07/20/2020
25 years ago our family opened the doors at 299 King Street West to a smokey little jazz club we called N’Awlins. Trying to bring a little southern comfort up north, we were inspired to create an inviting dining experience and host some of the finest jazz musicians this side of the border.
For decades, N’Awlins Jazz Bar was a fixture in our city. Our ‘Live Jazz’ neon lights were among the brightest of the marquess in photos of a bustling Toronto. A staple in ‘Restaurant Row’, we served our local community, visitors, theatre patrons, sports enthusiasts, TIFF goers, musicians, jazz fans and even brushed shoulders with celebrities.
We are proud to be part of the culture of a vibrant and thriving city. We’ve nurtured many relationships in these last few decades. Our longevity can be credited to all our valued patrons, staff and the extraordinary number of musicians over the years - many of which would represent Canada on the global stage.
The current situation surrounding the pandemic, including the regulations for restaurants and live music make it impossible to maintain our quality, standards and spirit.
Which is why it is so difficult to say goodbye.
While our door on King Street may be closed for now, our passion to serve and entertain you lives on. So we are looking to brighter days where we can be together again, listen to music and eat to our heart’s content.
Thank you to all of our staff over the years, the wonderful musicians, and you, the diners, the audience.
Until we meet again, stay safe, healthy and be kind to each other, so we may weather this storm and reunite for some Oscar Peterson and a Sazerac.
“Do you know what it means, to miss New Orleans. When that’s where you left your heart. The moonlight on the bayou, a creole tune that fills the air. I dream about magnolias in bloom and I’m wishin’ I was there”. - Louis Armstrong
