Toronto Openings, Closings and Restaurant Buzz

Tattoo Rock Bar

Location: 567 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON

wo of Toronto’s largest entertainment powerhouses Ink (Ultra, This is London) and Liberty (C Lounge, Velvet Underground) are joining forces to deliver a premium venue to Toronto’s rock scene. It’s no secret that Toronto has a distinctive breed of hard rockin’ individuals roaming the streets. Even the mainstream American audiences have picked up on our talent, tipping two locals to headline major Rock groups comprised of legendary members (RockStar INXS and Rockstar Supernova).

In a partnership between the two entertainment groups, Toronto’s first Tattoo Rock Bar will be introduced to the Queen West strip in the former Crystal Room, and both parties are confident they can attract some of the biggest names to the brand spanking new venue. Not such a difficult feat since Ink counts Kool Haus in their roster of venues, and Liberty has a firm grasp on Phoenix.

With a capacity of roughly 650 party people, the space will host over thirty live shows from international acts annually. Look for grunge, alternative, indie, metal, garage, Brit, folk, psychedelic, progressive, punk, new wave and any other variety of rock music you can think of to blare from the killer sound system. The entire complex will be designed care of John Tong and his team at 3rd UNCLE design (who did wonders at the Drake).

Everyone knows that anti-authority drunken antics will ensue when given the right mix of alcohol and audience, so to keep the party fuelled, a menu of “High Class Junk Food” will cater to raucous appetites (think Kobe Beef Burgers and Slinky curly fries).

Now the Tattoo aspect of the venue’s moniker is not just a kitschy catch phrase to give the space rock credibility, but actually is a nod to the tattoo parlor that will front the shop in the daylight hours. That’s right! If you don’t have the tats (almost a necessity for admission to a show), allow the talented rotating roster of international celeb tattoo artists to ink you up before the gig starts. This parlor will be conveniently open 7 days a week, so there are no excuses for not having the correct markings. Currently hiring "Rock star servers" (visible tattoos are a plus), you can get your fix when the place opens November 2007. –E.J.