Chris' Jazz Cafe

Jazz club · Rittenhouse

Chris' Jazz Cafe

Jazz club · Rittenhouse

5

1421 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

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Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null
Chris' Jazz Cafe by null

Highlights

Southern-style cuisine & live jazz in a relaxed lounge  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

1421 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 Get directions

chrisjazzcafe.com
@ChrisJazzCafe

$$ · Menu

Reserve

Information

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1421 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 Get directions

+1 215 568 3131
chrisjazzcafe.com
@ChrisJazzCafe
𝕏
@ChrisJazzPhilly

$$ · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 19, 2025

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@infatuation

The Best Philly Bars & Restaurants With Live Music

"Chris’ Jazz Cafe has a simple concept: host jazz performances from Tuesdays to Saturdays and serve up some great sandwiches and mains named after jazz legends. Open since 1989, the Center City spot is a place where you’ll find regulars who’ve been coming here for decades, a few couples out on date nights, and a young group of Temple art students strumming air keys while the band plays. Go for the Miles Davis sandwich with BBQ pork shoulder topped with tidewater slaw and crispy onions or the tamarind chicken wings. Another reason we love the place: they don’t close until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.  " - candis mclean

https://www.theinfatuation.com/philadelphia/guides/the-best-philly-bars-and-restaurants-to-see-live-music
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@eater

Ultimate Philly Restaurants and Bars for Live Entertainment | Eater Philly

"Every night, there’s something tight at this Center City hot spot for live jazz music five evenings a week. Enjoy their roasted oysters, braised pork belly, and jambalaya (with alligator sausage) while sipping on their standout strawberry smashes and Moscow mules." - George Banks-Weston

https://philly.eater.com/maps/best-philly-restaurants-bars-live-entertainment
View Postcard for Chris' Jazz Cafe
@infatuation

Chris' Jazz Cafe - Review - Center City - Philadelphia - The Infatuation

"Chris’ Jazz Cafe has a simple concept: host jazz performances from Tuesdays to Saturdays and serve up some great sandwiches and mains named after jazz legends. Open since 1989, the Center City spot is a place where you’ll find regulars who’ve been coming here for decades, a few couples out on date nights, and a young group of Temple art students strumming air keys while the band plays. Go for the Miles Davis sandwich with BBQ pork shoulder topped with tidewater slaw and crispy onions or the tamarind chicken wings. Another reason we love the place: they don’t close until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays." - Candis R. McLean

https://www.theinfatuation.com/philadelphia/reviews/chris-jazz-cafe
View Postcard for Chris' Jazz Cafe
@eater

An Illustrated Guide to the Shared Ingredients at M Kee, Caribbean Delight, Barcelona Wine Bar, and Others in Ph - Eater Philly

"Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Center City occasionally features the French version of salted cod - brandade." - Diana Lu

https://philly.eater.com/22820326/guide-to-universal-ingredients-philly-vietnamese-colombian-elkins-park-northeast
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@eater

Cristina Martinez and Chris’ Jazz Cafe Collaborate on a Benefit for Undocumented Workers - Eater Philly

"Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Center City on Thursday, January 17, for a Tacos & Tequila fundraising party benefiting undocumented workers." - Rachel Vigoda

https://philly.eater.com/2019/1/14/18182200/south-philly-barbacoa-cristina-martinez-ben-miller-chris-jazz-cafe-fundraiser-undocumented-workers
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LISA

Google
Great night! We purchased tickets/dinner reservations for the Philadelphia Jazz Orchestra on a Wednesday night(7pm show). We were sat at a requested middle table, great view of the stage. A wonderful night of young, talented musicians, delicious food and drinks. Great, Efficient service(Ethan). Accessible restroom. Not cheap, but Overall excellent evening! Will be back !

Ema Klimaite

Google
We came super late, 11:30pm but they had live music till 1am. It’s not your prestigious jazz, but for the late night I would call it a great jam session between multiple local jazz musicians. The drinks were spectacular though! Didn’t expect the quality for the dive bar. Recommend! To sit close to the stage is $15 pp, at the bar $10 pp + $10 min food and alcohol consumption pp.

janet goodyear

Google
Reservations are required I believe, and there is a cover charge. They have a bar in the front of the house which sometimes gets noisy, interfering with the music, but the music is always good, and so is the food.

Laura Williams

Google
It was a nice venue, great acoustics. Went there to see The Chronicals. I only had the fried oysters but they did have some nice food choices on the menu. I would return.

Bryan Friedman

Google
Didn't try any food here, just came for a drink and jazz music. The band and singer was great! The server seemed to push the drinks and food menu a bit. Must have been a slow night...Its about $20 per person admission to hear a 1-hour set of music. Bar menu and drinks are averaged priced for Philly. Nice change of pace for a date night.

J R

Google
This is a smaller resturant but doesn’t feel over crowded. We bought the dinner/jazz entertainment show package and it’s worth every penny. The taste of the dood was one of the best I’ve ever had. Very small portions, it’s more for looks than anything. The jazz performers was nothing less than amazing. They’re true performers and really knows how to interacted with the crowd.

Jason Porter

Google
Had a great time when we visited. The performance was great and the food was delicious. The bread and bean salad (pictured on the spoons) were unexpected and provided a great start to the meal. The drinks (rosemary cosmo and aperol spritz) were unique and well balanced. The fresh burrata and bayou seafood cake were great first courses. The steelhead trout was also a great dish and the sauce was perfect for a fish dish. The grilled lamb loin was also very good. We loved the beignets, but the star of the desserts was definitely the blueberry ice cream and lemon curd. Overall, chris's provided a great night out with delicious food that exceeded our expectations.

Michele Westhoff

Google
Got dinner and show tickets. We had Mac& cheese and seafood cake for appetizers, shrimp& grits and trout for entres, and peanut butter cake and pumpkin ice cream for desserts. Everything was delicious! The rosemary cosmos were great too. The music was fantastic. Awesome service from Ray! Will definitely be back!

Phil D.

Yelp
I rarely write reviews, so when I do, I really mean it. Last night I wanted to find a place for some special 1-on-1 time with my Dad as we celebrated his 80th birthday. I wanted something that shared the essence of the heart of Philadelphia culture and a mix of something old and new that had style, ambiance and class. I read the descriptions and reviews of all of the different Jazz clubs in the city, and Chris' stood out hands down. While reserving the tickets (also a smooth experience without too many fees) I commented that it was my Dad's birthday and hoped for a special experience, but what the staff did was above and beyond. When we arrived, the hostess and one of the servers, noticed that he was moving slowly. One held the door as the other made sure we got in OK. They'd saved the best table right in front of the stage for us. The music was great, the ability to watch the musicians close up was even better, but the special care and kindness of the staff moved me. They came out with a little candle on his dessert...it was just special. During the break between the sets (neither of which did we want to end because they were so great), we had probably the best conversation I've ever had with my father, talking about our love of music, musical influences and experiences, instruments we loved...all sorts of things...and all new topics to us...which can be difficult when you've heard all of someone's stories over 50+ years. I want to thank this team for a night I will never forget. The music lovers in the crowd loved the performances because they were high quality and enjoyable. The staff smoothly did all the little things to make the experience special. I hope you have as great time there as I did!
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Nadia H.

Yelp
I wish I could rate the music and food separately because my 2-star rating is all based on the food/restaurant but I would give 5 stars to the musicians! We saw a local jazz band perform songs from their new album and they were all so talented and full of energy. I took my partner's mom here for her birthday and she loved the show! The restaurant has a policy of having a $10 minimum spend per person, which was not advertised when purchasing the tickets online. I do understand requiring a minimum spend to help support the restaurant and musicians but asking to pay $30+ (after taxes and fees) per ticket for the show AND making customers pay for food/drinks didn't sit well with me. We decided to share a few desserts and drinks and the desserts were terrible and horribly overpriced. Each dessert was $16 and the portions were comically small. You would be better off walking a few blocks to some of the local ice cream spots and paying $5 for a generous scoop of gourmet ice cream. One of the dessert we ordered was a strawberry and ricotta dish and the order came with a teaspoon of ricotta with 1 strawberry cut in quarters. Absolute rip off and didn't taste very good. It's unfortunate the restaurant food quality did not match to the quality of the music. The service is a little too attentive with the waiter coming a little too often to check-in, especially while we are trying to enjoy the show. There are many venues in the city that offer live music and I would NOT recommend choosing this place. I'd come back to the cafe if I could pay for a ticket to enjoy the music and not have to eat anything here.
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Frank H.

Yelp
This is a very nice place for listening to great music in a great atmosphere. We were very nervous about going in because we had never heard of the artist performing. But when he started playing, we became immediate fans! The music was so soothing and it took me to a comfort place. Warren Wolf plays the xylophone like I've never heard it played. Along with his band, they made our night unforgettable. We now have him on our music channel.
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reilly s.

Yelp
Good find! Me and my friend popped in here after heading out for a function on Rittenhouse. Cover to sit at the high tops when it was not even halfway full and there wasn't a band on at the moment is a little annoying but after we sat down the ambiance and decor makes you feel really cozy! We got the beignets and they were good! A couple cosmos got us through the night as well! Overall great place! Will be coming back again soon!
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Caitlin L.

Yelp
Frankly, there wasn't anything particularly rave-worthy of this jazz cafe. My friend and I came here on a Wednesday for Center City Sips, after visiting about five other restaurants first, only to see that they were completely packed and unable to accommodate us. I can't believe Center City Sips is this popular!! At Chris' we ordered mozzarella triangles, truffle fries, and chicken spring rolls. I ordered a Moscow mule. The mozz was cheese and tasty. The fries were ok but you can tell this was likely from the freezer. The chicken spring rolls were whatever. I just couldn't believe the price for only 2 pieces in 2 dishes... That's absurd. The Moscow mule was normal. I didn't really like the restaurant itself because it was incredibly loud, and I was getting tired of shouting to talk. It wasn't my favorite experience, and now I understand why this was the only Center City Sips restaurant that could accommodate us.
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Benny B.

Yelp
The music was relaxing, I almost got up to dance. I was there with my wife, we had a great time. But we went around the time it was about to close, so we enjoyed about half an hour or 40 minutes. I ordered regular Pepsi, but my wife had some alcoholic drinks, two different kinds.

T. P.

Yelp
The ambience was cozy. This place is basically a hole in the wall, but that's what made the experience perfect. The music performance was phenomenal. I bought the dinner and show package so we got to sit close to the stage. The food was good, but the serving sizes for each course weren't as large as I would expect for the price. Despite that, I still give everything five stars without hesitation. The servers and bar tenders were very welcoming and attentive. I would for sure go back again (but would only eat a meal again if it was for a special occasion or if I was being treated)
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Dinesh A.

Yelp
The cafe is cramped when full but not uncomfortably so. The servers were constantly checking on our needs and serving drinks and food rapidly. The drinks and food was average and forgettable but we weren't there to eat. We had a table up front for our birthday boy and had a great time listening to some jazz classics.
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Morgan M.

Yelp
Chris' is consistently fantastic! The acts are insanely talented and the food is right up there! Drinks are great and the service is always a 10/10. Their chicken dish is my absolute favorite! Amazing spot to take friends and family who are visiting Philly.
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Britney P.

Yelp
Wonderful Friday Date Night! Performance was amazing and I was in awe when it ended. Food was just okay. Fried Frog legs was my favorite. We sat next to pretty good company as well. Oh and they charge approx. $8 for bottled water unless you ask for tap water which should be free.
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Reginice C.

Yelp
Ah, great jazz cafe! I went to Chris' on October 27th; Saxophonist, Mervin Toussaint & His Quartet performed. It was an amazing performance! There was a point were they literally had be in a trance state; hypnotized. I enjoyed my time there. The service and the drinks were great! I hope to visit again!

Darlene P.

Yelp
Services was great, the ambiance was great also the food was well put together. The music sounded very good.
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Holly W.

Yelp
Went here for first time last night and was extremely impressed by the decor, staff, acoustics, and quality of performance. The program was a 50th anniversary tribute of the death of Lee Morgan, bop trumpeter extraordinaire from Philly. Met at the door by friendly and efficient hostess who took us to a very nice table near the front. This was a surprise as we had purchased general admission tix and expected to stand for the show. I was pleased that she checked everyone for vax cards first. (However masks were not worn by most staff.) Server was friendly and did a good job. I do not like to eat while listening to music so we did not order dinner. Some might say the club and food is expensive. I disagree. Try getting this kind of experience in NYC. It's very hard to make a living performing music or running a live music venue. We should all do our part to support live music in Philly, especially non-corporate clubs. The acoustics are very good. The stage area is lined with wood paneling so the sound is very warm. The place is clean and nicely decorated with posters of jazz greats. Bathroom clean. The crowd consisted of serious music listeners. No excessive chit chat. I fail to understand why people come to shows and then proceed to catch up with their friends and ignore the music. The bar area was a bit noisy but that's in the front of the room so not too bothersome. The show was about an hour and 15 minutes. It was terrific. I can't wait to come back for more.
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Michael R.

Yelp
When you walk into Chris' Jazz Cafe you can almost imagine that it's the 1940s and you're out for a night on the town. As you step into the dimly lit establishment, you're greeted with a wave of great music, friendly staff and a diverse gathering of fellow Jazz lovers who are taking in the moment. Whether you're there for dinner, or just a couple of cocktails, it's impossible not to give into the mood. You sit back, relax, and take it all in. It's exactly like you imagine a Jazz club would be, minus smoke in the air. It's the type of place you tell your friends about, and can't wait to visit again. Yes, there's a cover charge on top of your tickets. But it's completely worth it. This isn't amateur night. These are real deal, professional musicians. For what you'd drop at a regular bar or restaurant, you can treat yourself and also enjoy the type of evening that sadly doesn't come around as often anymore. The staff is friendly and helpful. The owner is passionate about the music and the experience - you can sense it the moment you meet him. They want to make sure you enjoy yourself. If you've stopped with a reservation for a meal, they'll make sure you're satisfied and taken care of. I've never been disappointed here.

Mark F.

Yelp
Food is as good as most fine dining establishments. Jazz is exceptional. Place has an intimate vibe and service is exceptional. Terrific value for the money.
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Prarthana P.

Yelp
read some reviews and wasn't too sure but we had a great experience! the musician was amazing - honestly felt the cover was a steal server was super friendly, gave us recommendations and checked on us constantly. the guy who checked us in at the beginning was also really polite! we got frog legs (tasted like fancier garlic parm wings) , french onion soup was SO good, and some kind of salad spoon which was super small but still refreshing. we got three starters between three people so cost wasn't too bad they're about 14 each overall great vibes, and a little something different you can do in center city! would highly recommend based on my experience
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Mike O.

Yelp
Found me a new home on Fri and sat nites. Jam session with regulars and rotations and amazing players and soloists. And that was just for the jazz. Gotta get my chops up for the fast numbers but this is going to be very fun. And I didn't even taste the cuisine. This review for the jazz. I stoped outside t finish the grand cigar I was enjoying and was wowed by a group of outgoing folks sitting at and standing around the table next to me. They were very casually dressed so that I thought they were guests. Turns out they were the musicians for the late nite sets!!! The one. Eric. was trying to engage with folks who were waking by, but they were probably freaked out by his charism. He is in fact the linchpin, the main guy, the pianist that makes the final set go round. And wow! So humble in his playing and leaving room for all the guys to solo! I can't wait to go back.
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Christina K.

Yelp
Stopped here after dinner to listen to some Jazz music. It did not disappoint! GREAT Jazz music and amazing drinks.
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Rick G.

Yelp
Discovered Chris' Jazz Cafe with my two adult daughters on a recent Saturday night. We had an excellent experience. Chris' is a jazz cafe with live jazz at least 5 nights per week. I am a live jazz enthusiast, but no expert. We had the dinner package and were shown to a table right next to the stage. The stage sits at the intersection of the "L" shaped room providing many tables with a view of the stage in what is a fairly intimate space. Our servers and all the employees were prompt, efficient and fun. The vibe was welcoming. Our meals were good, with a decent range of appetizers, including a pear salad, foie gras, and Mac and cheese. For mains we had the pork chop and the pasta. They have a full liquor license. The night we were there they had two shows, one at 730 and one at 930. We sat down to dinner at 645. We saw the Miki Yamanaka Trio, and they were excellent. This is the kind of place I didn't know Philly had, but now that I do, I want to go back.
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J G.

Yelp
The jazz band was absolutely amazing. From their energy, to their rhythm playing together, it was a precious experience I'm sure everywhere there enjoyed. The waiters/waitresses were also super friendly as well as the hostess. I ended up ordering the vegan jumbalaya (which was fantastic) as well as the zoodles which were prepared a special way for me (vegan and gf) which also came out great. This is a great spot to come with friends, or that special someone.
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Steve S.

Yelp
This was the perfect nightcap to an anniversary date night in the city. We came to a 10 pm show. We decided on drinks and dessert. We got great seats. We had great service. And the live music smoked. I was a big fan of the beignets personally. Thought it was a little cheesy that they charge a $10 service charge for two tickets at their online site on top of the $25 ticket price each. I mean, are they Ticketmaster? But I'll be back sometime when I'm in the mood.

Russ W.

Yelp
Good food, real. Around food in Philly was a surprise and delight Live jazz was fun, not too of the line but decent
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Tiffany C.

Yelp
I took my bf out for his bday. After a not so great dining experience, I found Chris Jazz Cafe thru Siri. It was the only place in the area open until 12 according to google. Just a 6 minute walk "in heels" from our current location so we headed to Chris'. Upon our arrival we were greeted by a group of not so pleasant patrons and or staff that informed us it was closed and private as well and if it wasn't private they would still be closed because they close at 11. I replied well, the website states 12, so u may want to update it! There's this brief but hostile exchange and a few whispers about what website I looked at? I got extremely bad vibes & won't patronize in the future. It was giving prejudice and toxic energy!
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Marissa P.

Yelp
On the outside of this Cafe, it may look like a place you wouldn't want to walk into, but once you are inside, the place looks nice. There is a bar on the left and the place is sort of small. The food isn't huge portions but it was quality. If you are someone who likes quantity then maybe eat somewhere else after you go here. We ordered a lot of food which was pretty filling. The jazz band sounded nice and they performed well. It's hard to hear people talking when the band is playing. Our waiter checked on us often. Honestly, I can't pin point the best item on the menu because it was all delicious including the drinks.
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Andres A.

Yelp
We had a wonderful New Year's Eve experience at The Cafe. We were in town and looking for something different to do and we came across this place. What an amazing experience! As soon as we got in we were seated and our server Jamie took care of our culinary interest. Our reservation for the evening guaranteed us a 3 course price fixe meal. For my meal I started with the lobster bisque which was ok, I personally prefer it to be a bit more on the thicker side. For my entree I had the pork tenderloin which was very tasty and a perfect portion size. My girlfriend ordered the Smoked Salmon Terrine which she enjoyed. For her entree she had the Pan Seared Striper which she loved. Our dessert options were delicious as well. I had the crème brûlée and my girlfriend had the artisanal cheese offering. We enjoyed the dinner and the attention paid to us by Jamie. Part of our experience was the dining piece but also the Jazz show as well. Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Nine were the star attraction. This was our first venture into a jazz show and we loved it! The music was great. Chelsea Reed has a magical voice! Her singing and stage presence was great! I think we have found something new to do-listen to jazz while dining, who knew???
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SO Z.

Yelp
I went on a 1st date here and to say the least they had wine and even better jazz! I didn't get the chance to eat simply because I was so full! Hopefully on our second date we will get to try some food. Lots of tastey dishes passed by our table during our time here. Can't wait to come back and enjoy the food & music again!
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Xiao Z.

Yelp
This was such a lovely date night spot, and in contrast to the lukewarm review on the dinner options, we had a lovely post-dinner meal and thought it added a classier touch to the late night (8p) event. I'm sure that each performance will be unique, so this review is more tailored towards the atmosphere and the general cafe service - which were spectacular. As part of the $65 seating, we sat right across from the performers, enjoyed a 3 course meal, and received timely services. This place does get crowded after 9pm, so if you prefer a more personal jazz ensemble, come for the earlier showing!

allen T.

Yelp
We had a wonderful evening at Chris' Jazz Club last night. The live jazz was first class and had wonderful Christmas jazz versions of classics blended in. At one point the amazing singer roused everyone up and dancing to Ray Charles' "Unchained" and it was very celebratory. The staff, food and drinks were top notch and shout to Amit's who was a big addition to our great experience.
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Jesan A.

Yelp
Definitely come here for the atmosphere, great entertainment and I recommend coming with a group of friends! Food was alright, nothing to write home about.
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Jenna P.

Yelp
This place is a must. Went here for my boyfriends birthday and had an awesome time. There was a valet parking garage next door so no trouble finding parking! The staff was super friendly and our waitress was super sweet. She recommended I get the rosemary cosmo (which I loved)!!! All of the food was top notch. Everything was packed with flavor. The show is was great and I ended up getting the bands cd. I would deff recommend this place to anyone!!

Rose S.

Yelp
Amazing place all around, had a great birthday celebration with live music. Amir was awesome!!
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James R.

Yelp
Great atmosphere and drinks with live music. The staff was friendly and attentive. I had a great time sitting by the live music while the place was not terribly busy. I highly suggest visiting this cafe and supporting local businesses.
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Aaron S.

Yelp
$28 for 5 exceptionally average ravioli. Good music, decidedly underwhelming food. Ce for music and drinks, save your money for better food elsewhere
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Andrea R.

Yelp
Would I come back? Sure! Would I run back? Not necessarily. A solid 3.5 stars. Chris' offers a fun alternative to the typical night out with a nightly line-up of local and renowned artists. We came on a Monday and paid $10 to see a University of the Arts band. They were undoubtedly a very talented quad, and with their mix of originals and covers, they put on a good show. We pre-purchased our tickets online, which also included a $2 service fee. I kind of wish we would have waited to buy in person, and if we could have avoided the ticket price if we sat at the bar....I'm not sure. We noted on our ticket purchase that we were there for my friends' birthday. The three of us were sat at a front row table, literally arms distance from the band. This seemed great until they actually started to play. We wanted to enjoy our dinner over music and conversation, but it was impossible to talk to each other during the set, this included trying to decide what to order and talking to our server. Our server was lovely, but she seemed to be the only one there. I sat with an empty water glass for 15 minutes, and we waited forever to get our check. I didn't order any food, but my friends ordered a burger and a salad. Both raved about their dishes and polished their plates. We also shared a $35 bottle of red wine (with a twist cap). It was good wine, but I feel like we could have bought it at the corner store for $8. The prices, overall, seemed higher than I expected. It's a nice place for a different night out, but there are lots of places in the city that offer free live music and jazz. If you're coming for a date or a girls night, I'd try to sit further from the stage so you can have a conversation without interrupting the performers and the jazz enthusiasts swaying in the front.
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Colby P.

Yelp
After a Phillies game I tried to convince my boyfriend to go salsa dancing with me as we stood outside this bar after getting off the subway. I was in overalls and he was in a tshirt and shorts. While he convieniantly rebutted the proposal, claiming we were inappropriately dressed the nice host of the show asked us if we'd like to come in. On a whim I asked if it there was a dress code and he said no, though he was in a tux. We slid into the side room and tucked away in a corner. We were amazed at the hospitality and show from the band and all of the supporting staff. They were so inviting and engaging it was almost weird (this is Philly after all). In the end it was worth ditching salsa dancing to experience what felt like a true representation of the artistic community that this city is known for.
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Ann H.

Yelp
food good. Music good . but... A staff member was overly aggressive with the photographer/videographer and I thought I was going to see An old fashion, Broad Street bullies, Brawl. Way too aggressive and very unprofessional. while this incident didn't wreck the night, and was minor, it left a really lasting impression. I will look for another place to listen to the live jazz Before I would go back there again.

Cris M.

Yelp
Would never recommend this place. Terrible customer service. Most of the staff including the bartender and hostess's stopped working and sat outside to hang out. The experience was bizarre. Not sure what goes on in this establishment....This place tries to charge $15 for a table and the experience is not worth it! Neither is paying $5 for a high top table and not being able to see the musicians. Save your money go to Time for free live music.
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Udeep D.

Yelp
We went there on a Friday night . Normally they have 2 sessions 8pm and 10pm . Cover charge was 20 dollars that night . There was a famous saxophonist from Brooklyn and an amazing talented 12 years boy old playing drums . He was just too good to be true hitting every node with his beats it was a pleasure. It's a must go place for all jazz music lovers but do check their event so that you know who is playing it is in their site. http://www.chrisjazzcafe.com/events. So everything was wow to all 4 of us having drinks and enjoying the music. But at the end our mood was sour when we saw the Bill . I was not drunk neither were my friends it would have been completely fine then but WTH they do include the cover charge in your bill and for the total amount that is Cover Charge + food + drinks they tax you up. Why do you want people to pay taxes on cover charge it's lame .I don't want to pay more taxes. I don't mind tipping more but yeah, I Did ask the waiter about it he had no clue. Seems like no one questions there. Also now when you tip the waiter it felt like he wanted to be tipped on the total bill that was cover charge plus food and drinks . Everything was 5 star but when the waiter brought the check with the cover charge taxed My mood went downhill so did my rating .

Sanjiv A.

Yelp
Wonderful music in a great place. Service, ambiance and food are all top notch. Walked there from our hotel.

janet g.

Yelp
Love this place! The food is delicious, and the jazz is always awesome! Service is excellent as well. It's great for date night, or any special night out.
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Shane J.

Yelp
Love Chris' Jazz Cafe..been coming here for years. It is one of my go to places for a cool date night...live music...good food...Great Combo!! This visit was on a Friday Night...Got tix online for band $15/Cover...not bad for jazz quartet. We had 8:00 PM reservatiin...luckily we arrived early because the 'choice seating' goes quickly. Now, let's discuss the layout...there is a small bar area when you 1st come in..they have hour hour specials M-F. The hostess & Steve were had good energy and when we arrived Steve made sure to greet us & inform us our table would be ready shortly. Once seated...we ordered our drinks and appetizers. We had salads & for our meals we had a fish dish and calamari. The drinks were spot on & the food was delicious. We enjoyed the quartet very much..what added to the experience was the dim lighting and good service provided by the staff. Whenever I make plans at Chris' I feel confident that it will be a good time.
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Doug O.

Yelp
Be warned ... the jazz may be hot, but the room is hotter. I'm talking 85 friggin' Fahrenheit hot! No warning when we booked, but it's the building management -- not Chris' Jazz Cafe -- that is in control of the HVAC, according to our server. Fans placed at the entrance did not cure the utterly sweltering interior, which my family did not appreciate after a hot day of walking tours in Philly. Table next to us came appropriately dressed in shorts and t-shirts, though when they had the waitress take a photo, their faces lit up Oompa Loompa orange in the flash of the camera and the heat of the club. In any event, the building's chiller is due to be switched over to A/C on Friday, April 15, but I'd inquire first before you book. As for dinner, the appetizers (oysters and mac & cheese) were heavy and salty without flavor ... how does the kitchen achieve that? Beet salad got a "delicious" from my wife, however. Entrees (I tasted both the stuffed chicken and jambalaya) lived up to the cafe's Southern culinary roots. The show was a 4-star event (what kicks my rating up to a 3) featuring the return of Skyler Hagner as bandleader playing his original compositions at the head of a young, talented 9-piece ensemble. If you like your jazz improvisational and appreciate composition backstories, this was the show for you. Stand-out solos included local fav (Temple Univ.) Dylan Band on tenor sax, but the entire collaborative ensemble was superb. Not sure where the stand-up bassist was going at one point ... based on his expression, neither did Hagner.
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Noelle K.

Yelp
We had just finished an event over at the union league and decided to check out the music and have drinks with friends. There was a $5 coverage. The main seating was pretty loud to chat along with music but decided to move further back. Drinks were lovely and even more so that they offered CBD on their menu as an addition to drinks. My whiskey sour was delicious and the jazz was really great for the hour we spent. Look forward going again!
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Dell M.

Yelp
Authentic Jazz in Philadelphia. Set started at 11:30 and still swinging past 1a. Setting is on Sansom St. Great environment: kind of like in a basement but not. Audience is chatty but still focused on the music. Service is friendly and prompt. Drinks ate sufficiently strong and the price of entry is a drink tonight. Great time, nice people and good music. Didn't eat but food is available. Musicians are throughout and easily available for discussion. The environment is dark but not too dark. Conversation is easy. I'll be back.
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Lydia T.

Yelp
On-Onlookers PER'Spective!! Eh kicking back to live Music.....is the thang here. Got the tip, from 'visitphilly' for a Speakeasy or Jazzy spot. While dining locally for a conference. First glance....This is ehh VERY popular and neigh'borly spot in 'Old City.' Best of all, particularly like very much the 'Muse' and the local artsy sound sitting-room! Energy, was what I was looking for. Dah laze-back! Reminded of a few local and distance Fav spots I dive into. A place you can drop in and feel the sense of 'Alright Nah.'  **Chris' is fused with Bop and some of that Nostalgic Vibe. Definitely, an into the wee-hours Cool find. Great Atmosphere! Sum Good 'S.I.P' aberrations! Will venture again, for sure!! Deets: www.chrisjazzcafe.com for events and private performances....

Mehak G.

Yelp
My worst experience so far in Philly. They have a bunch of regulars(well, it seemed like it) who feels they kind of own the place. We were placing our drinks order and took more than the usual time. The person sitting next to us had the audacity to make personal attacks based on our color and gender. Not sure if you'd want to go to a place with such people around. Definitely not worth it! PS: We went to a late-night show, and maybe the crowd is better early in the day.
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Clare D.

Yelp
Tuesday night was my first experience at Chris' Jazz Cafe and I was very impressed. Since it was a slow night, being a Tuesday and with the heat wave, I got to pick basically one of the best tables in the house. Stacy is a great server, offering suggestions for food and drink. Nicholas Krolak's five-piece band was very good and the special guest singer who joined them had a warm, beautiful voice. So, yes, the ambience is great. I love it, but this review is about the food, so... The food is delicious. The Jambalaya with shrimp, chicken, and Andouille sausage was phenomenal. I couldn't stop eating it. I probably could've eaten another plate of it right after I finished the first. My boyfriend's Shrimp and Grits were really good, but the Jambalaya is just perfect. I couldn't believe that it had just three meats in it because there were pieces of white meat that tasted like the texture of fish, too, so if there was fish in it, that's just totally righteous! Can I press the Golden Buzzer right now? Yes? I will. This place is great.
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Isaac A.

Yelp
I've been looking for a jazz/club piano bar for sometime and finally committed to trying Chris's our. We went on a Friday night, it was pretty busy but we were able to be seated right away. Be aware that there is a cover, that night it was $20. You're probably thinking it's a lot but hear me out. It goes directly to the bands which is so worth it. The first jazz band that performed had about 15 people so it's the equivalent of tipping each a little more than $1 for their performance which is absolutely a no brainer. With the coverage charge I feared the drinks would be expensive but they were very normal for a center city bar. Around $6 for a beer and $12 for a cocktail. A few people were ordering food and it smelled delicious. The main room is a cocktail bar with the stage for the performance. I didn't see a place to dance but it did appear there was another room off to the side (so maybe there?). I will continue to check out some other jazz clubs but I know I'll be back!
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Maria D.

Yelp
This place has been just horrible. They charged us almost 100$ for half an hour and 3 cocktails that were not great either. They also charged 20$ per person included in the check. Overall very bad experience. I do not recommend . Better go to South. Better vibe, nicer place and straight forward hostes.