A Playlist of Toronto Listening Bars
Do you hear the music?
Listening bars are having a moment in Toronto. Known as jazz kissa in Japan, where they originated, these venues where music lovers can listen to vinyl records via hi-fi sound systems first began to crop up before the Second World War and reached their peak popularity in the 1950s. The modern wave of listening bars, however, combine top-of-the-line audio equipment with excellent food and drink. Whether you want to boogie to throwback tracks while sipping natural wines or savour Japanese snacks paired with ’80s deep cuts, these listening bars will nourish your inner audiophile and your belly.
Opened in 2019, The Little Jerry was a trailblazer in Toronto’s listening bar scene. The meticulously curated sound system delivers crisp audio quality while maintaining a volume low enough for easy conversation. Tunes come courtesy of the bar’s vast vinyl collection or guest DJs. The Little Jerry’s snackable, seasonal menu features dishes like lamb tartare, plus its exceptional vino offerings have been recognized by Star Wine List. It also has a top-notch vermouth and amaro selection for those who prefer to groove out with something more spirit-forward.
This cozy, retro-style spot in Dovercourt Village operates as a café by day, then transforms into a restaurant and listening bar after sunset. DJs set a chill mood with funk and jazz beats pumped through a superb sound system, while chef Arush Singh churns out intriguing nibbles like brussels sprouts with wagarashi mustard powder béchamel. Don’t miss the housemade soft serve for a delightful sweet treat. The drinks menu takes a cue from listening bars’ Japanese origin with its emphasis on whisky, sake, and highball cocktails.
With a team that includes alumni from Toronto heavyweights like Alo and Quetzal, the food and drink program at Sounds Good is as impressive as its sound system. DJs entertain diners with an eclectic mix of tunes spanning from salsa to ’80s electro. The menu is equally genre-defying, with dishes ranging from bass ceviche to pesto pappardelle. Funky, low-intervention wines are the backbone of the drinks menu, along with classic cocktails on tap. The midcentury modern decor creates a nostalgic ambience for enjoying the timeless pleasure of listening to good music.
Decorated with glittering mirror balls, velvet banquettes, and moody lighting, Kissa brings King West glamour to the listening bar experience. With a custom-built sound system and DJ booth and a collection of over 2,500 records, the restaurant’s good looks are backed up by an enviable music setup. The main floor restaurant focuses on ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s tracks, while the nightclub upstairs plays contemporary beats. Cocktails named after iconic albums are perfect for washing down bites like sushi rolls and yakitori from the playful, Japanese-influenced menu.
The experience is anything but standard at this multipurpose Geary Ave venue. Coffee is served during the day, then by night a rotating roster of chefs take the helm in the kitchen as part of the culinary residency program. Previous pop-ups have included SeeYouSoon and Uncle Mikey’s, with Jamil’s Chaat House now serving Pakistani and South Asian fare until mid-August. The lofty space, which includes a dining area and dance floor, also functions as a record shop. Ever-changing art installations displayed throughout tie it all together.
