International Palace of Joy

What is International Palace of Joy? Located at 1347 Queen Street East in Leslieville and Greenwood-Coxwell, International Palace of Joy is a relaxed oyster bar, cocktail lounge, and event salon from hospitality veterans Nathan and Nicole Hynes—the creative force behind Prince Edward County’s acclaimed Sand and Pearl Oyster Bar and formerly The Auld Spot Pub. Occupying the rustic, light-filled space adjacent to the Flying Squirrel Motorcycle cafe, the venue channels Austin antique shop vibes with vintage accents, timber finishes, a lively zinc-topped bar, and a streetside summer patio.

International Palace of Joy Menu & What to Order Seafood purists will find plenty to love across a focused menu centered around freshly shucked East and West Coast oysters, decadent caviar bumps, and buttery Nova Scotia-style lobster rolls. The kitchen backs up the raw bar with shared seafood snack plates, seasonal tinned fish, and bar bites that pair effortlessly with the beverage program. Drinkers gravitate toward freezer-cold gin martinis skewered with blue-cheese stuffed olives, skin-contact natural wines, and local craft ciders.

Know Before You Go Given its proximity to History concert venue, the room gets packed quickly with pre-show crowds on live music nights, so aim to arrive early if you plan to walk in for bar seats. The 501 Queen streetcar drops you right steps from the door, with street parking available along Queen Street East. Check ahead for ticketed community events and pop-ups that occasionally take over the dining room on weekends.