This "Beach Bar" just opened in Toronto's west end (PHOTOS)

A new beach bar has popped up in Toronto’s west end.

Located on Dundas West, a former storage lot was beautifully transformed into a “pastel paradise” featuring eats from the grill and all the cocktails and booze that make summer the best season.

Appropriately named Venice Beach Bar, organizers say it is inspired by the warm but casual hospitality of Southern California’s many surf and beach bars, the pop up was designed to transport its guests to a relaxed and happy getaway.

The pop up will run from Wednesday to Sunday weekly, for the remainder of the summer.

Michelle Genttner and Luis Martins, owners of Toronto’s Unboxed Market, say they began dreaming of what they might be able to do with the parking lot long before the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Wanting to create a place for the neighbourhood to gather to enjoy great food and drink, they approached Joshua and Emily LeBlanc from Bar Mordecai, a newly opened restaurant kitty-corner to the store, to cater the beverage program and assist in running the space,” states a release from the new Bar.

That’s where the idea to make the lot a staycation-inspired beach bar was born.

Courtesy of Venice Beach Bar

“We always wanted to see the lot become a place where the neighbourhood could gather,” said Genttner of Unboxed Market. “When Covid-19 hit we knew that outdoor spaces would be the primary social spaces for our community at least for the summer, and we thought the lot would be a perfect way to offer a little slice of that vacation feeling for those who can’t get out of the city.”

Expect California-inspired meals, including vegan, veggie, and gluten-free options.

Courtesy of Venice Beach Bar

Venice Beach Bar

Hours: Wednesday and Thursday: 4 pm to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday: 2 pm to 12 am, and Sunday: 2 pm to 11 pm

Address: 1251 Dundas St West, Toronto