The Emmet Ray Whisky Jazz Bar — Restaurant in Toronto

I can appreciate the attempt of the owner to "save face" for his business. But in all reality, if you had any integrity at all, you would not be willing to risk your reputation and jeopardize the livelyhoods of musicians and employees alike. If they were that important to you, like you claim, you would not be protecting an employee of yours who was caught using stolen bank cards in both of your establishments.

Now for the claims of hostility, I would like to cordially invite you to involve the police in the matter, there was no hostility whatsoever. By all means, please call them and have them come in. I'd love to see how this all pans out. As for the case of fraud, a full investigation has already been opened. You will be hearing from a legal team shortly. It is a true shame to see an atmosphere and reputation tarnished by one dishonest employee. At the end of the day, you are liable. Not only are you protecting an alcoholic, abusive, thief "employee". But to turn around and make false claims of hostility just to try and flip the script and salvage whatever reputation you can, while also blatantly lying to your "valued" customers about how you do business speaks volumes about YOUR true character. My legal team, bank, and police alike will be in touch with you. For the record myself being the card holder. I was not once asked for my name at The Emmet Ray so that is also another false claim.

I'm sure a lot of honest hard work has gone into the establishment. Any business owner with any integrity or respect for said business would not risk all that work to protect a dishonest thief.

I suggest vetting future employees more in depth. Good luck in the future. I want to see the businesses succeed throughout this situation. Truly a shame to leave your hard work vulnerable over a thief.

*Update. You can change your responses as much as you'd like. Just proves again that you try to pull the wool over the eyes of your "valued" customers more than you care to admit. Frantically editing responses also speaks volumes about your true character and how you conduct business. Very concerning and blatantly dishonest for the public to see. Suggest Looking into hiring a PR team If this is how you're going to answer reviews could help you in the long run. Food for...

Couldn't decide between 3 or 4 stars, to be fair many of the issues were not due to the staff but rather lack thereof. I only saw 2 servers and they honestly did their best considering it was a packed Friday night. The food was good (albeit a bit cold when it arrived), we didn't have to wait too long for our drinks and our server was friendly. Getting a reservation was also not complicated (we got there early just in case).

We came for the live music and unfortunately this is where the experience was a letdown. The area near the stage is veryy narrow, and we were unfortunately seated near a large group of loudmouths who managed to drown out the performers. They actually got very nasty and hostile to two women who asked them politely to lower their voices; one of the old women in the group actually kicked her leg out like she was trying to get the lady who confronted her! I don't know why you would pay $20 per head for live music just to talk over the band the entire time and also ruin it for everyone else. We ended up leaving early mainly for this reason.

Idk what the establishment could have done but I do wish they had a stricter policy about this kind of behavior, maybe offer to seat the yappers in the front area of the bar so that those of us who came for the music can actually enjoy it. The band was actually decent, we might just catch them at the Cameron House next time.

EDIT to respond to management's reply, I hope y'all will take this as constructive criticism rather than a personal attack. Fact is we made the waiter aware of the group's behavior twice, and this is where management ought to have stepped in and said something. I don't know if the lady who was nearly kicked made a complaint, I hope she did. I understand shit happens with rude guests but allowing it to go unchallenged shows you don't care about your space or how people act in it.

We came by bus from Mississauga specifically to check out and support a local band at your venue, so please learn from this incident instead of guilt-tripping people who share their honest thoughts about...

If you ask a stranger, it’s a jazz bar. But ask even a semi-regular, and they’ll tell you the Emmet Ray is so much more than that.

The venue is deliberately designed to feel like a lounge room. The best way to experience it is by relaxing into one of their many comfy chairs with a glass of your favourite drink, ready to see something spectacular. A dedicated local community guarantees this harmonious attitude, making it feel more like a great café than a stuffy club. They might operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, but even if you’re standing in the wings, you’ll be able to hear and see everything.

It was my first time to visit and I came across this hidden gem while searching for a live jazz venue, my call was answered by Tom who’s knowledgeable and has a welcoming voice that calls you in, he was the one who also met us at the door when we arrived, the reservation is made through an email sent to Andrew who was not available during our visit but he responded immediately to my reservation request email with detailed explanations on everything we need.

We were served by Jane and Mike, both are a true reflection of high ethics and understand the art of customer service, they both checked on us several times and did everything they can to make sure we are having a wonderful experience.

The live band is a bomb, the music they composed and the way they play their instruments must be seen as no words will describe it fairly.

We ordered their signature salad, tomato soup and their Emmet Burger with fries, a unique flavours that no way I can express in writing.

They charge $10 per person to support the local band which I personally find reasonable and fair however I suggest they waive it in the future for kids.

Their washroom is located in the basement and it was super clean and tidy.

Overall, this is a place that must be seen and visited and it is an icon here not only in Toronto or Ontario but in Canada.

Thanks Emmet Ray team, keep the hard...