Taverns in Toronto - More Than Just a Place to Drink

May 12, 1957 – Algonquin Tavern was once located at 5797 Yonge St, south of Cummer Ave, in the Newtonbrook neighbourhood of Toronto.

In the 1950s, the three-story brick and stucco building had twelve bedrooms, a dining room, and operated as a tavern run by the Elliott family (Toronto Public Library Pictures- R-6205 – James Victor Salmon photographer)

January 5, 1955 – Angelo’s Tavern was once located at 144 Chestnut St, at the northwest corner of Edward St in the Discovery District of Toronto.

Angelo’s opened as an Italian restaurant in 1921 by Angelo Belfanti. It later became known as Angelo’s Tavern. However, in 1957, the beloved tavern, where customers “pushed through beaded and string-corded curtains,” closed due to land expropriation. The restaurant reopened as Old Angelo’s in 1959, a few blocks northeast, once at 45 Elm St (Toronto Public Library Pictures- R-3614 – James Victor Salmon photographer)

1972 – Avion House Hotel was once located at 434 Gerrard St E, at the northeast corner of Sumach St in the Cabbagetown South neighbourhood of Toronto.

In a building constructed in the early 1890s that originally served as a pharmacy, the Avion Hotel first appeared at the address in the 1935 Toronto City Directory. Later known as Avion House, the establishment featured two entrances: one for men and another for ladies and their escorts. The Avion closed in the early 1980s and briefly operated as the Cabbagetown Tavern. Since the late 1990s, the building has been used for residential purposes (City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Planning Board fonds, Fonds 2032, Series 841, File 36, Item 13)

1972 – Bacchus Steakhouse & Tavern was once located at 50 King St E, at the northwest corner of Toronto St in the St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto.

In a building that had previously housed Letros Tavern, Bacchus Steakhouse & Tavern opened in 1971. The restaurant, located on the main floor, served generous portions of steak and seafood and featured live piano music. One of its charming areas was the cozy Fireplace Room, while the tavern was situated downstairs. Bacchus Steakhouse & Tavern was short-lived and closed in the early 1980s (City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Planning Board fonds, Fonds 2032, Series 841, File 69, Item 20)

1950s – The Bermuda Tavern was once located at 379 Yonge St, just south of Gerrard St E, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

The tavern first appeared in the Toronto City Directory in 1948 and was last listed in 1992. Early ads for the Bermuda Tavern described it as a place where patrons could enjoy dining in a “cool and restful” atmosphere, with painted scenes of the archipelago. The tavern, which by the 1960s had spears and native masks on the walls, over time shifted to featuring topless go-go dancers with “waiters who act like prison wardens.” (City of Toronto Archives, Strathy Smith fonds, Fonds 1128, Series 380, Item 287)

June 7, 1981 – The Beverley Tavern, in the right foreground, was once located at 240 Queen St W, on the north side between McCaul St and John St, in the Entertainment District of Toronto.

The establishment, originally known as the Beverley Hotel since approximately 1911, became the Beverley Tavern in the late 1950s. In 1967, the Kolyn family purchased the tavern, and in 1982, Lawrence Kolyn took over its operation. The Beverley Tavern became popular among both professors and students from the Ontario College of Art (OCA), who had been frequenting it since the 1960s.

The Bev played a significant role in the punk and new wave scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s, hosting notable acts such as Martha and the Muffins. The “alternative country and folk rock band” Cowboy Junkies performed for the first time upstairs in The Attic.

For a period, the tavern also hosted poetry readings and painting and photography exhibits. After years of irregular hours, Mr. Kolyn decided to sell the Beverley Tavern, which closed its doors on Saturday, December 27, 2003. Today, the building serves as commercial space (City of Toronto Archives, Harvey R. Naylor fonds, Fonds 1526, File 76, Item 29)

April 2, 2021 – The Black Bull Tavern was once at 298 Queen St W, at the northeast corner of Soho St, in the Kensington-Chinatown neighbourhood and Entertainment District of Toronto.

The establishment dates back to 1833. Originally, it was a two-storey wooden structure, featuring a tavern on the ground floor and an inn on the upper level. Initially known as Drovers’ Arms/House and the Black Bull Inn, it was operated by J. Baker, a butcher by trade.

In 1886, the Black Bull was reconstructed into the current three-storey red-brick building with a mansard roof. A few years later, an extension was added to the back of the building, at 3 Soho St. After nearly two centuries of operation, the Black Bull Tavern closed its doors on April 3, 2024. Today, the building is home to Score on Queen, a sports bar

1893 – Blue Bell Tavern was once located on Queen St W, on north side near Givins St, in the Trinity-Bellwoods neighbourhood of Toronto.

An inn and tavern, the establishment appears in the 1833 York Directory and 1837 Toronto Directory, when Queen St was known as Lot St. It was named Lot St because it was the southern boundary of the tier of park lots that stretched along it for 3.2 km. In the mid-1840s, it was renamed Queen St in honour of Queen Victoria (Toronto Public Library Pictures- R-6104)

June 23, 1971 – The Brown Derby Tavern was once located at 311-313 Yonge St, at the northeast corner of Dundas St E, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

Opened in 1949, the Brown Derby became a popular tavern known for its live jazz, swing entertainment, and a small restaurant. In the centre of the main floor bar, there was a revolving stage. To keep up with changing trends, the tavern later introduced rooms that featured different music genres, including rock ‘n’ roll, country, jazz, and more.

In 1969, The Derby’s exterior got a whole new look, adding a bit of fun to the already lively intersection. Above the barnboard siding were large signs showing Ben Turpin, Laurel and Hardy, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Roscoe Arbuckle (possibly), and Charlie Chaplin, all donning derbies. On April 20, 1974, an all-day wake was held at the Derby on its closing day. The building was torn down in the late 1990s (City of Toronto Archives, Harvey R. Naylor fonds, Fonds 1526, File 4, Item 1)

1998 – The Brunswick House was once located at 481 Bloor St W, at the southeast corner of Brunswick Ave, in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto.

Built between 1907 and 1908 and originally named the Brunswick Hotel, the establishment was constructed by Edward Jackson at a cost of $49,000. It replaced a saloon, a rough-cast structure that first appeared in the 1874 Toronto City Directory, operated by Benjamin Hinchcliff. Upon completion of the Brunswick Hotel, Mr. Jackson was concerned about losing his liquor license due to changes in regulations regarding where “spirituous and fermented liquors” could be legally sold. However, in 1909, the Brunswick Hotel was spared because of the significant investment Mr. Jackson made in constructing the three-storey, Classical Edwardian-style building. At the time, it was the only place north of Queen St where “thirsty mortals could cool their throats.”

Fast forward to the 1960s, when Albert, Molly, and Morris Nightingale purchased the establishment. It quickly became a popular watering hole for writers and University of Toronto students. One notable entertainer, “Rockin’ Irene” Laviolette, hosted lively evenings filled with singing, dancing, and various forms of entertainment in Ye Olde Brunswick House’s main bar, known as Pickle Alley. Meanwhile, the upstairs jazz and blues room, Albert’s Hall, featured performances by artists such as Etta James, Climax Jazz Band, Buddy Guy, Carl Perkins, k.d. lang, and many more. Dubbed “Stormy Mondays,” brave amateur singers could take the stage to jam with Danny Marks and his blues band. On March 31, 2016, “The Brunny” served its last drink.

After a change in ownership and renovations, a Rexall opened in the building in 2017. Some pieces of the Brunswick House’s history were preserved, including the bar, which was repurposed as a checkout counter. The drugstore has since closed this location, and today, the storefront is home to a Value Village (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 330, Series 1813, Item 42 – Rudi Christl photographer)

May 3, 2026 – The Brunswick House was once located at 481 Bloor St W, at the southeast corner of Brunswick Ave, in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto

July 4, 2019 – Cadillac Lounge was once at 1296 Queen St W in the Parkdale neighbourhood of Toronto.

The roadhouse opened in 2000 and was founded by Sam Grosso, who also owned the El Mocambo. The Cadillac Lounge featured an eye-catching sign – part of a white 1960s Coupe de Ville hanging on the building’s facade. Some notable Canadian music performers who played at the Cadillac included Burton Cummings, Gordon Lightfoot, and Blue Rodeo. This retro honky-tonk establishment closed its doors in 2019

December 6, 2019 – The Cameron House is located at 408 Queen St W, at the northwest corner of Cameron St, in the Alexandra Park neighbourhood of Toronto.

Since 1981, the Cameron House has been providing local musicians and artists with a place to work, perform, meet, mingle and live.

The building features huge ant sculptures on its exterior, which were installed in May 1984. They were designed by Napoleon Brousseau, a sculptor and friend of the former owners. He came up with the idea to install ten ants because there were “ten ants” living in the rooms upstairs.

Today, this intimate, bohemian bar, decorated with ceiling murals, continues to host live music performances on its two stages.

The building that houses the Cameron House was constructed around 1880. Initially, it served as Angus Cameron’s dry goods shop. By the 1890s, it had transformed into John Burn’s hotel. The name “Cameron House” first appeared in the 1896 Toronto City Directory and remained until the late 1920s, when it hosted various businesses, including a drug store. It reverted to the name Cameron House in the 1938 Toronto City Directory

1972 – The Canada House was once located at 229 Queen St E, at the southwest corner of Sherbourne St, in the Moss Park neighbourhood of Toronto.

Completed in 1897, the three-story building was originally known as Kormann House, a hotel run by Frantz J. Kormann. The building was designed by architect John Siddall and features a distinctive bevelled corner.

In the mid-1910s, the establishment was renamed the Canada House Hotel. A newspaper article from 1972 reported that the price of a glass of draught beer at the beer hall had increased from 20¢ to 30¢, partly due to the introduction of sales tax on the beverage. A heritage notice from the City of Toronto indicates that Canada House closed in the 1990s; however, it was still listed in the Toronto City Directory in 2001. The building was listed on the city’s heritage register in 2007, and it currently remains vacant (City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Planning Board fonds, Fonds 2032, Series 841, File 50, Item 24)

June 11, 2022 – Clinton’s Tavern was once located at 693 Bloor St W, at the southwest corner of Clinton St, in the Koreatown and Palmerston-Little Italy neighbourhoods of Toronto.

The establishment first appeared as the Clinton Hotel in the 1937 Toronto City Directory.

By the late 1940s, it was known as the Clinton Tavern. It later became a popular venue to hear new rock ‘n’ roll acts; however, by the mid-1990s, live music was no longer financially viable, so it was converted into a karaoke and dance venue. Known for its fun atmosphere, the bar hosted nostalgic retro and decades-themed dance parties, sing-alongs, and more. In February 2020, Clinton’s closed suddenly. It temporarily reopened as a restaurant, but that also closed in 2024

1980 – Club Matador was once located at 466 Dovercourt Rd, north of College St, in the Dufferin Grove neighbourhood of Toronto.

In 1964, Ann Dunn opened Club Matador in a building that had previously served as a residence, a dance studio, and a bowling alley. She chose the name “Matador” because the arches in the building’s ceiling made her think of Spain. The after-hours dance hall and live country music venue hosted legendary artists such as Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, k.d. lang, and Stompin’ Tom Connors. After 43 years of operation, Ms. Dunn closed the Club Matador in 2007 (Toronto Public Library LOCHIST-BL-074)

July 1973 – The Colonial Tavern was once located at 201-203 Yonge St, north of Queen St, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

The tavern opened in 1947 and featured live jazz music, complete with a revolving floor around the stage. In a civil rights milestone that same year, the tavern broke the colour barrier by featuring performances by the all-black dance band Cy McLean and His Rhythm Rompers. The venue gained a reputation as one of the world’s leading jazz clubs.

In July 1960, a fire destroyed the building; however, the Colonial was rebuilt and reopened in 1961. It later featured blues music, followed by rock and punk. Some legendary musicians who performed at the Colonial include Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Peter Appleyard, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Rush. In 1987, the Colonial Tavern closed, and the building was demolished (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1118, Series 377, Item 782)

November 26, 2023 – The Concord Tavern was once located at 925 Bloor St W, just west of Concord Ave on the south side, in the Bloorcourt Village neighbourhood of Toronto.

The Concord Tavern opened its doors in 1948 as a restaurant that featured live music. Initially, it showcased big band music, but in the 1960s, it transitioned to country, blues, and rock genres. By the late 1970s, the focus shifted towards adult entertainment. The Concord Tavern closed its doors in 1983, and the building then became home to the Blarney Stone Tavern. Since 1988, the building has housed Long & McQuade musical instruments store

September 14, 2019 – The Concord Tavern was once located at 925 Bloor St W in the Bloorcourt Village neighbourhood of Toronto. Today, Long & McQuade occupies the building.

The heritage plaque reads:

Concord Tavern

“The Concord Tavern opened in this building on June 14, 1948. It originally operated as a restaurant with live music, hosting big band concerts. There was no cover charge, the alcohol-free section was marked on the floor with tape. During the early 1960s, as the focus shifted to rock, country, and blues music, major acts such as Conway Twitty, Bo Diddley and Duane Eddy came here to play. Around the same time, musician Ronnie Hawkins recruited a house band, The Hawks, who played high-energy rockabilly during the club’s twist dance parties. The Hawks performed seven nights a week, sometimes sleeping upstairs. They later became The Band, one of North America’s most influential groups, and created a new electric sound as Bob Dylan’s back-up band. As business waned in the late 1970s and early 1980s, management increasingly booked adult performers. The Concord Tavern closed in 1983.”

Heritage Toronto 2016

The plaque is located on the building at 925 Bloor St W

1955 – The Conroy Hotel was once located at 3080 Dufferin St, just north of Lawrence Ave W, on the west side in the Yorkdale area of Toronto.

In 1955, former NHL players Charlie Conacher and Roy Worters partnered to open the Conroy Hotel, combining parts of their names to create the establishment’s name. The hotel featured two lounges that could hold up to 755 patrons and was a popular venue for nightly entertainment. It was where regular people could rub elbows with sports legends who frequented the bar. By 1966, The Conroy was the top-selling hotel for draft beer in the province, serving approximately 8,500 glasses daily.

Over the years, the hotel changed hands, and in the late 1980s, it was renamed the Yorkdale Inn. It eventually closed in 1999, and the building was later demolished (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 220, Series 65, File 148, Item 80 – Alexandra Studio photographs)

May 1964 – The Cork Room Tavern was once located in the lower lobby at 220 Bay St, at the northwest corner of Wellington St W, in the Financial District of Toronto.

The Cork Room, a tavern and dining lounge which was part of The Emerald Room bar, opened in 1949. Ads for The Cork Room last appeared in early 1972 (City of Toronto Archives, Ellis Wiley fonds, Fonds 124, File 1, Item 128)

Circa 1912 – Crispin’s Tavern was once located at the northeast corner of Richmond St W and York St, in what is now Toronto’s Financial District.

Mr. Crispin arrived from England in 1828 with Sir John Colborne, initially working as his coachman. Soon after, Mr. Crispin, who was described as a jolly sandy-haired man, and his wife opened a grocery store and tavern in a yellow-painted wood-frame structure that they rented at the corner. It was a popular tavern, and Mr. Crispin, also known as “Coachman Crispin,” purchased his beer from the Helliwell Brewery on Don. The last listing for Crispin’s establishment appeared in the 1843 directory.

By 1850, the building was known as the Neptune Inn, and in the decades that followed, it housed several shops. In 1941, the building, which was over 110 years old and covered in signs, was demolished and replaced by a parking lot. In 1972, the Four Seasons Sheraton Hotel, now known as Sheraton Centre Toronto, opened on the block (Toronto Public Library Pictures-R-3910 – Owen Staples)

1972 – The Derby Hotel was once located at 393-397 King St E, at the southeast corner of Parliament St, in the Corktown neighbourhood of Toronto.

The building that once housed the Derby hotel and tavern was constructed in the mid-1800s and originally named William Wright’s Welcome Home Inn. By 1880, it had been renamed the William Wright Saloon, and later became known as the Wright Hotel, a name under which the Wright family operated until the early 1910s. Between 1903 and 1913, a 3½-storey addition, visible on the right side of a vintage photo, was added to the hotel. Around 1913, the property was renamed the Oriental Hotel and retained that name until the early 1930s. It was then changed back to the Welcome Home Hotel from 1934 to 1939.

In 1940, it was once again renamed, this time to the Hotel Derby, or Derby Hotel. The hotel’s tavern had a separate entrance for Ladies & Escorts off Parliament St, which is visible in the photo. The Derby was demolished in 1988 and was replaced by the current building, which was completed in 1989 (City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Planning Board fonds, Fonds 2032, Series 841, File 30, Item 4)

1981 – The Dominion House was once located at 500 Queen St E, at the northwest corner of Sumach St, in the Corktown neighbourhood of Toronto.

The building, which dates back to 1890 and was originally known as the Dominion Hotel, was part of the neighbouring Dominion Brewery. From the late 1950s until the 1980s, it operated as the Dominion House hotel. The tavern was located on the ground floor, as shown in the right foreground of the archive photo.

It then became Gennaro’s hotel/tavern/lounge, followed by Dominion on Queen by the late 1990s, then Dominion Pub and Kitchen, which has since closed. Today, the storefront is once again home to a restaurant (City of Toronto Archives, Harvey R. Naylor fonds, Fonds 1526, File 75, Item 31)

October 17, 2020 – The former Dominion Pub and Kitchen, originally the Dominion Hotel and later the Dominion House, at 500 Queen St E in Toronto’s Corktown neighbourhood.

The red-brick hotel building was constructed between 1889 and 1890 for Robert Davies, the founder of the nearby Dominion Brewery, now known as Dominion Square. In 2024, ERA Architects redesigned the building’s storefront, which had previously housed a tavern, taking inspiration from the original design. They also rehabilitated the stone and masonry above it. Today, the storefront of this heritage-designated building is home to a restaurant

1980 – Dovercourt Tavern was once located at 767 Dovercourt Rd, north of Bloor St W, in the Dovercourt Park neighbourhood of Toronto.

In a building that previously housed the Arlington Tavern and, before that, the Arlington Athletic & Social Club, the Dovercourt Tavern opened around 1970. Newspaper ads mentioned Newfoundland singer Michael T. Wall performing at the Dovercourt Tavern. In 1983, the building became home to Blondie’s Tavern, followed by Al Khaima Dinner Theatre. Since 2011, the building has had an additional storey added and has been converted into apartments (Toronto Public Library LOCHIST-BL-064)

Circa 1960 – Duffy’s Tavern, shown on the right, is located at 1238 Bloor St W, at the northeast corner of Margueretta St, in the Bloordale neighbourhood of Toronto.

The tavern opened its doors in 1949, just a few blocks from the former Dufferin Park Racetrack. In their early newspaper advertisements, they highlighted their proximity to the racetrack, with phrases like, “You’ll know you’re on the right track when you taste our delicious food… And the odds are terrific that you’ll love our extremely reasonable prices.”

More than 75 years later, this cozy neighbourhood establishment stands as the oldest tavern in the Bloordale area. Along with being a bar and restaurant, Duffy’s features live music with two live stages and numerous TVs showing sporting events (City of Toronto Archives, Alexandra Studio fonds, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 5624)

August 18, 2019 – The Duke of York Tavern, or The Duke, is located at 1225 Queen St E, at the southwest corner of Leslie St, in the Leslieville neighbourhood of Toronto.

Originally known as the Morin House Hotel, this establishment opened its doors in 1870, featuring a restaurant and pub on the main floor, with guestrooms on the second floor.

In 1910, a new owner took over the property and renamed it the Duke of York Hotel, in honour of Prince Edward, the Duke of Albany. In 1983, the building received heritage designation from the city. The Duke, a roadhouse that hosts live music and karaoke, has also served as a backdrop for television shows like Private Eyes and Rookie Blue, as well as various movies

1994 – The Edgewater Hotel was once located at 14 Roncesvalles Ave, just north of The Queensway on the west side, in the Sunnyside and Parkdale neighbourhoods of Toronto.

In June 1939, construction began on the Edgewater Hotel. Locals strongly opposed the hotel, not only due to its establishment but also because of its liquor license. Despite this opposition, the Edgewater Hotel was completed within just a few months. Upon opening, it featured over 40 guest rooms, a beer parlor, and offered nightly entertainment.

In the years to follow, the Edgewater was the place to enjoy cheap, ice-cold draft beer. Ads for the hotel mention live entertainment featuring country and rock music. In the mid-1990s, the Edgewater Hotel was renamed the Royal Princess, then a Days Inn, and later a Howard Johnson’s. Since 2020, the building has operated as Hotel Shelter in partnership with the City of Toronto (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 620, Item 754 – Avard Woolaver photographer)

February 1948 – El Mocambo Tavern is located at 464 Spadina Ave, south of College St, in the Kensington Market neighbourhood of Toronto.

El Mocambo opened its doors in 1948, initially operating as an “ultra-modern” tavern that featured a restaurant, cocktail lounge, and live entertainment. The establishment was run by restaurateurs Joseph Brown and John Lang. Although it was located on Spadina Avenue, away from the main strip of clubs and taverns that once lined Yonge Street, El Mocambo quickly became a popular hotspot. In the early decades of the El Mo, live entertainment at the two-floor venue included a diverse range of acts, including trios and quartets performing popular music of the time.

In 1972, the club underwent significant changes when new owners Mike Baird and Tom Kristenbrun implemented a new music policy that primarily featured rock ‘n’ roll. El Mocambo gained international fame in the late 1970s and became synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll when The Rolling Stones, billed as “The Cockroaches,” played surprise back-to-back gigs.

Over the years, El Mocambo has hosted performances by a variety of renowned artists, including U2, Blondie, The Cult, Fats Domino, Elvis Costello, Billy Idol, Joan Jett, The Psychedelic Furs, The Knack, Jeff Healey, Bon Jovi, Cheap Trick, and many others. Throughout its history, the El Mo has seen various owners and transformations, including in 2015 when Michael Wekerle and his partners acquired the property. After a seven-year closure for major renovations—adding state-of-the-art stage equipment and a recording studio while preserving the music hall’s character—it reopened in 2021.

In 2025, the venue changed ownership once again. Today, this legendary music venue continues its mission of “Keeping Live Alive” by hosting live concerts and shows. El Mocambo also features event spaces for corporate gatherings, weddings, private functions, birthday celebrations, and more (City of Toronto Archives, E.L. Ruddy Company fonds, Fonds 1488, Series 1230, Item 7343)

April 24, 2022 – The Eton House was once located at 710 Danforth Ave, at the northwest corner of Eaton Ave in The Danforth neighbourhood of Toronto.

It opened in 1935 as the Hotel Eton, later becoming known as the Eton Hotel and eventually as the Eton House. This casual tavern featured live music, a dance floor, pool tables, and darts. It closed on August 20, 2023, to make way for the Pape Station on the Ontario line

October 18, 2025 – Filmores Hotel was once located at 212 Dundas St E, at the northeast corner of George St, in the Garden District of Toronto.

The building became known as Filmores Hotel in the 1980s. It was an adult entertainment club famous for its cheeky marquee messages, neon-lit signs, and being one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Garden District. Filmores closed its doors on January 31, 2026, and there are plans to construct a rental tower that will incorporate the building’s facade.

The heritage-designated building was constructed in phases, beginning with a 2.5-storey red-brick home on the northern portion of the property, built in 1874 for Henry Tasker. In 1912, a three-storey addition was added to the house, which then extended to Dundas Street East. Initially named Wilton Court Apartments, it later became known as the Wilton Court Hotel. In the late 1950s, it was renamed the Westover Hotel, and by the mid-1970s, it transitioned to Stage 212. By 1980, the hotel had shifted its focus to adult entertainment and eventually became Filmores

June 5, 2021 – For Your Eyes Only was once located at 563 King St W, east of Bathurst St, in the Fashion District of Toronto. An adult entertainment club, it opened in 1992 and closed in 2020. Prior to that, the building housed a male strip club known as the Tropicana Restaurant & Tavern

Circa 1950 – Forbes Tavern was once located at 72-76 Shuter St at the northwest corner of Mutual St in the Garden District neighbourhood of Toronto.

Hotel Forbes is first listed in the 1938 Toronto City Directory. By 1948, it was called Forbes Tavern, which had a rustic “trophy room” atmosphere. In the tavern’s later years, it featured live blues music. Forbes Tavern closed in the mid-1970s. The buildings, which dated back to the 1870s, were later demolished, and since 2007, a condo has stood at the site (Toronto Public Library PC_5188)

Mid-1970s – Friar’s Tavern was once located at 279 Yonge St, at the southeast corner of Dundas Square in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

The building was constructed in 1918 and originally housed a restaurant, as well as a billiard and bowling alley.

In 1963, the renowned Friar’s Tavern opened in the building, initially showcasing jazz music, followed by rock ‘n’ roll. It was the first establishment in Toronto to feature go-go dancers on stage alongside the bands. Levon and the Hawks performed at Friar’s Tavern before gaining international fame as The Band. Friar’s Tavern closed in 1976, and although its run was short-lived, the venue played a legendary role in Toronto’s music history (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 548, Item 24 – Urban Design photographs)

Early 1990s – The Gasworks Tavern, the beige and grey building with the red trim in the left foreground, was once located at 585 Yonge St, at the southeast corner of Dundonald St, in the Church-Wellesley and Bay-Cloverhill neighbourhoods of Toronto.

Opened in 1971, the bar was known for its rock and heavy metal music. As one journalist described it, “Walking through the door is like stepping into a wall of sound so tough…” It became a popular hangout, attracting a regular working-class crowd along with bikers. Many famous bands performed at this rock landmark during its heyday, including Rush, Triumph, David Wilcox, and A Foot in Coldwater, among others.

On the night the Gasworks closed, January 9, 1993, over 1,500 people attended a 12-hour wake that featured performances by Sebastian Bach and Anvil, as well as members from Triumph, Teenage Head, and Goddo (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 615, Item 3 – Urban Design photographs)

2021 – The building at 579 Yonge St, at the southeast corner of Dundonald St, was home to the “rock cave” and watering hole known as the Gasworks Tavern from 1971 to 1993. Since that time, the building has housed a variety of businesses, from a restaurant to a club to retail shops

May 6, 1977 – Graf Bobby Tavern was once located at 36 Wellington St E, at the northeast corner of Leader Lane in the St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto.

Graf Bobby was a tavern, restaurant, and café that specialized in Austrian cuisine. Advertisements for the establishment first appeared in local newspapers in the early 1970s, and it closed its doors around 1994. The name “Graf Bobby,” which translates to “Count Bobby,” was inspired by a fictional character from Viennese folklore (City of Toronto Archives, Harvey R. Naylor fonds, Fonds 1526, File 61, Item 52)

1891 – Green Bush Tavern was once located at the northwest corner of Steeles Ave and Yonge St in the Thornhill area of Vaughan.

Built in the 1840s, the tavern later operated under various names, including Steele’s Hotel, Poplar House, and the Green Bush Inn. Although the building has long since been torn down, today, two streets in the area—one road and one crescent—are named Green Bush (Toronto Public Library NYHS00016)

Circa 1885 – Greenland Fishery Tavern was once located at the northwest corner of Front St W and John St, in what is now Toronto’s Entertainment District.

The inn and well-known public house were in a two-storey frame building constructed by Edward Wright around 1825. A travelling sailor stopped by, who was also quite artistic and in need of money, so Mr. Wright hired him to paint a sign for his inn. One side of the sign featured an Arctic/Greenland scene, while the other side showed vessels hunting whales. The sign also featured the proprietor’s name and the words “Greenland Fishery,” which is how the establishment got its name. Mr. Wright, who was also one of the first aldermen when York became Toronto in 1834, last appears operating the business in the 1846 Toronto City Directory.

Throughout the years, the structure underwent renovations, partial rebuilding, and expansion under various owners, operating under different names, including O’Brien’s Hotel and later Beauchamp House, as shown in the illustration. In 1902, the property was acquired by a railway company, and the old inn and tavern were torn down shortly after (Toronto Public Library Pictures-R-6480)

1972 – Grossman’s Tavern is located at 377 Spadina Ave, at the southeast corner of Cecil St, in the Chinatown neighbourhood of Toronto.

Grossman’s first appeared in the 1952 Toronto City Directory. The Grossman family initially operated it as a cafeteria before applying for a liquor license in 1957. By 1959, it was listed as Grossman’s Tavern. It was around this time that the tavern introduced live music, featuring a couple of gypsy violinists.

An article in a June 1971 edition of The Globe and Mail noted that in 1969, a musician walked into the tavern and asked to perform. Al Grossman Jr. eventually agreed, on the condition that they kept the noise down. That musician was Donnie Walsh of the Downchild Blues Band. The tavern’s popularity grew, attracting a diverse audience of all ages.

In 1975, the family sold the business to Sam Louie and Jack Bing-Fong for $385,000. Although they originally planned to rebuild and open a Chinese restaurant, customers asked if it could stay the way it was, and it did. Over the years, Grossman’s Tavern has hosted a variety of musical acts, spanning genres from blues and jazz to rock and R&B. Notable musicians who have performed there include the late Jeff Healey, Alannah Myles, Kid Bastien, The Happy Pals, Carole Pope, and many more. Fifty years after purchasing Grossman’s Tavern, the Louie family continues to operate the iconic music venue today (City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Planning Board fonds, Fonds 2032, Series 841, File 47, Item 4)

Between 1978 and 1980 – Hard Rock Cafe was once located at 279 Yonge St, at the southeast corner of Dundas Sq in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

The Hard Rock Cafe opened in 1978, taking over the space that was formerly Friar’s Tavern. Once again, the walls were filled with music, this time showcasing an extensive collection of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia. The collection included musical instruments, autographed photos of famous musicians, and even some articles of their clothing. The Hard Rock Cafe closed in 2018, and today the building is home to Shoppers Drug Mart (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 308, Item 4 – Urban Design photographs)

Circa 1985 – The Holiday Tavern was once located at 651 Queen St W, at the southeast corner of Bathurst St, in the Fashion District of Toronto.

The archive photo is taken from Bathurst St, looking northeast toward the west side of the Holiday Tavern. The tavern opened in 1949 and originally featured three lounges: the Celebrity Room, the Tally Ho Room, and the Round Up Room, along with a fine dining restaurant. As times changed, so did the tavern; it eventually became a “watering hole and striptease parlor.”

In 1985, the tavern underwent a renovation, with artist Bart Schoales hand-painting the building’s exterior—grey on the first floor and pastels on the second. It became a live music venue and dance club. In 1986, it was renamed The Big Bop, which closed in 2010.

Today, the revitalized building, originally three stories tall with a mansard roof and designed by the architects McCaw & Lennox in the mid-to-late 1870s, was initially known as the Occident Buildings. It now houses retail space (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 752, Item 7 – Urban Design photographs)

1961 – The Hollywood Hotel was once located at 689 The Queensway, on the south side between Wesley St and Penhurst Ave, in The Queensway neighbourhood of Etobicoke.

The building originally opened as the Hollywood Hotel in the mid-1940s. After the hotel closed in the mid-1950s, it briefly hosted various businesses, including an electrical supply company and a restaurant. In 1961, it reopened as the Hollywood Tavern. Newspaper ads show that the tavern featured live music. Following the tavern’s closure in the early 1980s, the building became home to the House of Lancaster adult entertainment club, which operated from 1982 until 2017. After, the building was torn down (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 213, Series 1464, File 5, Item 16)

June 11, 2022 – The Horseshoe Tavern is located at 370 Queen St W, just east of Spadina Ave in the Entertainment District of Toronto.

Jack Starr opened the Horseshoe Tavern in December 1947, originally occupying the entire main floor of the building at 368-370 Queen St W. An early ad reads, “Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto’s Finest Eating Place – where the delicious food and distinctive atmosphere is second to none.”

In the mid-1950s, Mr. Starr converted a large portion of the establishment into a live music venue. Initially, the entertainment was varied, but he soon noticed that country performers attracted the largest crowds, so he booked more and more of them. The Horseshoe became the most famous country music club in Canada, featuring emerging legends such as Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Charlie Pride, Ian and Sylvia Tyson, Merle Haggard, and Stompin’ Tom Connors. In 1973, Mr. Starr paid Hank Williams Jr. $3,000 for a one-night show at the 400-seat venue, and the Horseshoe still showed a profit for the evening.

In 1977, the Horseshoe Tavern began showcasing punk and new wave music, featuring performances by The B-52s, The Troggs, Talking Heads, Viletones, and The Police. In 1978, a party was held at the venue, but when the police attempted to shut down the concert, a riot erupted on Queen St W. Colin Brunton captured the night in his documentary titled “And Now Live From Toronto – The Last Pogo.”

In the early 1980s, the building was divided into three separate spaces, with the venue retaining the west side. The Horseshoe closed its doors in 1982 and briefly operated as Stagger Lee’s, a 1950s nostalgia club, before reopening as the Horseshoe in 1983. Since then, the Horseshoe has showcased a wide variety of music genres, including alternative country and indie rock. It also supported Canadian artists through initiatives such as Nu Music Nite, co-created by Dave “Bookie” Bookman.

Over the years, several artists have performed at the famous venue to reconnect with their fans, including Melissa Etheridge (1995), Bryan Adams (1996), and The Rolling Stones (1997). Today, the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern features a front bar with a pool table, as well as a historic back room that hosts both local and touring music acts

1981 – The Hotel Winchester was once located at 531-537 Parliament St, at the southeast corner of Winchester St, in the Cabbagetown neighbourhood of Toronto.

The archive photo shows the men’s entrance of the establishment, off of Parliament St. The hotel opened in 1888 and was originally known as the Lake View Hotel. Around 1908, it was renamed the Hotel Winchester. For a time, the Winchester had a reputation as one of the toughest watering holes in the city. It was last listed as a hotel in the 1994 Toronto City Directory. After that, it operated as the Winchester Tavern until it became the Winchester Pub, which ran from 2000 to 2005 before closing its doors.

Today, the restored Cabbagetown landmark serves as residential and commercial space (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 620, Item 203 – Avard Woolaver photographer)

October 18, 2025 – The Imperial Pub was once located at 54 Dundas St E, east of Yonge St, in the Garden District of Toronto.

The Imperial first appears in the 1939 Toronto City Directory as a hotel. In 1944, Jack Newman took over the establishment, which originally featured a beverage room on the ground floor and guest rooms upstairs.

Over time, music became a key characteristic of the bar, with jazz playing in the background or music from the jukeboxes. The ground-floor bar was known as The Aquarium, while the upstairs area was called The Library. After 81 years of operation under a few generations of the Newman family, the Imperial closed on November 15, 2025, to make way for a mixed-use building with residences for TMU students

May 1953 – Islington House was once located at 4922 Dundas St W and Burnhamthorpe Rd in the Islington neighbourhood of Toronto.

The tavern is shown here in the archive photo at the northeast corner; however, after the realignment of Burnhamthorpe Rd in 1956, it was at the northwest corner. Parts of the building date back to the late 1830s, when it served as a grocery store. By the 1870s, it had been converted into Brownridge’s Hotel. In 1933, a fire swept through the building. By this time, it was known as the Islington Hotel, leading to its reconstruction.

In the early 1980s, the establishment was serving 250,000 litres of beer annually in its 350-seat tavern, but by the mid-1980s, business had declined due to other establishments opening in the area. In 1986, the historic tavern closed. While the building’s heritage value was assessed, an architect’s report stated that after renovations and rebuilding, very little of the original structure remained. The tavern was demolished and replaced with an office and retail building, which has since also been torn down (Toronto Public Library S1-35B – James Victor Salmon photographer)

Circa 1945 – The Jolly Miller Hotel, today The Miller Tavern, is located at 3885 Yonge St, at the northeast corner of Mill St, in the Hogg’s Hollow neighbourhood of North York.

Built around 1857 by William and James Hogg, it was originally known as the York Mills Hotel. Over the years, it changed hands a number of times. From 1889 until 1925, it was called Birrell’s Hotel. However, during Prohibition, it gained a reputation as a gambling den, which was eventually shut down following multiple police raids.

In 1930, the building was remodelled and renamed the Jolly Miller Hotel. A sign featuring a jolly miller, painted by artist C.W. Jefferys, hung outside the establishment. For a brief period, it operated as a fancy dining and dancing club with live music, but it soon returned to its previous reputation. It functioned as a tavern and hotel until the mid-1960s, when it became a tavern exclusively.

In 1997, the City of North York purchased the property and closed the tavern. The heritage-designated building underwent renovations, and since 2004, it has been home to the Miller Tavern, which offers “elevated tavern dining” (City of Toronto Archives, Alexandra Studio fonds, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 527)

1972 – The Keystone Tavern was once located at 335 Jarvis St, at the southeast corner of Gerrard St E, in the Garden District of Toronto.

The tavern opened its doors in 1954. Its last listing as the Keystone was in the 1975 Toronto City Directory. Originally known as the Crown Hotel, the three-story building was designed by architect Herbert C. Roberts and dates back to 1929. Since the 2000s, it has been operating as an Econo Lodge (City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Planning Board fonds, Fonds 2032, Series 841, File 9, Item 4)

August 31, 1983 – Kicker’s Lounge was once located in the Broadview Hotel, at 704 Queen St E, at the northwest corner of Broadview Ave, in the Riverside neighbourhood of Toronto.

The establishment, which had a sign featuring horses kicking, lasted only one or two years (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1526, File 71, Item 18)

1972 – La Grotta Tavern was once located at 49 Dundas St W, on the southside between Yonge St and Bay St, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

The photo is taken looking northeast from the corner of Bay St and the former Teraulay St, which was located one street south of Dundas St W. La Grotta Tavern is in the background on the right. This establishment was known for its Italian cuisine and cave-like decor, operating from 1964 until approximately 1974, when the site became part of the Eaton Centre (City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Planning Board fonds, Fonds 2032, Series 841, File 76, Item 16)

October 1952– The Lambton Tavern was once located at 4066 Old Dundas St in Toronto’s Lambton and Warren Park neighbourhoods. It’s tucked away on the east side of the Humber River, south of Dundas St W and west of Scarlett Rd.

Constructed around 1848, the building was originally known as the Lambton House and served as a hotel and stagecoach stop. By the late 1940s, it had become known as the Lambton Tavern. In the early 1980s, the historic building faced the threat of demolition to make way for a condominium. However, due to public outcry, it was saved from demolition. The Lambton Tavern closed in the late 1980s, and today, the restored heritage-designated building operates as a museum (Toronto Public Library S1-1077B – James Victor Salmon photographer)

May 6, 1977 – Larry’s Hideaway, in the Prince Carlton Hotel, was once located at 121 Carlton St, just east of Jarvis St, in the Garden District of Toronto.

Situated downstairs in an apartment-turned-hotel built in the mid-1910s, Larry’s Hideaway opened in 1960 as a restaurant which was known for its extravagant ten-course dinner. By the 1970s, it had transformed into a live entertainment venue, attracting the 20- to 30-something “Levi’s and jean jackets, longish hair” crowd, who came for the beer and the music, mostly rock, and was later a “punk palace.” Just a few of the bands that performed there include The Police, Red Rider, Teenage Head, R.E.M., and The Cult.

Larry’s Hideaway closed its doors around 1988, and in 1991, a fire destroyed the hotel, leading to the building’s demolition. Today, the site is home to green space at Allan Gardens, located just west of the off-leash dog area. Notice Maple Leaf Gardens in the distance on the centre-right (City of Toronto Archives, Harvey R. Naylor fonds, Fonds 1526, File 93, Item 7)

Between 1980 and 1988 – Larry’s Hideaway was located downstairs in the former Prince Carlton Hotel, which was once on the south side of Carlton St, just east of Jarvis St, in Toronto’s Garden District.

The building was originally constructed as an apartment in the mid-1910s and later converted into a hotel. In 1960, Larry’s Hideaway opened as a restaurant and, by the 1970s, evolved into a live entertainment venue. The establishment closed in the late 1980s, and in 1991, the building was destroyed by fire and torn down (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 465, Item 14 – Urban Design photographs)

August 1972 – Le Coq d’Or Tavern was once located at ‪333 Yonge St‬, north of Dundas St E, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

Opened in 1949 as a fine-dining restaurant and cocktail lounge, by the late 1950s, Le Coq d’Or had become a wildly popular club. The tavern hosted many musicians, including Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, Bo Diddley, The Cougars, Solomon Burke and the Beau Marks. Le Coq d’Or, which translates to “The Golden Rooster,” became one of the most renowned rock ‘n’ roll venues on the Yonge Street strip. It closed its doors in 1976.

Over the years, the building has been home to various businesses, including HMV from 1999 to 2017 and Tokyo Smoke from 2019 to 2024, and it continues to serve a variety of commercial purposes. The archive photo was taken during the Scottish World Festival (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 492, Item 355 – Dorothea Skinner photographs)

August 1963 – Letros Tavern was once located at 50 King St E, at the northwest corner of Toronto St in the St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto.

The restaurant and tavern moved to this location in 1948 and later became one of the city’s first prominent gay, lesbian, and queer bars. Letros Tavern closed in approximately 1970, and the space became Bacchus Steakhouse & Tavern in 1971. It’s also interesting to note that the Letros family opened the first Greek restaurant in Toronto around 1907, near Yonge St and Shuter St. The five-storey heritage-designated building, which dates back to the mid-1880s, was originally home to the Quebec Bank (City of Toronto Archives, Ellis Wiley fonds, Fonds 124, File 1, Item 113)

Circa 1945 – The Linsmore is located at 1298 Danforth Ave, at the northwest corner of Linnsmore Cr, in the Danforth neighbourhood of Toronto.

Founded by Max Bloom and his family in 1934, the saloon occupied the main floor, and the hotel was situated above it. Back in the day, a 6-ounce glass of draft beer cost just 5 cents, with trays of draft beer being served to table after table. In 1982, the Blooms sold the establishment to the Mangano family.

Today, Linsmore Tavern features live music while still maintaining its classic tavern atmosphere (Toronto Archives, Alexandra Studio fonds, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 528)

1950s – Little Denmark Tavern was once located at 720 Bay St, north of Gerrard St W, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

Opened in the mid-1930s as the Denmark Tea Room, the establishment was later renamed the Little Bit of Denmark Restaurant. By the early 1950s, it became known as the Little Denmark Tavern. Its beamed front entrance, adorned with flower boxes, welcomed customers into its romantic, candlelit dining rooms, which featured Danish cuisine and even offered a Smorgasbord on wheels that visited tables. On Friday and Saturday nights, guests could also enjoy dancing.

Little Denmark Tavern closed in the mid-1960s and, by 1967, had transformed into Csarda, a Hungarian restaurant. The entire block has long since been demolished (City of Toronto Archives, Strathy Smith fonds, Fonds 1128, Series 380, Item 279)

October 10, 2020 – The Madison Avenue Pub is located at 14 Madison Ave, north of Bloor St W, in the Annex neighbourhood of Toronto.

In 1983, Isabel and David opened The Maddy in the basement of a renovated home built in the early 1890s, which had previously served as a rooming house. Over the years, the pub expanded and today occupies three heritage-designated Victorian-era mansions at 14 to 18 Madison Ave, featuring several interconnected bars and patios. The Madison Pub has a laid-back atmosphere, hearty food, and offers a lively piano show a few nights a week

July 24, 2021– The Maple Leaf Tavern is located at 955 Gerrard St E, east of Pape Ave, in the Leslieville neighbourhood of Toronto.

In a building constructed in 1910 and originally home to three storefronts, the building was transformed into the Maple Leaf Hotel in 1935. Later, a rooming house, by the late 1970s, it became known as Maple Leaf Tavern, which had a reputation as one of the city’s roughest bars. It closed in 2011. In 2013, new owners began an extensive renovation to modernize the space while preserving the building’s historic charm. Reopening in 2016, the gastropub features reimagined classic tavern fare

April 4, 2021 – The Marquis of Granby was once located at 418 Church St, at the southwest corner of Granby St, in the Garden District of Toronto.

The Marquis of Granby opened in 2013 but closed just a few years later in 2017. This short-lived pub was located near Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), in a heritage-designated building built around 1889.

From the mid-1970s until 2012, with a temporary closure in the mid-2000s, the building housed The Barn and The Stables, a gay nightclub

March 20, 2021 – McVeigh’s Irish Pub is located at 124 Church St, at the southwest corner of Richmond St E, in the St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto.

Since the early 1960s, the building has been home to the authentic Irish pub. Jimmy McVeigh Sr. began managing the establishment, and by 1964, he owned the late-19th-century building, which had previously functioned as a hotel and later a tavern. In a 1968 newspaper article, Mr. McVeigh said that he wanted a place that felt like back home, stating, “Back home, the pub is a big part of your social life, not at all like a Canadian beer parlor. A beer parlor is a place to go for a drink, whereas a pub is a place to have fun…” McVeigh featured Irish folk music, and the place had become so popular that people couldn’t get in the place. At that time, draught beer was just 25¢ a glass.

Mr. McVeigh brought in his sons, Paul and Jim Jr., as well as his grandson, Brendan, to help operate the business. Paul said a development company wanted to buy the building to construct a condo tower, but his father refused and instead sold it to a private investor. Throughout the years, the pub became a regular gathering spot for Irish immigrants, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) students, office workers, and even the occasional celebrity. Movies, television shows, and several commercials have been filmed there.

The warm and welcoming pub continues to feature live music and still serves classic Irish fare, including stew, fish and chips and curries. They also offer space for parties and events

July 25, 2021 – The Monarch Tavern is located at 12 Clinton St, at the southwest corner of Henderson Ave, in the Little Italy neighbourhood of Toronto.

The building was first listed as a hotel, the Venezia Hotel, in the 1935 Toronto City Directory, with room rates starting at $1.50 per night. By 1940, it had been renamed the Monarch Hotel. In April 1972, a dynamite explosion rocked the establishment, which was then known as the Monarch House Hotel. This was the fourth bombing in the area within just two months. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the explosion caused about $30,000 in damage to the building. Rumour has it that the Monarch’s door was found a block away.

According to the Monarch Tavern’s website, the building has many stories to tell, including that it may have been the site of the city’s first armed robbery. There are also tales suggesting that the tavern is haunted. Today, the cozy neighbourhood pub features live music and event space on the main floor, along with a public house on the top floor

Circa 1894 – Montgomery’s Tavern was once on Yonge St, on the west side near Montgomery Ave, in the North Toronto neighbourhood.

Both a tavern and an inn, it was the rallying point and original headquarters of William Lyon Mackenzie, the leader of the Upper Canada Rebellion. On December 7, 1837, Mackenzie and his men were defeated by the Loyalist Militia and the tavern was burned down. According to a vintage heritage plaque (dated 1925), “This uprising, an outcome of serious grievances against the dominant ‘Family Compact,’ was an important factor in bringing about the legislative union of Upper and Lower Canada, in 1841, and the permanent establishment in Canada of responsible government, a principle then first extended to a British colony.”

Today, the site is home to the former Postal Station “K,” which is today part of The Montgomery Apartments (Toronto Public Library Pictures-R-2345)

Between 1936 and 1937 – The Morrissey Tavern was once located at 817 Yonge St, just south of Church St/Davenport Rd in the Yorkville neighbourhood of Toronto.

In 1936, Willie Morrissey, a colourful racehorse owner and boxing promoter, purchased the building and renamed it the Hotel Morrissey. In the late 1940s, it became known as the Morrissey Tavern. By the mid-1960s, the tavern was owned and operated by the Dongas family. It became a favourite hangout for university students, who referred to it as “The Mo,” as well as for local residents. The tavern closed its doors in September 1997 (City of Toronto Archives, E.L. Ruddy Company fonds, Fonds 1488, Series 1230, Item 4672)

January 27, 1982 – Nags Head Tavern was once located at 7 King St W, just west of Yonge St in the Financial District of Toronto.

Operating as a tavern and a restaurant, it first appears in the 1975 Toronto City Directory and is last listed in 1988. Nags Head also had a second location once at 74 York St (City of Toronto Archives, Harvey R. Naylor fonds, Fonds 1526, File 74, Item 2)

May 11, 1977 – The Nickelodeon Tavern, partially shown on the left, was once located at 279-283 Yonge St, at the southeast corner of Dundas Square in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

The Nick was a roaring 1920s-themed, all-ages dance pub that opened in 1970 on the second floor of the building, above Friar’s Tavern. It closed in the 1980s (City of Toronto Archives, Harvey R. Naylor fonds, Fonds 1526, File 4, Item 9)

June 2013 – Noah’s Ark Tavern was once located at 2777 Danforth Ave, at the southeast corner of Dawes Rd, in the East Danforth neighbourhood of Toronto.

In a building that was previously home to Noah’s Ark Hotel from the mid-1930s to about 1950, followed by the Eastbourne House/Hotel until the late 1970s, Noah’s Ark Tavern first appears in the 1978/79 Toronto City Directory. It featured live entertainment and karaoke nights. Noah’s Ark Tavern closed its doors sometime around 2013 or 2014. Today, the building serves as retail space (Google Maps)

1800s – The Old Peacock Tavern was once located on Dundas St W, at Dupont St, where the Dundas-Dupont traffic island is today, in what is now Toronto’s West Bend neighbourhood.

While the exact date of the tavern’s construction could not be confirmed, it is believed to date back to around 1820. The tavern is mentioned in a couple of books, including one published in 1838 and another in 1851, the latter of which referred to it as “an ancient tavern.” The Old Peacock Tavern, a wooden structure, was lost to a fire in 1871.

It was later replaced by a new hotel that went by various names, including Rays Hotel, Blea Hotel, and, finally, the Peacock Hotel, with an address of 2649 Dundas St W. In the mid-1920s, the proprietor William Campbell built a new Peacock Hotel a little further up the street, on the north side at 2760-2764 Dundas St W. The hotel, which operated as a rooming house, was also destroyed by fire in 2019 and subsequently demolished (Toronto Public Library Pictures-R3908 – John Wesley Cotton artist)

August 31, 2025 – The Old York Restaurant Tavern is located at 167 Niagara St, at the northwest corner of Wellington St W, in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto. The restaurant first appeared in the 1976 Toronto City Directory. Today, the quaint tavern features classic bistro fare

1953 – The Orchard Park Tavern, shown on the left, was once located at 1684 Queen St E, at the northeast corner of Orchard Park Blvd, in the Woodbine Corridor neighbourhood of Toronto.

Originally named the Orchard Park Hotel, it opened its doors in 1935, directly across the street from the old Woodbine Racetrack/Greenwood Raceway. By the late 1940s, it had become known as the Orchard Park Tavern, featuring a fine-dining restaurant along with banquet and wedding facilities.

Over the years, the entertainment at the establishment shifted to include everything from boxing and wrestling matches to strippers, live bands, wet T-shirt contests, and even a circus. Also known as the OP, the tavern closed in the early 1990s and was converted into a Days Inn. The building was demolished around 2022 or 2023 (Toronto Public Library Pictures-R-3572)

February 15, 2020 – The Paddock Tavern is located at 174 Bathurst St, just south of Queen St W, in the Fashion District of Toronto.

According to a newspaper ad, the Paddock Tavern opened on April 1, 1949. Its name, which refers to a small enclosure for horses, reflects the background of its founder, Morris Fishman, who was a jockey, horse trainer, and a member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. The tavern served as a tribute to Fishman’s champion racehorse, Canada’s Teddy. As a restaurant and tavern, it originally featured three rooms named after famous horse racing venues: Saratoga (New York), Blue Bonnets (formerly in Montreal), and Little Saratoga (a nickname for the former Dufferin Park in Toronto). In the early 1950s, Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson performed at the Paddock.

Throughout its years, the tavern went through various phases, including the goth years in the 1980s. This was followed by the restoration of the bar during the 1990s.

Recently, there was speculation about the tavern’s closure due to plans to redevelop the site. However, a post on the Paddock Tavern’s Instagram account stated that these plans have been postponed, and the tavern remains open

1972 – The Paramount Hotel was once located at 337 Spadina Ave, at the southeast corner of Baldwin St, in the Chinatown neighbourhood of Toronto.

The establishment was first listed in the 1963 Toronto City Directory as The Paramount Hotel. The archive photo shows that it featured a Ladies’ Entrance on Baldwin St and a Men’s Entrance on Spadina Ave. By the late 1970s, it had become known as Paramount Tavern and closed in the mid-1980s (City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Planning Board fonds, Fonds 2032, Series 841, File 47, Item 5)

Between 1977 and 1983 – Parkside Tavern was once located at 530 Yonge St, at the northwest corner of Breadalbane St, in the Bay-Cloverhill neighbourhood of Toronto.

Opening in April 1949, the Parkside Tavern building was designed by architects Swartz & Schlein. Ads in a local newspaper described the tavern as featuring a “lavish and well-appointed dining room… in a delightful, relaxing atmosphere.” In 1966, the tavern had its liquor license temporarily suspended because draught beer glasses were not filled to the tide line (a line on tavern beer glasses where liquid beer must reach, not just the foam).

The Parkside was a popular tavern in the gay community. Above the Parkside, there was also a disco that went by various names in the 1970s, including Momma Cooper’s, Quasimodo’s, the Milk Bar, and Stages.

By 1981, it had gained a reputation as a top spot for draught beer, serving over 2,000 glasses daily to a diverse clientele. The Parkside Tavern closed in the mid-1980s (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 612, Item 19 – Urban Design photographs)

June 6, 2020 – Paupers Pub is located at 539 Bloor St W, at the southwest corner of Lippincott St, in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto.

Established in 1986, this classic pub is housed in a beautiful heritage-designated building constructed in 1914 for the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Paupers features two patios—one on the rooftop with a view and another on the street-side. Inside the converted former bank, there are two floors of dining space, with soaring ceilings and old-world decor. The pub features an eclectic menu and includes an upstairs piano bar

May 9, 1975 – The Piccadilly Tube was once located at 316 Yonge St, north of Dundas St W, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

Both a restaurant and tavern, the short-lived establishment opened in 1972 and featured live music, dining and dancing. A few of the rock bands that played at the tavern include Moxy and Streetheart. The Piccadilly Tube closed in 1980 (City of Toronto Archives, Harvey R. Naylor fonds, Fonds 1526, File 84, Item 69)

December 24, 2019 – The Pilot Tavern is located at 22 Cumberland St, west of Yonge St, in the Yorkville neighbourhood of Toronto.

Originally located at 800 Yonge St, just north of Bloor St W, it opened in 1944 and was known as the Pilot Grill for its first few years in operation. It was named to honour the heroic efforts of Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) flyers during World War II. Sandwiched between two bank buildings, it became known as the Pilot Tavern in the late 1940s. Newspaper articles from around 1970 mention that the tavern attracted the “arty and intellectual types”.

In 1971, to make way for the present-day 34-storey Two Bloor West tower, The Pilot relocated just around the corner to 22 Cumberland St. According to the legend, a group of regulars from the Pilot carried the original bar top to its new location. This historic tavern continues to operate to this day, having been in business for over 80 years

Between 1977 and 1982 – The Ports of Call, shown on the left, was once located at 1145 Yonge St, between Shaftesbury Ave and Summerhill Ave, in the Summerhill neighbourhood of Toronto.

When The Ports of Call opened in the Northgate Hotel in January 1963, it was the place to be seen. The establishment featured several themed restaurants and lounges, including the Bali Hai, which offered a Polynesian menu and atmosphere; Caesar’s Garden, known for its relaxed grotto ambiance; the Dickens Room, where beef was king, in a 19th-century English inn setting; Ballon Rouge, a French cabaret with dancing; and the Last Chance Saloon & Ghost Town. New themed rooms were later introduced, such as The Heyloft, which featured long wooden tables with bowls of peanuts and a honky-tonk piano for sing-alongs.

The international restaurant complex was sold and renovated, and in April 1977, The Ports disco opened. The vibrant “high-class swingles pick-up parlor” boasted five rooms that could seat up to 1,500 people. It also featured Eli Green’s, a large sunlit dining room, One Potato, Two with an English country cottage atmosphere, as well as Ollie Trout’s Pasta, and the Northgate Bar & Bakery.

As time passed, the novelty of The Ports faded, and on the night before its closure, July 29, 1983, a Demolition Eve reception was held. The landmark was torn down and replaced by the present-day structures (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 617, Item 14 – Urban Design photographs)

1972 – The Pretzel Bell Tavern was once located at 192 Adelaide St W/127 Simcoe St, at the northeast corner, in the Entertainment District of Toronto.

The establishment opened in 1965 in a building known as Bishop’s Block, which dates back to approximately 1830-1840. Originally named The Pretzel Bell Public House, the tavern quickly attracted a lunchtime crowd. A 1966 newspaper article said that patrons enjoyed their meals upstairs while drinking took place downstairs. A generous serving of Shepherd’s Pie, accompanied by fresh waxed beans, a sliced tomato, a seed roll, and a slice of blueberry pie, cost just $2.25.

Another article from 1973 described the atmosphere, featuring a rock band performing under red flashing lights, couples dancing, others playing shuffleboard, and a group of young patrons sitting on chrome chairs while enjoying draught beer. The Pretzel Bell Tavern was last mentioned in the 1983 Toronto City Directory (City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Planning Board fonds, Fonds 2032, Series 841, File 44, Item 10)

1972 – The Rib O Beef Tavern was once located on the ground floor of 220 Bay St, at the northwest corner of Wellington St W, in the Financial District of Toronto.

This old-English-style tavern and restaurant opened in 1972. A newspaper article from 1973 mentioned the tavern’s “Dickens Special,” which included a generous serving of roast beef au jus, a baked potato, peas, cheesecake, and coffee for only $3.94. While the Rib O Beef had a few locations around the city, it was last listed at this address in the 1983 Toronto City Directory (City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Planning Board fonds, Fonds 2032, Series 841, File 50, Item 24)

April 3, 2026 – Rock ‘N’ Horse Saloon is located at 250 Adelaide St W, just west of Duncan St, in the Entertainment District of Toronto.

Opened in December 2013, this lively party bar is dubbed “Toronto’s home for everything country.” The Rock ‘N’ Horse features line dancing and bull riding on select nights, along with country-style cooking

February 28, 1984 – Rondun Tavern was once located at 2238 Dundas St W, south of Bloor St W, in the Roncesvalles neighbourhood of Toronto.

Opening as the Rondun Hotel, it first appears in the 1937 Toronto City Directory. By the 1970s, it was known as the Rondun Hotel & Tavern. In its later years, the gritty tavern featured live rock music, with notable performers including Rick Danko, a founding member of The Band, and Bryan Adams. The venue was known as the Rondun Tavern when it closed in 1985, and the building was demolished shortly afterwards (City of Toronto Archives, Harvey R. Naylor fonds, Fonds 1526, File 102, Item 19)

1950 – The Rosticceria Tavern was once located at 359 Yonge St, just south of Gerrard St E. in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

In a building constructed in 1895 that originally served as an undertaker’s business and residence, the Rosticceria opened in 1947, transforming the old funeral home into a dining destination. It featured the Elixir Room and Dining Lounge, where American and French cuisine was served. Four years after opening, the restaurant closed, and since 1951, it has been home to the Zanzibar, which was also initially a tavern (City of Toronto Archives, Series 574, File 19, Item 49383)

Between 1972 and 1982 – The Royal Oak House was once located at 376 Dundas St E, at the northeast corner of Ontario St, in the Cabbagetown South neighbourhood of Toronto.

The archive photo shows the men’s entrance of the establishment. The hotel opened in 1876 and was originally known as the Derby Arms. By the mid-1910s, it had been renamed the Royal Oak Hotel. During the late 1920s and early 1930s, the hotel was vacant and briefly served as a storefront for a fruit market, and later as a church. It reopened as the Royal Oak Hotel in the mid-1930s and continued to operate under that name until 1970.

After that, it was renamed the Royal Oak House and retained that name until around 1983, when it became Soupy’s Hotel & Tavern. Also referred to as Stoopy’s Tavern, this establishment was known for its dive-bar atmosphere. Its unique character attracted filmmakers, and it appeared in several movies, including The Fly, Cocktail, The Ref, and A History of Violence. In 2013, it was renamed the Royal Oak Inn (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 377, Item 26 – Urban Design photographs)

June 22, 1955 – The Saphire Tavern was once located at 30 King St W, on the north side between Yonge St and Bay St, in the Financial District of Toronto.

The Saphire Tavern moved from its original location at 89 Yonge St to its new spot on King St W in the early 1950s. It remained there until 1958, when it relocated to a corner storefront in the Confederation Life Building, situated at the northwest corner of Richmond St E and Victoria St (Toronto Public Library S 1-3099, James Victor Salmon – photographer)

1972 – The Saphire Tavern was once located at 14 Richmond St E (in the Confederation Life Building), at the northeast corner of Victoria St, in the St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto.

The Saphire Tavern first opened in 1947 at 89 Yonge St. It was a fine-dining restaurant known for its steak, chops, and lobster dinners. After being destroyed by fire a few years later, the establishment relocated to 30 King St W.

In 1958, the tavern made its final move to 14 Richmond St E, setting up shop in the building’s corner storefront. A newspaper ad at the time promoted “food at its finest at popular prices.” By the 1960s, the Saphire had transformed into a lively jazz and soul club. The addition of go-go dancers boosted business, with attendance increasing by about 1,000%. On Friday and Saturday nights, the club often had to turn away hundreds of people. Among the many musicians who performed there was Jackie Shane, a pioneering transgender artist from Nashville, Tennessee. She recorded her album “Jackie Shane Live!” in 1967 at the Saphire.

The Saphire Tavern closed its doors in the mid-1970s. Today, the historic building houses restaurant, retail and office space (City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Planning Board fonds, Fonds 2032, Series 841, File 17, Item 22)

1960s – The Savarin Tavern was once located at 336 Bay St, north of Adelaide St W. in the Financial District of Toronto.

The Savarin first appeared as a restaurant in the 1931 Toronto City Directory. It was later known as the Savarin Hotel and, in the late 1940s, became the Savarin Tavern. A newspaper article reported that the establishment offered a French buffet with “all the lobster, shrimp, and roast beef you could cram on your plate.” It was also said to be a favourite watering hole for the city’s financial community. The Savarin Tavern, which featured a sloped tile roof, closed its doors in 1977, and the building was demolished in 1980 (City of Toronto Archives, Strathy Smith fonds, Fonds 1128, Series 381, File 319, Item 12641-45)

February 1, 1989 – Silver Crown Tavern was once located at 25 Richmond St W, between Yonge St and Bay St, in the Financial District of Toronto.

The tavern opened in 1979 in a building that had previously housed a restaurant and, before that, a branch of the Toronto Public Library. Newspaper ads mention the establishment was “sedate and blue-collar by day, the Crown turns to the younger downtowners at night, unpretentious, friendly and busy on weekends. Europop-type hits. Very reasonably priced suds $2.10 a bottle.” The Silver Crown Tavern closed its doors on January 1, 1989, after hosting one last New Year’s Eve celebration. The building was later demolished (City of Toronto Archives, Ellis Wiley fonds, Fonds 124, File 3, Item 171)

May 28, 2022 – The Silver Dollar Room was once located at 486 Spadina Ave, north of College St, in the Harbord Village neighbourhood of Toronto. Today, the address is home to Dina’s Tavern.

The Silver Dollar opened in 1958 as an addition to the neighbouring Hotel Waverley. The venue played an important role in the city’s music scene over the years, showcasing a diverse range of genres, including jazz, blues, folk, punk, electro, garage, bluegrass, and indie rock. Notable artists who performed at the venue include Bob Dylan, Levon Helm, the Barenaked Ladies, Blue Rodeo, The Pixies, and Mac DeMarco. METZ played the final show on April 30, 2017. Both the Silver Dollar Room and the Hotel Waverley were demolished in 2018.

In September 2025, a new venue, Dina’s Tavern, opened at the same location. Initially, it featured the Silver Dollar sign on its exterior, though it has since been covered. Inside, heritage pieces, including the Silver Dollar’s bar, are incorporated into the decor. Dina’s Tavern is carrying on where the former Silver Dollar left off, featuring live music events

1950s – The Silver Rail Tavern was once at 225 Yonge St (in the Ryrie Building), at the northeast corner of Shuter St, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

The Silver Rail, a cocktail lounge and restaurant, opened on April 2, 1947, founded by Michael Georgas and Louis Arnold. It was located in the building’s corner storefront on the main and lower floors.

This upscale establishment was one of the first in the city to serve cocktails and hard liquor after a 30-year hiatus. The Silver Rail featured the city’s longest bar—a 90-foot stretch with 40 seats—surrounded by dark panelling on the walls and a high ceiling. A silver railing beside the stairway led to the downstairs dining room, which was dubbed “Canada’s Outstanding Restaurant.” The menu included steak, roast beef, seafood, omelettes, specialty sandwiches, and more.

In 1961, Nick Yioldassis and Jim Demeroutis purchased the busy and elegant Silver Rail. Over the years, while the establishment maintained its charm, the area began to quieten down after the opening of the Eaton Centre, along with other changes. In May 1998, Mr. Demeroutis, Mr. Yioldassis, and the Yioldassis family received notice from the building’s landlord that they would need to vacate the premises, and the following month, the legendary tavern closed its doors.

The heritage-designated Ryrie Building was built in a few phases from 1891 through 1914 and now houses commercial and office spaces (City of Toronto Archives, Alexandra Studio fonds, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 738)

July 30, 1955 – The Six Point Tavern was once located at 5179 Dundas St W, east of Bloor St W, in the Islington neighbourhood of Toronto.

It first appears in the Toronto City Directory in 1952 and is last listed in 1960. The directory version of the name did not include an “s” in the word “Point.” While the Six Point Tavern may have existed at that location before 1952, the directory did not start listing addresses that far west until that year (Toronto Public Library S 1-3079A – James Victor Salmon photographer)

December 27, 2019 – Sneaky Dee’s is located at 431 College St at the southeast corner of Bathurst St in the Kensington Market neighbourhood of Toronto.

Established in 1987, the bar was originally situated at 562 Bloor St W, directly across from the former Honest Ed’s. Two years later, it moved to its current location on College Street. Self-described as “Toronto’s Legendary Punk Rock Dive Bar, Restaurant, and Live Music Venue,” Sneaky Dee’s features graffiti-filled walls and has even appeared in the Scott Pilgrim comics (alongside a plate of nachos). The venue serves Tex-Mex cuisine and hosts live music, dance parties, and more

April 1970 – The Spadina Hotel was once located at 460 King St W, at the northwest corner of Spadina Ave, in the Fashion District and Wellington Place neighbourhood of Toronto.

The hotel, originally known as the Richardson House, was constructed in several phases beginning in 1875, with the initial 3-storey building located at the corner. Later alterations included a 4-storey brick extension added to the north side in 1890. The hotel changed hands and names a few times, including being called the Hotel Falconer and later Zeigler’s Hotel. After facing some violations, the owner had to transfer the hotel’s liquor license. Eventually, the hotel regained its liquor license and by 1918 was known as the Hotel Spadina.

In the late 1940s, the hotel, which also featured a dining room, opened the Cabana Room on the second floor of the original building. Advertisements in newspapers described the “Cabana Room – A Little Bit of Mexico. Food of the highest quality. Restful atmosphere. Television.” Initially, the Cabana Room showcased Latin-American and Continental music, but it later featured jazz, R&B, rock, and folk musicians, including the famous Leonard Cohen.

After being owned by one family for 70 years, the Spadina Hotel went into receivership in 1995. Two years later, it was transformed into the Global Village Backpackers Hostel. In 2014, Allied Properties purchased the old hotel, and the hostel was closed. Today, the heritage-designated building is used for retail, office, and commercial space (City of Toronto Archives, Ellis Wiley fonds, Fonds 124, File 2, Item 97)

1955 – The St. Charles Tavern was once located at 480-484 Yonge St, north of College St, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

Opened in 1950 as a restaurant and cocktail bar, the St. Charles featured a distinctive clock tower that dated back to 1871, when it was part of the former Yonge Street Fire Hall No. 3. The tavern even incorporated the iconic clock tower into its advertising with the slogan, “Meet me under the clock.” In the 1960s, it became a popular destination for the gay community, hosting various drag shows, including a Halloween drag show tradition that attracted thousands. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, the upper floor of the building housed a variety of discos. The St. Charles Tavern closed in 1987, and the building later became a popular venue for nightclubs.

In 2018, the St. Charles Tavern building, except for the clock tower, was demolished to make way for a condo. Today, the restored clock tower and the facade of the neighbouring building are part of Halo Residences (Toronto Public Library R-3759, James Victor Salmon – photographer)

Circa 1974 – Steele’s Tavern was once located at 349 Yonge St, north of Gould St, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

In 1936, Steele Basil opened Steele’s Restaurant on the main floor of the building. In the late 1940s, he obtained a liquor license and renamed it Steele’s Tavern. By 1950, he had purchased the building, which included the upstairs Venetian Lounge.

In 1960, live entertainment was introduced, with Steele’s Tavern focusing on folk music. As Mr. Basil explained, “All the other bars had country and western, rock ‘n’ roll, or were topless. I wanted to create a new image, so I chose folk, and it seemed to click.” In the early 1960s, a young Gordon Lightfoot made his debut in the Venetian Room. He sang his own songs and played the guitar, performing over 30 engagements at the tavern in his first three years.

In June 1974, Steele Basil retired and closed the tavern. By the late 1980s, Sam the Record Man had expanded into the former tavern space (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 612, Item 7 – Urban Design photographs)

August 1963 – The Sword Tavern was once located at 7 King St W, just west of Yonge St, in the Financial District of Toronto.

Both a tavern and a restaurant, it first appears in the 1953 Toronto City Directory. An early ad for the Sword mentions “Toronto’s finest food, politely served.” Notice the tavern’s neon signs. The Sword Tavern last appears in the 1974 directory, after which it became home to Nags Head Tavern (City of Toronto Archives, Ellis Wiley fonds, Fonds 124, File 1, Item 105)

Circa 1965 – Tiroler Tavern was once located at 1115 Bay St, south of Charles St W. in the Bay-Cloverhill neighbourhood of Toronto.

A tavern and restaurant, Tiroler opened in the mid-1950s and featured Viennese cuisine in the setting reminiscent of an Austrian inn. It closed in the early 1980s. Notice La Scala restaurant on the left. In 2001, the pair of Victorian homes, which dated back to around 1880, were demolished and later replaced by a condominium tower (Toronto Public Library 2015-2-85)

1958 – Town Tavern was once located at 16 Queen St E, east of Yonge St, in the Garden District of Toronto.

Visible on the far right of the photo, the tavern was established as a restaurant in 1949 by Sam Berger. By 1955, it had transitioned into a full-time jazz venue, thanks to the suggestion of renowned Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson.

During the 1960s and 1970s, several famous musicians performed at the club, including Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Stan Getz, and Dizzy Gillespie. The Town Tavern closed its doors in 1972, and the building was later torn down (CU110502227, by Panda Associates, Courtesy of Canadian Architectural Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary)

Circa 1945 – Ulster Arms Tavern was once located at 1345 Gerrard St E, just west of Highfield Rd, in the Leslieville neighbourhood of Toronto.

Originally a hotel with a beverage room, it first appeared in the 1935 Toronto City Directory. Beginning in the early 1970s, the hotel was delisted and then relisted in the directory from time to time. In the mid-1980s, it became known as the Ulster Arms Tavern. The tavern closed its doors for the last time in 2012 (City of Toronto Archives, Alexandra Studio fonds, Fonds 1257, Series 1057, Item 540)

April 1970 – The Wheatsheaf Tavern is located at 667 King St W, at the southwest corner of Bathurst St, in the Fashion District of Toronto.

The establishment opened in the late 1840s and was originally known as the Wheat Sheaf Inn. It was owned by Bernard Short, who had previously been a baker and innkeeper at the nearby Garrison Common. The Wheat Sheaf served soldiers and stagecoach travellers, functioning as an inn and a tavern.

Following Mr. Short’s passing in 1866, ownership of the Wheat Sheaf transferred to his wife, Mary, who later sold the property in the 1870s. According to a City of Toronto heritage report, the building had a mansard roof with dormers added in the late 1800s, giving it a Second Empire architectural style.

In 1995, the historic tavern announced its closure, causing concern among staff and patrons. Fortunately, the worry was short-lived when Pegasus Group Inc. purchased and restored the landmark, converting the upper floor into a lounge. In 1996, The Wheat Sheaf reopened, transitioning to become strictly a restaurant and tavern. Today, at over 175 years old, The Sheaf is recognized as Toronto’s oldest bar, offering classic pub fare, live music, and lots of TVs for sports (City of Toronto Archives, Ellis Wiley fonds, Fonds 124, File 2, Item 95)

March 4, 1984 – Ye Olde Gregory Tavern was once located at 17 Adelaide St W, at the southwest corner of the former Johnston St (between Yonge St and Bay St), in the Financial District of Toronto.

The establishment originally opened in approximately 1936 as the Hotel Gregory and was later renamed the New Gregory Hotel in the late 1960s. By 1978, it was known as Ye Olde Gregory Tavern and featured music genres such as ragtime and Irish. The building also housed Chatterley’s Steak House. The tavern closed in 1984, and the building was demolished (City of Toronto Archives, Ellis Wiley fonds, Fonds 124, File 3, Item 118)

Circa 1983 – The Zanzibar is located at 359 Yonge St, south of Gerrard St E, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.

The building that is today home to Club Zanzibar was constructed in the mid-1890s and originally served as an undertaker’s business and residence. While it later housed other businesses, including a restaurant, in 1951, it became the Zanzibar Tavern and was promoted as “Toronto’s Finest Dining Room”.

In 1961, David Cooper purchased the tavern, which initially focused on live music. In 1965, to keep up with changing times, go-go dancers began accompanying bands onstage. In the early 1970s, the venue was renamed the Zanzibar Circus Tavern, and it was around this time that the venue shifted from live music to topless and burlesque entertainment. In the 1980s, it became a strip club. Today, Club Zanzibar is one of the last surviving strip clubs in the city (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 200, Series 1465, File 618, Item 41 – Urban Design photographs)

Taverns in Toronto – More Than Just a Place to Drink

Algonquin Tavern

Angelo’s Tavern

Avion House

Bacchus Steakhouse & Tavern

Bermuda Tavern

Beverley Tavern

Black Bull Tavern

Blue Bell Tavern

Brown Derby Tavern

Brunswick House

Cadillac Lounge

Cameron House (mid 1890s to the late 1920s, re-established late 1930s to present-day)

Canada House

Clinton’s Tavern

Club Matador

Colonial Tavern

Concord Tavern

Conroy Hotel

Cork Room

Crispin’s Tavern

Derby Hotel

Dominion House

Dovercourt Tavern

Duffy’s Tavern (1949 to present-day)

Duke of York/The Duke (1910 to present-day)

Edgewater Hotel

El Mocambo (1948 to present-day)

Eton House

Filmores Hotel

For Your Eyes Only

Forbes Tavern

Friar’s Tavern

Gasworks Tavern

Graf Bobby Tavern

Green Bush Tavern

Greenland Fishery Tavern

Grossman’s Tavern (early 1950s to present-day)

Hard Rock Cafe

Holiday Tavern

Hollywood Tavern

Horseshoe Tavern (1947 to present-day)

Hotel Winchester

Imperial Pub

Islington House

York Mills Hotel/Jolly Miller Hotel/Miller Tavern (circa 1857 to present-day)

Keystone Tavern

Kicker’s Lounge

La Grotta Tavern

Lambton Tavern

Larry’s Hideaway

Le Coq d’Or Tavern

Letros Tavern

Linsmore Tavern (1934 to present-day)

Little Denmark Tavern

Madison Avenue Pub (1983 to present-day)

Maple Leaf Tavern (1935 to present-day)

Marquis of Granby

McVeigh’s Irish Pub (1962 to present-day)

Monarch Tavern (circa 1940 to present-day)

Montgomery’s Tavern

Morrissey Tavern

Nags Head Tavern

Nickelodeon Tavern

Noah’s Ark Tavern

Old Peacock Tavern

Old York Restaurant Tavern (mid 1970s to present-day)

Orchard Park Tavern

Paddock Tavern (1949 to present-day)

Paramount Tavern

Parkside Tavern

Paupers Pub (1986 to present-day)

Piccadilly Tube

Pilot Tavern (1944 to present-day)

Ports of Call

Pretzel Bell Tavern

Rib O Beef Tavern

Rock ‘N’ Horse Saloon (2013 to present-day)

Rondun Tavern

Rosticceria Tavern