I visited this bar recently and unfortunately had a disappointing experience. While the venue itself was decent, I couldn't help but notice some subtle racism towards people of color. They gave us corner seats, which made us feel isolated, and the service was noticeably less polite compared to how they treated other patrons. It's disheartening to encounter such behavior in this day and age. I hope the management takes steps to address these issues and promote inclusivity.

My fiancee and myself were In the Toronto area and decided to look up somewhere with live Jazz music to catch a drink. Google brought me here at 8:20pm Saturday night, once we approached the door a doorman on his phone blocked us from entering and asked if we were there for the live music to which I replied we were. After we paid the $20 cover charge each, we entered and found literally no seats. Found one stool for my fiancee and placed it at the bar in an opening and was then told by a bartender that area must be kept open for traffic. We moved out of the way to immediately watch someone sit down in the exact same spot with no words said to them. Annoyed I let it go but ordered two drinks which totalled $32. I paid cash $40 and was told they don't provide change, so I put it on debit instead because I didn't want to tip $8 for two drinks. So I got our drinks, we took place standing at the back wall to enjoy our drink and listen to the live music which played one song within the hour and a half we were there, the remaining music was a mixture of lofi and techno jazz being played way to loud with the treble notes set extremely high. At this point we gave up hope and I bailed on this horrible experience. Jazz music is to be enjoyed, not screamed into my ears at a piercing level of low sound quality. TLDR: spent $75 to have two drinks and listen to one live Jazz song over 90 mins in a hot, crowded, loud and dissapointing establishment

This place is an absolute gem for ambiance but had an absolute awful interaction with the owner who was forcing us to purchase drinks (without being informed of the mandatory one drink policy prior to entry) or to get up from our seats and leave despite paying cover. This would have been fine if we were made aware of it which we were not and the manner in which we were informed was quite rude and dismissive. Come for good music and vibes but avoid the owner at all cost or your experience will be tainted. Edit: The owner did apologize for his “tone”. We were having a lovely time before the interaction with him which was a shame that it had to end the night on a sour note. He did refund us for admission and apologized again. Wish the interaction never happened in the first place but I suppose there was some resolution in the end.

To avoid: mediocre jazz, abysmal customer service! I came in tonight, paid the $10 cover charge, asked for the tap water to start with and was told, “One drink minimum, no tap water - we are a business, we have to make money.” What a great way to treat customers and what an attitude towards music!

This place is unrated. Grown & Sexy vibe. If you're looking for a place to take your date, try this place. No ratchet music here, if that's what you're looking for. The live band was exquisite. My birthday celebration was fantastic. There was only one problem, no food was available.

I'd have loved to rate this place higher - mainly because the atmosphere is absolutely great and it supports local artists. But their cocktails were quite horrendous - one of our gin based drinks was heavy on sugar. We politely asked them to replace it if possible, but they refused and instead poured some out and added some soda water instead. I mean - I appreciate the effort made by the kind lady who was tending to us, but the bartender clearly won't have it. So yeah, visit the place for the music, but don't drink here if you can.

Harsh subpar cocktails, and the only food is a $5 date square or coconut dessert... Great live music, however!

I'd passed by this place two years ago and just a peek inside, I wanted to spend the night there =) However, the pandemic hit and it took until now for me to visit this venue. Super kind and friendly staff, beautiful backyard and sexy bar ambience. Live music was fantastic, cocktails were awesome and the whole experience was unworldly. One of those places for new adventures or rekindling old fires if you know what I mean =D

Good spot for live jazz, but not much seating. Prepare to stand. There is a cover charge, gin& soda type drinks are $13

If I was only rating the live music (Evan Porter & band) this place would get a 5 star, they were amazing!! However this place is getting a 1 star because an intoxicated staff (Shawn) singled out my group by telling us we MUST purchase something from the bar to stay. He said this after we paid the cover to enter and we each had a drink in front of us!!!! It was absolutely unprofessional and they lost a customer who would have purchased more drinks and would have kept coming back!

Extremely, unnecessarily loud. Many people were covering their ears when the band played high notes. It was so packed full you couldn't move, when you went in you had to just stand at the entrance and got pushed in more every time more people arrived. Took 30 minutes to get a drink and 40 minutes to pay for it. Drinks were good but $30 for 2 was outrageous after paying cover. The most frustrating experience we've ever had just trying to get a drink and listen to some music.

Poetry is my favorite place in Toronto; i have been coming here for years and I always recommend it to anyone coming downtown. There's a different live band every night, amazingly inspired cocktails, a cool ambiance and the people I meet there are awesome. Paul (the bouncer) makes me and my friends feel very welcome. The owner, Sean is always walking around making sure we're having a great time. One of the best things that happened after this pandemic was honestly finding out that Poetry survived, and the new back patio is just great.

Was passing by and noticed how lively it looked inside so we decided to check it out and so glad we did!! Cover was $10 and the jazz group playing was so good! Everyone in the crowd was dancing and vibing. They gave us a menu for drinks and once we decided on a cocktail they told us only bar rails so that’s why I’m giving 4/5 stars. Other than that it was such a cool little spot and I definitely plan on being back ☺️

Great music, great atmosphere. But really weird layout with no place to sit, or stand, no place for jackets, etc. You pay 20$ of cover (from outside, its too late when you are in) to stand in a narrow corridor next to the bar, holding a drink in one hand and your winter jacket on the other. The place is also really overpacked. 3 stars for the amazing musicians and the good drinks.

Went on a Sat night and the live music started close to an hour and a half late after a $20 cover. Super weird layout where the area in front is under used leaving most people packed in like sardines 7 or 8 deep by the bar.

It was our first time checking out live jazz music, sound was great, the.place is clean, vibe is awesome and so chill! With limited seats you'd feel like a VIP so I highly suggest you call or purchase your tickets in advance :) they do not serve finger food but they're so awesome for letting us bring dry food / fries from the pizza place across. Highly recommend!

Cool place to have some drinks and listen great jazz bands, you can come alone or with your friends and the experience is very nice.

I’ve had such an amazing night there, great vibe, music and artists. Strongly recommended👍🏻 The night that we were there, Jermal was singing with Jayson Prince band playing; incredible performance ✨

Have yet to be disappointed here. Staff is fairly kind and quick to come up with tasty drinks. Cover can be a bit high at times but overall a great experience. Would suggest for first dates. Bands that play are always lively and entertaining.

Today I went to Poetry Jazz Cafe for my birthday with a friend. We were very excited! The show started at 9 and we arrived at 9pm, and upon walking up to the front entrance, we were approached by a bouncer who was simultaneously on his landline phone, held out his hands towards us, and simply said “20 dollars cash” and continued his conversation on the phone. When we asked if there was seating, he said “no you came way too late for that” as if the superiority of this cafe was truly above anyone who dare arrive at 9. We reflected at how appalling this was, to be treated by someone in the hospitality industry with such abrasive entitlement that we vowed never to return again.

Been here twice so far, so in love with the ambiance, and the musicians have been so refreshing to listen to live and very cool to see them in their element. It's an intimate, cozy spot and great to come alone, on a date or with a few friends.

This place is a cool little spot with a good vibe for good drinks and entertainment. I've been here twice and both times emjoyed the live musical bands they had performing including one rock band from India! They have a cute little patio but overall the place is quite small.

Small cozy but very fun place. Staff are friendly and very attentive. I had a really great Friday night here!

Awesome music from passionate bands. Bartenders work there tail off to pump out those drinks. Venue is small so it can get claustrophobic fast if it's a full house.

Great venue. Great music, nice staff. Love the vibes of this place.

We went there tonite. At 10 pm we walked out when the website clearly said they would start at 9pm. The band had not started playing. We arrived early foolishly thinking it would be busy but it was not. Now we know better and why. Maybe because at Jazz Cafe the DJ was playing loud music that was not Jazz? I am certain it was not Jazz. The owner or manager was at the bar drinking with the band that was NOT playing and ignoring his clients that were expecting Jazz music ?? Very strange place...it's a CAFE but they only serve expensive drinks , no food. And we were there from 830pm to 10pm they NEVER played Jazz?? Why is it called Poetry Jazz Cafe? No poetry either in the vibe or literally. I think.they should change their ...to something like Expensive music bar??? My understanding things have changed. I would Think twice before going to the Poetry Jazz Cafe ever??

The best intimate jazz club. The service was impeccable too. The owner made you feel like you were in his home. Tiny spot, but that’s what adds to the vibe.

My first time here from Detroit MI with my boyfriend tonight for my birthday, Wasn't really expecting to pay $20 to get in but I saw similar things on reviews. I really enjoyed the live music band, variety of songs . Little cozy sitting areas LIMITED seats. There's also space in the back to rent for private parties. I received a glass of champagne and that made my night 💕

yuuuupppppp!!!!!! THIS is the place if you’re looking for that “underground” jazz experience. very intimate venue and cool vibes.

It was our first time at the Poetry Jazz Cafe. The host & security were so warm. Live music was colourful, soulful, and intimate. Thanks for a memorable night - would definitely come back!

Music was amazing, and the atmosphere was unreal. Would recommend for a date, or just to vybe out.

Intimate atmosphere. The bar provides great drinks!

Hello! I have yet to attend the event but I am giving 5 stars in hopes of receiving a reply, and because we have heard great things from this venue. My name is Sellam, my friends and I purchased tickets in advance to ensure guaranteed entry. Unfortunately, many of us fell ill with COVID and were unable to attend the November 24th Evan Porter Show. We have all contacted the poetry jazz cafe via instagram to ask if we could be refunded to no avail, can someone please assist us with this? We would love to attend in the future, thank you very much. - Sellam

Like a rare flower in a neighbourhood's Garden, Poetry is the place for an adventure full of music, a delightful crowd, and drinks! Unfortunately, I don't have a photo of my last visit since I was too busy being in the moment to check my phone, but here is a flower to accompany my review.

Love this place since their first days. Only been getting better. Good vibes. Shawn is friendly and attentive as an owner. Miles Davis painting out front with a memo on his classic “bitches brew”, says it all about what to expect inside

This was truly an amazing establishment! Loved the atmosphere and music was awesome! Please visit when in the area. Highly recommended!

Always a pleasure to be in this relaxed home away from home. Drinks on the patio on a warm spring day was just what we needed after a long locked down winter

Was such a beautiful vibe being at the cafe.

My Feel Good Spot❣

Owner is rude for no reason, staff at the door very dishonest, drinks… whatever… nice space but not worth the experience

I absolutely love this little club. I've been to lots of jazz bars in Toronto and this is my favorite. The music is always fantastic and the staff is quick and nice.

It was an amazing experience especially with the accommodations that they made for me with my disability and all. The music was astounding and the atmosphere was the perfect ambiance. This spot will be my weekly spot.

Cute little Jazz bar in the city. Very friendly staff. Went there for drinks with my hubby after a date night and had a blast.

They don't have any kind of food. But batista is a wonderful guy. It's a cute, small place

One of the marque places at the market which I really love to visit. So glad I saw you guys back last weekend. Can't wait to enjoy beautiful live music here again.

Great place, great music. Love the vibe. Would say that drinks are way too overpriced so maybe pre drink somewhere else first. 2 x shots of tequila - $30. Rye & ginger -$14. Then tip And then a $10 entry fee. Seems steep even for queen west.