Loved our stop here. Came for the scotch, of which they had a great selection. Our bartender was knowledgeable and happy to chat about what they had, and provide suggestions. We were there late on a Sunday night, so other than a few regulars we had the place to ourselves. They appear to get live music in, but we were too late to enjoy it. The place has patina. Dark and moody. Great music 'on the stereo '. Will return. read more

The Emmet Ray - Lovely scotch - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

See all

I could see this being a chill spot to frequent with a date or someone you want to have a conversation with. The place is quiet and all you hear is the jazz music playing. On the night I went, it felt like the Jazz version of a "Swingers" bar scene without the crowded bar. If you find the music to be too loud in the room it's actually being played in, just seat yourself closer to the front of the bar. You could just drink and listen to music all night, but the food was an added bonus. The waiter talked me into trying the burger with halloumi (cheese), and it did not disappoint. Good: -The Emmet Burger was tasty -live music -good vibes -expansive whiskey menu -the waiter was informative and friendly Bad: -no fault of their own, but it was very warm inside read more

The Emmet Ray - The Emmet Burger (with halloumi cheese) - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I dig The Emmet Ray. The drink menu is great! A good selections of Beer, Whiskies and Scotch! The selection of Whiskies really blow my mind. There would be something here for anyone!! They Even have Boneshaker IPA on Draft. Before 9 pm is only $4.50 a pint.... at 7.1% I don't need a lot to be blasted! We were here on a Saturday late night! The place still hopping with a Live DJ pumping out "Old School" music, I guess 80s tunes are oldies.... Luckily we got the sofa area in the front where we can lounge around and yelled at each other since the music was quite loud at time... My Yelp Friends kept nodding their heads and smiling to whatever I said.... can they really hear me?? I'll be back here for sure..... I want to have some Malt Scotch!! read more

The Emmet Ray - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

See all

I love Reuben sandwiches. I love patty melts. And these guys do both of them fantastic. That's really it. It's a biiiiiiiiiiiiiiit on the greasy side, but not nearly enough to be offputting (just - really filling). Their fries were OK - I feel like they overfried them, so they were really really limp, but they were flavored well. Doesn't matter - the two sandwiches are all that matter. I do recommend popping them into a toaster oven for a few minutes - the bread crisps up really nice without drying out the meat, and it works great. read more

The vibe here is awesome. The live music is great and if you want to really soak in the melodies, you can sit closer to the back or if you want to be more social you can sit by the bar or closer to the front. They've got a super cool menu with a whole section for vegetarians (I'm not vegetarian but I think that's super cool)! Their Brussels sprouts were super yummy, Mac and cheese was flavourful and the emmet burger is one that will make you want to come back (juicy patty with all the fixings). The servers are super nice and will check up on you to make sure you've got everything you need. I enjoyed coming here and can't wait to come back! read more

Open windows, live music, $5 pints and an unrivaled whiskey list. The loveliness of this place can't be denied. After a long day of working, unwinding with some friends over a pint here is great. Leaving before your friends start scatting along with the live Jazz is ideal. PEPPER POINTS for their regular menu coming this fall! Can't wait. read more

See all

Interesting setup for this up and coming neighborhood of bar/pubs. Atmosphere is relaxed, laid back and inviting if you ask me. Good selection of booze with a huge selection of single malts, whiskies, beer etc. Plus is the 4.50$ pints before 9 PM everyday so kudos for that. They had a decent selection of beer but somehow I ended up ordering the Boneshaker (a local IPA with 7.1% alcohol) oh man vile stuff. I can't blame the place for this beer but sorta ruined my experience there. If you like that beer this is a good spot to have it. Service is relaxed and since we were a larger group we were left alone after we ordered so we could chat and stuff with the water being filled regularly. The big ? for me is why they only take cash! I mean who carries cash anymore at least accept interac. 3 Stars. read more

Live music. And an extensive whiskey, and bourbon bar. It's a little dirty; especially the "washroom" but the music can make up for almost anything. A group next to us are what looked like a tasty burger, but I personally wouldn't eat there. The service was great. She was welcoming. read more

The draft list is Toronto-area only but the whisk(e)y selection is world-wide! The new menu is comfort-meets-fancy and very tasty! Also the bar DOES take credit and debit. read more

The Emmet Ray - The ever rotating taps at the Emmet. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Look, I have been to a lot of Jazz joints in the 6 but nothing and I mean NOTHING compares to this place. My wife and I took this in Sat April 13 2019. Immediately upon entrance I found the crowd to be a total mix of ages (which is unusual compared to some of the snooty joints in Downtown) that feature alone made me auto-dig the place. Easy grabbing a table but if you wanna take in the whole experience ya gotta see the band. We caught a couple spots really close. People were even willing to move so you could get comfortable. The food was excellent, the Whiskey was outstanding and the band..damn, them boys were COOKIN' !!!! FYI this is no B.S. review and if you're like us really really dig a good jazz vibe, this is the real McCoy !! read more

Great pub in a great part of town! Came here after we overstayed our welcome at a restaurant down the street. At 1:30 in the a.m. the place was still packed. The back room was fairly empty. The band was just packing up. Our Group of Seven snagged a table in the back room, thinking this was a good idea, but the speaker in the one corner was a tad too loud for us to converse. After putting up with it for about fifteen minutes, we decided to move into the front room. Lots of very friendly people, including the staff. Great atmosphere. Washrooms weren't bad at all, especially considering it was late on a Saturday night. No annoying 'last call' announcements. Great bar. I only had a brief moment to glance at the selection behind the bar because it was very crowded, but was very impressed with the variety of bottles they carry. I'd love to come back for live music at some point. read more

Popped in here late last night for some drinks before last call. The place was crawling with locals in various stages of inebriation. It's a long and narrow space. The front is dark and cozy and the raised back room is a bit brighter and better for groups. It seems we had just missed a live performance, as a guitarist was packing up his stuff. Not to worry as a bloke with a 5 kg ball chained to his ankle was mighty entertaining. He was drunker than a skunk (if that skunk were a raging alcoholic). Drinks are super affordable. They have Amsterdam, Mill St and Creemore Springs on tap, a wide array of bottles and a hefty selection of whiskey. My eyes widened at the sight of amber-filled bottles so I ordered a bourbon sour. One kind of feels like a douche ordering a mixed drink at 1:30am admist a cyclone of drunkards, but my cocktail was served with haste and courtesy. It tasted fantastic too. I'll come back. They have a wall of great whiskeys and whiskys, and I'd love to try them all. I'll make sure to bring the old ball and chain next time too. LITERALLY. Obligatory Title Pun: And you can call me RAY. Menu Readability: I don't remember one. Need to mention: CA$H ONLY. What this place teaches me about myself: Whiskey is my weakness. read more

Has almost always been and shall likely forever remain one of my favourite little bars. Totally unpretentious, unique without being self-conscious, a true come-as-you-are and stay-as-long-as-you-like sort of establishment. The only reason I'm not giving it five stars is that they removed the exceptional pot-pies from the menu. Criminal. I have not had much that's on the new menu, but everything I've ever eaten here has been piping hot, fast to the table, and warmly delicious. Comfort food, simple, tasty, delcious. I find another reviewer's assertion that Andrew, the owner, doesn't know anything about scotch absolutely ridiculous. I don't know anyone else (except for the owner of Allen's on the Danforth) who knows more about scotch. The selection is commendable and this is and always will be a scotch and bourbon drinkers bar. That being said, the selection of beer is well priced and extensive. The staff are tops. read more

There is something special about this place. I am probably a handful of good nights away from upgrading this to 5 stars but it just isn't quite there yet. This uber cozy bar is kind of in the middle of nowhere and when I first discovered it a few years ago it was REALLY was in the middle of nowhere. With its proximity so close to the College Street drag and the Ossignton bars it is easy to miss. But it REALLY says something about a place when you bother to walk the extra few blocks to enjoy this place. I have come here on many different occasions, the first time stumbling on a random bar hop, the next night drinks with friends, another night a date and another night a dance night where we were trolling for interesting characters to chat up. Those were all successful nights. This place pretty much has it all. It has a great cozy room with booths and a nice bar area where you can get chatty with new friends. It has a teensy back room that has good music and an unpretentious crowd. The music can be eclectic and is themed depending on the night but I have heard everything from 80s, brit pop, hiphop to daring on some electronic trip hop. The drinks are affordable and the service is friendly and never overbearing. And I also don't know what it is about this place but the people who frequent this place are just good looking. I have never come here and NOT been attracted to the crowd here. I have yet to eat anything here, but the other reviews say promising things about the food. read more

3.8 Stars VIBE A great place to come when you're already inebriated. It's where the cool kids come after the party. Don't get me wrong, it's not fancy. Most "cool" places aren't. You can sit in a pew in the front area. I personally liked the back area because there's a DJ, two couches and a mini dance floor. This night was a tribute to MCA, so Beastie Boys were on the soundtrack that night. It was fun, it was casual, it works. Notes: 1. Hipsters dance funny. 2. Two straight Indian dudes dancing is not funny. It's just weird. 3. I will always fight. for my right. to paarrrt-aayy. I DRANK The usual. Heineken. But apparently, they have a good whiskey selection here. Maybe I'll have to come back for a bourbon sour. OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK I kind of like this place. read more

The Emmet Ray located on College at Dovercourt is a super cool whisky bar. The atmosphere is very relaxed with hip and classy undertones. The bar itself is a nice infusion of contemporary and classic/retro furnishings and decor. Stained glass windows tastefully line the foyer as you enter and classic pot lights shine some light on the splendid bar. Oh the bar. This is by far one of my all time favourite bar menus. They carry a vast selection of delicious beer, gin, vodka, wine, whisky and many more fine spirits. They have a small food menu to satisfy some of your alcohol induced hunger cravings. Throughout the week and weekend live music and DJs delightfully entertain thirsty patrons. The bar keeps are very friendly, welcoming and accommodating. The Emmet Ray Bar are purveyors of the finest alcohol and providers of fantastic live music! I highly recommend The Emmet Ray Bar! read more

I would give it 3 star but THE GARBAGE SMELL forced me to reduce to two stars. I'm sure it's fine on other nights, but on a Thursday night (I'm assuming the night before College St garbage collection) this place reeked of garbage throughout the whole bar. Gross. Otherwise, I was expecting some kind of music playing but it was very quiet on a Thursday. They do have lots of whiskey variety on the menu. Place is dark and cosy, old school decor, awesome ice buckets just screaming for you to slip them into your handbag and take home. Service was great - very quick considering we walked in with 30+ people and I managed to get a few drinks without having to wait long at the bar. read more

Came here to celebrate my birthday on Saturday night. Arrived at 11pm and the bar was full. We stood around the bar area and were able to grab a couple of tables as they opened up. Great music (soul, funk, hip hop and old school) and good vibe. I didn't pay for any drinks so I'm not too sure about the prices but had a friend comment that he had paid $13 for a pint of beer and 2 shots of jäger. I had a great time and would recommend this spot for a group of friends looking for a fun bar with good music on a Saturday night. Not really a dance spot though since they haven't got the space for it. Also it's cash only. read more

The Emmet Ray - #bigwheel #wutang - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Pretty interesting bar. The bar staff were really nice and friendly; quite welcoming. I wasn't expecting to order food but when I did I was happily surprised. The music was great! Perfect little spot to gather with friends and just have a chilled fun night read more

Finally had an opportunity to check this place out and I found myself charmed. As someone else mentioned, it's classy without being pretentious. And just classy enough - I didn't feel underdressed or uncomfortable despite the slick, dark interior. If I had, that would have stopped the moment the bartender approached our table. He was friendly and real and able to engage in conversation about the relative hops content of the beers on the menu. My friend ordered a guinness, "cause sometimes I just feel like a guinness, Erin". The bartender took his order and then asked if he'd ever tried the Mill St stout - no attitude, no 'ohmigod I can't believe you're not drinking local' snarkiness, but he still put it out there. I appreciate any effort to push local stuff. Especially if it's sans hipster attitude. The Emmet Ray makes me wish I had more occassions to go out for a quiet drink or two these days. I'll try to make my next visit at a time when I can also experience the live music I read so much about. read more

Where'd everybody go? This was what passed through my head as I came back upstairs from using the ATM outside of the washrooms. I quickly found out that they have a secret back room and had parted the curtains so our Elite after party could be more comfortable. Also, the look was great on the patrons faces when about 40 of us all waltzed into the place. It's a cozy spot, but pretty bare for the most part, nothing fancy. The draught beer selection is sparse with only three options but this hole in the wall is all about the whiskey anyways. I'm not a whiskey drinker so I can't comment on the drinks but there certainly is a large number of options on their list. read more

This place is lovely. Went to see a friend's jazz band play in the back and have a few drinks. The vibe was nice and chill and the patrons all seemed relaxed -- no posturing in sight! Also, the whiskey selection is incredible! I was battling a cold, so I asked the waiter if he could make me something warm -- a hot toddy, maybe? It wasn't something they normally do, but he brought me one a few minutes later just the same. I would've preferred if he'd told me the price beforehand, though -- $9.50? But I still enjoyed it. The food my friends were having looked good, too. I'd come back. read more

It seriously felt like I was at an Elite Yelp Event. Everybody hovers around the Bar. Except I'm squeezing between people where the Bar narrows to PAY for Alcohol. No matter. $4.50 pints before 9:00 pm even on Weekend is superb. After 9:00 pm seems reasonable pricing like other College st shops. Music extremely loud even when we're opposite poles from the Music Source. The Music Source was not coming from the in-house IPod, but rather Live is nice. I just pretend that whenever my Friends open their mouth, they spoke 80s ol'skool. The ultra-comfort lounge Sofas near the Front looking out to street is limited supply. The seats across from the Bar aren't really seats but a Waiting Area for ordering. I wonder how high you have to be to not be disturbed in the back by the Live Music. Atmosphere, I can imagine it being perfect for Live Jazz the likes of New Orleans. I'm down for that. read more

Don't order a martini​ at this whiskey joint. Though it still wasn't half bad in a tumbler. It was an adventurous night. Perfect spot to settle down for three or four fingers after filling our faces. Pizza was deep and cheesey for $14 and the fried brussel sprouts were bomb. read more

The Emmet Ray - Good. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

See all

A jazz and whiskey bar some ways off from the more bustling stretch of College Ave, named after a fictional jazz guitarist from an old Woody Allen flick. Has the feel of a local hangout, couches up front, the bar area in the middle, and tables in the back, with live jazz most nights. Lively crowd on the late Saturday evening we went, and between that and the live music, it will be hard to hear your company, but we lucked out on the couches all the way up front by the windows, the quietest section. Friendly staff. Plenty of whiskey on their menu, although beer was what I was interested in having. Several local beers on tap, and a good selection of import and Canadian craft beers, stored in a controlled temperature unit by the bar. Not too bad price wise, with most beers $5.75, and the more expensive hovering around $7 - 8 for the most part. Or better yet, their happy hour price of $4.50 a pint from their draft section up until 9 pm, but we were there after that hour. Instead, tried the Unibroue Fin du monde here, an excellent ale. Definitely warmed up to the place as the night went on, and found it to be a laid-back bar without much of a scene, and can't argue with the solid beer selection. Cash only. read more

A great addition to this neighbourhood. Charming space, mostly lovely food - just don't order off their "nibbles"section because were sadly surprised to receive variety-store-grade snacks when we were expecting homemade...it was weird. Still I plan to become a regular - it's what the Red Room and Nirvana wish they were... read more

Can't believe I haven't reviewed this place... maybe because it's hard to define what makes something one of your fave spots? VIBE Some tea lights and a few wing chairs up front by the windows, mostly tables/chairs/benches, a couch in the back I've never seen anyone use. Usually live jazz playing, too bad no one ever dances... except me occasionally, if I feel like kickin it Billy Idol stylez and dancing on my own. Cool relaxed crowd, no feeling of a 'scene.' Seems to be the bar people come to when they finish their shift at another bar. Good looking, helpful bar staff. Yes even you Cal. LIBATIONS Massive whiskey and bourban list. My friend from Kentucky was impressed. Kentucky. Impressed with bourban. In Toronto. You gettin this? That's impressive. Great beer selection. Pints are $5 before 9pm. Love me some Big Wheel. FOOD Elegant casual, small portions, old faves with a twist. Get the chicken balls, dey so so good. EVENTS I hear Tuesday is craft night. read more

Well, Emmet Ray is famous for two things: Whiskey and Live music. And what's live music without whiskey? Ditto, therefore if you do come here, forget for an evening about your Canadian side and get in touch with your Southern inner self and shoot some bourbon or rather enjoy a few kinds in a snifter to better your understanding of this drink! After about 2nd or 3rd snifter (depending on your dinner before), the music will begin to sound heavenly and you'll feel right at home like in good old days...yeah. Ask the bartender about bourbons, he's a bourbon freak and will sure be glad to share a few tips and suggestions with you. Mmmm-Cheers! read more

I think this might be my favourite place in Toronto. Great atmosphere for non-sport watching evenings, and the food is stupidly good. Oh and lots of vegetarian options! :D Update: Last time I went the menu had changed and the food wasn't as good. Downgraded to 4 stars. read more

Very laid back spot near college and dovercourt. Huge whisky/scotch/burbon menu. Small but consistent beer and liqour menu. Prices are very good for the service and atmosphere you get. Overall an awesome spot to just hang and have a couple of good tasting drinks, and listen to the jazz/folk live music they have at the back. Not much of a food menu, but they have some munching options. read more

The Emmet Ray - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This is not necessarily a review, thus I apologize in advance. I am moving literally around the corner from here on December 1, 2014. I am very intrigued and excited to check this spot out. Looks like a very cool place in a very cool neighbourhood. See you soon! read more

Being a scotch whisky amateur, I was excited to attend a friend's birthday recently that was hosted by The Emmet Ray. What I noticed first and foremost was how cozy this place was. Next, was the amazing bar where one could literally count hundreds of bottles of whisky, bourbon, scotch, beers. The dim lit environment added to the overall ambiance that you were in a old, English whisky pub. It was definitely not Irish, but Irish spirits are served none the less! Their selections of their various spirits can be viewed through a menu. For the scotch amateur such as myself, it was very overwhelming at first. But, after a few minutes, I began to recognize the main distillery offerings, and a few others I did not know that existed. For the evening, I settled on the Highland Park 18, Talisker 10, and the Oban 14. Service was prompt and friendly, the two gents manning the bar was able to answer a few questions as to how best appreciate these single malts. As we were there for a birthday, we were confined to the room at the back for our own private event. Bite sized portions of food was served, and amazingly enough, was delectably great - better than I was expecting! I met their head chef, also whom I think is the owner that evening. He had prepared Korean style short ribs, rice cooked in beans with braised slow cooked lamb, and spicy and sweet meatballs. The lamb was absolutely amazing, very tender and flavorful full of sweet spices. Now these items may not be from the menu, but at least you know the range of selections are there should your party requests it. At least, now I know the level of talent their chef is and it should surely translate into their regular food offerings. I'll be sure to revisit at another date to sample their regular foods. Did I mention they have whiskey pairings on the menu for all of their food items? Definitely visit The Emmet Ray if you're a whiskey connoisseur, or like myself, pretending to be one. Until then, I'll be drowning deep in a dram of Talisker 10, my new favourite single malt! read more

Atmosphere, service, happy hour pints, and comfy seating up front - all great! Plus the live music was enjoyable while being placed so you didn't have to complete with it to have a conversation.. What more could you want? read more

The atmosphere of this place is chill and cozy. I had a chicken pot pie and Corner Creek bourbon whiskey. Maybe not the best combination but who cares. "You do you" as my life coach says. There was a DJ but I just remember the music got louder and louder as the night went on. I guess conversation topics become more and more awkward as the night goes on, and the remedy for that is to drown it out with louder music. The chicken pot pie was right on. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside. I'm not a bourbon whiskey woman, but I might as well be because I really liked it. I just would need a chicken pot pie to go with it. read more

The Emmet Ray - Partial list of bourbon whiskey available, as at April 19, 2014. Prices and availability are subject to change. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I don't know a thing about whiskey as I am a teetotaler. But my date was visiting from out of town and wanted to take him to a place I knew he would enjoy. They have an extensive list of whiskeys from around the world. I am told it's an excellent selection. The owners are great - staff is welcoming. Good job guys! read more

Amazing music! Ridiculously good whiskey menu, including some great single malt scotches. I enjoyed the curry as well

If you are looking for a great meal with great entertainment, check out The Emmet Ray. For only $20 you can have a delicious dinner delivered to you anywhere in Toronto plus stream a show by the featured artist you want to support. Your order even provides a $5 donation to local artists. We ordered the Steak and Vegetable Vindaloo Curry and savoured every bite. Wow! Next time, we're eager to try the special Lasagna Dinner and Show. Give it a try. I highly recommend The Emmet Ray. read more

The wholesome price to interesting food ratio is as welcoming as the comfortable atmosphere ... to say nothing of the rotating tap and excellent whiskey selection, but what puts this place over the top is that they regularly have live music of the kind you want to listen to. read more

The Emmet Ray has a great intimate vibe that is perfect for meeting a group of friends or a cute date.The staff is very friendly and engaging, and they always have Big Wheel on tap (a personal fave). Go early -- pints are $4.50 before 9 p.m - and remember to go to the bank, it's cash only. read more

This place is my fav local in the west. Every day $4.50 pints from 5-9pm, YES I said every day, and surprisingly one of the best pulled pork burgers in town. read more