The Rex Jazz & Blues Bar: Jazzing up Queen Street
When I visited Toronto, I was walking down Queen Street with a group of Jazz lovers. As we passed The Rex Jazz & Blues Bar, they wanted to go in, and since I was thirsty for a whiskey and Coke, I complied.
We had the pleasure of stumbling upon a live performance there by the University of Toronto Jazz Ensemble. Sometimes there is a small cover charge, but there wasn't one the day I visited.
The Rex has hosted musicians such as Chris Potter, Harry Connick Jr., Roy Hargrove's RH Factor, Ani Difranco, Russel Malone, Mark Turner, Pete McCann, Antonio Sanchez and lots more.
There's live jazz and blues here everyday. On the weekends, you'll hear live music all day, starting at noon. Click here to view the performance calendar. With all this great talent, things can get pretty busy at The Rex. Don't be surprised if you have to stand for some performances, or at least share a table with some other friendly strangers.
As far as beer goes, you can sip on Labatt 50, Labatt Blue, Bud Light, Guinness, Sleeman Cream Ale, Sleeman Honey Brown, Stella Artois, Mill St. Tankhouse Ale, Mill St. Organic Lager, Keith's IPA or Rickard's Red. You can also enjoy red or white wine while grooving to some jazz and blues tunes.
If all the jazz is making your stomach growl, The Rex has appetizers, sandwiches, salads, burgers, soups, entrées, sides and dessert. I didn't try the food, but it smelled delicious. The nachos smelled so good that I almost plucked one from the neighboring table to sample.
(On the bar's website, you can see who's playing today.)
- by Jessica Bates, Toronto Reporter for HelloMetro
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Jessica BatesJessica is a freelance journalist residing in lovely southern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and journalism. She writes for a green living publication, which she thoroughly enjoys. Once upon a time she was an editorial board member for Steel Toe Books choosing poetry manuscripts for publication.
