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The Reservoir Lounge
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Jazz & Blues Nightlife Jazz & Blues Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Jazz & Blues, Music Venues [Edit]
52 Wellington St EToronto, ON M5E 1C8
Neighbourhoods: St. Lawrence, Downtown Core
(416) 955-0887
- Hours:
Mon 8 pm - 2 am
Tue-Thu 6:30 pm - 2 am
Fri-Sat 7:30 pm - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
34 reviews for The Reservoir Lounge
34 reviews in English
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Review from Mauricio A.
Toronto, ON
10/3/2011 1 photo
This is one of those places you normally don't find in Toronto.. A cool sense of gravitas, exposed brick walls, drenched in candle-light... the perfect underground lounge vibe, making this place a great location to spend a night if you enjoy jazz. If people were allowed to smoke The Reservoir would look just like any of those jazz lounges you see in movies. Well, perhaps a little more upscale.
The food is not bad and the alcohol is plentiful but the reason you are truly here is the live music. They have live music almost every night and although it can get pricey, ($10-20 cover, depending on the night) I think it is a fair price to pay for quality and ambiance.
Great for a night with friends, it might be a bit too loud for a date, unless you are not expecting to talk much during the night as once the rhythm starts grooving, forget about having any in-depth Miles Davis related discussions.
The most memorable time for me was when my GF took me there a few years ago for a surprise birthday party. It wasn't as much as a surprise as it could have been thanks to the an air-headed "Hey, so will I see you at the party tonight?" spill made by a friend of mine. So even though I suspected a party, I had no idea it was going to be there and it was awesome.
This place is good for large parties to hang out and enjoy some wicked live music. The food is alright although a bit on the pricey, but then again, not unexpected.
So just remember this, if you want to watch and hear, then get/order a table in "front of the stage," if you want to hang out and maybe socialize with strangers then 'the bar" is where you want to be and if you are there with a large group of friends and you want to enjoy the ambiance then request to be "at the tables at the right of the stage.'
Definitely worth the visit. Highly recommended.Listed in: My Reviews, 30-Day Oct '11 Challenge &…
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Review from Q H.
North York, ON
2/21/2012
One of the best jazz bars in Toronto.
It is a very intimate and romantic place with low ceilings, dim yellow lights and brick walls. There are some red accents on chairs and couches while the tables have clean white cloths. It is a very tight place, but it intentionally adds up to a romantic place.
Tables are small. Very small. And there is no privacy between tables. But I don't think you will care about it if you are swept away by the mood when you want to just forget the world and show your love. It is a noisy place. But still, it is a romantic place. Servers are courteous but they are not attentive. Service is a bit slow as well...
Foods? Well, they are decent. But you don't really come to this place for food right?
The music is always excellent. Always excellent choices of music and talented bands.
There is a small place where you can dance if you want to dance to the music.
Not really an ideal place for first date since it is a bit hard to have a conversation. But it is good for 2nd-4th date. It is a satisfying way to finish a date night after dinner and show on Wellington+King. If your best friend is a girl, taking her out to this bar is a great idea as well. -
Review from Basil A.
Toronto, ON
2/15/2012
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pretty good time to be had here... had lotsa drinks, watched the band, danced, and met some nice girls! :)
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Review from Donna H.
East York, ON
2/12/2012
Nice place, we were a bit later in the evening so there was no seats. But the band sounded really great! The atmosphere was inviting and the place was packed!!!!
The price of the beer was average, limited parking.
We will defiantly be going there again! -
Review from Fern H.
12/21/2011
We checked out Resevoir Lounge on a Thursday night to see a friend's band play. The cover for the night was $5 and there weren't too many tables left when we arrived around 8pm.
We grabbed a table near the door and was ignored by servers for a good 15-20 minutes until we switched tables to get a better view of the stage.
I was pretty estatic to find out that it was oyster night and they had a-buck-a-shuck. We ordered 2 dozen oysters, the Proscuitto pizza ($14.50) to share, a pint ($6.50) and a glass of savignon blanc ($8.00).
The oysters came first and they were delish. Plump and juicy, I enjoyed every one! The pizza was thin crust and average. Service got a lot better after we placed our order.
Once the band started playing, the dance floor got crowded so there wasn't much of a view from our seats.
Saving grace of the night were dem oysters and the band. I'd come back for just those two things. -
Review from Joanne W.
12/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was debating whether or not to come to Reservoir Lounge on that Thursday night. My friend and I were supposed to catch up that evening, and reading all the reviews -they were saying that it's loud and all (and well, it is).
However, the band was playing "I'm Goin' Down" by Rose Royce (or Mary J. Blige if you're looking for a more modern version of it). I had to go in.
The place wasn't too packed yet - it was about 9 PM. We were lucky and got a seat quickly, and ordered ourselves a pint of Mill St. each. The food wasn't that bad. I ordered myself a chili roasted pork loin -- absolutely delicious.
The band was absolutely awesome. They sang a range of different songs from different eras. The crowd was pretty bumpin' by 11 PM or so. It's great, because there's a huge range of people that come to Reservoir Lounge. THe best part is that EVERYBODY is having a great time, and mingling with one another.
If you're looking for a place to just have a few drinks and listen to some soothing jazz and to dance the night away, this is the place to be. -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
8/8/2011
Not sure what is up with this place, but the public makeouts are true! Maybe it's the low ceilings and dim lighting, with romantic, yet up beat music. I was guilty of a little PDA , more than I usually do as well.
(we noticed it also might be a place for escorts and their clients..but i digress...)
Cover on Saturday night was $10. Drinks we flowing when we came here for a birthday. We were told that we could not get reservations for a table unless we had dinner. We got ther around 10pm and most of the tables were full. You need to stand around at the bar, or find a small nook to stand in.
Eventually we did find a table, but most people were standing.
It's loud in here. Great for dancing, but poor for talking. The music was swing and jazz. There's a small dance floor, you can't break out in foxtrot here, but you can do some swing.
We had a great time here this weekend. Decidedly different from the usual club haunts, which I love.Listed in: After Dark
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Review from Dave M.
9/6/2011
I've been to Reservoir a few times now, and I highly dig it.
I don't think there could ever be an occasion where I'd not want to go to a place like this. The music is relaxing, non-invasive, and very good. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. The staff is competent and nice. Hell, even a lot of the patrons who I've talked to have been so great.
I agree with a previous reviewer who referred to it as a solid date locale. It's intimate, candlelit, dressy, and a lot of the music allows for some slow dancing. The food menu isn't really much to write home about though, so be sure you take your date somewhere else at some point to eat.
I've never bothered with this place on Friday or Saturday night, as I know full well how bad the crowding gets, but if you hit it up around the time the band's start during the week, it's perfect. -
Review from Grace C.
9/6/2011
For some reason we tried coming here our second night in town on Monday at 9 and they weren't open! Luckily we were persistent and tried again the next night. The place was packed! They have live music every night and on Tuesday, we caught the enthusiastic show from Tyler Yarema and his Rhythm. Awesome awesome live music on the piano, trombone and sax. We ended up purchasing their CD too.
The Lounge's drinks are pretty decent. They carry Pepsi products so no Coke. Cover is $10 a person, guy or girl. We came wayy after dinner, so it's a nice place to just relax, grab some drinks with friends, and enjoy live jazzy music. -
Review from Rafi N.
Toronto, ON
2/13/2011
This is a great place to relax, have a drink and enjoy some music.
The servers and bartenders are courteous and on point.
The lounge has a nice look and feel. It's like an old speakeasy, but it's clean and the atmosphere is inviting. The crowd isn't full of young people, I'd say about 25+, which is good.
As far as food goes, don't come here for the food. It isn't bad and I would actually say it's okay. However, you would be better off coming here after having dinner at a real restaurant. The menu is small, so I don't think food is their top priority. I had the Free Range Chicken pizza, which was okay.
Before coming to Reservoir, make sure you have a reservation. This is the only sure way to get a table. If you do have a reservation, you have to order something from the menu, not just drinks.
The prices are not too bad, I thought the pizza was overpriced ($14.50). A $10 cover for the band is perfectly fine with me.
The Reservoir Lounge is a great place to go for a drink, entertainment or even a date.Listed in: Noise 'n Poison, Dressed to Impress
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Review from Ross H.
12/16/2010
The Pros:
This place has a great atmosphere and very talented singers. Food was delicious. I had the pulled pork sandwich and a salad, both superbly done. The wine selection was also very good.
The Cons:
The cover is a tad bit steep, but considering it goes to the band, all can be forgiven. The prices of the meal were a little high for the quality of the restaurant, but from what I gathered, that was a general theme in Toronto.
All in all, we spent a lot of money, got very waisted, listened to Jazz all night long, and had to get up to work at 6:45 the next day. All making this an experience to remember. -
Review from Imran N.
3/27/2011
I discovered this place years ago and fell in love.
it has special special memories for me. I coined it the 'third date place' because after a night at reservoir, you were sure to seal the deal.
The basement jazz feel is just different for Toronto. And amongst the few jazz places, this is the best.
But alas, as time goes on, the hipsters find out. For years, it was crowded but not that bad. Now all of a sudden, you are bumping shoulder to shoulder with young 20 somethings in funky shoes and glasses. Not that this is really a big problem, but it's changed the vibe. Changed how long it takes to get a drink, changed the service, and now i'm stuck buying pints instead of a bottle of wine and struggling to find a comfortable spot.
During the week is much better. Not thursday though. -
Review from Lynn C.
12/20/2010
When I first discovered this place, the sister of a friend was into swing dancing, and what better place to do this than a jazz lounge that plays swing jazz live? I adored the atmosphere there and since then i became a regular....i'd come after dinner with a friend or two, order some of their marvelous martinis/cocktails, and just enjoy the music and the atmosphere. Unfortunately, this place has gotten more crowded over time and now it's really difficult to get a good seat.
Great date night place.Listed in: GTA Five Stars
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Review from Courtney B.
Pickering, ON
12/4/2011
A friend organized a "welcome home" party for another friend at this place. I had never been before, and when we walked in I was really impressed. It felt like you were at a secret venue from the 1920s. Then we were smacked back to reality with the $10 cover charge (it was a Saturday night). The place was completely packed with a wide range of people all having fun. Unfortunately that made it hard to talk to the people we had come with, but given that the purpose of the venue is to showcase live music that's not the venue's fault. The only place we could find to stand was near the kitchen, so I felt like we were constantly in the way. And when I tried to go to the bathroom, I learned that you had to go past the stage which was literally impossible at that point as it was so packed I could not find a way to get through. A good place to go if you are into big band music, not such a great place if you want to be able to chat with your friends.
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Review from Elizabeth D.
7/20/2011
This lounge was recommended to us by the manager of the hotel we were staying out in Toronto, our first time there. We had asked him for a relaxed local type place that had a fun but not too rowdy crowd, it was perfect! It almost has the secretive underground vibe to it. We went on a Saturday night and it was packed. We got a table and hit it off with the people at the table next to us. The drinks were good, the entertainment/music was fabulous. We had the most wonderful time! So glad that we went here and we will definitely visit again if we make it back to Toronto sometime!
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Review from Alex P.
Saanichton, BC
8/19/2011
For a chic retro basement bar, this is a fave of mine. Great pizza and sandwiches, southern fusion. Very friendly and vibrant staff, and THE MUSIC IS VERY SPECIAL! Mostly 1930s/40/50s jazz with occassionally something newer, it is all great party drink dance make merry music! You might see a celebrity, or some amazing swing dancers, and rub elbows with friendly and talented Canadian musicians who work the cosy stage, pounding the acoustic piano, tooting a trumpet or singing out the blues or some jazz. It is like stepping into the past... But its the present and is has a/c.... A very speakeasy feel! Sight lines of the stage can be frustrating and tend to create pockets of people there whose interest is lesd in music and more on partying. It works. Great early/ after works sets and fabulous late night shows. Go.
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Review from Patty H.
Golden, BC
8/18/2011
We stopped here because they had live jazz. We were pleasantly surprised. It was a great little place to listen to some AWESOME jazz. I would certainly recommend this place to anyone that is a jazz fan.
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Review from Elle P.
4/6/2010
An upscale lounge that isn't. It's okay.
The food is okay.
The music is okay.
Romantic ambiance? Possibly. But *sigh* seriously, Toronto, romantic doesn't mean badly fitted jeans and t-shirts. I'm sorry, when I want a fancy night out on the town, I want the surroundings to fit -- this includes random people I don't know. I want to be in an elegant atmosphere and it's hard to feel that when the Joe next to you looks like a slob. Dress up, Toronto, you're better than this.
It has a lot of potential. -
Review from Kevin D.
Toronto, ON
2/25/2009 ROTD 12/25/2009
THE BEST JAZZ CLUB IN TORONTO.
From the exposed brick, to the plush white sofas that line the walls, The Reservoir Lounge transports you to the 1940's (or 30's) speakeasy you've been dreaming of.
Saturday nights feature TYLER YAREMA and he's #1 in my books.
The drinks are really clever and the wine list decent. The place gets hopping around 11pm on the weekend, so be prepared to stand, better yet, Dance!
Try the Hendrick's Gin Martini with cucumber slices. It'll make your taste buds perk and your friends think you're cool (who doesn't need that from time to time?)
GO. Listen. Love music. Fall in Love. Reservoir Lounge.Listed in: KD's Toronto Nightlife Guide
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Review from Jay G.
Toronto, ON
4/13/2009 1 photo
Reservoir Lounge is one of the nicest jazz bars in the city. The live music being played is always great and provide a truly unique ambiance. The crowd that comes out are here to party and are not shy to dance the night away or show their significant other how much they love each other (PDA). If you have issues with PDA then stay clear because people here are not shy. If you don't then jump on in as the drinks are good, service is fast, food tasty, and music is cool.
It's hard to describe what the decor looked like as it was very dark inside but from what I recall it is very nice. Lots of candles, dim lighting, abundant amounts of dark wood, small tables with white table cloths, small stage, exposed brick and a 360degree bar. It was nice and cozy inside as there isn't much room and there are a lot of people. If you want to snag a table here I recommend coming very early or booking a reservation. On live music nights there is a $10 cover charge.
Overall, Reservoir Lounge is a very cozy cool jazz bar in the city. Drinks are a little pricey and the cover charge doesn't help much but it is a lot of fun if you enjoy jazz and an outgoing crowd. Don't be surprised if many people approach you looking to talk, seems to be the thing to do here since it's so cozy. Bring some cash you're going to need it and come early so you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Dee H.
Toronto, ON
4/25/2009
I dream of having an event at Reservoir Lounge. The intimate, dark setting is perfect for a group of about 100. The tapas-style menu is decent (rating above is for a late night out... dinner rating would be slightly lower), the drinks are good, although a little expensive, the staff is quick, but the music is so much fun. It's different every time I go - kind of jazz fusion - but always upbeat, great for dancing... loads of fun.
If you're not into dancing, you could probably sit in the corner and watch the crowd and have almost as much fun. It's a random, albeit interesting, clientele, and I could watch them all day. Are you one of those people who wonder what someone's husband/wife/bf/gf/sign. other/lover is like before you get the opportunity to meet them? Then this crowd will fascinate you!
If you're not into amazing music or crowd watching or great atmosphere... then go somewhere else - we don't want you here anyway. -
Review from Lindsey S.
Toronto, ON
5/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
I hit this place up with a group of girls for a birthday bash and we had a great time!
The bar staff made me laugh - and I wasn't even drunk at that point! The band was kicking, the swing dancers were stellar and the cover wasn't that bad either - the best part - no line! I don't do lines....no no I don't do lines.
As for the atmosphere, it felt like we were in this hip little place that should be located in NYC or Chicago during the 40's. The rock walls, the dark lighting and the centre bar all gave this place a very nice feel.
I will admit that the place was HOT, and we were not in the middle of a heat wave. I think this might be due to the fact that it's a small location and the kitchen is right near the bar.
Over all - a great place! Check it out if you're looking for an impressive night of live music and cozy chat with friends. -
Review from Steve M.
Ancaster, ON
4/19/2011
My favourite place to listen to some live jazz and blues - sort of like a modern day speakeasy - and I'll always remember the time I accidentally bumped into a 6'6" tranny - damn I miss downtown LOL
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Review from Polls E.
Toronto, ON
12/8/2008
The music definitely makes this place one my favorite nighttime adventures!!
Every night at the Res is a good one, I especially recommend going to hear Bradley and the Bouncers on a Wednesday night!
They also have a great drink and food menu. I was a wee bit dis-appointed to find that they're no longer serving oysters but I'll get over it.
The Reservoir lounge is highly recommended! -
Review from Lindsey W.
3/27/2011
If you're looking for a place for good live music look no further. They have a fantastic band that plays on Tuesdays and Saturdays and they play great swing music! The crowd is a good one, energetic, + 27 and will close the place down.
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Review from KL M.
Toronto, ON
11/2/2010
A little overcrowded for a 'lounge', but the one time I was here the band was exceptional. It's possible the better bands play on the weekend, as per my visit, but I'd recommend going on a weeknight to appreciate the music and bypass the crowd.
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Review from Kat F.
3/23/2009
I was mightily impressed with this cozy bar in an unlikely neighbourhood after being dragged out for a friend's birthday. Had it not been for that invitation I would have likely never known about this little gem!
On a Saturday night the place was teeming with regulars who were all out to have a fabulous time and showed the rest of us what we were missing.
There was a live band fronted by a slightly less hot version of Julian Casablancas (The Strokes) on vocals and piano that had the ladies swooning (literally grabbing for his shirt and trying to get on stage), tons of dancing and most notably: PUBLIC MAKEOUTS! If you love making out with your partner in public places, do check out Reservoir Lounge because love was definitely in the air and everyone got to witness said love. Everywhere I looked, couples were canoodling. Great vibe and atmosphere, but get there early because it gets really, really crowded! -
Review from Christine T.
8/20/2009
So sophisticated, so simply elegant. This is my new fave music club since moving here from San Francisco. The kitchen cranks out top notch cuisine and the cozy red sofa makes for a wonderful cocktail & jazz set. Try to get a reservation as the place is small, and they are wonderfully accommodating without turning the tables throughout the evening. You will love this spot is you seek a change from the ordinary.
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Review from Kurt G.
ON
2/17/2009
Great place to go for some jazzy music, dim light and good cocktails. I am sure there is a posted schedule somewhere, I am a fan of just dropping in and seeing what is going on.
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Review from santi a.
North York, ON
6/8/2011
Luv the place
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Review from Lan T.
Toronto, ON
8/26/2009
The Reservoir Lounge is exactly what I picture a jazz club should be. I came here on a Tuesday and music made me want to move. I ordered the mojito but when my friend's Asian Beauty arrived, I wished I had gone for the pretty pink drink instead. Cozy atmosphere, great music, good food, I will certainly be back.
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Review from Kevin K.
3/19/2011
Love this place. Period.
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Review from Ashley W.
Toronto, ON
8/22/2008
This speakeasy jazz club is one not to miss. From the red velvet booths, to the exposed brick walls and the delicious cocktails everything here is spot on.However the best part about the Reservoir Lounge is the music, I'm one who loves live music and live music in an intimate setting is even better. A few friends of mine went on Sunday night and saw Luke Wilson. I had never heard of him before, but boy he blew me away. The band and he were awesome, and sounded amazing live. It was a perfect place to enjoy some good jazz music and some cocktails with friends. The cover was $5 and the cocktails ranged from about $7( for a house drink) to $12 for their specialty cocktails. I didn't try anything off of their food menu, but it looked pretty tasty lots of tapas, sandwiches and pizza. Maybe I'm a little biased because I haven't been to THAT many jazz clubs, but I absolutely loved this place, the service was efficient, the cocktails were super tasty and the music was awesome what more could you want in a jazz club?
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Review from Elizabeth S.
4/14/2010
I went on Monday night. The ambiance there is great, the wine was Ok, the vocalist was fantastic. It lost a star for me, though, when the vocalist came around with a tip jar looking for money and giving people looks who didn't contribute. It just cheapened the experience. Either charge the $5 cover, or don't and leave the tip jar up front for those to contribute as they see fit. Don' t make a big deal about how great it is that you are the only night that doesn't charge a cover, and then walk around guilting patrons into paying. Not classy.
