Toronto bar that reopened under new concept is permanently closing
A groundbreaking Toronto bar known for its one-of-a-kind immersive interiors will be closing down at the end of the month.
Much like Taylor Swift, Queen West's Grizzly Bar (formerly Offworld) has had plenty of eras. Originally an outer space-themed restobar, complete with projection screens that gave the illusion that you were drifting through the galaxy and a cocktail that came with a pair of headphones that played the sound of a black hole while you sipped.
It got spookified for Halloween, transformed into a Thai beach for a Full Moon Party at the height of The White Lotus-induced fervour during the early spring of 2025, then, when national pride in Canada began surging amid rising tensions with our neighbours to the south, the team embarked on its biggest transition yet.
Co-owned by Jason Kapalka of Stormcrow Manor and his wife, Jessica, Offworld officially transformed the bar into Grizzly Bar, Toronto's most comprehensive — and perhaps only — Canadian-themed bar.
Decked out in provincial flags, Canadian Heritage Minutes photo-ops, and a canoe hanging from the ceiling, the bar served a menu of cocktails made almost exclusively with local spirits and ingredients alongside a full suite of Canadian food offerings.
Of course, there was a dazzling volume of poutines on the menu.
Just months after Grizzly Bar officially launched, however, the bar took to Instagram to announce that it'll be closing down for good come the end of August, and to mark the occasion, it's reverting to Offworld for one last orbit.
"Offworld was the beginning. Grizzly came after," the caption of the post reads.
"Now, the entire vessel is shutting down. No new mission, no new theme. Just one last flight before the stars dim for good."
Jessica and Jason make it clear in the post that this isn't the dawn of a new conceptual overhaul for the bar, but rather a firm end to their tenure in the Queen West space, hammering the point home by saying, "This isn't a reboot. This isn't a rebrand. This is the end."
Still, there are a few weeks left to swing by for one last out-of-this-world drink and a trip through the cosmos, as Offworld's swan song kicks off Wednesday, Aug. 13, and will run until Sunday, Aug. 24.
"Whether you've boarded before or always meant to, this is your moment," the caption reads. "Come say goodbye. We would love to see you!"
Grizzly Bar/Offworld is located at 739 Queen St. W.
Fareen Karim
