Toronto’s bar scene has always delivered, but there are a few legendary spots that remain etched in the memories of those who danced, drank, and created unforgettable nights there.
Feeling nostalgic, we turned to the Narcity Facebook page to ask, “What’s a Toronto bar you wish never shut its doors?”
Nearly 220 people chimed in, and some iconic Toronto spots came up again and again — proof that certain bars left a mark that hasn’t faded.
From dive bars to buzzing dance floors, here are the Toronto bars people miss the most.
Bemelmans
Former location: 83 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
A true trailblazer in Toronto’s nightlife scene, Bemelmans opened in the late 1970s, bringing a touch of New York energy to the city. According to the Bloor-Yorkville BIA, it was one of the first bars in Toronto where patrons could actually stand and drink — a feature we now take for granted.
The space itself had history too, built with marble salvaged from the former Eaton’s store on College Street. After nearly two decades, Bemelmans closed its doors in 1994, but its legacy still lingers.
Cadillac Lounge
Former location: 1296 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON
A staple of Parkdale’s live music scene, the Cadillac Lounge closed its doors in 2019 after nearly 20 years in business. Known for its laid-back vibe, retro decor, and regular live performances, the bar was a favourite for locals and touring acts alike.
Owner Sam Grosso told Global News that shifting demographics made it harder to attract a younger crowd, ultimately rendering the business unsustainable.
Despite its closure, Cadillac Lounge remains a symbol of the old Parkdale charm that many still miss.
Crocodile Rock
Former location: 240 Adelaide St. W., Toronto, ON
After almost 30 years in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District, Crocodile Rock closed for good in May 2020 — another nightlife casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bar was beloved for its throwback tunes and dance floor energy.
According to the Toronto Sun, its $3 daily drink specials made it a go-to spot for budget-friendly nights out.
In a farewell post on social media, the ownership group shared that they had been “put in a position” to permanently close its doors. It brought a long chapter for one of the area’s most recognizable venues to a close.
Irish Embassy Pub & Grill
Former location: 49 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Like Montreal, Toronto also had its own Irish Embassy that we still miss.
A fixture at Yonge and Wellington, the Irish Embassy Pub & Grill was a beloved downtown spot, especially famous for its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and classic pub atmosphere.
It became another casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic, announcing a temporary closure in March 2020. But the doors never reopened, and the pub has remained shuttered ever since, leaving a noticeable void in Toronto’s pub scene.
Rock N’ Roll Heaven
Former location: 90 Bloor St. E., Toronto, ON
A hotspot for rock lovers from the late ’70s through the early ’90s, Rock N’ Roll Heaven earned its place as one of Toronto’s most iconic music bars.
Known for hosting big hair, loud guitars, and packed crowds, it became a go-to venue for fans of the glam rock, hard rock and metal scene.
The bar closed in February 1992 after its lease expired —”Nothing lasts forever,” manager Gareth Brown said in a TV interview at the time.
Despite shutting its doors over 30 years ago, the venue remains a part of local music lore, with a dedicated Facebook group of more than 4,200 members keeping its memory alive.
The BamBoo
Former location: 312 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON
A staple of Queen Street West in the ’80s and ’90s, The BamBoo was more than just a bar — it was a cultural hub. Known for its eclectic global menu and laid-back, tropical vibe, it drew in artists, musicians, and food lovers from across the city.
The venue became a go-to for live music, especially reggae and world beats, helping to shape Toronto’s evolving nightlife scene.
The BamBoo closed in 2002, but its impact on the city’s culinary and cultural landscape is still remembered fondly.
The Big Bop
Former location: 651 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON
Situated at Queen and Bathurst, The Big Bop opened in the 1980s and quickly became one of Toronto’s hottest nightlife destinations. Known for its massive multi-level space, it regularly drew crowds of over 1,000 music fans eager to catch up-and-coming local bands.
According to CityNews, it was a crucial launching pad for young talent and a vibrant hub for the city’s music scene.
The Big Bop closed its doors in 2010 to make way for condo development. Still, the memories of its lively nights continue to echo in Toronto’s nightlife history.
The Gasworks
Former location: 585 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Immortalized in Wayne’s World, where Mike Myers’ character famously declared, “This is The Gasworks, an excellent heavy metal bar! And always a babe fest,” this legendary Toronto venue was the real deal.
A go-to spot for hard rock and heavy metal fans, The Gasworks became a local institution thanks to its gritty vibe and stacked live music lineups. Despite its popularity, the bar shut down in 1993. But for many, it still lives on as a symbol of Toronto’s old-school rock scene.
A Facebook group dedicated to the bar remains active, with over 4,300 members.
The Green Room (original location)
Former location: 296 Brunswick Ave., Toronto, ON
Tucked away behind a graffiti-covered laneway, The Green Room was one of those rare hidden gems in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood.
For over 20 years, its back-alley entrance and moody, bohemian vibe made it a go-to for students, artists, and anyone looking for a low-key hangout. The original location became a nostalgic favourite among locals, packed with character and charm.
In 2017, The Green Room relocated to 414 College St., where it continues to operate today. The original building was sold and later transformed into The Annex Hotel. However, the memory of late nights in that dimly lit, tucked-away bar still lingers for many.
The Orbit Room
Former location: 580A College St., Toronto, ON
Opened in 1994, The Orbit Room was a staple of Toronto’s live music scene, especially in Little Italy, where it offered live shows seven nights a week.
Known for its cozy, funky vibe and top-tier musicianship, the bar attracted a wide range of talent over the years. According to the Toronto Star, even Radiohead once dropped by to hang out and catch a set.
Like many venues, The Orbit Room shut down in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the music didn’t stop entirely. The beloved bar has since found a new home inside the Redwood Theatre at 1300 Gerrard St. E., where it continues its legacy of live performances.
Whiskey Saigon
Former location: 250 Richmond St. W., Toronto, ON
One of the most popular responses in our comment section, Whiskey Saigon, was the place to be in Toronto after dark.
Located at the corner of Duncan and Richmond, the multi-level venue attracted packed crowds. It hosted some of the city’s wildest nights, with well-known DJs keeping the energy high well into the early morning hours.
It had its run in the late ’90s and early 2000s before eventually shutting down. Today, the former party hotspot is home to the iHeartRadio Canada headquarters.
In a full-circle moment, The Piston on Bloor Street brought a dose of nostalgia back in February, hosting a special Saigon Sunday event.
DJs Paul Dhingra and Dwight Hybrid returned to spin the same tracks that once shook the dance floor at the legendary Richmond Street club. For longtime fans, it was a rare chance to relive the energy and sound of a true Toronto nightlife classic.
The Guvernment
Former location: 132 Queens Quay E., Toronto, ON
By far the most popular response to our question, The Guvernment (and its earlier incarnation, RPM) holds legendary status in Toronto nightlife history.
Spanning a massive 22,000 square feet, the waterfront venue was once hailed as Canada’s largest nightclub. It hosted some of the biggest names in music — from Prince and David Bowie to Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Oasis, Coldplay, and The Rolling Stones, according to CTV News.
The Guv went out with a bang in January 2015, with a final weekend that featured massive sets from Armin van Buuren and Deadmau5. The building was later demolished to make way for condo development.
However, for thousands of Torontonians, the memories of those all-night dance parties still hit just as hard as the bass did.
They don’t make ’em like they used to, that’s for sure!
