Something called a “tiki rock bar” is in the works for Leslieville
Something called a “tiki rock bar” is in the works for Leslieville
Bill Hicks is the name of the business that’s moving into the little second-storey space once occupied by Swirl, Leslieville’s prettiest, frilliest and most unabashedly twee hangout. Unfortunately, perhaps, for Swirl’s pinot-sipping regulars, the new spot at 946 ½ Queen Street East will be a very different breed of drinking destination. Bill Hicks calls itself a “tiki rock bar,” which apparently means a dive-y den plastered with “a shitload of vinyl” and anchored by a fully fledged indoor tiki bar, complete with $3 Jager shots and a bushy straw roof. According to a contact at the bar, the nightly luaus could begin by the end of the month.
![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://torontolife.com/food/something-called-tiki-rock-bar-works-leslieville/&title=Something called a “tiki rock bar” is in the works for Leslieville&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Screen-shot-2014-10-17-at-2.23.jpg&description=[caption id="attachment_295482" align="alignleft" width="200"] (Image: Bill Hicks Bar/Twitter)[/caption]
Bill Hicks is the name of the business that's moving into the little second-storey space once occupied by Swirl, Leslieville's prettiest, frilliest and most unabashedly twee hangout. Unfortunately, perhaps, for Swirl's pinot-sipping regulars, the new spot at 946 ½ Queen Street East will be a very different breed of drinking destination. Bill Hicks calls itself a "tiki rock bar," which apparently means a dive-y den plastered with "a shitload of vinyl" and anchored by a fully fledged indoor tiki bar, complete with $3 Jager shots and a bushy straw roof. According to a contact at the bar, the nightly luaus could begin by the end of the month.){kind=link}
Went on Saturday night for their soft opening and was accosted by a man and his mom who repeated told me that they were ‘VIP’. Wish I could support this business but will never step in there again. Hi-Low bar it is!
This is the place that I dreamed of existing when I was younger. A welcoming, warm environment with the ultra-personal touches that exude passion and pride. From the hand-selected vinyl to the touches of chewing tobacco lining the walls. An authentic and interesting experience. Strongly recommended.