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The Rex
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Jazz & Blues Nightlife Jazz & Blues Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Jazz & Blues, Hotels [Edit]
194 Queen St WToronto, ON M5V 1Z1
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Queen Street West, Downtown Core
(416) 598-2475
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 12 am
Sat-Sun 11 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for The Rex
Review Highlights
"...lucky, you'll get there when Dixieland bands hit the stage."
(in 4 reviews)
"...while weekend ones command a nominal cover charge."
(in 3 reviews)
"...in Toronto, and one of the best jazz clubs in the world."
(in 3 reviews)
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Mauricio A.
Toronto, ON
12/22/2011
The Rex is now an institution on Queen Street West. You want a great place to listen to some great local jazz in Toronto? Then you found one of the top five!
They have music every single night of the week. However, you do NOT come here for the food or the decor. This place looks as if it has not had a reno in 20 years. Now, I have been coming here for at least 12 and they have not really changed anything inside in all that time. However if you are looking for a more "upper" class looking place then go to Reservoir lounge.
Also, if you come here early enough, say about 2 hours before a show then you don't have to pay cover, *HINT* *HINT* although you should just to help support the place.
Also, you will find that once the music stars playing, well, this is not one of those places where the music gets played in the background. It demands your full attention and since the place is small enough that you will literally not have a choice either way.
Unless you sit way, way, in the back but at that point you can't see the performers and one would question your intention of coming here in the first place. :-)
Highly recommended for a laid-back-jazzy night out. -
Review from Jason B.
8/29/2011
You are kinda between a rock and a hard place if you're out see some stellar live jazz music.
This place is the place to go... the greatest players - starting in the late afternoon - 7 days a week.
Its just a little dingy inside... and usually extremely packed, understandably. They have awkward cafeteria seating, with a few booths, and generally terrible sight lines to the stage from anywhere in the bar, other than right in front of the stage.
The food and beverage selection are decent and well priced. I would go more often if they renovated!
Tip: Have cash for the cover charge at the door. -
Review from chris m.
Updated - 8/23/2011
Yeah,
I really like this place. They may very well have the closest thing to a real hamburger in the financial district, wait...Toronto, wait..all of Canada.
Greate staff, great music, rundown comfortable venue, and good food. What else does a boy from the D need?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/1/2011
Sorry Yelp! Didn't need you this time.
After a long train ride on the Via, I got to my hotel and… Read more »
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Review from Fern H.
8/1/2011
The Rex is a very low key and laid back place for jazz and music lovers in the city.
Dropped by on a Friday afternoon for a few drinks and to see a friend's band play. The place was pretty busy.
Sight lines of the stage are kinda awful with random columns blocking the view. And they have no AC. I just about shriveled and died from the heat.
Good choice of beers on tap with pints ranging between $6-$8. We sat at the bar and the bartender was friendly and attentive. -
Review from Janet S.
Toronto, ON
6/6/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The Rex is somewhat of an intimidating place to go alone for the first time, so grab a buddy, and hit it!
Your experience starts with the seat-yourself-wherever-the-heck-you-can-find-a-sea t situation the venue has going on. If you're there for the music, just squeeze in the first two long tables right in front of the stage. You'll be sitting with other jazz lovers, so don't worry about getting close and comfy with strangers.
The servers have unbelievably awesome memories, and they'll get your order right, even though everyone's all sitting smushed together. The food is typical pub fare, but you're not there for the food, you're there for the awesome music!
Bring cash, because the cover is payable at the door, but the rest of your bill you can pay with plastic. If they don't collect a cover, they'll pass around a huge plastic jug for tips. If this is the case, the artists only get paid out of the donations, so be generous.
Hope you have a blast. -
Review from Denise S.
5/15/2011
The Rex is sort of a Toronto landmark and I have walked past it and peeked in countless times and there always seems to be a solid crowd and some good music at any time of day. I'm actually surprised that I've lived here so long and hadn't been to the Rex until this weekend! I finally went last night when my friend and I were looking for a chill, unpretentious place to have a post-show drink.
I'm not a huge jazz aficionado, but I like some jazz and have been to a few jazz clubs before. It seems like a lot of them (e.g. Opus on Queen West) have closed in the last few years, so it's nice to see The Rex is still going strong. They have at least 3 shows daily, 7 days a week, which is quite impressive! Last night they were having a CD launch of this big band group. Cover was a very reasonable $12 (and on weeknights there is usually no cover). The space is quite large, although tables at the back wouldn't have a great view of the stage so try and find a seat near the entrance.
Drinks are very fairly priced. They have house red/white wine for ~$6/glass. We got some chips & salsa ($4 for a pretty big basket). They have a full menu with typical pub food. Our server was great. She checked in on us periodically, without being too intrusive.
The crowd is really mixed. This place has zero attitude and the vibe is just really relaxed. There were all these cute older couples, as well as some teenagers (I don't think they card people at the door... at least *I* didn't get carded, and I often still do at other places:S).
The decor is pretty retro and they have some cool black & white photos of how the place looked back in the day and some artists who have performed here in the past. They also have some random French impressionist prints. The bathroom was kinda gross by the end of the night, but that unfortunately seems to be the case at most bars.
Definitely a fun option if you are looking for a low-key night out, or really, if you want to hear live jazz any time. Check the website for listings.Listed in: Art Matters
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Review from Samantha H.
10/31/2011
I'm giving 3 stars because I really liked this place a lot, but given that it's a music spot and the acoustics are horrific, I had to! I wanted to see a Big Band that was here and so we got in and it was packed. Fortunately we found a table in the corner. The service was seriously phenomenal. With how crowded it was, our waitress was super quick. The food was pretty solid, nothing spectacular. The music was LOUD. I say that because I have been to some venues where you can still talk despite there being live music...this isn't one of them. The band itself was really good though and I enjoyed it. I would definitely go back but I'm not sure the building itself makes the music sound as good as it could.
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Review from neesa r.
4/25/2011
ok maybe I went on a wrong day and for the wrong reason but sunday noon wasn't my fave time there.
Reasons:
- no brunch options (maybe just my expectation though because I read about the Rex in the brunch list on blogto)
- music is too loud (I don't really think that the speakers are required for the live band in such a small place where acoustic seems to be good)
- and yeah the band was not very exciting. jazz is supposed to make you jump up and dance.
- no young people in the crowd (that was the most surprising thing)
I don't think I'll be coming back but yeah the prices are not bad and there are few veg options which are pretty ok (portobello+goat cheese sandwich was good) -
Review from Aviva S.
5/1/2011
It's a 3.5 review, not 3.
Awesome, solid place.
The music's great, the staff are very personable and kind, the crowd is very cool.
Food is average, drink prices are average.
I enjoyed myself here, and so should you :) -
Review from Aaron B.
5/26/2010
I've only been here twice despite the fact that I love jazz and live around the corner (for now). And both times Jon M of Yelp fame was playing. I can honestly say that from what I've experienced and heard while riding by the music is great.
The drinks are pretty bad. I've had three different mixed drinks (the easiest kinds, like a gin and tonic) and they were all bad. Warm, with machine ice melting quickly in them, a lime that is impossible to manage, etc. They didn't taste good...in fact they tasted somehow wrong. Just poor craft on making drinks.
The environment is rather stale; not comfortable nor pleasant to look at, but not torturous either. Good enough, but definitely in the "dive bar" category. The location of the stage makes only certain seats good for seeing the band that's playing, so choose your seat wisely.
I really wish they could raise the quality of the rest of this place to match the quality of the performers. I'd certainly go here more. I won't ever come here to drink, that's for sure. Maybe I'll try the food next time.
In conclusion, this place is a "jazz bar"...it gets 5 stars on the jazz and 1 star on the bar. -
Review from Melanio F.
6/29/2009
I was truly looking for a reasonable priced hotel that I can afford and also be near public transportation. In terms of location, the Rex hotel fits the bill. Its on the Dowtown entertainment district and near a lot of bars besides offerring its own nightly jazz concerts (bands).
The hotel itsel contains only two floors above the jazz club. If you can not walk up stairs, this is not the hotel for you. Based on photographs and sparse reviews, I didn't know what to expect but also did not think I was going to a chain hotel like Marriot or Hilton.
The room is sparse, remodeled bathroom, no amenities except soap. With travelling these days requirig minimal amount of toiletries, I wind up buying some cheaper items in a mart in Eaton Centre (several blocks east from the hotel). Another missing ingredient to my hotel stay was a hair blower and dryer. To my friends, you know I have thick beautiful long hair envied by all including Tarzan himself!
I am very happy to report that the hotel has ac and I managed to snag the top room but it faced Queen street which made for noisy evenings if your ac is off and the windows open. My view is of CN tower which is not bad considering I am staying in downtown entertainment district.
Would I stay here again, on a pinch yes. I prefer to stay where comfort is simply easy to access. Was the stay bad? No, I enjoyed finding a 24 hr market across the street for the cool water and drinks and snacks before going to bed. Was the area safe, true as most cities can be safe.
For you couples travelling without your hmmm necessities, there is a Condom Shack store across the street for your nightly ribbed or unribbed pleasure.
Rex Hotel you are not perfect but you will do!
P.S. apparently when my room gets cleaned, my card for the door is not working as well so I have to go downstairs to rekey (not inconvenient since they are open late (mybe even 24 hrs).Listed in: Foreign Visits
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Review from Robyn T.
7/5/2010
I really shouldn't give 4 stars but since the music was so awesome, I can't help it.
The hubs and I went for lunch on a random Sunday. The service was probably the worst I've had in years. Our server was obviously overworked and frustrated and it showed. Not good sweetie. If you are unraveling, go out back and have a meltdown, don't do it in front of customers. We waited over a half hour just for 2 sodas and it was brought out from someone new so I'm guessing she finally did melt.
The thing that kept us sitting there thirsty and hungry was the music. I was able to forgive them for forcing me to wait over an hour for a salad because a New Orleans jazz band was playing, and I was captivated.
The interior of The Rex is nothing huge or elaborate. In fact, the eventual food didn't blow me away either, but the atmosphere created by the music and the crowd loving the music, makes this place special.
I think I went on a day where they were not prepared for a large lunch crowd so they didn't staff up well. However, I would definitely go back to hang out, have a drink, and listen to the bands. -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
3/31/2009
I'm walking down Queen Street and I get rather lazy..not sure if I want to haul ass all the way to Queen West. I see a wonderful little Jazz bar that seems to be half full of decent people minding their own business.
I poke my head in..not too many people stare back at my curiosity. It's a comfortable reaction. So my body follows my head in and I seat myself down, order a glass of wine (or beer) and get myself a predictable portobello burger. Everything is averagely good and the music is a bonus.
Nice, friendly, what more could you want for a day when you weren't expecting anything? -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
1/16/2010
I went to the Rex bar with low expectations for food and service, but high expectations for the entertainment. I was very surprised at how good everything was at the Rex.
First, our server was great. She was friendly, gave us everything we needed in a timely fashion, and she saved my ass (!) in the washroom by going and sourcing toilet paper! The entire washroom was out of any kind of paper, and in a less than 2 minutes, my hero server replaced everything. That's above and beyond!
We split a Greek salad and a cheeseburger platter for dinner and it was fresh and good. I loved the dressing on the Greek salad and the generous amount of feta. Very pleasantly surprised. Food was pretty cheap too. Mostly $9 -$14 a plate
Entertainment was very good. A big band (very big - like 15 musicians) covered Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon". You don't hear that just anywhere. Cover was only $7.
I am now a fan of the Rex and have bookmarked the website to return for more shows. Check it out. -
Review from greg j.
11/28/2010
maybe it was the band.. they didn't have any groove..and I'm a guy that likes the swing in my jazz... also the place was packed and bad site lines outside of the tables in the front.... and the sound wasn't that thick and rich... I'm wondering if they could have had a better sound coordinator..
anyway.. so I gave it a two.. sorry...I'd need to come back and check out a different act.. I'm not into that cerebral....lets pretend not to have any swing... kinda stuff.... call it modern.. call it whatever...
but the poor site lines and the general pub feel.. wasn't my vibe.. not on that particular night...
sorry... but I'll be back.. -
Review from Ronald D.
Toronto, ON
9/13/2011
The home for jazz in Toronto, and one of the best jazz clubs in the world. Great musicians, and a great variety of sounds. and the nachos rule. A must in Toronto.
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Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
10/9/2008
Conveniently located on Queen West, this place offers good jazz for the price of a pint. Even mid-week, they regularly feature live performances while weekend ones command a nominal cover charge.
As another reviewer mentioned, stay clear of the stage area and any seating within its immediate perimeter if you want to keep your hearing. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
10/24/2008
There's a reason that this place has been kicking around for as long as it has. It began in the late 80s as jazz and blues bar and has become a quintessential venue for the Toronto jazz scene, be the Toronto Jazz Festival on or not. A little bit on the divey side, this does everything to bring out its charm. When a jazz act hits the stage, or a blues singer serenades with tales of personal woe, you want a place that looks like this is the only place the story could be told. This would be the Rex then.
During the summer, its patio is available, with doors to the show room open allowing the music from within to bleed out into the street. The beverages available are as good a range as you'd expect in any bar, but the menu (decent enough) and drinks aside, you go to the Rex for the music. If you're lucky, you'll get there when Dixieland bands hit the stage. Don't forget to buy merch from the band. -
Review from Vanessa G.
Toronto, ON
9/22/2008
Truth be told, this was go-to spot to get served when I was not quite of age. Although that was quite some time ago, so if you aren't 19, forget about it.
But the best thing about going here when I was young was developing a great appreciation for Jazz music. It's loud, it's soulful and boy, oh boy does it make you want to dance.
The bar itself is nice, lots of seating - make not to sit RIGHT next to the stage if you want to keep you hearing. Servers are friendly, food is satisfactory but you don't come here for good food - you come here for great music and a jazz-loving crowd.
The patio upstairs is beautiful, really huge with its own bar and a great place to spend a hot summer night - although you can't really hear the music.
If you want a great jazz experience in Toronto, this is the place to be! -
Review from David C.
Toronto, ON
5/25/2011
I think some of the complaints of previous reviewers are legitimate (the food's not 5-star, the beer menu could be better, the occasional loud drunk guys in the front rows are annoying), but people have to keep in mind that the Rex is really the only club left in the city that is consistently playing jazz, and that is committed not only to "crowd-pleasing" stuff, but also to cutting-edge local and international jazz artists. The Rex is in effect an international institution, and regularly brings in some of the best artists from Canada, and also from the Northeastern U.S. It also has the character of a place that has been around for generations, and unlike some of the more pretentious, designer jazz clubs that have come and gone (like Opus, and Courthouse), there's something still very living and spontaneous about the Rex.
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Review from Josh A.
Toronto, ON
2/26/2011
Definately a very busy establisment after work on a Friday night. I would agree with some previous reviewers that you definately need to locate farther from the stage if you want to hear conversation. Being nearly death due to my younger days as a dj It was almost impossible to hear the person talking next to me. The Jazz was really good though. I ordered the standard pub fare of Nachos which were definately average but tasty. Pints of Nut Brown ale went well with the meal. Recommend you get there early if you want a seat. There is no cover charge for the first part of the evening but the establishment hits you with a $10 dollar cover charge if you want to stay past 9:30. The music is probably worth the cover charge but my party was off to the next location. The Bar has efficient security as 2 staff members removed a drunk who wanted to join the band onstage fairly quickly and efficiently. Worth checking out for Homegrown jazz.
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Review from Mark R.
Kirkfield, ON
4/10/2010
The food is reasonable and they do have a wide variety of bands. The staff is pretty friendly but the managment is aweful. I used to go to The Rex fairly often until I was slapped with an insult from management. I had purchased a gift card which they refused to honor. I called several times but they were completely unwilling. For that reason alone, I could not imagine recommending this dive.
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