It's Deadpool for The Savannah Room, Urbano, Bungalow Cafe and The Barking Room
I walked by the Savannah Room to witness the end today. The signs on the front door tell the story. Beyond the usual Termination Notice to Tenant, Ladystache and others who had planned gigs here have plastered change of venue notices, pointing fans further west to find them at spots like Rancho Relaxo and Comedy Bar.
The bar and live performance venue had been a College St. fixture for years and was one of the few places in the city to catch regular comedy shows featuring up and coming local talent. No word yet whether mismanagement, slow business or something else led to its decline, but it's done. Their MySpace doesn't really offer any clues.
Further south on Queen, Urbano has closed after just more than a year in business. The tapas restaurant took over the space once occupied by the popular Sugar brunch spot. While busy at times, it never really seemed to distinguish itself from many of the other great dining options in the area. According to signs on the front window, "Toronto's Premier Authentic Breton Creperie" called Creperie La Brehandaise will be opening in its place soon.
And King West has lost both the Barking Room and Bungalow Cafe. blogTO reader Lindsay wrote us: "What happened to The Barking Room on King St W?! It was there one day, and the next, the windows were all boarded up with paper! I tried calling, but there answering machine is full. And there's a FOR RENT sign in the window. Did they move? Or did they just close up shop? I had doggie daycare sessions left there!"
I don't have any answers. Maybe pet shop overload in the area? Many grooming services and pet supply stores opened up on King and Queen West over the past few years. Their web site hasn't been updated since they've closed.
I never really understood what Bungalow Cafe was trying to be. It wasn't a cafe. It was a restaurant. I never ate there but the one time I popped in to check it out I didn't really find it had that much to offer. I guess locals felt the same way.
Comments (22)
Not surprising about Urbano. I remember them first setting up shop, and knew they were doomed by their 905-inspired logo. Just not in tune - too corporate. The reviews of their tepid food just confirmed expectations.
I went to the Savannah room twice about a year ago. I really enjoyed it, as the beer was so cheap before 9pm. Since then, I tried to go about another 6 or times. It was always closed. I could never figure out when it was actually open. If they make it hard for people to go to the bar, the bar's not going to last very long.
the savannah room was garbage. badly run. dirty as hell. i went to comedy shows their regularly.
the mens bathroom had a permanent stinky puddle in it, while one of the two toliets in the woman's washroom was always plugged and out of order (it was like this for at least 6 months, probably longer)
this place had a terrible rat problem and the backroom flooded on a regular basis. the backroom smelled like mold and rotting rat bodies. all they did was light scented candles back there, and sprayed air freshener.
at least once a month, we actually saw a rat run by.
AND AND AND, you couldn't just get a glass of water. you only could get water if you purchased a beer or food. if not, you had to PAY FOR WATER! isn't that illegal?
anyway, i performed here, so it's sad to see a venue vanish, but GOOD RIDDANCE.
We never tried Urbano, but was sad to see Sugar go when it did. They timed that sale so perfectly. As for Bungalow, we ate there once and never returned. They messed up an easy pasta dish, over-cooking the pasta to mush. King St. West (west of Niagara) is in such need for a good bar, it's not funny. Places on Ossington are nice distractions, but there's such a black hole for good bars west of Niagara and east of Sudbury (King) and Dovercourt (Queen). Hopefully someone does something with Bungalow, but I would imagine that after all the renovations they did prior to opening, a premium would exist on the rent. Although not the greatest location, there's a couple of spaces for rent in the yellow Electra building just west of Shaw on King after Movie Express (video automated rental biz from Montreal) and some spa recently went under. We're begging someone to do something around this area bar/grocery/specialty food-wise. :)
I think saying that The Savannah Room "had been a College St. fixture for years" is a bit of a stretch. Wasn't it only 2 or 3 years ago that it opened? It was Oasis for many years before that.
CMW'ers should take note that the Savannah Room had showcases booked for at least two nights (according to their website). That really sucks for those bands that are scheduled to play there. At this late date, I'm sure that the programs/posters/flyers etc have all been printed up. Shades of The 360 when it closed the week of NXNE way back when...
I will miss the Barking Room...I don't have a dog so I'd look in the window on my way to work and back to watch the dogs running around and playing. Instant stress relief, I tell you! I hope Lindsay gets her money back...it did close rather abruptly.
According to the owner of the other doggie day care Umbrella around the corner, The Barking Room was a front for selling drugs and they got busted. Worst part is that some dogs were left there after they got caught and the cops had to go in and rescue them.
I brought my dog there for the past couple years and was not surprised to hear this at all. It was a hack operation compared to any other daycare i have been too. No wonder there prices were so cheap. Just thankful my dog didnt get hurt or anything due to this.
I couldnt agree more with you Apple.
My 6 month old nephew has more formal dog care training than she ever did.
Hi - Did you know the owner of the Barking Room worked at Umbrella Pets at one time.I guess she decided to open her own store. I take my dog to Umbrella Pets and I cannot speak highly enough for the two women that run that wonderful place. They are very dedicated to all pets and their customers as well. They have moved though--they are now located on Niagara St.I just love those ladies.
Karen
I know someone who worked at the Barking Room until its very last day. Like all the employees there, she was never paid on time and sometimes not at all - like everyone else, she was given no heads up about the store closing. What I hear is that the landlord came by one day and changed the locks because she hadn't gotten the rent money in some time. Every day I'd hear some new horror story about what went on in there - that place was like an insane asylum and those owners cartoon characters. One day I'd like to tell the whole story about the dark and horrible truth of The Barking Room - until then I can't say much more out of fear for the safety of my friend and myself.
I am not at all surprised The Barking Room is gone...and quite agree with Apple above. The employees were totally rude to me and my friend, and implied that I was irresponsible for not putting my dog into daycare while I was at work. I was not at all impressed with their advice about dog grooming and would never have taken my dog there in a million years....
so glad it's closed down, now I don't have to feel bad for the fishtankfull of dogs in the front window.
I think you would be doing a great thing by telling the rest of us what it is you know about the barking room, "someone"?
Your identity and friends identity is of no concern to anyone here. Simply would like to get the facts straight. Having brought my dog there for a couple years, it is very disconcerting having to read what you wrote and would really appreciate clarification. My dog has social issues with other dogs and im worried now the negligance that staff provided could be part of his issues.
Also, to Corina's point, I agree with you as well. Almost everytime, without fail, when I would pick my dog up the staff would always make some sort of back handed comment about my dog and how misbehaved he was. For the life of me I couldnt figure out how each time he was being unruley when by all accounts he has never had any issues at any other dog care facilities. Now its clear to see it was their practices and negligant behaviour that increased his anxiety.
Anna, the owner of the barking room, was so coked up i don't believe the business stayed open for as long as it did after her business partner left. The business was run by a bunch of drug dealing idiots that i'm surprised no dogs were injured under their care.
I pre-paid my grooming sessions like an idiot! Do any of you know of any way of getting it back.....like finding Anna for one....or am I out of luck....please....I am out of $300. SUCKS!
I agree with Nick about the comment from "someone". I took my dog there for a couple of years (at first a couple of times a week, but then after that very rarely). I figured not a lot could happen since they were all in the front window and anyone walking by could see.
This is an anonymous service and I think anyone who took their dog to this place would appreciate knowing what happened there. I hope you will change your mind and let us all know so we can have some peace of mind.
According to a friend who is also Anna's friend, she is leaving for Europe - for good or just a visit, I don't know, he didn't give details. I'm not sure if he knows about The Barking Room closing down and how it was a front for dealing drugs. All the comments I've read are so disturbing and I feel really bad for all the former clients!
Anna's friend said that she has been in Berlin for three weeks. Hope you guys can still get back your money!
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