I have outgrown my clubbing days but I think Friday Night Live is a great substitute. No spilled drinks, no people trampling all over your toes on the dance floor and awesome decor in the form of gi-normous dinosaurs. It's like a really big high school dance party except there's something for everyone! The geeks can peruse the exhibits, the socialites can hang out on the dance floor, and the alcoholics can hang out by the bar (although it is not the most extensive selection).
Food/drink items are $6 a pop (you have to buy "ROM bucks"). The good thing is that if you buy too many, you can save them until the next one (provided they're in the same session - e.g. can't use the Spring FNL ROM bucks for Fall session). I was pretty full after 2 food items and 1 drink. Some of the food items are 2/$6 which makes things a bit complicated especially if all you really want is a coffee (but you're forced to get a cookie too because ROM bucks are 1 ticket = $6). It might be helpful if they just made them $1 each and then you wouldn't be obliged to get items that you may otherwise not have gotten.
You don't even have to stumble out for sub-par post-clubbing food (poutine/hot dog stand/burrito) - there are plenty of great vendors.
Came here for the kick-off of the 2013 Spring session of FNL @ the ROM - Juno After Dark featuring Jully Black. She didn't really do it for me.
For me the experience was about catching up with friends, tasting some delicious food and just experiencing the ROM in a really cool way.
Whoever thought about this is a genious!
$12 admission but free for ROM members. Definitely a great way to soak in some culture, yummy eats and libations.