Spirits church Toronto

Spirits on Church closes after 30 years in business

Spirits Bar & Grill has shut down this month after three decades of serving up food, booze and laughter out of a big house with green trim in the Church Wellesley village.

A fixture on the stand-up comedy circuit in Toronto, Spirits hosted one of the city's longest running open mic nights before it announced its closure on November 17.

Comedians like Robin Williams, Seth Meyers and Lewis Black all performed live there at some point, according to a previous event listing, but the restaurant was loved for its food just as much as its entertainment.

Goodnight sweet friend

A post shared by Spirits Bar & Grill (@spiritsbargrill) on

"The best Greek Salad is gone :(," lamented a fan under the bar's closure announcement on Instagram.

"That sucks. Such an amazing place to eat," wrote another patron on Facebook. "One of the best places I've eaten ever."

But it's not all sad news.

"Closed but not forgotten!" reads the Instagram notice. "We are gloriously retiring after 30 years of fun, laughter and food."

"Thank you… Thank you…," it concludes. "Thank you for your patronage."

Lead photo by

Jesse Milns


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Latest in Eat & Drink

Popular Montreal cafe coming to Toronto next month

Team behind Toronto donut chain just threw its hat in the frozen yogurt ring

Vintage Toronto restaurant could soon be evicted after 40 years serving community

5 of the hottest new restaurants in Toronto right now

Iconic Toronto Jamaican patty shop warns customers after impostors go viral

65 essential bars in Toronto you need to visit at least once

Beloved Toronto BBQ pop-up is opening a real restaurant next month

10 heated patios in Toronto to stay cozy on this fall