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Toronto bar that closed after 20 years being replaced by retro-style diner

Phoebe Knight, Dished

created: Oct. 3, 2025, 8:28 p.m. | updated: Oct. 5, 2025, 4:31 p.m.

A Toronto bar in a historic building is getting a new lease on life as it transforms into a new concept this October. The Gladstone House's Melody Bar had been a pillar of West Queen West, taking on various appearances and lives over the years, for over two decades, when it suddenly and quietly closed its doors at the end of 2022. Since then, the space at the historic property has sat dormant, collecting dust while the neighbourhood's frequenters grew impatient waiting to learn whether Melody Bar would rise from the ashes, or whether it really was gone for good. A new chapter is on the horizon for the former Melody Bar, as it prepares to transform into Cassette, a refined take on the classic, retro diner, opening at the end of October. Kicking things off with a bang, the restaurant will host a monthly drag and dinner show headlined by Toronto drag royalty (and former Canada's Drag Race contestant) Tynomi Banks.

5 days, 3 hours ago: blogTO