – F**K you and went back to Century. Really screwed up place
ok – then help! i need a place for a stagette. we’re all over 35 and all urban. and all want to dance. but loathe obvious 905’ers, and do not want to be surrounded by 20 year old PYTs. any recommendations????