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Kool Haus
Category: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Music Venues [Edit]
132 Queens Quay EToronto, ON M5A 3Y5
(416) 869-0045
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
16 reviews for Kool Haus
16 reviews in English
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Review from Chris P.
Came here for the Movember gala party. Based on other's comments throughout the night I guess they've recently renovated. The bathrooms smelled like fresh paint. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but it's better than them smelling like piss.
There isn't much to the decor here. It's a giant warehouse painted black with a bar on each wall. The staff were great. The lines moved quickly and my only complaint was that they ran out of Rickard's. Normally I wouldn't care that a bar ran out of swill and I had to start drinking the premium options, but Rickard's was a Movember sponsor so I think that's pretty poor planning on their part to run out of product. -
Review from john l.
Toronto, ON
10/16/2011
I've been to Kool Haus a few times each year. I'm there more because of the musical acts that play there - whether this applies to you, that depends on whether you like who plays there! But still, there are a lot of variety as to who comes to play there. I've seen Underworld, Muse, moby, thievery corporation...and the ticket prices are reasonable (though not cheap) - figure on paying $35. (But compare that to seeing a band you love play at a huge venue and you paying $100).
It's a good place if you like to rock out...the stage is pretty wide so the floor room is too. That way you're not so far off from a good view.
Acoustics aren't the greatest there. Getting there is pretty decent although still a trek to get from the TTC (but that's because the TTC is $#!t. -
Review from Ian P.
Toronto, ON
10/12/2011
The only time I went to Kool Haus was to see Crystal Castles. Maybe this was my first mistake.
If you love 19 year olds indiscriminately shoving their way past you all night long, $10 single drinks, shitty security who insist on stealing your cigarettes and sticky floors, you'll love Kool Haus.
The best part of the night was watching some dude fingerbang his girlfriend on the dancefloor. -
Review from Jen I.
Mississauga, ON
4/19/2011
I don't mind the Kool Haus. If I have to see a concert somewhere, I'd rather it be at the Kool Haus than....the ACC, let's say. It definitely wins over the Sound Crapademy too.
I can't even count the number of shows I've seen here over the years, so perhaps nostalgia plays a part in my soft spot for the place. The sound is alright, I always wear earplugs anyway so it's the same to me. I can usually find a spot where I can see at least one member of the band clearly without Joe McTallerthanme blocking my view. If you stand near the far bar on the right usually you can get a spot with a good view without being crushed.
Bonus Point: asked the bartender if they gave free soft drinks to Designated Drivers and the answer was "YES". Well, actually the answer was more like "What?? ...I guess so?" but I got my free diet Coke in the end, so I can't complain.Listed in: Toronto LIVE Music!
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Review from Luis H.
Toronto, ON
11/9/2011
Located near the Guvernment nightclub complex on Queen's Quay, the Koolhaus offers a great performance space for artists and performers, as well as a large dancefloor for patrons attending special events held at this location throughout the year. Check their website as well as local newspapers for events being held here.
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Review from Andrea Z.
Hamilton, ON
5/1/2011 1 photo
I love the Kool Haus as a concert venue!
Since I've been to the venue numerous times, here are some of my likes and dislikes:
Likes:
- Great acoustics. I swear, I hardly ever hear feedback when bands are playing, and I typically find the sound to be at a reasonable level.
- Horizontal Set Up. Since the venue is kind of horizontally laid out, you can get a close up view regardless of where your standing (unless a giant is in front of you).
- Within walking distance of Union Station.
- Longo's located directly across the street. Best thing ever when its raining, and your with a group of people and don't want to get wet.
- Accessible by public transit (ie. TTC buses).
- Awesome dance floor. Unlike the Sound Academy and other venues in Toronto, I find that I never have sore feet after standing for a couple hours.
Dislikes:
- Slowest entrance ever. I swear, even if you buy your tickets from Rogers, the line up to get in is insane.
- Bathrooms. Not only are they in a bad location, they are dark, dirty and consistently run out of toilet paper. I honestly wish they would get the bathroom attendant to clean the bathroom, rather than just sit on a stool handing out towels.
- Expensive Beverages. I swear, if you aren't dying of thirst, don't waste your money at the bar.Listed in: Concert Chaos
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Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
8/11/2010
Say what you want about Kool Haus, but it's a decent place to see a show. It isn't the greatest of venues, but thankfully, it isn't like the Sound Academy. *Shudder*
What Kool Haus has to offer is its good acoustics, lighting and stage. I've seen a lot of shows over the years (Queens of the Stone Age, The Black Crowes, Peaches, Eagles of Death Metal), and I've rarely left disappointed because the venue didn't meet my expectations. It wasn't until recently that I was reminded at how decent the place was when I saw The Black Keys.
I found a spot near the edge of the stage, I still had a great view of the show. The stage is big and high enough that you can see the show from wherever you're located, provided that no one over six feet tall stands in front of you. Inevitably, this always happens to me. Also, the speakers weren't situated right there, which meant that by the end of the night my ears weren't ringing loudly (always wear earplugs, kids!). The overall sound and lighting were great. I don't know if the duo from Akron, OH, brought their own lighting and sound guy, but I have no complaints about it.
Kool Haus is also known as The Guvernment, which is a club, and on weekends, the club kids ascend upon it. I can't tell you how the venue is during these nights because I don't club anymore.
But as someone who did attend club nights when Kool Haus was known as the Warehouse and R.P.M., it was one of the best club venues in the city. It offered good sound, "great music" (when I liked techno) by top d.j.'s in the city, and none of this designer chic, loungey, Ibiza-esque atmosphere that a lot of clubs nowadays administer. Yawn.
The location isn't convenient but it's accessible. In the summer months, it's a 20 minute walk from King Station; 15 minutes if you're a fast walker. It's a relatively safe walk and properly lit thanks to the condo developments nearby. The walk along Queen's Quay is fine though spotty but if you're seeing a show there, you won't be the only one trekking back to Union Station by foot.
Alternatively, you can take the 6 Bay bus that will drop you off at the corner of Queen's Quay and Jarvis, just on the other side of Kool Haus' entrance. It will also take you to Union. I don't know how much parking is as I don't drive but no doubt it must be expensive.
It's not a surprise that the drinks here are ridiculously overpriced. You pay $8.50 for a Smirnoff ice, a few bucks less for a domestic beer. But what is ridiculous is paying $4 for water! For many years I kept my plastic water bottle with label 'The Guvernment' on it as a reminder of how much distilled tap water cost me when I was thirsty.
My best advice: save your cash on merchandise from your favourite band or for the cab fare to get home safe and sound.Listed in: Play It Louder
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Review from Ethan R.
Courtice, ON
7/26/2011
I saw Lamb of God there back in 07'
The lights were really good, however the speakers were extremely loud and I was close to the back.
Whenever the singer would talk in-between songs it was almost un-barable.
The washrooms were pretty sketchy. Looked like people hit up on shit during raves at that place.
Overall its an ok venue. I wouldnt want to spend over 30 dollars on a ticket to see anyone there. -
Review from Kat F.
3/30/2009
Kool Haus used to be at the very, very bottom of my list of Toronto's worst concert venues, but then Sound Academy and Arrow Hall came along and are both currently tied for that distinction. Compared to those two places, travelling to Kool Haus is an absolute breeze.
What still DOES suck, though, is the layout. And the filthy, poorly stocked washrooms. Oh, and let's not forget the dismal sound quality.
When you arrive at Kool Haus, there's usually a decent amount of confusion because there are separate lines for ID, tickets and security/frisking, and none of them are in sync with one another. If you're on a guest list or need to pick up a ticket from Will Call, prepare for even MORE confusion as there are separate wickets for each type of pickup and you almost never go to the right one by default.
Once inside, NEVER check your coat, unless you want to wait 1+ hours afterwards to retrieve it. Suck it up and keep your coat on, or stuff it in a corner and go back to get it later. The lineup to leave at the end of the night is unwieldy so either leave early or keep right as you exit so you don't get caught in the masses of people waiting for coat check (sometimes it looks like just one line).
If you want a good spot up front, arrive early. Kool Haus crowds are notoriously difficult to penetrate and the layout makes it get packed quickly. On the topic of pushing to the front - you shouldn't do it anyway cause it's unbelievably rude, but in case you were thinking of doing it, Kool Haus isn't the best place for it.
My favourite spot to stand when it's a sold out show is on the far right of the stage. Once you push past the lollygaggers at the back you can easily secure a spot where you won't be pushed or shoved for the duration of the show, and the bar on that side is FAR less busy than the others.
Kool Haus may not be the worst of the lot, but it's definitely on my list of venues I'll only tolerate in order to see my most favourite live acts. -
Review from Marie F.
4/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
You never forget your first...
It was Christmas 2001 and I was going to the Edge Electric Christmas series at the Kool Haus featuring Mud Men, Joydrop and Bif Naked.
As a young naive and impressionable 18 year old, I remember thinking "I love this place!". Almost 10 years later the nostalgia has worn off and it seems every time I see a concert here, I hate this venue more.
Never mind the inconvenient walk from Union station to get here...
$7 cocktails (stubby glass with ice!)
$4 bottles of water
Disgusting toilets featuring no toilet paper
Pillars that obstruct your view, everywhere
Ridiculous coat check lineups
Shitty acoustics
No ventilation= sweaty inferno
Zero safe exit strategy after the show
Not kool... not kool! -
Review from Kate M.
Toronto, ON
5/12/2009
Oh Kool Haus. How un-"kool" you are to me.
First off, you are in the middle of nowhere. You are not convenient and there is nothing around you. I mean there is a Loblaws around you (which is helpful if you need to pee or buy a snack or something if you are waiting in line for a long time and your friend can hold your spot and all), but really that is it.
You think things would get better once to are inside this venue, but no.
Think outside the box? The Kool Haus is a box. Like actually. It is a square black box. Not so sound friendly and the limited seating near the bar is quite the restricted view. Don't plan on buying anything from the bar either, unless you are really that thirsty. Pop is more then beer. $4. Way to encourage people to be a good designated drivers!
I continue to put up with you though Kool Haus. No matter how un-"kool" you are. Good bands play here. I've been to some great shows here. That's enough to keep me holding on...for now.
Hint: Go to the far right. Trust it is the best. -
Review from Hungry A.
9/2/2008
An interesting and pretty cool place to see a show. Standing Room + a few lounge areas.
Their alcoholic beverage prices are absolutely re-donk-u-lous.
Insane.
However, they continue to bring the best live acts in a small venue which is affordable.
Shows I Have Seen Here:
---------------------------------------
Nine Inch Nails / Dresden Dolls
Death Cab For Cutie
Arctic Monkeys / We Are Scientists
Interpol
Kings Of Leon
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Review from Payam Z.
3/23/2009 1 photo
After attending Armin Van Buuren's set here this past weekend, I think it's finally time to write a review for this venue.
First of all, to be fair to the organizers, the pricing for the drinks and the event itself were reasonable.
While I had a pretty good time, there were a lot of things I thought could have been done much better at such a "prestigious" entertainment complex:
first of all, Koolhuas is anything but cool, for any club or concert hall that I have been, I have never felt so sweaty and suffocated, even when I was just standing and waiting for the show to start. Ventilation is a bit better closer to the bars, but if you want to have any view of the performers, you can expect to be cooked medium well within the hour.
Second the security was almost not present. Good number of fights breaking out.
Third, it seemed that people who did not have tickets were coming in from other Guv clubs (Orange room etc) and thus causing severe overcrowding of Koolhaus.
Finally, and most importantly, the sound system was absolutely horrible and made the #1 DJ sound like an amateur pumping loud beats with no tunes.
I would still come back if big names are playing, and appreciate them for their impressive lineup. That being said, they can do much better. Check out the Guvernment if you have a choice. -
Review from Jennifer L.
Toronto, ON
2/9/2010
I'm always on the fence about the Kool Haus. it'll have to be something grand or special to get me to go there. I've also had some great memories and seen some amazing concerts back when it was the RPM and the Warehouse, from when I was a youngin' just starting to go to concerts back in high school. Oh, memories.
Kool Haus is great for big heavy rock shows or ravey electronic acts and getting drowned in the sound. Not particularly good for wanting to "watch" the band though.
The key is to find the perfect standing area and then you're set for the rest of the night. I have my spot that I like to stand in but I shan't share where it is because then it may be over flooded then I'd have to find a new spot.
Getting there isn't so terrible. I like to grab a drink around Front/Church Street before heading over there, that way I'm a little sloshy on the walk over (about a 10 minute walk), to make it all the less painful. It's all about planning ahead and being strategic about back streets and short cuts. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
12/7/2008
I like my concerts on the intimate side, where I can rush up to the front, take some photos, and be guaranteed that my ribcage will not puncture my internal organs.
The Kool Haus is one of those mid-sized venues, necessary to house bands that are too big for nightclubs and clearly unable to sell enough seats in an arena. For that, I understand why it's a necessary place. Its location is a bit off-putting, too; even though it's quite central, it's just far enough off the beaten track to require a cab service to get somewhere else more quickly -- and believe me, you probably do want to go somewhere else since there's nothing down there.
At any rate, I've seen some good bands here (Belle & Sebastian, Oasis, Blur, Wolf Parade, INXS, Rufus Wainwright), and I have some great memories, barring the Oasis gig where I got caught in a mosh pit for three songs. From that point, I vowed to stay off to the side for all following shows, and it's been tolerable.
Generally, it's an okay venue. I just like my places a bit smaller, and in a more interesting area. I've never declined a concert held Kool Haus, but there's never been a time I've sought out shows specifically played there, either.Listed in: Get your gig on
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Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
10/10/2008
Definitely the larger of the rooms found at the Guvernment complex (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...), you can take from its former name, The Warehouse, a sense of the size and scope of the place. There's really no way around this one. It's a box. A big black box.
Three different bars surround the large dance area with a smaller lounge area with couches and a separate bar at the right side as you enter. The stage is the thing where bands who look to perform to a maximum of 1600 people. A good number for sure. The sad part is that they're not in for the best sound of their lives. Playing inside a massive cinder block usually doesn't make for a good time, sound-wise. It passes, and if you've got a ton of people screaming out the lyrics and dancing anyway, you can make do with what's given. But there are better sounding rooms in the city.
