A Toronto watering hole known for its local craft beers, decently cheap eats and covered back patio filled with cushy velvet sofas is shutting down after close to four decades in business on Queen Street West.
Squirly’s, recognizable by its colourfully-painted exterior right near Trinity-Bellwoods Park, has been serving up food and drinks in its laid-back space for 36 years, but its owners have decided to sadly throw in the (bar) towel.
“All good things must come to an end. After 36 years in business, it’s time to say goodbye” reads a sign posted in the business’s front window, and also online.
“Thank you to our incredible staff and customers who made Squirly’s a beloved neighbourhood gathering place for so long. We owe our success to you.”
A sign in the window at 807 Queen St. W announces the sudden closure. Photo by Becky Robertson.
Management did not provide a reason for abruptly shutting down in spite of said success, and have not responded to blogTO’s requests for comment in the days since the news was announced on Instagram.
Locals have run to the comments section, though, to grieve the loss of such a pillar of the strip.
“HOW MUCH MONEY TO KEEP IT OPEN?” resident meme account Toronto Affirmations wrote — an idea others supported, with suggestions like “somebody needs to buy it and keep it exactly the same.”
Others called it “sad,” “a massive loss,” and the “end of an era,” recounting their memories at the storied spot.
“In 1994 I said a joke on the patio that made everyone laugh. Hasn’t happened since. I’ll never forget that night and the other 1,000 nights at The Squirrel,” one customer recalled.
A few simply wrote “NOOOOO” or responded with crying emojis. One customer lamented how Queen West appears to be “on her last breaths,” while another criticized the high property taxes and other bills that “have gone up five fold in last 20 years.”
“Even if rent was $4k a month, the additional costs would be over $3,000 with hydro, gas, water, garbage, property tax and business improvement association. Blame the city, they kill the street,” reads one comment speculating about what may have prompted the move, which has served as a complete shock to the community.
As mentioned in their Instagram post, Squirly’s last day in service is Saturday, November 16, when staff invite patrons to come “help drink the bar dry.”
“Thank you for the memories!” they add.
Squirly’s will pour its last beer on Saturday, November 16. Photo by Becky Robertson.
Assuming the bar will be open for its regular hours, you can stop by for one last pint at 807 Queen St. W. between 5 p.m. and 2 a.m. on Friday or Saturday.
