Toronto bar chooses to relocate due to landlord issues

A Toronto bar known for its exotic cocktails is gearing up to relocate following years of rising landlord issues.

The Shameful Tiki Room, located at 1378 Queen St. W., has been a staple in Parkdale for over nine years, with an extensive menu featuring classic tropical cocktails like rum punch, Zombies, Pain Killers, and Mai Tais, plus volcano cocktail bowls for sharing.

Owner Alana Nogueda, tells blogTO that while details are still being finalized, the bar is preparing to relocate to a space "more central" as their lease comes to an end in August.

Regulars don't need to fret just yet, as the bar will remain in its existing space through the beginning of the summer, although renovations will begin for the new location in March.

Nogueda says the bar plans on hosting a few pop-ups in the summer at the Parkdale location, the details of which will be revealed in the next few months.

"It's been really tough. But thankfully there are a lot of other places to rent and I think we found the perfect one," Nogueda said, noting that she announced the bar's bittersweet relocation at their nine-year anniversary party.

"It went over well. Being in a spot for just over nine years — it's sad for me, I love Parkdale, it's the neighbourhood I live in, and it’s the neighbourhood I know most. Ideally, I didn't want to move, but with these landlord issues, it was my only choice."

Although the details of the new location have yet to be shared, Nogueda confirmed that the space will still be in the west end, although a bit "less deep" than Parkdale.

"It's sad but it's also exciting," she said. "Shameful Tiki 2.0 is going to be even cooler, and we're excited to show you what's next."