Located in the province of Ontario, Toronto is a major city featuring both suburban and city life. You’ll be mesmerized by its stunning skyscrapers that are dwarfed in contrast to the iconic CN Tower. Apart from being a metropolis, green spaces are still aplenty here and Queen’s Park and High Park are great examples. Another thing you should look forward to when you visit Toronto is the night scene it offers to the locals as well as to tourists. If you’re into jazz music, read on, and discover our list of the best jazz bars in Toronto, Canada, and have an amazing holiday ahead.
1. Jazz Bistro
If you’re looking forward to hearing jazz music in a formal setting, but don’t want it to be too stifled by club rules, and then head down to Jazz Bistro. You might be surprised for this place is not your usual bar, in fact, it is quite fancy and pricey. But you’ll surely hear quality jazz music when you visit. As for the venue, it features an open-space area that is perfect for the music and the ambiance.
Jazz Bistro
Address: 251 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
Website: Jazz Bistro
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 5:30pm - 12am; Sun: 11:30am - 3pm (closed on Mon)
2. The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar
Serving the locals of Toronto with good music for over 40 years now, The Rex is considered a classic with its cool and calm atmosphere, making it a great hangout place to meet with friends or celebrate another win. If you’re a fan of jazz, you’ll surely love this place, for you can listen to jazz music seven days a week. Believe it or not, apart from the local and upcoming musicians, award-winning artists also come here to play their music.
The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar
Address: 194 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z1, Canada
Website: The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar
3. The Orbit Room
Located in Little Italy in Toronto, The Orbit is one of the pioneer jazz bars in the area. It is founded by Alex Lifeson, a Canadian prog rocker, in 1994 and up until today it is thriving and has maintained its musical diversity. If you want to listen to any live performances, most especially jazz, then come here and experience The Orbit for yourself. Though the place plays a lot of music genres like blues, soul, RnB and the like, it has retained its originality, and its followers keep coming back for more.
The Orbit Room
Address: 580 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B3, Canada
Website: The Orbit Room
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. N'awlins
If you want the New Orleans vibe, but you happen to be in Toronto, you don’t have to worry! N'awlins will transport you right to the right place. This lounge has a New Orleans atmosphere which you can see in its interiors and decors. It has live music every day, and jazz is one of their fortes. As for the menu, Cajun food is perfect for the night and will keep you satisfied. So make sure you order more but beware - for everything here is a bit pricey.
N'awlins
Address: 299 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 0C4, Canada
Website: N'awlins
Opening hours: Sun, Tue - Thu: 4pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 1am (closed on Mon)
Toronto Tour Guide
Robert G
5. The Pilot
Another great venue to hear some jazz music is the Pilot Tavern. It is a resto-bar designed in Yorkville style and features metal and aviation decor which complements the theme of the establishment. It is located at Toronto’s Mink Mile where shopping and dining options are plenty. You can listen to jazz music here every day from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm and be sure to be updated for their other events.
The Pilot
Address: 22 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON M4W 1J5, Canada
Website: The Pilot
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 2am; Sat: 12pm - 2am; Sun: 11am - 10pm
6. Grossman's Tavern
For over 66 years, Grossman’s Tavern has not charged anyone a single cent for a cover, and that’s the major USP of this bar over other establishments of its kind. It is a lounge with an old-world ambiance that gives you a classical vibe. It holds live jazz performances every night and five hours of open mic time for those who want to share their talents. So, if you have the voice and the beat, make sure you let Toronto know about it.
Grossman's Tavern
Address: 379 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2G3, Canada
Website: Grossman’s Tavern
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 12pm - 2am
7. Hugh's Room Live
In honor of his brother, the owner established Hugh’s Room Live. It was their dream to create a live music venue and celebrate their passion. The concept of the lounge is that of a diner-cum-music venue, where people can dine on candlelit tables while listening to good music in a concert-hall-like venue. This jazz club has been graced by local artists as well as played host to famous acts like those of Judy Collins, Alan Doyle, Ron Sexsmith, and more. Remember, you need to go online to make a reservation here.
Hugh's Room Live
Address: 2261 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1X6, Canada
Website: Hugh’s Room Live
Opening hours: 12pm - 7pm (daily)
8. The Reservoir Lounge
If you’re looking for a sophisticated night club in Toronto, you have to visit the Reservoir Lounge and experience for yourself the elegant ambiance of this place. Another great thing about this club is the numerous bands that play here. They have four different bands that play every week and also another band that performs every weekend. The primary genre here is jazz a’ la swing, but they also play boogie-woogie, RnB, blues, and more. Moreover, the lounge also hosts the TD Jazz Fest, which happens every last week of June and brings a lot of great jazz musicians to the city.
The Reservoir Lounge
Address: 52 Wellington St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C8, Canada
Website: The Reservoir Lounge
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 7:30 pm - 2am (closed on Mon & Sun)
9. Poetry Jazz Cafe
A millennial nook that is how one can describe this bar. Poetry Jazz Cafe is a cool hangout place for the youth and the young at heart. It has hip decor and a homey atmosphere. It aims to make the younger generation appreciate jazz music, which is very rare nowadays. Apart from jazz, you’ll also hear lots of other music genres being played here, including RnB, blues, soul, and more.
Poetry Jazz Cafe
Address: 224 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L6, Canada
Website: Poetry Jazz Cafe
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 4:30pm - 2am; Sun: 2pm - 12am (closed on Mon)
10. The Emmet Ray
A great hangout place for friends who share the same liking for whiskey and jazz music, the Emmet Ray is a cool jazz club that offers a large selection of whiskey. It also has different live band performances and DJs on the weekends. Apart from the entertainment, this place also serves quality dishes and rotating beer tap. Make sure to come with friends when you visit for a more memorable experience.
The Emmet Ray
Address: 924 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A4, Canada
Website: The Emmet Ray
Opening hours: 5pm - 2am (daily)
Hello Toronto
Toronto has so much to offer from skyscrapers to the vibrant food scene, from rich history to natural sceneries, and more. And If you’re wondering what things you can do at night, or what kind of club scene this city has to offer, then you have to check out our list of the best jazz bars in Toronto, Canada, for your guide.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to