The Rex is now an institution on Queen Street West. You want a great place to listen to some great local jazz in Toronto? Then you found one of the top five!
They have music every single night of the week. However, you do NOT come here for the food or the decor. This place looks as if it has not had a reno in 20 years. Now, I have been coming here for at least 12 and they have not really changed anything inside in all that time. However if you are looking for a more "upper" class looking place then go to Reservoir lounge.
Also, if you come here early enough, say about 2 hours before a show then you don't have to pay cover, *HINT* *HINT* although you should just to help support the place.
Also, you will find that once the music stars playing, well, this is not one of those places where the music gets played in the background. It demands your full attention and since the place is small enough that you will literally not have a choice either way.
Unless you sit way, way, in the back but at that point you can't see the performers and one would question your intention of coming here in the first place. :-)
Highly recommended for a laid-back-jazzy night out.