SoundProof - Feature - Three Beers At

Migrating north a few streets from our usual Friday night hotspots in Kensington Market, my friends and I find ourselves waiting in line at Riva Supper Lounge in the heart of Little Italy on College St., west of Bathurst. As I look down at the plush red carpet and eye the velvet rope keeping us from entering the lounge, I feel slightly under-dressed in blue jeans and Pumas. Despite my casual attire, the rope is lifted for me by one of Riva's bulky bouncers, though I'm sure they would have thought twice if only they had more ladies inside that night.

As soon as we get in, we are ushered downstairs to the coat check. After shedding our layers for a cheap fare, we resurface to the main floor and make a beeline to the bar. Two vodka sodas later I begin to take in the scenery. Exposed brick walls, candlelit dark brown tables and snug booths set the tone for intimate dining between pairs and small parties. These tables are, however, emptied as the clocks ticks closer to midnight. With drink number three and girlfriends in tow, I follow this warm ambience down the hall towards the back where Riva ruptures into its vibrant lounge area behind a heavy velvet curtain. Soaring red walls meet cathedral ceilings from which hangs a decorative iron chandelier, completing the dance hall's modernized Victorian theme.

We are greeted by swarms of men in uniform blazers and girls with overflowing drinks, all dancing to the beats of DJ T-Rexx. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday this pint-sized supper lounge hosts a different DJ and tonight he T--Rexx alternates between vintage and contemporary top 40 hits, everything from Bowie to MIMS. With such a wide palette, it is easy to find something you can move to. Taking a break from the rhythmic (and rhythmically challenged) bodies, I maneuver to the bar in the rear and order myself a Riva Martini, a stiff drink consisting of Grey Goose L'orange infused with cranberry. I move through the crowded red room with my matching red drink and sink into a section of the black seat that runs the periphery of the room. The crowd in front of me resembles my office coworkers, except with shirts untucked and ties loosened in an elated response to the end of another work week.

Though slightly out of my element, I am pleased to find a venue outside of the familiarity of Kensington Market that offers both dining and dancing for reasonable prices. Doused in deep reds, big mirrors, and decorative chandeliers, I feel like I'm drinking and dancing in a modern Victorian house. With a wide variety of drinks and a range of danceable beats, the intimate and trendy resto-lounge has something for everyone. Whether you take your cosmos with a side of Jay-Z, or prefer pints and AC/DC, the right combination will eventually be found at the cozy Riva Supper Lounge.

Note to self for potential future visits: trade the Pumas for pumps.