Cassette, a new retro-inspired restaurant and venue recently opened at 1214 Queen Street W., taking over the former Melody Bar space inside the iconic Gladstone House. Designed to feel intimate and effortlessly stylish, Cassette will blend nostalgic soul with modern energy, serving as a place to gather, celebrate, and stay late. More than just a restaurant, Cassette will be a welcoming space for local artists and performers, where creativity is always welcome. The newly elevated West Queen West diner will serve as a vibrant new hub for food, music, and performance—including a monthly Dinner & Drag Show residency with Toronto icon Tynomi Banks

Inspired by the golden age of diners and classic cocktail bars, the space features layered lighting, communal seating, cozy booths, and romantic accents that evoke a warm, lived-in charm. The space also features a raised stage and impressive sound setup, designed to host everything from lively karaoke nights to intimate live performances.

The menu showcases a refined twist on beloved diner classics. Guests can expect comfort-driven favourites reimagined with a modern edge, including the iconic Gladstone Burger, an indulgent play on Pigs in a Blanket, and a delicate Pan-Fried trout finished with fragrant herb oil. Each dish reflects a thoughtful approach to familiar flavours, offering a dining experience that feels both timeless and new.

The drink menu showcases a distinctive wine program that spotlights unexpected finds and under-the-radar varietals, paired with inventive house cocktails and reimagined classics for every palate. A dedicated martini section—anchored by the dirtiest martini in the neighborhood—adds to the mix, alongside Happy Hour, Industry Nights, and themed features designed for celebration and spontaneity.

Cassette’s programming spotlights live performances, artist showcases, and cultural happenings in Toronto’s West End. Guests can expect a mix of concerts, drag performances, themed nights, and special events celebrating music and art. The calendar will highlight local talent while introducing both recurring and one-of-a-kind experiences—most notably a monthly Dinner & Drag Show residency with Toronto icon Tynomi Banks. Community-focused programming, such as chess nights and other cultural gatherings, will further position Cassette as a place to connect, create, and celebrate.

Cassette is open seven days a week from 5 p.m. until late. Dinner service runs from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., followed by a late-night snack menu. For more information, visit www.cassetteto.com

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.