The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar

Matt Smith

Mar 6, 2026

I’ve been going to The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar for decades. It’s one of those rare Toronto spots where the music is world-class and the vibe usually feels like a living piece of the city’s cultural DNA. I’ve brought friends, dates, visiting musicians. I’ve happily spent a lot of nights and dollars there. Last night, unfortunately, was the worst service experience I’ve ever had in the place. Our waitress was fantastic. Friendly, attentive, everything you’d hope for. But the experience was completely derailed by the bartender on duty, who seemed to have appointed himself the Sheriff of Silence. Instead of letting the room breathe like a normal jazz bar, he spent the night storming around shushing patrons like an angry librarian who just discovered espresso. Not a polite “hey folks, keep it down during the set.” I mean aggressive, repeated shushing. Tables. Individuals. Anyone who dared exist at a conversational volume. It created this bizarre, tense atmosphere where people were looking over their shoulders wondering if they were about to get scolded for ordering a drink. I’ve been attending the Rex intermittently for decades and have never seen anything like it. Jazz clubs thrive on energy, conversation, and that low hum of people enjoying the music together. Last night felt less like a jazz bar and more like detention. It’s a shame, because the Rex has always been one of Toronto’s great music rooms. But if the new house policy is getting aggressively shushed by the bar staff all night, I’m not sure I’m in a rush to come back. Hopefully this was just an off night and not a new management philosophy.

Jack Brown

Feb 24, 2026

Such a wonderful change from standard "pub fare". A truly unique experience--one that is almost impossible to find these days. Food is good, beer is cold, and Andy is a great waiter. Pretty sure he's the same guy that served when we were here a few years ago (we live out of town). Looking forward to our next visit in several years time

Alex Shulman

Jan 29, 2026

The food, drinks, and music were great! After my friend’s play that they put on, we grabbed a couple celebratory drinks here with some nachos. We stayed, laughed, drank and enjoyed each other’s company for hours. The staff are really nice, and the music was so enjoyable to listen to. A jazzy cool vibe. Definitely coming again. Also, ORDER THE DEAR PRUDENCE COCKTAIL!

Jett Tyler

Jan 27, 2026

Great location for accommodation in the city of Toronto. Very affordable with a short walk from a nearby Metro Station to link easily to the Toronto Union Station. The bar has regular live music which is great for people wanting to enjoy local Toronto musicians, would recommend for one to two nights stay.

Peter Cimone

Jan 20, 2026

Its the only place in Toronto I like being. Such a cozy inviting place to be. The bar tenders always treat you like a friend, the music is always great, the food is good. My wife and I stayed in the hotel rooms like 15 years ago before we got married. The rooms are old and nothing special...and yet they are something special. The building, the history. All of it is awesome. Go, have some drinks and food and enjoy the music, just forget about the BS outside for a while.