Business Details
42 Years
experience
Live Jazz & Blues in Toronto | The Rex
Established in 1984, The Rex has become a cornerstone of Toronto's cultural landscape. As a family-run business, we have dedicated over four decades to preserving and promoting live jazz and blues music while providing comfortable accommodations and quality dining experiences. Our venue hosts over 60 performances monthly, featuring both local talent and international artists, maintaining an affordable atmosphere that has earned us recognition as a Toronto institution.The hotel's central location offers easy access to major attractions, while our restaurant serves classic pub fare to guests and locals alike. With a commitment to musical excellence and customer satisfaction, we continue to uphold our motto: 'More Great Jazz than anywhere else, all the time.'
Services
Live Jazz Performances
Hotel Accommodations
Pub Fare Dining
Music Calendar
Merchandise Sales
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We've hosted live jazz performances for over 40 years
- Presenting 60+ shows monthly featuring international and local talent
- Maintaining affordable pricing for music enthusiasts since 1984
- Located within walking distance of Toronto's major attractions
- Offering combined music, dining, and accommodation experiences
What people say
Fantastic music
Great live jazz performances
Toronto staple
Perfect atmosphere
Affordable prices
Services
Live Jazz Performances
The Rex presents over 60 live jazz and blues performances monthly, featuring both local Canadian talent and international touring artists. Our venue maintains an affordable atmosphere while hosting world-renowned musicians across various jazz subgenres. The schedule includes multiple daily shows with flexible seating arrangements to accommodate different audience preferences.
Hotel Accommodations
Our downtown Toronto hotel offers modern rooms with bamboo flooring, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV. Room options range from basic shared-bathroom accommodations to private rooms with queen-sized beds. The hotel maintains a family-friendly atmosphere while providing convenient access to Toronto's major attractions within walking distance.
Pub Fare Dining
The Rextaurant serves classic pub fare including homemade burgers, wings, and salads daily from 5 PM to 11 PM. Menu options cater to diverse tastes with vegetarian and meat-based dishes, featuring both traditional Canadian pub food and international influences. The restaurant accommodates both hotel guests and local patrons.
Music Calendar
We maintain a comprehensive music calendar featuring daily performances across multiple time slots. The schedule includes matinee shows on weekends and evening performances seven days a week. Artists range from established jazz legends to emerging local talent, with ticket pricing varying by show time and artist prominence.
Merchandise Sales
The Rex offers official merchandise including branded apparel and memorabilia celebrating our musical heritage. These items serve as both souvenirs for visitors and promotional materials for our venue. The merchandise selection changes periodically to reflect current events and special performances.
People
Bob Ross
Owner
Bob Ross has owned The Rex for over 40 years, establishing it as Toronto's premier jazz venue while maintaining its family-run character and commitment to musical excellence.
Avi Ross
General Manager
Avi Ross manages The Rex, continuing the family tradition of operating this Toronto landmark while balancing modern hospitality needs with its historic jazz legacy.
Questions
What makes The Rex Hotel unique in Toronto?
We're Toronto's longest-running jazz club with over 40 years of history, hosting 60+ live performances monthly while offering boutique hotel accommodations and pub dining.
What are the showtimes at The Rex Jazz Bar?
We offer multiple daily shows including weekend matinees at 2 PM, evening performances at 5 PM and 8 PM, with late-night sets on weekends.
How do I book tickets for performances?
Tickets for 8 PM shows can be purchased online or at the door, while other shows operate on a pay-what-you-can basis with no reservations required.
What hotel amenities are available?
Our rooms feature bamboo flooring, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV, with options ranging from basic shared-bathroom rooms to premium private accommodations.
Is food service available during performances?
Yes, our restaurant serves pub fare daily from 5 PM to 11 PM, with menu options available during all live music performances.
What nearby attractions are accessible from The Rex?
We're within walking distance of the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto Eaton Centre, Nathan Phillips Square, and other major downtown Toronto attractions.
Reviews (7)
Hannah Mathew
Jan 31, 2022
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Great music and like the set up they have for shows, good drinks and service, however I ordered a chicken Parmesan and it was soggy, likely frozen, so that knocks it down a star. Other than that great place
Lori Schaeff
Jan 18, 2022
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Staff were very friendly and helpful. Stayed because I had to go for an operation. Due to covid everything was closed so didn't get to try the food or listen to any Jazz music but I would love to go again when the weather is nicer and things are opened up again.
Peter Barkley
Jan 13, 2022
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Rooms are a bit small but price is represented respectfully. Bit of a dated feel but good if you like that. Great location though in the heart of downtown, lots of restaurants around and right beside Nathan Philips Square.
Brandon Robinson
Jan 01, 2022
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This place is as good as it gets. If you wanna listen to some incredible jazz acts in a relaxed space, you can't beat The Rex. Always awesome acts playing and great staff who are always keeping your drinks fresh through the whole show.
Kimberley McCready
Dec 16, 2021
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So, if you know what you are booking, this is a great hotel at an incredible price. Double beds (not queen or king), tiny room, and in a hall where you can hear every noise from the rooms next to you and even the entertainment from the bar. But, it's clean, and the entertainment is good. Worth the money, for sure. The location us prime and the service was very friendly. I recommend this place to anyone who knows what to expect. Oh and beware, there's no parking on site.
Navie Grosz
Dec 11, 2021
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So on the outside it might not seem like much but the location is unbeatable. They were able to store my luggage for me when it was too heavy to carry up the stairs. And you're so close to everything, there's a phenomenal India place across the street that I got take out from. Also shared bathrooms in the hallway. They were so clean. Happy to go back again.
Phil Williams
Dec 02, 2021
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Just a perfect to stay. The room was clean and tidy. I'd booked the standard single and it was exactly what I would expect. Nice and simple. Nothing spectacular but for the price, you really won't find anything better. The location is perfect, the staff very friendly and helpful, plus you have the best jazz and blues bar & restaurant right at your fingertips. Parking is only a couple of hundred feet away at a reasonable price. I paid $25 for 24 hours. They may as well make it free for that price!!
Overall, very, very satisfied and happy. I booked it here so that I could attend the premiere of
Overall, very, very satisfied and happy. I booked it here so that I could attend the premiere of
