Oh Alleycatz, I try to get away but you're just so convenient.
This place has been my first and last option on many occasions when I was just too lazy to get on the subway, or too fearful of dealing with the B.O. and life threatening experience that we call a cab ride in Toronto.
The $10 cover is average. It makes it easier to swallow since there is almost never a line-up when I do go. The dress code is enforced randomly, although on most nights I just wear sneakers and never have a problem. The best part about this place is the live band on Saturday nights. They really get the crowd in the mood and they play old school R&B and hip-hop regularly.
The drinks are on the pricey side and it can get VERY crowded sometimes. They don't offer bottle service for some reason. It can take a LONG time to order drinks from the bar. I've seen a bartender throw a tip (not mine) away because he considered it "cheap". I thought it was pretty rude. They're not the friendliest bunch in my experience.
Despite the $10 cover and expensive drinks, I'll still keep coming back. The routine has been to get drunk at Alleycatz, go to Mars for some corned beef hash, stagger home, and pass out. You can't put a price on that!