Club that was once a legendary bar has closed down in Toronto

A space that had transformed a popular dive bar into a clubby atmosphere just suddenly announced they were shutting down.

Club 693 has a storied history as Clinton’s, a bar situated on the corner of Clinton in Koreatown right near the Christie subway station. The place had existed as Clinton’s for almost 85 years before announcing in February 2020 that they had closed.

It was then taken over by the people behind a nearby karaoke joint, and turned into a source for Korean food temporarily. The space eventually turned into Club 693, which recaptured some of the dance party vibes of Clinton’s.

The club recently posted to social media that they were having their last dance party ever on the day of, along with a video compiling footage from the bar.

“Club 693/Bar 693 (formally Clinton’s) is closing. If you loved the space as much as we did then you’re invited to join our last party TONIGHT! Our favourite in house DJ @frissonstyle, along with a few other DJs will be spinning an open format music set. Throughout the night, anyone who wants to perform on stage for the last time is welcome,” reads the post.

“Thank you to all our staff that made Club 693 possible. @cesar_neuromantix who created beautiful artwork in the club and front bar. Every organizer that hosted an event here and especially those who came back multiple times. To every artist/band that has performed and put on a great show. We truly loved creating and elevating the look and overall vibe of this venue that used to be Clinton’s.”

The post also advertised that they’d have an open bar until they ran out, and that they were selling most items in the club with a suggestion to DM if interested.

Club 693’s closing party took place on June 1.