City: Kensington-Chinatown
Top Things to do in Kensington-Chinatown
Countries
The 10 Best Nightlife in Kensington-Chinatown, Canada
We've heard Toronto described as "New York City run by the Swiss," and it's true—you can find world-class theater, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Restaurants in Toronto
1. El Mocambo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
This club is mainly a venue for rock and roll bands, at times including international stars like Mick Jagger.
2. Poetry Jazz Cafe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By liquidkitty1 - Toronto, Canada
In the heart of Kensington you will find a mural with Miles Davis. The bar is EXTREMELY narrow with limited seats and once packed for the performance, very uncomfortable to stand as people are constantly moving. Make sure you arrive early! Show starts around 9:30 most nights. Just inside the door (which is open to the outside) is a small seating area with a small sofa and few chairs and ottoman and piano and, fortunately, a small fire. My friend and I elected to sit there and could still hear the concert just fine, and it was easier to have a conversation. It was warm enough for us. The cover was $15 and drinks are reasonable, staff friendly. Great place for a date, cozy and cool. I have visited this bar several times and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great local music experience.
3. Thirsty And Miserable
4. Cameron House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 33 reviews
Club featuring experimental music and attracting a wide variety of clientele, from punks to suburbanites.
5. Horseshoe Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 77 reviews
Local landmark showcasing well-known country and rock bands, including some of international fame.
Reviewed By S9295YCABK - Edmonton, Canada
The iconic Horseshoe Tavern, established in 1947 has had so many legendary musicians grace their stage. It is a must see stop in Toronto period. Regardless of my 5 star experiences here, or others 1 star experience, it is an integral establishment to the Canadian music scene. Check out the checkerboard floors the Tragically Hip so iconically sang about! Now for the nitty gritty... the Shoe at first glace is your typical dive bar, a lot of wear and tear, old photographs and gig posters line the walls. Average beer, old school cocktails (with new school names), and a mix between professionals to the more gruff folk sit at the bar. The staff on the other hand are anything but average. No matter their position, each staff member takes a genuine, unique approach to customer service. I don’t feel this type of service is trained. I feel it is demonstrated by ownership, and trickles down to the employees who then stamp it with their own personal love of the hospitality industry, their regulars, live music, history and culture. How else can you explain retaining phenomenal bartenders for 50 years!? Security/Door Staff for 30 years!? Having not visited the Horseshoe in over 5 years I’m so pleased to see something’s never change.
6. Rex Jazz and Blues Bar
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 151 reviews
This watering hole has been drawing jazz fans since it first opened in 1951. Admittedly the decor hasn't changed much since the old days, but the sounds you'll find here are cutting edge. The Rex lures top local and international talent; Tuesday is the weekly jam night.
Reviewed By LarryTheRadioGuy - Victoria, Canada
This really is the place to go in Toronto to hear live jazz. Good atmosphere, find sound system, and the food is reasonable priced. Not a huge assortment of craft beers---but we were able to find something we all liked and had a pitcher. Music wise I liked the fact that they are willing to book groups who aren't necessarily playing your standard bebop or old standards style jazz. They have quite a variety, and this wonderful group (Neon Eagle) was led by a pedal steel guitarist (Mike Eckert) of all people. And they were terrific! I'll be back!
7. Bovine Sex Club
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By dandrumman - London, United Kingdom
Ended up here on a Friday night. There were three bands on with decent quality original music. It can get quite loud in there, but that is kind of the whole point ???? Interior is amazing and the staff were definitely dressed to impress. It’s a good starting point to explore Queen Street from and the 10 dollar cover at the door seemed reasonable to me.
8. Cold Tea
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 13 reviews
