Another day, another long-running entertainment venue in downtown Toronto closing its doors and leaving faithful revellers in shock.

Clinton’s Tavern, the venerable pub on Bloor Street West that has been serving the west-end community for the past 83 years, has announced its permanent closure.

Details are vague but a staff notice posted on Facebook Friday mentioned the private struggles Clinton’s had undertaken to stay afloat that ultimately proved fruitless.

“Behind the scenes we’ve been fighting a tireless battle to keep our doors open ... trying to work for each other because we all loved Clinton’s fiercely,” the statement reads in part.

In response to an email from the Star, the property manager for the building that housed the bar said the “landlord indicated that they would like to see the Clintons tradition continue” and was hoping someone would come forward to take over the business.

A “closed for now” note posted on the door indicates the building’s landlord is separate from the owner, and that the bar has no issues with the landlord.

By Saturday afternoon, the closure of this popular location was attracting the attention of passersby, many saying it was sad that such a place would unexpectedly shut down.

“Clinton’s had become like a neighbourhood institution,” said Nicholas Uribe, a nearby resident.

Uribe said he had attended an event at the location about two weeks ago with friends. He described the atmosphere inside as “very nice.”

“This place was like a destination for so many people around here,” he said.

Since 1937, the three-storey bar at the southwest corner of Clinton and Bloor has been a go-to place for those looking to quench their thirst, with the upstairs serving as an exclusive members-only club, according to its website.

Eventually, a live music space was opened, where many giants in the Canadian music industry entertained partygoers throughout the years —including Drake, the Barenaked Ladies, Three Days Grace, and Cowboy Junkies, among many others.

The staff notice thanked the millions of customers who have helped create “a lifetime of memories” throughout the years. The notice also sent out a plea for anyone to come to its rescue.

“We sincerely hope that there is an investor out there who loves this bar as much as we do. We strongly encourage any interested parties to reach out,” the letter said.

At various online platforms, many people expressed dismay at the unexpected closure of a business that had become a mainstay in the city’s west end.

“I will always think of Clinton’s as holding an important place at the bottom of the hierarchy of live rock venues in Toronto,” commented Twitter user Daryl Angier. “This absolutely sucks rocks.”

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“Toronto is turning into a very boring playground for the rich,” noted comedy writer and actor Pat Dussault on Twitter.

Choir! Choir! Choir!, which has used Clinton’s Tavern for many of their concerts, said in a Facebook post they are shocked and saddened by the closure and will try to do something to help.

“Next Tuesday night will happen, but at a soon to be announced location, and will be a fundraiser” for staff members who are now out of work, the group wrote.