The History of Zanzibar

The iconic Zanzibar Tavern was born in 1949 as a restaurant, advertising itself as “The Zanzibar Tavern - Toronto’s Finest Dining Room.” In 1960, David Cooper, along with a family member, purchased it and quickly changed the character of the tavern to focus more on public entertainment. The Zanzibar has entertained generations of Toronto for many years and is now celebrating its 75th anniversary.

After Cooper took over in the 1960s, the Zanzibar became part of the vibrant live music scene of Toronto’s Yonge Street strip. Many of Canada and the world’s premier musicians played live at the Zanzibar, accompanied by beautiful dancers on stage. Slowly, over the course of the ‘60s and ‘70s, the Zanzibar morphed from live music to adult entertainment. From go-go dancing early on, to topless dancing and table dancing, the Zanzibar was part of the Yonge Street Mall when the Yonge Street strip was at its heyday. The Zanzibar’s dancers were just getting started.

Through the ‘70s and ‘80s, there were feature adult performers, such as Lolita the Snake Charmer and Chesty Morgan (Lolita’s snake may or may not have escaped once - just once!), and patrons lined up down the block to see them. The bar at different times had mirror balls, water bed seats, showers on stage, performers on swings, ultraviolet lighting, and a hydraulic stage. By the late ‘70s, the Zanzibar was known as the Zanzibar Circus, adopting a Las Vegas style.

By the ‘90s, the Zanzibar was firmly entrenched as one of Canada’s most beloved and famous adult entertainment venues. The ‘90s, for a time, saw both female and male performers. Along with our beautiful ladies, the laser light show continues to be at the top of our entertainment. The 2000s saw the bar’s 24-carat gold makeover, along with one of Toronto’s most photographed and iconic neon signs. Many TV shows and Hollywood movies were filmed at Zanzibar during this period.

Though the Zanzibar continues to prosper and evolve, the focus has always been on keeping the public entertained and happy. The lifeblood of the Zanzibar Tavern continues to be our famous dancers and our world-class staff. We hope to continue entertaining the public for another 75 years.