Toronto bar with epic rooftop patio 'closed for the season' but there's no sign it'll ever reopen
A Toronto bar that was one of the most popular in the city for a rooftop patio rip closed temporarily last fall, but there's no indication of when it's making its comeback... if at all.
Originally debuting in 2021, Shenanigans, a self-described "neighbourhood pub and patio," boasts some seriously prime real estate, especially when summertime comes around.
The O&B-owned pub concept is located on St. Clair, just west of Yonge. It occupies a two-storey commercial space and is most famous for its rooftop patio, which is covered for all-season use.
In past years, the pub kept its patio open year-round, enclosed, and heated for the chilly months, and still saw patronage (albeit in weakened numbers) through snow, rain, and whatever else Toronto's falls and winters threw at it.
In September of 2023, though, Shenanigans "went into hibernation," a nod to their raccoon mascot and a cutesy way of saying they were closing for the season.
In an Instagram post about the closure, the restaurant's caption reads "the time has come, and our hibernation has begun," with little more by way of explanation.
Now that spring has come and gone and summer has planted its flag, though, many are wondering just how long this so-called hibernation will last.
"My workmates and I love your patio. Patio season has long since begun. Will you be opening this season?" one person recently commented on the post, which is the most recent on the restaurant's account.
"Nothing? Will you be opening at all this spring?" another writes.
At the time of publication, O&B did not respond to blogTO's requests for comment, so Toronto will just have to wait and see what becomes of one of the city's favourite patios.
Once a prime hot spot for summer drinks and get-togethers, Shenanigans has now become one of the city's most enrapturing mysteries. Perhaps, like a butterfly, it'll wake from its sleep bigger and better than before. Or maybe it's just gone for good.
After publication, a representative from Shenanigans reached out to blogTO to advise that the bar and patio has permanently closed. Stay tuned to blogTO to find out what's next for the property.
Fareen Karim
