The Emmet Ray

Our waiter was terrible. He walked away in the middle of us taking orders so we didn’t even get to order food. The table beside us wanted to get food too but left because they wouldn’t get their order taken either. We got our beers at least but there was literally no head on the beer, very flat. We came a little bit late so there was no live music, and unfortunately the music on the stereos were non existent. The only good thing was there was no wait, but now I understand why there wasn’t a line to get in.

GREAT music and atmosphere! Excellent selection of whisky and cocktails. Service was excellent. Food was a great selection of standard fare with inspired flair. Highly recommend

The servers were extremely nice! Live music here all the time. The drinks were fantastic but I ordered some poutine and it took around 35 to 40 minutes to arrive. Now, they did say the kitchen was backed up, so I wasn't upset, but when I got the poutine, it was DRENCHED in gravy. I'm talking gravy soup with cheese and a couple of fries, really nasty. I couldn't finish it. It gets BUSY on the weekends, so you need to make a reservation if there's a show you want to see. Great venue, but I didn't have the best time here. The music made my night for sure! But super nice service!

In my opinion this is a hidden gem in the neighborhood, though perhaps a well-known one to the locals. Good vibes, relaxed atmosphere. The food was surprisingly good and a great array of whiskeys and beer. Jen and Andrew saw to everyone's needs, were really attentive, and both seem to also be having a good time.

Awesome customer service. Great band on Saturday night. Very chill environment. Delicious eats to try out while swaying in your seats. Andrew was very pleasant in answering my questions and setting up my reso. Tom was phenomenal at informing my fiance of the various whiskeys he set up for the whiskey flight tasting. Recommended supporting this local business. They definitely give off a family vibe of working together to give their customers a fun filled night.

I have to echo what other 5 star reviews said. This is truly a hidden gem. Had a great time last night and absolutely loved the atmosphere. Service was great even though they were busy and food was good, too! My picky son enjoyed his burger ?. Thank you and we will come back for sure!!

If you ask a stranger, it’s a jazz bar. But ask even a semi-regular, and they’ll tell you the Emmet Ray is so much more than that. The venue is deliberately designed to feel like a lounge room. The best way to experience it is by relaxing into one of their many comfy chairs with a glass of your favourite drink, ready to see something spectacular. A dedicated local community guarantees this harmonious attitude, making it feel more like a great café than a stuffy club. They might operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, but even if you’re standing in the wings, you’ll be able to hear and see everything. It was my first time to visit and I came across this hidden gem while searching for a live jazz venue, my call was answered by Tom who’s knowledgeable and has a welcoming voice that calls you in, he was the one who also met us at the door when we arrived, the reservation is made through an email sent to Andrew who was not available during our visit but he responded immediately to my reservation request email with detailed explanations on everything we need. We were served by Jane and Mike, both are a true reflection of high ethics and understand the art of customer service, they both checked on us several times and did everything they can to make sure we are having a wonderful experience. The live band is a bomb, the music they composed and the way they play their instruments must be seen as no words will describe it fairly. We ordered their signature salad, tomato soup and their Emmet Burger with fries, a unique flavours that no way I can express in writing. They charge $10 per person to support the local band which I personally find reasonable and fair however I suggest they waive it in the future for kids. Their washroom is located in the basement and it was super clean and tidy. Overall, this is a place that must be seen and visited and it is an icon here not only in Toronto or Ontario but in Canada. Thanks Emmet Ray team, keep the hard work going on.

Great music and atmosphere! Drinks were great, and food was exactly as expected, definitely a step up from pub food. I had the absolute pleasure of seeing the Julia D’ascanio Sextet and they blew me and everyone else in the room away. Such a great spot for live music. Staff was super friendly and charming!