194 Queen Street West 416-598-2475 [see on map] Official site

THE REX Jazz and Blues bar is one of the longest standing and most popular venues for, well, jazz and blues, in all of Toronto.

Since the 1980s, The Rex has been presenting live music nightly, up to 18 shows per week, for little or no cover charge, by both emerging locals and top players. Superstars such as Harry Connick Jr., Maceo Parker, Rob McConnell and Wynton Marsalis have all graced the stage, often popping by while in town for the Jazz Festival or other top dollar gigs.

Tuesday nights is the "Jazz Jam" - a different house band performs each week, while talented members of the public are welcomed to get up and perform. With its stellar reputation for quality with no jacket required and a killer location at Queen West near University, the Rex has outlasted most of the city's jazz landmarks. Here's to at least 20 more years.