Harvelle's

I had a great time celebrating my birthday. There was some miscommunication initially with me being overcharged my door fee but the manager and I worked it out. Despite that, I walked into a magical live performance that was a mix of burlesques and jazz. I loved it! I’d def recommend to anyone in the downtown Santa Monica area. Great for social occasions or to spice up a night out on the town. Especially good for tourists wanting something different than your usual bar!

Fun bar. Great music. It only advertises jazz, but the night we were there it was rock. Fun place!

Harvelles is a cool place to see live music. Been a few times and although the stage is small, the tech who sets it all up does a great job of making it feel like a big show, with interesting lights and even a bit of smoke at the right times! We saw Artur Menenez, who is a wonderful guitarist with his band members who all hail from Brazil. All of them were great. There are plenty of options for watching the show. A long wall of padded bench seating with tables flanks one side of the long bar, and taller bar stools are closer to the stage along each wall. There is a small dance area in front of the stage and a few people were here having a good time there. It's overall a chill vibe

We came on a Sunday night for jazz and a show, the band and singers- amazing! the dancers were so talented, the bartender was on point, and the atmosphere was amazing

Small joint with a stage featuring live music. Went for Valentine's Day and saw the Brobots. Great time!

Not cheap, but unique and fun. The place has a vintage bar vibe. We have visited on two different Wednesdays for their karaoke with a live band. We have had a great time both times. The band is amazing at backing up random singers, and most of the singers are great/hyper-enthusiastic. The food is out back with a separate vendor, and it was really good, too. Bouncers/doorman are effective, but sweet. The drinks are light for their price IMO ($16 each), but the bartender is cool. Don’t show up early! It doesn’t get rolling until 9:30-10:00 p.m.. and don’t forget to tip the band, as well as all the other folk!

Went for the Miss Nasty show and it was a superhit. Once in a while go and sit and enjoy! The place is small but a good bar. Right in Santa Monica. One thing bad was that closer to the end of the show people from the road just walked in, felt bad for someone like me who paid for the show! The admin should be more judicious.

This place is a really fun time on Sunday evening. The show starts at 9:30pm and it goes until about midnight. Good bartenders, taco food truck in the back that’s delicious. Live music and vibes.

Excellent no words to express the positive vibe and the performers and musicians and dancers all perfect Sincerely the most amazing time for a long time n thank you for the energy boost much needed ! Not to mention the service and the warmed if the staff and excellent customer service. Please maintain the vibe as needed at this crazy times to feel alive and joy

I visited your location around 11 PM on Saturday, 2/1. I sat in an empty seat near the stage while my husband stood beside me. To my left, a couple was seated--the man on a barstool, the woman dancing. After about 5 minutes, they left to dance, and my husband went to buy drinks. While I was alone, the woman returned, yelling at me to get out of "her" seat, even though she'd seen me sitting there. She pointed her finger in my face, acting aggressively. I calmly asked why she was yelling and why she believed the seat was hers. Then, a bartender (short, white male with piercings and a vest) came over and, without any explanation, yelled at me to leave. I was shocked, as I'd been sitting there for several minutes with no indication the seat was taken. The woman was clearly inebriated, and the staff's behavior was humiliating. As the only Latina in the establishment, I suspect the bartender's quick defense of the intoxicated white woman was influenced by bias.

It was cool and there's a good deal for a beer and a shot. However there is a 2 drink minimum which isn't great. The entire establishment had a strong odor of fish. I wasn't really a fan of that. There was live music which was good.

Awesome atmosphere and awesome drinks. Went there with friends and colleagues. Had a blast. There were 2 bands playing that totally rocked!!!! Cool staff and patrons!!!!

Still a great club. But my review now is based on the past even we attended. Visited again for a burlesque show! Honestly it was poorly coordinated. Even with a reservation and payment for a seat you did not get a great view and they just let guest be in the middle of the bar and booths and it takes away from the show. Not to mention some guest who did not pay for seats were taking up paid seats and then they made a big deal about it. Still haven't had an opportunity to try their food. So that will be my next update review

Where the heck did I go? and how can I get back again! My experience at Harvelle's was definitely a fun one. I normally find myself in Pasadena. I'm a lover of a jazz bar and an older crowd (Pasadena has a few), but I decided on something different and stuck to the Westside. I looked up who was playing at Harvelle's (Blowin Smoke) and decided to give the venue a try. Such a nice crowd. I love a diverse place where people from all walks of life can hang out, mingle and have a great time. It was such a blast and despite it being Santa Monica, there wasn't even a whisper of pretentiousness. Another cute solo date! I felt comfortable and safe at Harvelle's which is mega important as a single woman venturing out on the town. I will definitely put this place in rotation and will swing by here again (also I wanna try the 2.00 tacos in the back of the venue).

I didn't realize I hadn't updated in forever! I still really like it here but I don't go as often as I used to. HOWEVER, Liquid Kitty Punk Rock BBQ shows are a must! Sound is sometimes a hit/miss, but always a minor issue. If you expect it to get crowded, get here early, it's small. Bartenders are still serving great drinks.

Well the 9pm start time went out the window.... One of the bartender could own up to his size; the other added 4 inches to his stature... can we get a roller brush ..: lol ... waiting for what happens next

The place looked really nice on the inside and I wish it was worth staying, but we left within 5 minutes despite the music sounding good. After paying $10 each to get in, half the bar stools had a jacket on it so the person could "reserve" their stool while they were dancing but there were two open tables left, so we sit down because its the only place to. A waitress immediately comes over and says that to sit at a table it is 2 drink minimum per person. I wanted to drink that night but my wife didn't, so we just left. I've NEVER gone to a BAR that has a 2 drink minimum at a table. I expect that from a Comedy Club. You're a bar. Get a bigger venue, more tables, and food if you want to act like a 2 drink minimum establishment. If you decide to go expect to stand the entire time you're there if you're the DD.

A lot of fun! CASH ONLY COVER. Drinks were basic, but the entertainment is live!!! And the dance floor was jumping! A few young drunk punks, but was able to ignore or dismiss them okay. Get in early to save seating or make reservation. Didn't try the for there (pop up cook in the back patio) but you are able to bring your own food no problem.

Old school since 1931. We came to this dive bar to watch Led Zepagain play some classic rock n roll, it was a 20 bucks cover charge. We arrived at 800pm when the doors opened for the evening. They don't offer beer on tap but the bottled beer prices are between 8 and 9 bucks and they accept credit cards. Great night to watch live music and the place was packed. The taco stand behind the bar looks good but is too overpriced for me.

Horrible staff, at the door. Right off the bat the door guy had a horrible attitude, I never been had been here before he continued to tell me about the cover and that didn't care wether I came in or not because they have been here for 100 years, and I could come un anyway because of the plastic spikes bracelet I was wearing. I do want to come check it out one day, but right off the bat had a horrible experience.

The staff is awful. They were rude and treated us awful. I use to love this place and the show but coming here again was a disappointment. We were nothing but nice to everyone, they were not even busy. We were sitting at our table and the only question we asked was what time the show was starting. Someone told us the bar man's name was Rob, that wasn't his name and he got annoyed at us. We were apologetic and nice about it. Little did we know the bouncer came to our table and said we needed to leave. This place used to be great, this last year it has gone downhill

All I can say is WOW!! The best time ever! Tuesday nights is live Music and is awesome. Just go already!

The ambiance is amazingggg. And the live music is what really makes this place. Also Jason is super cool! Thank you

My husband and I went to Harvelle's for one of their burlesque shows and it exceeded my expectations. This bar has a speakeasy vibe with dim lighting and nice ambiance. They also have Several Small cocktail tables to enjoy the show at and it was very affordable. Would definitely recommend.

Delicious food served in the back. IG: Soulusiontwistcaltering. I had some barbecue rib tacos, and a brisket burrito, so so good!!

Incredible music, amazing service and I just love the ambiance!! I've come here a few times and every time it's an absolute blast!

Great local music club with a comfortable bar and friendly staff. Love the music lineup and the whole feel of the place!

To the bartender who was cruel and chastised a friend who has fallen on tough times with her health who came to the bar with her SERVICE ANIMAL...SHAME ON YOU. I hope management and the owner reads this and actually takes charge on amending this abhorrent behavior by their employee. How awful of a person must you be to give someone with a disability a hard time for having their medically needed animal with them? GROSS. I hope the ADA folks hear about this. Have a great day.

Two years ago I walked by this place I know it's known for its jazz and blues. It's very close to the magic Opolis theater, where they do magic shows. I've always wanted to go to Harvelle's, but I've never gone to years ago. I took my friend Benihanna for her birthday and I have a house is basically across the street. We popped her head and it was a Wednesday they were getting ready for rock band karaoke, wow I thought I have to come back here when I'm ready so I did last night. I am no longer a Harvelle's's rockband karaoke version. I sang celebrity skin by hole. It was great never mind the guy who I tried to make reservations with online and never responded to me who wanted to charge me five dollars to get in I paid the five dollars and I got in and I'll be going back again. The guy was kind of a douche for doing that to me by Veronica and the rest of the people there made up for it! Part two of my Harvelle's review went to Benihanna for my birthday and we just wanted across the street over to Harvelle's and it was a $15 each cover. I don't really know many places that do covers anymore but Harvelle's is one that stands Strong on it so we pay the 15 bucks each and there's also a 30 drink minimum each person. But like die I mean every drink is like 15 bucks in LA like so of course you're gonna do you $30 so I don't know whatever I guess by the guy being strict about it he feels like he's in control I don't know he seems a little bit of a controlling tyrant. But we're just gonna leave him to the side because after you get inside and you deal with the unpleasantness of the person who is at the door, who is like slapping all these rules on you before you even go into their club once you get inside it's cool it's jazzy. It's fun there was an Amy Winehouse act performing and she was good gave the whole vibe with the whole hair in the eyeliner and we were having a really good time. Totally enjoyed ourselves. All in all I love Harvelle's I don't like how rude and how strict the guy is at the front door. He can be a little nicer to the people that are coming to give his establishment money. That's my only issue, otherwise Harvelle's would've had five stars

Man is this a groovy place. Head banging fun on a Sunday afternoon and seriously talented kareoke singers on a Wednesday night. Gritty in the best way, suprisingly unsurly bartends - LOL - and cheap cover made for an authentic SoCal music experience.

One of the best experiences ever. The place is awesome. The staff are even better. The music and the bands are top notch. Ohhh and the tacos and burritos stand in the back parking lot is just amazing

I'd been to Harvelles to see the Toledo show before and was excited when I learned years later that the show was still going strong with some interesting additions. There are more dancers, different musicians, aerialist and some dancing on the bar. I took my girlfriend on a Sunday night and the show didn't disappoint. Our bartender, Damian was really cool. He took the time to make a drink he'd never attempted before and was even kind enough to check in on what my date thought of the drink (it was a Brandy Separator). Unfortunately we mistakenly printed our receipt without adding a tip but we'll definitely be back and will make up for it. Please thank Damian for being so cool about it. Pro tip: the doors open at 8 but the show starts at nine. The booths are the comfiest seats but the barstools closest to the stage offer the best view of the show. If sat at the bar, be sure to keep an eye on your drinks. Dancers dance on the bar for parts of the show and if you're not careful, yours might get knocked over at worst, removed at best.

Stopped by for impromptu meet up on a Friday night. Live bands were great and so was the crowd. Chill ambiance. Parked a ways away but there are plenty of parking structures near by. Check out the bands if in the area. Bring cash for the $5 cover charge.

It's a fun place with good acoustics. It was packed when I went last month to see Captain Danger. Had been here years ago.

Fantastic place to see a show or grab a drink. I hadn't been for years, and so glad some friends were playing there. The sound was great and there is plenty of room inside the bar area. One of the bands I saw had 9 people on stage and they all seemed comfortable enough to jam proficiently. Nice big old style booths line the wall and there is plenty of seating at the bar. Also an easily accessible big area in back to grab some air or catch up with people. The staff were nice enough. It's one of the last remaining dive bars left in Santa Monica and the vibes are excellent. Again being a lover of LA history, this is definitely a spot I will always appreciate and support. Rock on Harvelle's!

GREAT BAR!! Monday night's fundraiser is always a huge draw for talent. C.C. Thomas puts together the show and his talent as Diana Ross's musical director makes for a fabulous night of music and friendship.

Thank God (and Damian) for Harvelle's. The last true blues club left in LA. Cheap cover, reasonable drink prices, great employees, very mellow and friendly ambiance. Excellent sound.

Glorious. Gorgeous. And glamorous in only the good ways. This prohibition era speakeasy of a blues bar actually welcomed me to the stage for live band karaoke this Wednesday night--dreams do come true. Steph's rock band brings the talent out of all of us every Wednesday night here. Never miss them.

Wow, this place is freaking amazing! I honestly did not think I would like it but wow the energy is so fun and the crowd and staff are great! The artists are so talented and we are having so much fun! Drinks are also super cheap and right next door to a free parking garage! Highly recommended!! I'm gonna def come back!

Depending on the night this place can give you Karaoke, live bands, & burlesque dancing. I'd advise you check their calendar to see what night it is. They do charge to get in. There's usually food for sale in the back but sold from another vendor.

Such a fun club. The drinks are amazing here and show I went to was excellent when I saw The Toledo Show. The service and atmosphere were overall top notch. My date and I had such a fun time.

The blues are back in Santa Monica at Harvelle's blues club and we are all better off. A friend of mine was performing and a group of us sat in a booth in this narrow long bar with the performers at the far end of the bar. Food and a full bar fill out this excellent cozy room which has great sound if not the greatest site lines for the performers. The band was hot and the three female vocalists took turns raising the roof. The staff were masked as were the patrons when not eating or drinking. It did feel great to enjoy great life music. Get some blues to get over the blues at this fun hot joint near the Beach in Santa Monica.

Awesome house band with life karaoke. Drinks were good and service was friendly. Get there early and enjoy

Reportedly the oldest blues club in greater Los Angeles, open since 1931 in the same location. From the velvet drape where your cover is paid, to the long bar down on side and upholstered bench and cocktail tables on the right, the compact dance floor and stage in front of you has a classic old school club vibe that is hard to beat. I have been to harvelle's about 10 times over several years. The bouncer and waitresses are always friendly. As for the music, on select evenings there are still some notable acts, on others, great bands with great music. My favorite is Blowin' Smoke and the Fabulous Smokettes, a classic R&B band. If you arrive after 8:30 or 9:00, you'll have trouble finding a place to sit. The dance floor is fun, but when it's crowded, people stand on the dance floor, kind of a bummer, but what are you gonna do? I love this place!

Be careful of their sketchy and shady business practices, Glad to see some others have also come forward and are exposing these overcharges. This has been happening for far too long .. security, bartenders, managers, owner are clearly in on this and blatantly stealing from their unsuspecting customers and they need to be held accountable. DO NOT SUPPORT THIS BUSINESS ! This is a warning for all especially a tourist trap

Great bands - down to earth unpretentious vibe- affordable cover charge - always a good time

Great place for fun music and drinks.. waitress was great didn't catch her name but they call her Wednesday sometimes really sweet gal.. parking was great as well..

This place is great for live band Karaoke! I had a blast and would definitely recommend! The band members are awesome and tipped them a lot as this kind of art form is rare now these days. Make sure to be extra nice to the Drummer (Jim) because he works very hard and is there every Wednesday for live band karaoke to make performing with the a live band one of your dreams come true! If you have nothing to do on Wednesday, I suggest heading over there. It's always a party.

I absolutely love this really cool speakeasy music burlesque bar that has a really cool down to earth feel and it's definitely not to be missed. Have a drink at the bar on a night when they have burlesque which I think is every night and you'll have girls dancing and doing gymnastics above you I mean it's really a standout in this beach town I One night right before they close one is it customers/guess when I stage started dancing and everybody was here in the morning and this is what makes us play stand out, the fact that it's no attitude and super fucking cool

Different... We went for drinks. Service was good Entertainment was definitely unexpected. I was expecting a quaint little bar w live music but was given a great show The music while the band was on break could have been more up to date but overall a great night

Come on in don't miss out this is a gem of a place came in on a Sunday night for the 9:30 show it doesn't disappoint i would recommend it to anybody looking for something interesting and new to do in Santa Monica. Buy tickets before to save your self any hassle.

Love the live performances and the DJ kept the party rocking all night! You will definitely have fun with the party crowd that let their hair down at this club!

BEWARE OF USING YOUR CREDIT CARD - EXTRA TIPS ADDED AND STAFF SIGNING OFF ON RECEIPTS WITHOUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE!!I have thought about what to say when writing this review but at the end of the day - it's about customer service (or in this instance lack thereof) and how the issue was handled. I have been to Harvelle's before and really enjoyed myself. However, my last visit, in early July, left me upset not only at the business practices but the "Operating" Manager, Damian. After visiting, I saw numerous charges on my debit card - most fell off after 3 or 4 days. Two stuck out to me and I asked for copies which Damian provided with an explanation of my purchases - while correct were not in the order paid. I used my card 3 separate times (tickets and two drinks); however, two transactions were combined and a tip added - A TIP THAT I DID NOT INCLUDE AND A TOTAL BILL I DID NOT SIGN FOR! Seeing that this happened on both receipts, I reached out to Damian who explained that they add a set charge for tabs left open - note I didn't leave a tab open for any of my transactions. Going back and forth on email, I was accused of "not remembering what took place" or "I remember it how I want to" and was told there are signs posted around the inside of the club that call out the gratuity rule. I noticed the chalkboard/mirror in front of me which would have been a great place for this but I guess I am supposed to look around a dark club for signage about their cc policy! Yeah not so much As we continued, I stressed to Damian that this is pretty unethical and that I didn't authorize that amount. He ignored my comments, told me he would reimburse me for one of the tips when in fact there were two totaling $10. I was then told I could provide my cc number to him (which sounded like it was a burden to him) or provide my Venmo. I opted for the latter and my $10 was refunded. While many of you may say, it's only $10 and yes it is but it's the principle for me. Yes, I provided my card to the staff at Harvelle's willingly; however, when I see signatures on receipts that aren't mine -that's where I have a problem. Unethical, illegal and really bad business practices. Having been in restaurant and hospitality and dealing with irate customers daily, THIS would be a terminable offense for my staff - point blank period. To sign off as someone else AND add a tip - really not good business. I would say take heed when visiting but really you need to TAKE CASH in order to not be bamboozled by their staff!

Nothing compared to the live music venues in the Hollywood area. But after moving to the Westside, I realize it's very hard to head out of this area due to traffic and the simple fact that it's just super far from everything and the uber rides can add up. The evening I went (Friday), a local band was playing and I thought they were pretty bad. The place wasn't very crowded. The server wasn't very good. She seemed like she hated her job, never came around for refills so I had to keep flagging down the girl who she was training. Overall, not the greatest experience but it's still nice to have a live music venue in this area.

This is more of a review towards some of the reviewers. I have been in the bar business for 25 years and what these reviewers need to understand is that Harvelles is only preauthorizing to secure the safe and immediate return of the credit card. These preauthorizations fall of of the card in 24-48 hours. The simple fact that they don't go back or changed their review after they were processed fully, only means they are morons. Places like Harvelle's are a jewel.

The jazz experience was great and everything HOWEVER, as someone also mentioned, beware when you pay with your credit card ! I got charged 25$ for 2 PBR beers costing 6$ each and the bartender refused to give me the receipt saying that it "wasn't available"... How to ruin your night out...

Legendary Los Angeles music club for years and years. Cozy hip romantic vibe in here. Great music all the time but Wednesday Live Band Karaoke nights are my favorite. The house band kicks ass.