Caffè Vivace | Jazz Lounge

An Unforgettable Night of Jazz – Can’t wait to go back! I stumbled upon Caffe Vivace recently and had such a phenomenal experience that I’m already planning a second visit to bring my whole family. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was perfect. But the real star of the show was, of course, the music. Listening to the band play (Stephanie Nakasian w/Phil DeGreg Trio) was an absolute treat. I loved watching the musicians interact, especially during the solos—the deep, resonant notes from the bass, the soulful chords of the piano, and the energy of the drums all blended together beautifully. The highlight of the evening was the vocalist. She performed a fantastic mix of swing and bebop, and you could feel her passion for the genre in every note. When she mentioned that her idol was the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, it all made sense; her scatting and stage presence were truly reminiscent of the greats. What really set the night apart, however, was how welcoming the club was. I even got the chance to speak with some of the performers after the show. They were so gracious and friendly, which made the whole experience feel incredibly special. If you are looking for authentic live jazz and a warm, inviting vibe, do not miss this place. I’m already looking forward to sharing it with my family

Nice literate/Club tucked away in Walnut Hills. Very intimate seating but group, sound and service was excellent. Great couples getaway for a weekend or short drive from Columbus. Not far from Cincinnati’s Newport district.

This was a gift from me to my baby brother, and it was the first time he has ever been there. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the music was phenomenal. It was tunes that we both grew up with. We will both be back again, although I have been there numerous timesand I knew it was just the right place for his birthday gift.

I went to Caffe Vivace for one of their jazz shows out of curiosity. I had pretty low standards for what I was expecting, I just didn’t want to fall asleep, and all of that was blown out of the water. Service was super nice, more so than what you’d expect out of obligation. The music was fantastic and you could genuinely hear the craftsmanship and care of their music. Lastly their drinks were amazing, everything I asked for came out at a higher quality than I expected.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this coffee house. It was a spontaneous decision, but it turned out to be a wonderful one. We were fortunate enough to obtain tickets right next to the orchestra, allowing us to savor our lattes while enjoying the performance. The atmosphere was delightful. We didn't order any food as the performance had already begun by the time we arrived, and the item I had hoped for wasn't available. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this venue. I would suggest highlighting the café's commitment to showcasing musicians and artists, as it truly was a remarkable event.

Neat Experience! Live Jazz with a Fun and Eclectic Menu There’s something about old Jazz tunes that creates an inviting atmosphere… Seeing the musicians interact made it clear they’re all friends; and it creates a relaxed evening for listeners as well. The only gluten-free item was the African Peanut Stew, which was comforting and flavorful; and they do serve their coffee drinks well into the night.

This a great restaurant to enjoy quiet and work while enjoying great coffee and food. The level of service is great. They also play some solo artists during evenings although I did not attend those but the set up looked very good. Highly recommend for great drinks.

Saw one of my favorite local live performers at Caffe Vivace. Manhattan cocktail was made excellently. Although I was disappointed with my double espresso. Great place to see a live show and take in amazing jazz music. Customer service was exceptional.

Amazing Jazz performance/venue - Alright service/Food Very intimate place and audience can get very close to the performers if you seat at the bar seat next to the stage. Music could be loud as the venue is very small and you will be very close to the stage. They have two nice unisex bathrooms at the back of the stage. The music and performance were AMAZING! We sat at the bar seats next to the stage, which gave us a unique view--we could see how the performers interacted, the music sheets, their expressions, and more. A GREAT experience! Service & food: They charge a $15 admission fee, and each person must also order at least $15 worth of food or drinks--otherwise, you'll be charged the difference at the end. However, the food options are very limited, and the drinks are mid... I wish they would improve the menu and drink quality. I think the music is totally worth it, but the food and minimum spend policy could use some adjustment. 3.5/5

What a gem! Great ambiance, super friendly service, fantastic jazz, and great noshes. We had the African peanut stew that was delicious and super unique. Also had the Mediterranean veggie flatbread. Not bad. Coffee and tea drinks and selections are great too. If I lived nearby I would be there 3 times a week. Go when you see something that you want to listen to. Buy tix ahead of time, it sells out.

Great coffee shops with a variety of snack options. Chill & peaceful, I will definitely be back.

Found this place simply due to proximity of the AirBnb I stayed at. It was on a walkable street of the area. I became immediately obsessed with their chai tea latte. It was a house-made chai concentrate with house-made flavors. I got apple butter one morning and pumpkin another morning. Both were outstanding. Possibly my favorite chai ever. I also got a breakfast sandwich which was delicious, especially the croissant bun. There were only one staff member when we went, so it took awhile to get our order, but the person was very kind and welcoming. The place is cute inside and would be really fun for a jazz night.

Everything went well! The ambiance was perfect, the service was amazing and the drinks were tasty. We also thoroughly enjoyed the band. This was my 3rd time here and I will continue to tell others and return myself! This is definitely a best kept secret

The whole atmosphere of the place changes once it's nighttime. During the day I can read a book and enjoy some coffee. At night it's a great place to watch live performances. Staff is super helpful and fun to talk with.

A great variety of jazz every weekend! Use their ticketing system to grab a great seat, get there early and enjoy the food and spectacular bar choices. Highly highly recommended for the music fan in town or visiting.

Stopped in here in an effort to keep checking out more coffee places throughout Cincinnati. It's definitely one I'll be coming back to! First off, the guy who helped my friend and I was so nice! Always love great service and drinks were delivered to the table. I got a chai tea latter per usual (really wished I got 16 oz over 12 oz because it was DELICIOUS) and my friend got the the Sleeping Bee (their special)- this is different from her usual but she enjoyed it and would get again! Also, as others have noted, if you're a Yelper and check in you get a free cookie! Can't wait to come back to redeem it! Honestly, we just came during the afternoon to read a bit and it was nice and quiet. Not much else to say, can't talk on their jazz portion but it seems like a sweet time and great thing to support local musicians.

I'm so happy that I stumbled across this place looking for date night ideas on Eventbrite. The owners was quirky and cool. He introduced all of the staff and thanked them, which I really liked. He explained that his cafe / venue is a "listening venue." (AKA don't talk the whole dang time). I appreciated that. The only people that didn't abide walked in 30 minutes late, sat right in front of us, and talked the whole time. Everyone else was very respectful. We ordered a flatbread to split before dinner. The southwest chicken and bacon. I don't know how that little flat bread tasted so good! I ordered a chai tea that was superb and very pretty. My husband ordered a mixed drink that was good and then finished off with an Irish Coffee. We thorough enjoyed watching I Am a Walrus here. Fun, jazzy time.

The service was pretty much non existence for our group of three as we were sitting at the back of the place. The server only approached our table once and charged us $15 each for the three of us because that was the minimum food/drink cover despite her not checking back in once after we tried to get her attention. I still left a 20% tip because it felt awkward, but I wish I had spoken up and told her she doesn't deserve to charge us the full amount when we had wanted to order more and was not waited on the entire time.

Tonight's band, Estrada do Sol, took me back to my years working in Brazil especially Pelotas in Rio Grande do Sul, way in the south of Brazil. The ambiance was perfect, the food delicious and the company was epic. Jazz numbers from as far back as the 40's with that definite Ipanema feel (yes I worked/lived there too!) this was my first time here - first of many many. I chose a table/seat by the stage so was very "upfront" and personal with the band's singer and she did not disappoint. This place is great for date night, solo self love night, older kids (like older teens) family music night and simple music appreciation night.

Service was top notch, and the food was simple and fresh. The band was amazing we had a wonderful time. 10/10 definitely recommend.

Service differs from day time to evening but once you learn how it works the service is fantastic. Great atmosphere.

However is normally working Thursdays early afternoons- You are amazing! Great vibes to read, meet up with friends, work, etc. It becomes a jazz bar in the evening but earlier is a coffeeshop. I started coming weekly and the barista knew my order- Lemonade with their house-made Blackberry syrup. Their flatbreads and muffins and also super tasty. Really good coffee and their lemonade is very sweet! Always very clean and enjoyable and plenty of space.

Some friends took us to Caffe Vivace in December '22 and in the last 5 months we have been to see a show 6 times. Intimate concert space. There is not a bad seat in the house. Great coffee drinks and cocktails. Excellent service. A must visit to anyone living in Cincy or visiting.

$10 minimum drink purchase, alcoholic or not, per person for the performances. My first time here, I'm listening to my friend Dee Marie and the Essie band. She sings with another band that's Cincinnati, OH based. But this is the first time I've heard just her. She has a range, but more mid to low range, which I really like. I'm drinking one of their house mule drinks, The Monty. It tastes JUST like an orange creamsicle. DELICIOUS!

Ooooo-weeee! I love caffe vivache. Never a dull moment. Always a fun place to kick back and be yourself. Maybe even misbehave from time to time...but hey, let's all just let our hair down. I ordered the coffee. A very nice blend of beans. Pretty bright. I suspect mostly centrals (Panama and Costa Rica) alongside a nice Colombian. I'm curios if they roast on site or order from another local roaster.

Caffe Vivace is one of my very favorite places to go in Cincinnati. They have made a strong commitment to supporting live music and local musicians, which is both extremely rare and admirable. It is a clean, classy, and safe venue for listening to live jazz. As far as the menu is concerned, Caffe Vivace offers a variety of drink options from handcrafted lattes to cocktails. There are vegan food options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as non dairy milk options for drinks. I love what Caffe Vivace offers the Cincinnati community. If I could give a rating of six stars I would.

Real Deal Jazz! We love Sly who gives customers a great personal touch! Creative cocktails menu. Quaint space. Tip: make sure you reserve a table and be prepared for $10 per person minimum. Well worth it! Check out their website for serous artists that are serious about jazz. Great for date night!

My wife and I had a great time here watching The Blue Whisp band. Drinks were top notch

Had an awesome time coming here for a show on my birthday! We booked seats in advance at the bar, but were luckily able to move up to comfy lounge seats once the show was about to start since they were open for the night. The vibe here is so chill and cool! The drinks were delicious, also! I can definitely see myself coming here for a nightcap and a show on a relaxed night out where I want to end with some great jazz music!

A versatile Walnut Hills gem, nestled in Eden Park region, I have never been disappointed. The morning barista is a charismatic conversationalist :) and it is clear that those employed here have a genuine passion for jazz in service of the community. The prodigious record collection is attended to exquisitely, and during the day, lends itself to being a soundtrack stimulating yet non-obtrusive for those who may want a solace in work, study, or reading. Come during the evening as well! The shows are eclectic and representative of many styles while maintaining a consistently impressive level of talent from both local and regional artists. We have seen seasoned performers some nights, and skilled CCM bands others. My last visit, I ordered a Cortado with whipped cream. This was, as per the Carabello standard, quite smooth, mildly sweet, rich, nutty, with cocoa and caramel aftertaste. Not sure which blend but will be back to inquire. The flatbread is also highly recommended.

I come here nearly everyday on my lunch break. The rooibos latte with honey is fantastic - my secret, make it dirty (add a shot of espresso) for an almost chocolatey, rich flavor. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.

Great Jazz spot for a cute late night outing but transforms into a cozy bistro coffee bar during the day

I'm not a fan of the concept of pre-paying for a seat to listen/watch live music. Their menu for small bites is limited so it doesn't inspire consideration to spend your entire evening there for the time the entertainment is performing.

@Eating.Drinking: Based in the up and coming, @WalnutHills is the sexy, and sophisticated @CaffeVivace. * In the day, this place is a cozy coffee house, offering quality coffee, and some excellent light bites on the side such as this beautiful veggie flatbread, and the most beautiful @Reeses Cookie (on the house when I checked in with @YelpCincy!!) * In the evening, this place comes alive as a Jazz lounge, showcasing some incredible live, local musicians with superb cocktails and quick service to compliment the style and sophistication! * Be sure to check these guys out both day and night! You'll be thanking us! * www.caffevivace.com * 975 E McMillan St. Cincinnati, OH 45206 *

Pumpkin Chai with Oat milk (asked for oat milk, alternative to regular milk) was very delicious! We like the atmosphere, spacious and it is quiet at lunch and good place to meet for meetings. Little Pang lunch was excellent. We tried their curry noodle soup special. Their price sign includes tax. I like being able to use Apple Pay. Highly recommended for a lunch meeting.

Casual quaint jazz club/bar; The food menu is simple, and service is top notch! You won't be disappointed!

After a year of saying I'd go, I finally went. Mandy Gaines was playing tonight, a soulful jazz singer. She had a great voice and had a nice rapport with the crowd. Sly was serving up the drinks and James was manning the door ($5 cover). It wasn't too crowded (Tuesday night) but they said weekends do get crowded, sometimes standing room only, so reserve a seat on line. Also, seems like they take their coffee just as serious as the jazz because my latte was delish! The bar areas was aesthetically pleasing. Liked seeing the record collection.

Before I start my review I'd like to highlight the fact that they have a check-in offer! If you are an avid yelper you know how infrequently you come by these. The offer is good for one massive peanut butter cookie with a Reese's cup broken up atop. Can't tell you how excited I got! The place itself was really interesting as well. There are tons of menu items both cold and hot and the options all look intriguing. It's definitely a place you come back to. It's open and they have live music occasionally. Lots of space to work and they have so much more than coffee. I had a double expresso with a dollop of chocolate sauce and it was divine I look forward to having business meetings here in the near future. Not so humbly submitted, Michael C.

Wow! What a gem for local live music. Caffe Vivace is a coffee shop by day and a setting for live jazz and crafted cocktails in the evening. Went there on a Saturday evening to hear Mambo Combo, a band playing Cuban-Caribbean style jazz. You can make reservations ahead of time to guarantee a seat. There is a $10 drink minimum and a cover charge, but the great music and the cool vibe absolutely negate this! So glad there is a place in Cincinnati promoting local jazz music. Can't wait to stop in the day for an espresso!

Found this little gem by accident and I'm so glad we did! Great service, yummy food, great selection of drinks (coffee, beer, wine) and at 4 (on Tuesday) we got to hear live jazz!!! We were able to bring our computers and work a little, while we drank and relaxed! Best work day ever!

I've been wanting to hit this place for awhile now and we finally pulled the string to see drummer Jeff Hamilton. It certainly helps that Covid has subsided. Brent Glallaher is the owner and greeted us as we entered. He was pleasant and was ready to strike up a conversation. He set the tone that we entering a jazz venue that was hip. Service was excellent and the African Peanut Stew......oh my.......that is not to be missed. My friend had a flatbread that looked delicious. Great drink menu. This was my first trip of many more to come.

Fabulous jazz club with a true "listening room" vibe During the day great coffee shop with WiFi and nice quiet space to work or relax Evenings great jazz with sweet selection of beers on tap and wines of course Nice nitro coffee as well I travel the world and am always on the look out for live jazz music with a "listening room" vibe a must to not miss when your in Cinncy

Do you ever walk into a business and feel like you've just discovered greatness? Like, you feel as though you're Usher and you've just discovered Justin Bieber? Okay, bad example, but the point is... when you step foot in Caffe Vivace you'll get that sensation that you've just discovered something REALLY cool before it has even become cool yet. The best part? I came here on a Wednesday morning when the place was quiet aside from a couple customers. If this place is throwing out cool-vibes when there's barely anyone here... I can't wait to see what's in store. The space is large and the decor is simple. Nothing about this place is over the top. But the decor and setup pays homage to jazz. I did a bit of digging, too... Caffe Vivace is co-owned by Brent Gallaher, a longtime jazz musician (which apparently is also stated directly on their Yelp page). Jazz in a coffee shop? In addition to a great café menu, Caffe Vivace also has a full bar. The next time you find me here won't be in the morning. It'll be Wednesday - Saturday when they have live Jazz music every night. I'm pulling for you, Caffe Vivace. Loving the vibes this place pumps into Walnut Hills.

Been wanting to try this place for a long time and finally went to brunch today. Did not disappoint! Great atmosphere, live music, drinks, food and service. Will be back for sure next time I'm in town.

Used the Caffe for birthday party. It was great. Staff was friendly and very helpful. We will be back next year.

My new favorite brunch spot. Loving the laid back atmosphere. The bene' was delicious and the hot cinnamon apple toddy is amazing!!!

Absolutely loved it here. I came on a Saturday morning with a friend for coffee and we really enjoyed ourselves. They serve Carabello Coffee as well as a few food items including breakfast sandwiches all day, hand pies from nearby O Pie O, and their famous African peanut stew. I opted for a pastry (ham & cheese croissant), but I'm very intrigued by the peanut stew and will have to come back. I ordered a cappuccino with my croissant. Everything tasted great and the girl behind the counter was very friendly and knowledgable. I know they do live jazz here during the evenings, so I'll have to make a return trip for music and the famous African peanut stew!

I've known of this place for a long time and have wanted to visit, so I'm glad it finally worked out! It's a really nice environment for one thing. We went in the evening for a jazz band, and we did need to pay and reserve seats online ahead of time. There is a $10 drink minimum per person as well, so it adds up if you go that route. But it's classy, their menu is pretty substantial and the service was great. The music was also really enjoyable as the band mostly played Brazilian jazz, so it was really different and refreshing. Will totally be back!

What a cool and unique spot! A true cinci gem. This is a "coffee shop by day and jazz lounge by night" with delicious drink selections including both alcoholic non alcoholic. It is a great vibe inside, cozy intimate and simple decor. Lets you focus on the music, the company. Will be back again for sure!

This is a very cool jazz spot. Nestled in the Walnut Hills area it has a nice quiet adult atmosphere,nice beverage selection and the food was very good. The particular night I went Kandace Springs was performing she was awesome I highly recommend this place.

That manager with his attitude needs to be fIred. His response when asked why nothing was available that was losted on their menu (4 out of 5 things we ordered) was "I have no control over . GTFOH

This is a very nice coffee shop/ cafe on east McMillan. The scenery is beautiful and it doubles as a jazz venue. I come here all the time to read and chat with friends! A yelp check in gave me a free cookie and WOW their cookies are amazing. I highly recommend coming here to do work or meet up for a project!

It is so hard to come by spacious coffee shops! I usually feel super cramped when I am going to do work with someone or just on my own. Caffe Vivace had a great layout, gorgeous latte art, a bar, and AMAZING peanut butter cup cookies -- please tell me what's not to love. The staff was extremely nice and for checking in I was rewarded a free large peanut butter cookie which I will definitely be getting again. Aside from my cookie I got a hot latte. I did order a large and was surprised that the drink only came in one size but nevertheless it tasted great. In addition to being a coffee shop, the destination also doubles as a bar featuring live jazz musicians in the evenings! I can't wait to go back and check these local artists out.

This place is so great! I'm sad that I discovered it right before moving out of town. The coffee is amazing, they offer every type of fancy coffee drink but their plain brewed coffee is my go to choice. As a vegan I was so happy to find that they offer two very yummy vegan items: the African peanut stew and a breakfast burrito. I could eat them daily. The ambiance is great for studying or working too. They have lots of seating and power outlets. Cafe Vivace is a top coffee place in Cincinnati, it's laid back, has great coffee and great service.

I agree with the people not crazy about a pre pay for music you don/t know. When I was there I heard a typical jazz band where the songs are too long because everyone has to take an extended solo. I was disappointed to hear typical boring jazz. Was hoping for better. I was hoping for better composition and melody. These areas were neglected. Maybe it was a bad night but people around me told me this was typical

I have been multiple times where the hours don't match the hours online. They also post notes on the door without notice saying that the hours have changed. Very not reliable.

I stopped in Wednesday night to hear The Blue Wisp Big Band and was impressed with the layout, design, and the acoustics. My first time there -- I had heard about it, just hadn't gotten there. I ordered a Margarita and it was perfect! The beer and wine list is substantial. I'll stop in for a latte the next time I'm in the neighborhood.