Empire State Jazz Cafe

100+ stars!! We had a blast!! Although Houston is a familiar trip, this was the first time we visited the Jazz cafe and we were not disappointed!! From the service, food and interaction with the live jazz band we had a blast! The staff was great even spoke with the chef herself!! We definitely recommend you visit and we will most definitely be back on our next trip to Houston!! Thanks so much for the Southern hospitality!!❤️

We bought tickets for their Valentine's Day dinner and jazz show. A pre-fixed three course menu was included with the ticket. I was really excited for date night and just found out about this jazz club on eventbrite. Doors opened at 7, and we arrived around 7:30pm. It is located in a plaza and had plenty of parking. We checked in with the hostess at the door and she escorted us to the table. The ambience was nice, dim table lights and lights on stage made a romantic setting. So far so good.... We waited at least a solid 45 min after we sat down to be greeted by a waiter. We had to flag someone down to say we haven't been asked if we wanted to order drinks. A guy finally stopped by and said he was unaware we were his table and asked for our drink and appetizer order. We asked if he wanted our entree orders as well and he said he would come back for it. Drinks took another 20-30 min to come out and the appetizer (gumbo) came out 40/45 minutes later. We thought that was unusually slow for something that is premade. We soon realized that service here is extremely slow. All the tables were sold out, but it wasn't a big place and they had 3 waiters. Yet two plates were coming out of the kitchen every 20 minutes. Once again we had to flag down our waiter to take the rest of our meal order. I asked for a lemonade three times before he finally brought it. He kept forgetting and it's already bottled. All he had to do was get it and a cup of ice, but that took him 45 min. The band (Sounds of A&R) started right on time at 8pm. They played a few sets with a couple intermissions. They sounded good and had a different style. Instead of singing regular covers, they put a jazzy rendition to it. Some were hit or miss, but overall enjoyed them! But if only I could have enjoyed my food while watching them. After we finally got our appetizers, it took another hour to get our entree! It was 10pm when our steaks came out. I cannot blame this on the waiter, it was the kitchen that was moving extremely slow. So many people were upset at the end of the evening because of the dinner service. The couple across our table didn't even get to eat. The band had packed up and left around 10:30pm and they had to wait for their food to go. We also had to ask for our desserts to go. We could not sit and enjoy them when the whole event was over. It really is a shame that we got our dinner plate 2.5 hours after being seated. And the food was actually pretty good (like 4/5 rating). Hubby had seafood gumbo which was right on point with flavor! I had the chicken and sausage gumbo. It was just a teeny tad salty but still flavorful and very meaty which I liked. My steak could have been hotter (not sure how long it sat before I got it) but it wasn't cold. It was made to order just as we asked, which we were surprised they got the temp of the meat right. They didn't have steak sauce but it was seasoned well where you really didn't need it. Mashed potatoes were good. I took a couple bites of the chocolate cake while it was still hot before we left. It was yummy. Disappointed it did not come with ice cream because it was advertised as a La mode, but we couldn't take the ice cream with us anyway. I really would have given this place 4 stars if it wasn't for the terribly slow service. Maybe it was an off-night. I'm not sure since this is my first impression

I have been following this jazz club for the last few months and it was something special about it that I wanted to experience it so I drove nearly 3 hours on January 18 to celebrate my birthday with a friend. And let me tell you I had such a fabulous, amazing, memorable Saturday night that I will remember this for years to come. My friend had so much fun. I just enjoyed watching her. I had such a great time lol. This place is a must try. The food is on point not salty just perfection. The vibe, grown folk music! I had the Seafood gumbo, I can’t remember the drink that the owner made for me to celebrate my birthday , which was really sweet of him to do so the first drink was on the house and I kept drinking that drink lol cause it was so good. I also had the catfish I don’t remember the name of that, but it was absolutely good. It was to go and it didn’t even make it out of the restaurant. Please go and test this place out. It Will not disappoint!! Thank you so much! I will be back for sure!

Nestled in Houston's Westchase District, the Empire State Jazz Cafe offers an intimate setting where live music and Cajun-Creole cuisine converge. The venue showcases a variety of genres, including jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and blues, featuring both local and national artists. The menu boasts authentic Cajun and Creole dishes, such as seafood gumbo, shrimp and crawfish étouffée, and Mardi Gras pasta. Patrons can also enjoy a full-service bar with signature cocktails, beer, wine, and champagne. The cafe's ambiance is enhanced by its commitment to live entertainment, with events like "Feel Good Fridays" and "Supper Club Saturdays" featuring performances that create a lively atmosphere. The establishment enforces a dress code to maintain its upscale environment, prohibiting items like ball caps, athletic apparel, and flip-flops. Operating hours are primarily from 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with a Sunday Jazz Brunch from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. For those seeking a romantic evening or a night out with friends, the Empire State Jazz Cafe provides a memorable experience with its combination of delectable cuisine, exceptional live music, and sophisticated ambiance.

Great little spot. The outside looks sketchy but once inside you don’t even notice. Great service. Great music! Mango lemonade was my favorite 😍. Good date spot or if you like listening to live music.

I will return back. Great atmosphere to listen to some great Jazz. There is a fee for a seat or table for the entertainment. This was my first time there to celebrate my birthday. The band that night The Pat Williams Group was phenomenal. My food was not hot enough but saw some amazing dishes from the other patrons. My group of friends I invited really enjoyed the show. I’m looking forward to visiting again.

Prepaid for a VIP table for two. Advertisement stated doors open at 7pm and showtime at 9. We got there at 8pm and band was full into their set. Gave name res was made under and guy who was owner at the front door just pointed to the table we reserved. From there, the waitress didn't acknowledge us for quite a while and finally came over with no welcome, just seemed disheveled. Asked if we could have a light at our VIP table as others have and she said they were all out of charge. For the amount of money that we spent on that table, we had to use our cell phones for light. We ordered something light to snack on since we just left dinner and was served some hard cold chicken strips. Waitress would walk by and not even look in our direction. Also the women's bathroom had two stalls of which one was completely stopped and the other was not well constructed as the toilet is too close to the door. It was not well kept up. What saved me from completely going left is the entertainment. It was great but not worth the poor service and unkept restroom. There are other places with live entertainment whereas you pay for the value in the overall experience. This place has potential but is not well managed. Over priced and under serviced.

If "Grown & Sexy" were a venue, LOOK NO FURTHER! If you enjoy live jazz music, an incredible atmosphere, and bomb drinks & food, make sure you consider Empire State Jazz Cafe as your next date night destination! We enjoyed EVERY MINUTE of the 4 hours we were there, listening to the tunes provided by "Smooth Inversions". Wait staff was awesome, attentive & super friendly! We had the pleasure of enjoying drinks prepared by the owner, who's a superb mixologist, by the way! Those old fashions definitely packed a punch! Lol! Please check 'em out & let 'em know my Google Review was too good to not try 'em out!!

The food was delicious and the band was amazing. I will definitely return to this establishment.

rhe drinksa, the entertainment, the food great, ambiance, great, service, naw...went for valentine 2025...if they get the SERVICE and COMMUNICATION together...this would be the spot!!

The customer service is EXCELLENT! the food is delicious to the taste. The best gumbo in Houston. It is the BEST I have ever had the pleasure to eat! Entertainment was on point! if you desire a classy night with family and friends this is the place. I will return for another great outing!

Roy L. Jackson Sr. Performance waslAmazing! When he plays his saxophone he just takes you away. Wishing continuous Blessings to you. I can listen to you anytime and anywhere! Empire State is By far the most Amazing Black Owned Cafe that I have ever patronized. Amazing food, Amazing Service, the ambiance set the tone for our experience. Let Everyone Who Has Ears, Listen! Visit Empire State Cafe!

We bought tickets for their Valentine's Day dinner and jazz show. A pre-fixed three course menu was included with the ticket. I was really excited for date night and just found out about this jazz club on eventbrite. Doors opened at 7, and we arrived around 7:30pm. It is located in a plaza and had plenty of parking. We checked in with the hostess at the door and she escorted us to the table. The ambience was nice, dim table lights and lights on stage made a romantic setting. So far so good.... We waited at least a solid 45 min after we sat down to be greeted by a waiter. We had to flag someone down to say we haven't been asked if we wanted to order drinks. A guy finally stopped by and said he was unaware we were his table and asked for our drink and appetizer order. We asked if he wanted our entree orders as well and he said he would come back for it. Drinks took another 20-30 min to come out and the appetizer (gumbo) came out 40/45 minutes later. We thought that was unusually slow for something that is premade. We soon realized that service here is extremely slow. All the tables were sold out, but it wasn't a big place and they had 3 waiters. Yet two plates were coming out of the kitchen every 20 minutes. Once again we had to flag down our waiter to take the rest of our meal order. I asked for a lemonade three times before he finally brought it. He kept forgetting and it's already bottled. All he had to do was get it and a cup of ice, but that took him 45 min. The band (Sounds of A&R) started right on time at 8pm. They played a few sets with a couple intermissions. They sounded good and had a different style. Instead of singing regular covers, they put a jazzy rendition to it. Some were hit or miss, but overall enjoyed them! But if only I could have enjoyed my food while watching them. After we finally got our appetizers, it took another hour to get our entree! It was 10pm when our steaks came out. I cannot blame this on the waiter, it was the kitchen that was moving extremely slow. So many people were upset at the end of the evening because of the dinner service. The couple across our table didn't even get to eat. The band had packed up and left around 10:30pm and they had to wait for their food to go. We also had to ask for our desserts to go. We could not sit and enjoy them when the whole event was over. It really is a shame that we got our dinner plate 2.5 hours after being seated. And the food was actually pretty good (like 4/5 rating). Hubby had seafood gumbo which was right on point with flavor! I had the chicken and sausage gumbo. It was just a teeny tad salty but still flavorful and very meaty which I liked. My steak could have been hotter (not sure how long it sat before I got it) but it wasn't cold. It was made to order just as we asked, which we were surprised they got the temp of the meat right. They didn't have steak sauce but it was seasoned well where you really didn't need it. Mashed potatoes were good. I took a couple bites of the chocolate cake while it was still hot before we left. It was yummy. Disappointed it did not come with ice cream because it was advertised as a La mode, but we couldn't take the ice cream with us anyway. I really would have given this place 4 stars if it wasn't for the terribly slow service. Maybe it was an off-night. I'm not sure since this is my first impression.

It is hard to describe what I experienced last night, but in a short sentence, nice try on the business to celebrate valentine. They need to realise that they don't have the space, neither the experience or by any means the actitudes of service. One thing I have to credit is the food ( great taste) hats off to the chef. Good thing they have music to listen while waiting for more than three hours for a meal

Ugh, I am so disappointed with 3/4 of this place. Before I review my disappointments, I would like to rave about the amazing band Ronnie Coleman and Merlot. They were excellent and the only reason why we stayed. The venue & Food: we attended the feel Good Friday . The tickets were $25 each. When arrived it was clear that it was a very small venue. I received the food and drink menus and skimmed over the options and prices . The mixed drinks listed ranged from $15-20 dollars and the champagne flute $20. The domestic beers are $6. Immediately, I confirmed that the drinks were extremely overpriced. Man, the food was even more of a disappointment. I ordered the $40.00 jerk lamb chops (medium) which came with mash potatoes and asparagus. Honestly, this plate should not have been served. The lamb chops taste like a frozen tv dinner reheated in the microwave, no jerk flavor with a heavy splash of lime. Very much overcooked. The pictures do not lie *. The mash potatoes were just that . No flavor or butter. The asparagus was laughable. Very tasteless, no season, salt or butter . What a complete disappointment. I honestly felt like I was eating dog food . My husband, sister and mother ordered the chicken with mash potatoes and asparagus. As of mine, their food was also very dry and distasteful. The band : Ronny Coleman and Merlot was phenomenal. They played so unbelievably beautiful. If you have a chance, check them out because they were awesome . Take backs: I would not attend this venue again . There is a 18% automatic gratuity, no split checks and the service was mediocre at best .If you do come, I would skip the food, especially if it was the same food choices that we were provided. Just enjoy the music and dj. Seriously ...

A must try spot to enjoy jazz with excellent food! DELICIOUS! Free Little highly recommends this place. Roy L. Jackson, Sr. was featured saxophonist awesome performance. Audience was engaged and had a great time.

Mandatory 18% gratuity- No split checks. I really don't like when businesses do this. I typically tip 20%+ but that's based on the actual service I receive. No split checks is just lazy. So someone has to Boss up and cover the bill for everyone or be prepared to cashapp each other. Food a little more expensive than expected based on the environment. $40 lamb chops with paper napkins is an interesting choice. Food was terrible and under seasoned. They said it was a Cajun butter chicken but it had no sauce or any butter flavor whatsoever. Strangely, even though we ordered first, somehow the food came out barely room temperature. The chicken tasted reheated and not freshly cooked. We asked for more Cajun butter but when the server returned she said they don't have any and that the chicken was marinated in it. Marinated? In butter? You BASTE with butter but marinating with butter is a wild concept. And if they did, it sure didn't work. The chicken was very dry. My wife and sister in law both got the jerk lamb chops. They ordered them medium but both came well done. They both seriously disliked the food. Everyone at our table was upset with the food they received. The asparagus by the way was cooked and then added to the plate with no seasoning whatsoever. Don't let my photography skills fool you- the food was really bad. The venue opens at 7 but live music doesn't start til 9. People started coming in around eight. There was a DJ while you wait for the live music on Fridays. TheDJ was really good. Cocktails were $16-$20 and I just went with beer. The beer was served barely cooler than room temp. The server was nice but she didn't know about the drinks nor the menu items. The live music was great though and the best part of the night. It was the ONLY reason I didn't leave upset about the $25 cover charge. We saw Ronnie Coleman Jr and Merlot Music. Mannnn these guys got down! Great music, great energy, great show. I would definitely recommend checking them out wherever they are performing.

We came here for the Jazz brunch from 12-3. It's a very intimate place. Pretty much all of us there were probably 35 and over, so it was very calm and easy-going environment. We all chilled and enjoyed the company of our dates, to some food and live jazz. For the Jazz event itself, you had to pay 10 bucks for the ticket. It was well worth it. Prices vary for evening jazz, but again...it's well worth it. Will definitely be back.

Sunday Brunch featuring Saxophonist, Roy L. Jackson, Sr. The music was in time, gospel, R&B, Jazz and Soul. Went with a friend who was looking for a venue for her birthday in April. Everything was an A+, music, food, drinks and service. Definitely a place to enjoy on a beautiful Sunday after church.

I've been wanting to come here for some time after following via IG for a while. I'm so glad I decided to come out. Located in a strip mall, there is ample parking. So if parking gives you anxiety/worries, be relieved. The spot is a cozy intimate space. Dimly lit tables create a nice ambiance. Feels like the BlueNote in NY. Just not as tight! The sign says "Live Music, Great Food. They ain't lying either. Them Jerk Lamb Chops were so tasty. Cleared my plate I was blessed to partake in musical delight from RedLoc Music (Check them out!) Customer service was top tier, immaculate! Everyone that I came In contact with was so very helpful and attentive. I didn't get many pictures/video, too busy watching the show! I really enjoyed myself. Oh and did I mention, they are Black owned Thank you Empire State Jazz Cafe for setting off the birthday festivities!

I visited this venue on yesterday. The food, service and entertainment was very good. It offered a pleasant ambiance, good service, tasty food and the jazz band was impressive! I had a very nice time but unfortunately won't be returning. My only disappointment was the up charge on every single item. Subsequently, it made the total bill higher, and their was an 18% service charge added to the total. The waitress said her tip wasn't included in the service charge, therefore we gave a seperate tip to her. I have never heard of an MB tax but that was a seperate charge. I am intentional with supporting black owned businesses but all of the extra charges added from this venue won't allow me to continue to support.

Had a great time, it started on time and the food/drinks was excellent, but the music was amazing!!! Loved the down home vide . Empire State Jazz Cafe was all that with Roy L. Jackson jazz musician. Keep doing y'all thang cause it is so relaxing .

Amazing atmosphere on Saturday night! We were celebrated the weekend of MLK and had a great time. The love music band playing was saxophone player jrsaxophonic out of Kansas City! The drinks were amazing, food was great, and the service was impeccable. Truly appreciate the hospitality and will definitely be back!

Music great , potatoes, asparagus was great and drinks were great. Steak received was tough . They were out of the rib eye .. We did not appreciate being told after being seated and offered service that it was a 25$ table fee because a reservation was not made . We did not appreciated when given the bill at the end of the night that the table fee went from 25$ to 50$ plus 18% gratuity . We would have appreciated being told at the door that it was 50$ to come in to be seated . Rate 2 stars

This is an intimate spot that has great vibes/wonderful customer service. A nice size spot that has table seating for the performances which is every Friday for Jazz music. The food was very delicious. Great options to choose from

Went to Empire for Sunday Brunch.The live jazz music was amazing, as well as the food and service. I would definitely recommend..

We drove 1:40 min to see Dean James today. He was scheduled to play for brunch today at the club. The power was out but he was still there. The lights came on and he played. It was wonderful. The music, the staff, the drinks and the food. Everyone was so nice. We will be going back.

Walk-ins are welcome. It cost $25. The band started performing at 8 pm so it wasn't worth coming at 7 pm as we did. There wasn't a bartender until probably 2 hours later. Otherwise you pick what's there and tell the guy how to make it. They didn't have a drink menu either. FOOD: It took forever for food to come out. Some folks got their plate before us when they came 30-40 minutes after we ordered. For instance, there was a lady who ordered and received her plate 5 minutes before we did but she arrived 15 minutes ago. Wtf?!!! So it appears that they have no order in which they bring out food. There also seemed to be only 1 waiter handling everyone, which was about 16 people. I ordered Bourbon St Blackened Salmon, which was $35. It came with crawfish and shrimp in a sauce on top, which the menu didn't say so. There were some bits that were a little bit too salty. But at least it wasn't dry at all due to the sauce. Very good flavor overall. For sides, I got mac and cheese and cajun green beans. Enjoyed the mac and cheese but the green beans wasn't what I expected. It had a sweet rather than savory taste. I was expecting it to be 'fresh' green beans and not canned. They gave us bottled water in the beginning but there was no mention of if it's included in the cover charge. Ratings: Bourbon St Blackened Salmon = 4/5 Mac and cheese = 5/5 Cajun green beans = 2/5 Overall, the band was decent. 2 guitarists, a keyboardist, a drummer, and 2 vocalists. The female vocalist had a very good voice. They wanted the crowd to participate but no one really did. They sang some familiar songs. Half the crowd left after they took a break. One thing to note is they charge a 18% gratuity, which was not mentioned on the menu or told to us beforehand.

Amazing jazz spot, incredibly talented musicians, cozy & intimate, it was a good time-wish we had arrived earlier in the evening...because we still paid $40/person walk-in for a table and there was only an hour left of the show. I do understand why they can't prorate (then everyone would be showing up later in eve.!) but will know for next time and plan ahead!! Wine selection is limited. As a side note...the bathroom configuration needs to be fixed-the one working stall had a door that opened into the counter and leaves about 12 inches to fit through.

If my recent visit is indicative of how this place operates; you should seriously avoid it at all costs. I wasted close to $400 for tickets and food & beverage for a party of four and it was one of the biggest rip-offs of my entire life. The band that played on the night I visited was wonderful and I enjoyed their set very much... but this review is for the Empire State Jazz Cafe establishment, which was a complete and utter disaster. Forget "supper club" -- most of the items on the menu were unavailable when we arrived one hour before showtime. And in the end, 3 of our 4 entrees never showed up at all. Our waiter apologized the first time he made his rounds, but then he avoided us for close to an HOUR until we finally succeeded in flagging him down. "It's crazy back there [in the kitchen] tonight!" was the closest we got to an apology before he said that he'd go check on our food. Five minutes later, we watched him put on his coat and walk right out of the building. Not kidding. The one entree that did arrive was a generic, tasteless lump of fried food served on a plain white plate. I expected a lot more for the ~$30 price point. We at least got one round of drinks before our waiter bailed, though the Manhattan that I had was watered down by ice and clearly used Fireball whisky. Nobody wants their Manhattan to taste like drinking a pack of Big Red chewing gum. Yuck. The band was clearly very talented but the same could not be said for the guy running the sound board. The lead guitarist kept giving him signals, gesturing to his monitor, talking to him between songs, and it still took four or five songs (and a LOT of squealing feedback) before he finally got it dialed in. We could not wait to get out of there, but we were of course delayed because the second waiter had to adjust the bill to remove the items that never arrived. He was not at all surprised by the situation, and he also made ZERO attempt to apologize. He just grunted in acknowledgement as he fiddled with the tablet. I paid for what little we did receive but the mandatory 18% gratuity was insulting. People of Houston: go elsewhere for your jazz and your supper. You deserve better than this.

Small intimate spot that has amazing food; I recommend the Jerk Lamb Chops! They have a D.J. and a live band that was phenomenal. Great spot for a date night! The hubby and I went on a Friday night. I was empty, but I think that is due to the Holidays. Would highly recommend this spot!

Loved the intimate setting it's not a big place so you don't have to be worried about it being overcrowded this one my second time going. We went for Valentines dinner the live music was really nice the dinner consisted of an appetizer, entree's, and dessert.Oh complimentary cocktails I had the seafood gumbo which was delicious 8/10 I had the salmon for my entree 8/10 and desert was bread pudding. The music was great definitely going back.

My husband brought me after church and what a beautiful Sunday afternoon date. Drinks were AH-mazing! Ambiance was perfect. Food--SOO GOOD! Low key and great vibes. We will be back soon! #Oxtailswerethebomb

When looking for a special place to take my wife for her birthday I came upon the Empire State Jazz Cafe and boy was I glad I did! First, the dark, thoughtfully lit atmosphere was great, intimate and romantic, with clear views of the stage. Before the performers took the stage, music was provided by a live DJ who set the mood. Each table was tastefully set with black on black table cloths and our own personal lamp. The menus were attractive as well as informative. Secondly, service was outstanding. Kind, efficient, and professional, our waiter and hostess were extremely accommodating and helpful. They do add an 18% gratuity charge to the bill but for us it was well worth it. We were so impressed with the service, we added an additional 20% tip. The food was absolutely incredible. We really enjoyed the blackened salmon with crawfish etoufee and the seafood gumbo was some of the best I've ever had. We rarely have dessert but we had to try the peach cobbler and we were glad we did. It was really delicious. Portion sizes of our entire meal were generous. Although we just had wine with our meal, they offer a wide variety of specialty drinks that we will definitely take advantage of next time we go. Finally, the headline performers provided us with some of the best live music I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. Playing tight, soulful jazz for 2 and a half hours was the Jeff Magnus Band. I can't fully explain just how absolutely incredible and entertaining the show was. It was obvious that all five musicians were extremely talented and experienced but their showmanship was off the charts good. The vibe, the groove, and the choice of tunes were very impressive and enjoyable. If this is a prime example of the entertainment that gets booked, we will definitely be returning. The whole special experience provided by the Empire State Jazz Cafe was not only memorable but fun!

All Smooth Jazz Lovers this is the One of the Best Jazz Cafe/Bar/ Fine Dining/Club in Houston, hands down. Great Food! Great Drinks! Great Entertainment!!!! Go Check it out for yourself.

Still need work staff is confused I had to get my on utensils food was good ,drinks to

Food: I took 3 friends out and I was so embarrassed, two of them ordered catfish nuggets and one person's nuggets were twice as large as the others. It would have been a good idea if the kitchen staff could have mixed them up and evenly distributed them. When I brought it to the waitress attention she said they ran out of nuggets and at that point the performance hadn't even started. I ordered 8 chicken tenders but only got 4 which was to my advantage because the tenders were tough and the bbq sauce was not very good. Also, everyone at the table weren't served at the same time. Service: Soma people commented that the waitresses were unprofessional and not well trained but to their defense there were only 2 waitresses for the entire venue. Though they didn't bring us utensils and napkins along with the food they were overwhelmed because one of waitresses was also mixing the drinks. And also the price of the food and the 18 % service fee - it was too much because the quality of the food wasn't forth the amount. I don't mind paying for GOOD food and a service charge but the food but make it worth the amount. The ladies room only had one stall working and it was pee was all over the floor and the tissue was low and the paper towel dispenser was empty. I asked for the owner and he or she wasn't available, but someone should have been available to attend to slowness and shortage of food and the 2nd ladies stall need to be fixed for the volume of women in attendance and the prices we paid. The only caveat was the entertainment. I would love to see Stephen Richard again and if he perform at this venue in the future, I will eat and have cocktails before I go.

The food was not good, but it was better than the service. The service was HORRIBLE. I want to be nice, but we had a terrible experience on our date night. Entertainment: EXTRAORDINARY!!! Stephen Richard was very good and the Dialect Band playing with him were great also. The music was the only reason we didn't walk out. Drinks: Tasty, but the liquor was not good quality. Overpriced for what they served us. Food: My husband and I ordered the catfish and chicken/sausage gumbo. My catfish (tasted fishy) was served without utensils and condiments. Fortunately for me I recognized there was a service table with those items. So, I politely helped myself with those items. The most HORRIFIC thing was my husband's gumbo (over seasoned with salt) came 2 hours later. The 18% mandatory gratuity was not deserved, and the food was overpriced for the quality. The waitresses were courteous, but clearly unprofessional, not organized, and very inefficient. We mentioned to them repeatedly our gumbo had not been served, they pretended to care but the staff made no effort to resolve the issue. There seemed to be a lack of leadership. We will NEVER again go to this venue.

This place has all the ingredients to make a restaurant TERRIBLE. Overpriced, super poor service, average food and average drinks (if it actually gets to the table)...more on this later). Several people left early or cancelled their order because the wait was so long. The ONLY saving grace was the music. The jazz artists (Southern Dialect) who performed were amazing? They are the only reason our night was not completely ruined. Food: It took TWO hours to get our food and it was overpriced left overs. It was clear the food was NOT fresh. Mashed potatoes looked old and the asparagus was hard to cut. I ordered the jerk lamb chops...they were very small....3 small pieces and definitely not worth $40. We ordered the "Mardi Gras" pasta? Basic ziti pasta is a wet Alfredo sauce with bell peppers and some Cajun seasoning. No meat or seafood: $16. We also ordered the steak (which was huge) but smelt spoilt and we had to have them take it back. The "gourmet" fries? You know it was Ore Ida lol. The catfish tenders were a 7/10 so that's a plus I guess. Oh please note, if you have a closed tab they cannot take any order off your bill...only open tabs. Drinks: It also took 2 hours for the drinks. Also overpriced and served in skinny glasses with ice to give the illusion of fancy. Long Island Ice tea? They gave us strawberry lemonade but you know that it was Tropicana. Service: The waitresses were polite but clearly not trained. They did not know how to carry food properly: they had no trays and fingers touched the food because of how they carried the plate. They were disorganized and did not know who ordered what and forgot to put in orders...with all these issues there is a MANDATORY 18% gratuity. Music: As I said this was really good and helped us get through the night. However they make you make a reservation for 7pm but the artists do not come on until 9pm. I'm sure this is done to encourage you to order the overpriced food or drinks In conclusion, do NOT come here for a special occasion or if you do not mind waiting 3 business days for your order...but do come here if you are not hungry or thirsty and love jazz music...then again you can go somewhere else to get better food, service and music.

Food and drinks were excellent and the music phenomenal! The service was outstanding, very warm and friendly. The staff was gracious and very attentive Without feeling smothered.

I asked my wife what she'd like to do for her birthday and she wanted to have a good meal and listen to some live music. By coincidence a friend posted that his band would be playing there so we took a chance. What an experience! The food was AWESOME!, the service EXCELLENT !, ambiance is AMAZING! The band sounded GREAT! We had a wonderful time! Will definitely be back to try other things from the menu!

To start of the musician was great! The service was terrible. The bartender was unprofessional with an attitude and should be fired. He doesn't know how to make drinks. I returned my drink and ordered another one and never recieved it. The server was sweet and stressed out due to a new system she stated. Overall terrible experience and I won't return! Date night Flop

Such a gem of a place! Great live music. Service is amazing-- you really feel like family while you're here. Can't wait to come back again! Food was so good!!

I don't know where to begin. If you are used to mediocre service, you will still be disappointed. If you're used to great service, you will be frustrated and never to return. My intent of this post is to offer advice to the owner(s). 1. Please train your staff on customer service including those who deliver the food. They seem angry. Also require a uniform or a simple apron for your food servers. 2. Don't offer VIP. Research the benefits of VIP. If anyone thinks they are getting a VIP experience at Empire, he/she doesn't really know VIP. 3. Invest in better tables. Covering plastic wobbly tables with a black tablecloth is poor taste. 4. Consider a remodel to accommodate bathrooms. It offers uneasiness when patrons must use the facilities, but the facilities are located in the FRONT and NEXT TO THE STAGE, where patrons are forced to be seen each time they visit the facilities. 5. Train the booked bands not to chastise guests for not being responsive enough. After all, much of the blame rests with the poorly run venue. Treat your patrons better, and in return, patrons will be more responsive to the band. It's wrong for patrons to get blamed/chastised because of management. 6. If you're going to have a host/hostess podium, it would be a great idea to have a manned host/hostess. The purpose of a host is to greet. So there's no purpose for a host podium when there's no host. 7. Label your entry gate. 8. No patron should constantly hunt down waitstaff over and over again for simple water. The one and only good thing I can say is cudos to the Italian bartender and server (which shouldn't be one in the same). He suggested a delicious basil cocktail, which was delicious. He was very pleasant even though he was stretched way too thinly. At least he smiled and seemed genuine and better trained. We won't return as we refuse to pay for horrible services. Please consider revamping, which means closing this establishment until further notice or hiring an experienced restaurant consultant where you can get a chance to offer a second impression, and hopefully, jazz lovers will return. Otherwise, ESJC will be short-lived, and the loyal customer base will not happen. It's telling when 40+ aged patrons tune out the band and rather be on their phone rather than enjoy the experience. Frankly, and unfortunately, it wouldn't be hard to believe ESJC is a low-budget front for something else.

The first time i tried to get in here we came too late and they were booked solid. So for father day my ol lady knows i like live bands and music. She booked us a table here and when i tell you i enjoyed the vibes, music, drink and food. It's an understatement. The waitress and staff all were nice to us. I will be back to enjoy this experience again. I would like to say thank you to the staff band and establishment for everything. Keep being great and producing quality and not just worried about quantity..

The venue is very small, dark and intimate. There is a per person table charge or ticketcharge. The band was setting up when we arrived. It would have been nice to have jazz playing while guest are waiting. Food was ok, I had the blackened chicken with lumpy water logged mashed potatoes. There was no flavor to the potatoes. I had to finish mashing them myself. l witnessed others having to get out their fork to finish doing the cooks job. They also forgot to trim the ends from the asparagus. You do not have to tip due to you are already charged 18% on your bill. The band was good, the singer was amazing. Probably will not go back. We paid $89.00 for the table/entertainment and our food and drink bill was $152.003 drinks were $44.00. The rest was food, 18% added gratuity and tax.

So much to unpack. 1. Music was way too loud. This isn't The Address so I'd like to be able to hear the person who is sitting 2 inches away from me. 2. Pricing. Your menu prices should reflect the quality of the food, location and portion size. I'm referring to beverages as well. Average cocktail prices were $15 and I pay that or less at Joey Uptown, Cheesecake Factory or Moxies all of which are in a good location, nice presentation with ambiance. This place in is a rundown shopping center with trash all over the parking lot. Also the only option for water was bottled OZARK water for FIVE DOLLARS. 3. Service. While I understand a large party requires additional time, there is absolutely no reason that people in our party didn't get their food inside of two and a half hours. Our meals were brought out one by one. Our waitress did a good job until she stood on a chair in an attempt to try to make a joke out of me being tall, but that's a conversation for another day. In summation, I won't be back.

The music is great. The service is nonexistent. We were seated an hour before ordering drinks and food. At the time we were seated there were only other tables. Once we ordere, the drinks cam, but the food was never sent to the kitchen. And an hour and a half later, the waitress comes back, with an attitude, asking if we received our second round of drinks that we didn't order. Then she comes back to verify that we still wanted the food. We canceled the food order and enjoyed the music. Do not come hungry.

I'm choosing middle of the road for several reasons. I will start with the good, first. GLOWS: The atmosphere is very nice. The crowd is mature, professional and diverse. The music from the featured artists is great. It's small but just intimate for good vibes and romance...whatever the preference. The DJ is excellent. A great spot for the grown and sexy. GROWS: THE FOOD IS TOO SALTY! We sent one of our plates back and after an hour and a half, we just said forget it. Other patrons at other tables complained about the excessive salt. For food prices $20-$50, I expected better quality. This isn't the only review that communicates about the saltiness. Service is very slow because they are grossly UNDERSTAFFED. Two people waiting on everyone AND bartending seems like the owner needs to hire more help! The ladies restroom was HORRIBLE. No soap, paper towels, or tissue paper. One out of two stalls have a large sign OUT OF ORDER. The servers take down the table linens while customers are still listening to music instead of removing plates and empty glasses or even asking if people want more to drink. Literally, we must flag one out of two servers to get more to drink...which tonight, didn't happen. I'm just wondering what we are paying for when we were charged for our seats and an automatic 18% gratuity for subpar food, service, and accommodations. The more we want to support our small business owners, the more they disappoint because they don't take care of the details that COMPLETE the experience. Would I come back? Yes. I will give them another try BUT I'm NOT eating here. I like my blood pressure to stay in check. So, I'll be eating BEFORE coming out and probably making a proper drink or two. The bartender service is a whole other story that disappoints on another level. Hire a proper bartender!

MINUS 10 Stars! n a word HORRIBLE! To elaborate would only echo the 1 star reviews already posted and I choose not to waste another breath on a place that will be CLOSED soon.

I had a surprise Date Nite at Empire State Jazz Cafe and was not disappointed. The entertainment (Roy Johnson Sr), food and ambiance were top notch. Don't sleep on this intimate establishment. I would HIGHLY recommend.

I have been a follower of contemporary Jazz since the 70s and I recently relocated to the Houston area and I came across this establishment and now I'm a frequent patron. The acts they book are top notch and I have not had a bad experience thus far. The establishment is perfect for an intimate night out. It's not too big and every seat in the house is perfect. To top the experience off, they also, serve food and the dishes they prepare are always on point especially, their Gumbo. The waitstaff is timely and they do their best to make sure each patron needs are met. Each month I find at least one act that I must see. Finally, the price of admission is a steal compared to these acts that are playing at the larger venues. If you looking for an intimate live concert where you can actually interact with the musicians, this is the spot.

Great food fun staff and wonderful live entertainment from Jazz to poetry. There is a brunch on the weekend and Jazz Supper Club on Saturdays.

Amazing ambiance. The night that I visited, it was a complete and total vibe. LOVED the live music, it was definitely the highlight of my night. The food was alright, I personally won't complain about it. Service is their biggest room for improvement. My friend ordered her meal as soon as she arrived and got her extremely late. It was impossible to track down our waiter and it took forever for us to pay our check. With all that said, I will definitely go again.

The service was very subpar. The waitress took the order wrong not to mention we waited about an hour for the food to come. When we arrived, we seated ourselves. The artist was superb , Lin Roundtree. Would I come back. Probably not.

This establishment was definitely a great choice to visit while in Houston this past weekend . The food was amazing. The staff were friendly and attentive, also knowledgeable about the dishes to direct those whom were indecisive. The band was crisp and jammin'. Adding this cafe to the "Must pull up" list for Houston.

Loved the ambience the whole place is a vibe. We went here to listen to some live music and have dinner and it was amazing great date night choice. I enjoyed my food and cocktails and the atmosphere and live music just made the night unforgettable 10 out of 10 recommend for your next da night or girls night ou.