rev:text
| - BOTTOM LINE: A rad jazz cafe in the heart of Kensington adds some much-needed soul and texture to an otherwise dense dive bar scene.
Kensington Market's home to some the best dive bars in the city, but Poetry Jazz Cafe spices things up by highlighting some of the young, up-and-coming jazz talent the city has to offer. With not one, but two patios, and a lush deep red interior enveloped by glass book shelves and lined with pictures of Miles Davis and Cassius Clay, PJC offers an intimate and casual atmosphere. My favourite part is the expansive glass window in the front, which when viewed from the street, provides a really cool look inside.
The owner, Sean, was working when I was there and was friendly and welcoming. He even poured me a shot of courvoisier because it was my first time there! We caught the Colour of Soul playing throughout the night and they were a young trio that just jammed all night. It was good times! Live shows every Friday and Saturday, though there are plans to add more.
A great selection of house-made cocktails with jazz inspired names - I liked the Bitches Brew the most (ayo Miles!). They also boast of having wines that the LCBO doesn't carry (but I'm not sure how that's possible under what is, quite possibly, the worse monopoly in the world, but I digress...).
Although it seems that Torontonians aren't the biggest fans of jazz (given how some establishments have closed down over the past few years), I'm really hoping this little place sticks around!
|