Cassette, a new retro-themed restaurant and performance venue, is getting ready to open in Toronto at 1214 Queen Street West, inside the historic Gladstone House.
The new concept will move into the former home of Melody Bar and is set to open on October 25, according to a press release from the restaurant. While Cassette is designed as a full-service restaurant, it will also function as a performance venue and community space, hosting regular live entertainment. Customers can expect an elevated take on classic diner fare, inventive cocktails, and a rotating lineup of events, including a monthly Dinner & Drag Show residency featuring Toronto drag icon Tynomi Banks.
“We want Cassette to be a home base for creative expression,” Shivani Lakhanpal, Chief Operating Officer at Archive Hospitality Group, said in a press release. “You can come for dinner and stay for the show, or stumble onto something totally unexpected just by showing up.”
Cassette is part of a broader effort to maintain Gladstone House as a cultural landmark and community gathering space in West Queen West. Managed by Archive Hospitality Group, which also operates The Broadview Hotel and The Postmark Hotel, Cassette aims to blend nostalgic design with modern programming. The venue will include a raised stage, sound system, and flexible seating to accommodate both casual dining and live performances.
Archive Hospitality’s leadership says the concept was developed to serve as a hub for creative expression. The project reflects an ongoing strategy to evolve Dream Unlimited’s hospitality assets with culture-forward, community-centered venues. Cassette will be open seven days a week, beginning with dinner service at 5 p.m. and a late-night snack menu available after 9 p.m.
The food menu will feature modern interpretations of diner staples, including a reimagined Gladstone Burger, Pan-Fried Trout with herb oil, and a twist on Pigs in a Blanket. On the beverage side, Cassette will offer a curated wine list, themed cocktails, and a martini menu, along with weekly specials and happy hour programming.
Cassette’s performance calendar will highlight a range of cultural events, including live music, drag shows, themed nights, and artist showcases. The venue’s integration with Gladstone House supports its role as a multifaceted destination for dining, nightlife, and community events in Toronto’s west end.
“Cassette represents an exciting evolution for Archive Hospitality and Dream’s hotel portfolio. It reaffirms our commitment to creating culture-forward, community-centered spaces,” Krystal Koo, Head of Sales and Marketing for Dream Unlimited Corp., said in a press release.
