Retro Active
Get lost in another era and relive the city’s golden ages
Back to the future: the Paddock and Circa
Image credit: Paddock by John Cullen; Circa by Ryan Szulc
1920s: The Paddock
With live jazz, deco furnishings and classic cocktails befitting the age of Al Capone, the only thing missing from this speakeasy-esque pub is a cloud of smoke.
1960s: Andy Poolhall
Like Austin Powers’ clubhouse come to life, this sprawling bar (equipped with five red felt pool tables) pays tribute to the Age of Aquarius. Kick back in one of the Pierre Paulin chairs (formerly in British Airways’ Concorde lounge at JFK International) and start feeling groovy.
1980s: 2 Cats Cocktail Lounge
Part luxe Manhattan coke den (it is, in fact, an NYC-inspired lounge), part “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” video, 2 Cats embodies the era of excess with booty-shaking to such ’80s icons as Boy George, George Michael and The Cure. Dance moves have been known to get a little X-rated, so it’s definitely the place to unleash that inner Material Girl.
1990s: Circa
Toronto’s much hyped mega-club is the best place to relive pre-millennium party culture. The multi-level behemoth has all the necessities for a parachute pant–optional rave: sweaty legions dancing to electronica, strobe lighting and glow sticks. 126 John St., 416-979-0044.
2000s: Drake Hotel
Nothing says millennium like the everything-old-is-new-again aesthetic at Queen West’s most controversial hang. Despite being blamed for commercializing the strip and bringing in the 905, round-the-corner lineups prove business is still booming.
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