the tulip toronto

Beloved Toronto steakhouse shuts down after more than 30 years due to rent hike

An unassuming but well-loved steakhouse that has graced the corner of Queen and Coxwell for more than three decades has suddenly closed its doors after facing what too many indie businesses in Toronto have as of late — a rent hike.

The long-running Tulip Steakhouse broke the news to customers in a statement on Facebook yesterday, noting in the post's comments that the landlord of the space had proposed to increase rent to $10,000 per month, which was simply untenable along with property tax, maintenance and insurance costs.

"Unfortunately, business conditions have changed regarding our lease agreement in ways we can no longer accommodate," the restaurant's post reads. "We have been left with no choice."

Because commercial properties aren't subject to rent control in Toronto like residential spaces are, landlords aren't prohibited from jacking up prices when the time comes to renew an existing lease.

Given that the cost of living in the city seems to be rising at an unfathomable rate and property owners now enjoy the option to rent to newer, more lucrative endeavours, the practice is putting a number of older independent establishments out of business.

Owners of the Tulip have apparently been trying to reach a reasonable compromise with their landlord since September, to no avail. They are actively seeking a new location for them and their 19 staff to re-open in.

The eatery, which has existed as a steakhouse in some iteration (under different ownership) since 1929, was known for its cheap prices and simple, no frills dishes that were reminiscent of home cooking.

Patrons will have to wait and see what ends up replacing the Leslieville staple. 

As one user noted on the Tulip's goodbye statement, "Every place with history or character is closed or closing. The boring-down of Toronto is almost complete."

Lead photo by

The Tulip Steakhouse


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

The best grocery stores and loyalty programs for newcomers in Canada

Toronto restaurant that's served fish 'n chips for almost a century shuts down

Matty Matheson opening new restaurant in Toronto

Loblaw named among Canada's top 100 employers for 2025

Toronto restaurateur reminds us to support older restaurants if we want them to survive

Even more carrots recalled in Canada over potentially deadly contamination

Brazilian coffee chain with nearly 300 locations globally is opening in Toronto

Toronto cafe that's been around for 15 years is permanently closing