NEW ORLEANS STYLE Through its Cajun-inspired menu and nightly jazz, N’awlins brings southern specialties to the north at this intimate venue. The passion for music here is obvious, with aged brick walls displaying classic instruments and portraits of jazz greats. Open daily. 299 King St. W., 416-595-1958.

MIDTOWN GROOVES Live entertainment is always available at the upscale Alleycatz Restaurant and Lounge. Tuesday nights feature live swing and jazz music as well as dance lessons. Rest your feet at the bar with a tasty martini or tuck into Mediterranean-fusion cuisine in the dining room. Open daily. 2409 Yonge St., 416-481-6865.

CHILL AT THE MILL Kick off the weekend at The Old Mill Inn & Spa with jazz performances at the on-site hot spot, Home Smith Bar. Drop by on Friday and Saturday nights for a snack and unwind with the soulful rhythms of various duos and trios. Open daily. 21 Old Mill Rd., 416-236-2641.

OLIVIA'S AT 53 Break up the week by visiting this Little Italy restaurant to listen to Cuban-born pianist David Virelles on Wednesday night or enjoy the gypsy jazz style of David Buchbinder on Thursday night. Saturday has a Cuban-jazz review to seduce late-night patrons. No cover. 53 Clinton St. (at College Street), 416-533-3989.

URBAN SOPHISTICATE With its sleek surroundings and cool music, you can't go wrong at Pantages Martini Bar & Lounge. A double-sided fireplace, glowing bar and intimate lighting provides a sense of warmth, perfect for Jazz Out Fridays. Open daily. 200 Victoria St., 416-362-1777.

MUSICIANS’ LAIR The sounds of jazz and blues waft onto the street every night from Gate 403. This bar and grill hosts live performances with musicians sitting down at the grand piano to tickle a tune or two. The menu is a people-pleaser with items ranging from casual—nachos and chicken wings—to more formal prime rib steak and spinach tortellini. Open daily. 403 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-588-2930.

LATIN FLAVOUR Dance the night away under the glowing red lantern at Lula Lounge. The Latin Jazz series features local and international acts that are sure to get your feet moving. Want to learn the moves to accompany these rhythms? Take advantage of the Saturday feature: dinner, a dance lesson and a show for $54 (does not apply to special presentations). 1585 Dundas St. W.; call 416-588-0307 for information.

CENTRE STAGE For swing jazz and jump blues performances, head to the Reservoir Lounge. Its upright piano is on a foot-high stage that can be seen from every seating area, ensuring that audience members can hear and see the musicians at their best. Previous performers have included Tom Jones, Jeff Healey and B.B. King’s backing band. 52 Wellington St. E., 416-955-0887.

COOL AND COMFY A Cabbagetown favourite, The Cobourg has won over locals with its stylish yet unpretentious atmosphere. Order a glass of wine, sit back on a comfy sofa and take in the soothing sounds of live jazz every Sunday. Some of Canada's best jazz musicians have played here, including the John Alcorn Trio featuring Reg Schwager and the Perry White Trio. Open daily. 533 Parliament St., 416-913-7538.

SOUTH AMERICAN EXPOSURE Break up the week by visiting Olivia's at 53, a Little Italy restaurant. A Saturday night Cuban jazz review seduces late-night patrons. 53 Clinton St. (at College Street), 416-533-3989.

LOCAL PLEASURES Head to cozy Victory Café for the Hot Jazz String Quartet, which plays every Wednesday. Sway to the music while sipping on a local microbrew—there are 13 on tap here in a variety of unique flavours. Open daily. 581 Markham St., 416-516-5787.

Publication Date: 6/2008