Grizzly Bar to Open on Queen Street West with a Full Canadian Theme
Toronto welcomes a new Canadian-themed bar this April. Grizzly Bar will take over the former Offworld Bar space at 739 Queen St. West with a menu and atmosphere focused on Canadian staples. From poutine and butter tarts to local beer and themed contests, the venue aims to build a space for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
What Is Grizzly Bar?
Grizzly Bar is a Canadian-owned and operated bar and grill built around national identity. The team behind it, Storm Crow Alliance, wanted a shift from the previous outer space theme. With recent changes in Canadian pride and public sentiment, the group decided it was time for something grounded and familiar.
Food and Drink Menu
The kitchen and bar will offer a wide mix of items using ingredients from across Canada.
Food Highlights
- Bison burgers made with meat from Quebec
- Alberta beef in the Big Alberta Burger
- Ontario chicken wings with maple whisky sauce (from Felix Spirits)
- Montreal smoked meat on rye
- Poutine made with Canadian potatoes, cheese curds, and house-made gravy
- Award-winning butter tarts from MoeTarts
Drink Options
- Craft beer from local brewers like Side Launch and Collective Arts
- Inventive cocktails using Canadian ingredients
- A returning favorite from Offworld: the Black Hole cocktail, now renamed “The Hadfield”
Canadian-Themed Events and Games
Grizzly Bar adds humor and fun with a full lineup of themed competitions and events:
Hoser Olympics
Includes quirky contests like:
- Loonie Toss
- Hockey Tape Escape
- Timbit Challenge
Canadian Apology Competition
Participants compete for the title of Canada’s Nicest Human with their best “Sorry, not sorry” moments.
Comedy Nights
In partnership with Second City, the bar will host:
- Improv performances
- Stand-up nights
- Open mic events
A Reflection of Canadian Pride
A survey by Angus Reid Institute in February 2025 showed a rise in national pride. The number of Canadians who felt “very proud” of their country rose from 34% in December 2024 to 44% just two months later. This renewed pride influenced the team behind Grizzly Bar to develop a space that reflects Canada in both food and culture.
Chief Marketing Officer Jessica Langer Kapalka says the idea was born from their staff’s shared appreciation for Canadian identity. Many of the staff are immigrants who now call Canada home. The result is a concept that draws from a broad range of regional and cultural influences without losing its national focus.
Opening Details
- Website: https://www.grizzlybar.ca
- Address: 739 Queen St. West, Toronto
Opening Date: April 11, 2025 - Theme: 100% Canadian culture, food, and humor
- Ownership: Canadian-owned and operated
Grizzly Bar brings Canadian music, beer, humor, and food together under one roof. With its April launch approaching, the bar sets out to offer a break from the usual downtown spots by leaning into something more familiar.
Grizzly Bar opens April 11 on Queen Street West.
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