The Copper Boot is preparing to open at 171 College Street in Toronto’s University District, taking over the space currently occupied by Smith Social House. The new hospitality concept is targeting an early 2026 opening at the corner of College and McCaul Streets.
Smith Social House operated as a bar and restaurant offering brunch, supper, and cocktails directly across from the University of Toronto campus entrance. The bar hosted trivia nights and special events, with Ding-a-Wing operating as a partner in the space.
The 171 College Street address has seen several operators in recent years. O’Grady’s, a student pub known for cheap beer and game-day programming, closed in October 2021 during pandemic lockdowns.
Social media accounts for Smith Social House have been shut down in preparation for this change.
Two residential towers are working through approvals within blocks of The Copper Boot location.
At 191 College Street near Henry Street, Unix Housing Group has proposed a 31-storey mass timber rental building designed by Icon Architects. The project would stand approximately 90 metres tall. The proposal faces heritage designation issues for the existing Victorian-era buildings on site, which currently house businesses including Prenup Pub, Katachi Coffee Bar, and Chatime.
At 149 College Street, Northwest Development Corporation and Alignvest Student Housing have proposed a 60-storey tower designed by Sweeny & Co Architects. The 205-metre building would integrate the historic Stewart Building and include 480 student residences on the lower 41 floors and 225 market-rate rental and condo units on the upper 19 floors.
The projects would add over 1,000 residential units to the College Street corridor between McCaul and University Avenue. The additional residents would be within walking distance of bars and restaurants along College Street, reducing the need to transit during winter months.
The 171 College Street location has a Walk Score of 98 and direct access to the 506 Carlton streetcar route and a block away from Queen’s Park TTC Station.
Details on The Copper Boot’s concept remain limited. The venue’s website at thecopperboot.com shows an early 2026 timeline.
No specific opening date has been announced for The Copper Boot.
Dustin Fuhs is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of 6ix Retail, Toronto’s premier source for retail and hospitality industry news. As the former Editor-in-Chief of Retail Insider, Canada’s most-read retail trade publication, Dustin brings over two decades of expertise spanning retail, marketing, entertainment and hospitality sectors. His experience includes roles with industry giants such as The Walt Disney Company, The Hockey Hall of Fame, The Canadian Opera Company, Starbucks Canada and Blockbuster.
Recognized as a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert in 2024, 2025 and 2026, Dustin delivers insider perspectives on Toronto’s evolving retail landscape, from emerging brands to established players reshaping the city’s commercial districts.