Looking east towards the Zanzibar at 359 Yonge St in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.
The building has an interesting history that dates back to 1895. Originally constructed as an undertaker’s business and residence, the three-storey building has since been home to a variety of businesses, including a photo studio and cafe.
After a complete restoration in 1951, the Zanzibar Tavern opened in the building. Ten years later, David Cooper purchased the tavern and early on, the Zanzibar was more about live music. When the a-go-go craze hit the Yonge Street Strip, go-go dancers began accompanying the bands on the Zanzibar’s stage. The club transitioned to burlesque entertainment and, in the 1980s, an adult entertainment club. The venue underwent a $300,000 Vegas-inspired update in 2001, which included covering the building in gold-glazed tiles.
Today, known as Club Zanzibar, it’s one of the city’s last surviving strip clubs.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: City of Toronto Archives
