The Estate

We stopped in while visiting Milwaukee because we love a good jazz bar. We were not disappointed. The place is narrow in the front but goes back aways. We sat at the bar. The bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable. The drinks were excellent, and the live, local jazz was fun to listen to. We enjoyed our time and would certainly return!

Still top 5 venues to catch live music. Intimate, quirky layout and the staff make you feel very valued- and I do mean all of them! Blown away how nice! The patrons were in great spirits as well. Tommy Stinson tore it up Saturday Nite!

The Estate is a sophisticated Milwaukee gem with top-notch jazz and vibes that feel straight out of another era. The dim lighting, vintage décor, and cozy tables make it the perfect spot to unwind, especially with a well-made drink in hand (their cocktails never miss). My girlfriend and I spent New Year’s Eve here, and it was refreshingly low-key. Just great music, good company, and a calm way to ring in the new year without the usual chaos. A few years back, I ended up at The Estate for a local video game-maker’s event, and the whole place was filled with custom arcade machines you could actually play. It was such a cool twist on the usual jazz night, and I’d love to see something like that pop up again. It doesn't matter if you’re there for the music or a unique event, The Estate will always deliver on atmosphere and service!

This a cool little spot with a great vibe. The sound is good and has nice site lines for the bands. Drink menu is a big expensive but the cocktails are very tasty. The do have reasonable selection of beers for the more fugral. Staff was friendly and effecient. Id arrive early if you wanted a seat. The place is not overly large. Highly recommend it for the music lover.

Great place to enjoy live music and upscale drinks. This is a smaller venue, so it's a very intimate experience. We booked in advance and I suggest that's the way to go to ensure you have seats you'd prefer. The staff was friendly and the drinks were unique and tasty.

Glad to see this joint open for business again. The East Side needs more cocktail joints. Excited to see how this place and menu continue to blossom over time. Thanks for the tasty drinks and hospitality! P.s. The tropical/rum-based drinks will transport you to another place after one sip!

Great service! Amazing and yummy cocktails plus great choices for non alcoholic beverages. Live music and then real records spinning jazz music scene. Great vibes.

Went to Saturday night jazz night. The worst jazz performance ever. It was more of a sing along. The sax player, played about 5 minutes. It was almost all monotone singing - totally boring. We planned to leave at the break, and found out there was no break. They played for an hour. Not jazz.

The best thing about this place is that they frequently have live jazz here, real jazz. It ranges from good to superb. Another very good thing about this place are competent bartenders who don't insult my intelligence with hidden upcharges because I order my drink neat, or on the rocks. Good selection of whisky, the bartenders can handle a range of cocktails, and they can hear over the bands. Maybe that's lipreading, I'm not sure because I can't hear them. It's an intimate place, but often (when the music is good) it is packed in too tight. Of course I'm a cranky old claustrophobic man, you may like it this way. You may wonder why the listing is for the "Jazz Estate," but the sign just says, "The Estate." There was a name change a little while ago, but everyone still calls it the Jazz Estate. I think that since minimum comes from Latin that the plural should be, minima, but at any rate there are no drink minima (or no drink minimum). Still, I think this is a two or three drinks and call an Uber kind of place.

Went here for a Valentines Day show with Cameron Webb playing. Intimate cocktail bar with outstanding drinks. The bartenders were excellent with their service. The show itself was very good and made for a perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day. We are very excited that The Jazz Estate is opening more and will have more shows like this. We will be back!

Great place to catch local jazz bands. Very intimate and affordable setting. If you're looking for a place to hang out, have a retro atmosphere, and see local jazz bands- this is the place to be. Highly recommend buying tickets ahead or you'll be standing and squished.

Everyone was really friendly and the music was good. The problem I had and why I give it an average review is the drinks. Very inconsistent first round was great, second round was pretty gross. Fruit in one of the drinks very obviously had spoiled and the other drink was poured into a dirty cup that smelled like stagnant water. If we do go back we will be a little more cautious about ordering drinks.

I stopped in for a quick drink with a friend. We went on a night when they did not have music, but the atmosphere was lovely. It definitely is the perfect cozy spot for a creative cocktail. The service was great and the bartenders are friendly. I can't wait to return when they have live music!

Somehow, in all the years I lived in Milwaukee, I never made it to the Jazz Estate. Happily now that I'm older and have more sense that has been rectified. This is a warm, charming little club. It's dim and perfect for date nights. Seating is limited, so it's not a mad house. The drinks are excellent and well-crafted. The bourbon, rye, rum and other alcohol lists are impressive, especially the bourbon selection. I highly recommend the Jazz Estate for a great, intimate live music experience.

By far the absolute WORST band I have ever seen. Ever. They played 2 songs in 45 minutes and the "Lead Singer" did nothing but talk, giving "tools for relationships". The attempt at being a band was juvenile at best. If they would have just let the band play and fired the "lead singer" it would have been great, This was an absolute joke. No wonder they can't make a go of this place. Talent? Non-existent. $200 dollars later and I left and I'm listening to "Jazz" online. What a waste of a night. (I only left a 1 star review because I'm unable to leave a review with NO stars.)

I freakin' loooooove this place--the vibe, the ambience, the dim lighting, the cocktails, the friendly staff, and those tunes...what more could I ask for? It's an intimate venue that delivers a solid jazz feel. With that said, it's easy to fill a room here. I dig the live music and even the nights where they have a dj spinning records--both kind of make you feel like you're 'somewhere' else ;) Perfect spot for a main night or a night cap. If you haven't been, I highly suggest you check it out!

Ambiance is unlike any other date night place in mke. It's also a comfortable place to go alone and enjoy some live music or enjoy one of their great cocktails they offer. Service from the bartenders is always great and the space is a must to check out!

I felt like I had stepped back in time when we walked into the Jazz Estate and it was awesome! Located in a small house that has been renovated into the Jazz Estate, this dimly lit oasis is the perfect place to here some incredible music! Yes there was a cover charge, it was 5.00 and they added it to our bill because we never have cash....easy peasy. Let's get to important part of my evening- The Drinks- I have fallen in love with this drink and while the flavors do not sound good when you read them they magically mix together to form the taste of liquid bacon....yes I said liquid bacon and it is crazy delicious! The drink is called HEART LEAF DEL MAGUEY VIDA MEZCAL, GIFFARD BANANA LIQUEUR, NUX ALPINA WALNUT LIQUEUR, PINEAPPLE, LIME JUICE. SERVED UP. Bestill my heart, I am pretty sure I will never drink something else so wonderful....I will go back just for this drink! And the drinks are strong- we Uber but aware they can sneak up on you! Now onto the Jazz...how do I say this? These bands know what they are doing, and transport you for the evening where all is good and you can hear all of their thoughts and dreams poured into their arrangements. This club gets some serious talent which will make it one of our monthly haunts. Great service who makes sure you have a drink when you need it but not so clingy that the music is interrupted. They do have an early session and a late session, we always hit the early because the place fills up quickly.

Tl:dr If you want jazz and good cocktails - it's a no brainer I actually happened in here by accident / as I wanted to show up at Huan Xi to try hot pot for the first time (spoiler: I burnt myself) but it was Friday night and they were busy as hell. So, we put our name in to wait and went out in search for a bar. The Jazz Estate! Right across the street and still earlier enough there was no cover at that time (a jazz band was on at 9 / cover required then, but it's minimal) We sampled some of their beers on tap as well as their two Old Fashions - I was a sucker for the OF made with Hawthorne coffee. The bartenders were great and even mixed some drinks off their own knowledge/expertise. Fun bar folk (some natives and some hilarious nearby business owners) we had a great time chatting and drinking. Left, went for hot pot across the street (burned myself) and then came back for the Jazz later that night. There was a lot more energy by that point (as I said the cover wasn't bad) and the jazz music (which isn't always my style) was a delightful twist from my norm. Next time I'm in the neighborhood, I would definitely stop back.

Mostly love this place for what it does best -- jazz. I have many memorable nights here. One thing I don't remember, however, is decent bar service. Many nights there is one bartender and, with the complicated drinks they mix, you can wait 15+ minutes for a drink. When this happens, I generally just sit down at a table to enjoy the music. Tonight I tried for a drink twice. Nada.

An amazing gem in Milwaukee that brings diverse individuals together in an eclectic atmosphere open to all. With weekly shows, the jazz estate is the place to go on your own, with friends or on a date. The yummy cocktails and amazing mixology team has something to make your tastebuds dance while you listen to the music to the performers on stage. Sexy, speakeasy vibes, a place everyone should try at least once.

Had a great night out with a friend of mine. Excellent atmosphere and drinks. Plan to buy tickets or come early.

Milwaukee's premier jazz club, The Jazz Estate has provided a venue for both local and national jazz artists for over 40 years. The place has always been a little cramped, but that only adds to the character of the spot. Over the years, the place had become a little rundown and its ongoing operation was in some question, but in 2016 John Dye (owner of Bryants and At Random) purchased and renovated The Estate. It still retains the feel of an old-fashioned jazz club but now is clean, comfortable, and offers a terrific menu of cocktails. Come early to enjoy the recorded jazz or arrive later for an 8 or 9 pm show. Or, for you night owls, the Estate has some occasional late-night shows at 11 or 11:30. (Be sure to check the calendar on the website.) Many of the shows have no cover, but don't be cheap with a $5, $7 or $15 cover. Jazz is a terrific American art form, and Milwaukee has more than its share of great talent deserving support. The cover here is a fraction of what you find in larger cities, so take advantage of the great live music and a fair price. The Jazz Estate is open seven nights a week from 5 pm to 2 AM. It generally takes no reservations and sells no tickets (although a few rare shows may offer reserved advanced tickets), so arrive early for shows if you want good seats. (As noted, the place is small, so some of the seats may have partial views.)

This is my favorite place in Milwaukee -- hands down. Never have I ever had a better Old Fashioned. Be sure to get the Jazz Estate Old Fashioned and try the Estate Champagne Cocktail. Pair that with low-lighting, comfy red seating, and amazing live jazz? I don't think the people of this city could ask for anything better. Don't be discouraged by a long line or a cover -- it will be well worth your time and money. I've been here numerous times and it is always a great decision. The musicians who come through are truly talented and always put on a great show. Be sure to check out their website for upcoming shows. They always say if there will be a cover or not. Happy hour is great too! 5-7pm and 11:30-1pm! If you love jazz and haven't been you need to go right away!

Sat for 10 minutes. Ignored. Left. I would say "poor service" but it was actually " no service".

Upgrading to 5 stars, where it should really be. I went back last night to see the Extra Crispy Brass Band. There were no odd odors as I walked past the stage outside the restroom area. The sound was perfect, the place was packed, the vibe was ultra fun, and the upgraded cocktail menu is on point. I think the beer list could use more medium bodied, full flavored beers from some locals, but other than that - solid. The best part was there wasn't a cover charge, so no complaining about drink prices, people (you who you are). They have to pay the entertainment somehow! Thank you Mr. Dye, for keeping a Milwaukee institution alive and well!

The Estate (or Jazz Estate as some locals call it) is one of the only jazz club options in the City of Milwaukee itself. I couldn't believe how cheap the cover was the night I went to see my buddy's Jazz Trio. Five dollars? That's insanely affordable. And beers were in the $3-4 range? And no drink minimums? Have they not been to the Blue Note, Small's...all the places in NYC that charge a huge cover and a two-drink minimum? Okay, so the Milwaukee jazz scene isn't on par with New York City, but the Trio I saw were accomplished players, playing a variety of Standards and non-traditional Standards. The sound was bright without being obtrusive. The Estate has a few different seating areas (bar, stage, back) so one can get closer or farther away from the music if you feel like conversing. Conversing never got in the way of the music, anyway, as the atmosphere was lively without being rude to the musicians. Dress is casual or good for a dressy night out on the town! The staff were excellent and accomodating. There is table service and you will not feel ignored if you choose to sit away from the bar. The only thing preventing a fifth star is in certain areas, the smoke can get a bit dense. Milwaukee remains one of the last bastions upholding smoker's rights, which is cool, but it can get to be a bit much if you're not partaking as well.

Now I haven't been to the Jazz Estate in a long time. I visited the Jazz Estate to support a local business during our "Safer at Home" order. I had heard that the Jazz Estate was offering to-go drink specials. We tried the Contessa Gnt. We were extremely pleased with the drink package. It included everything you need to recreate the signature drink. I would highly suggest stopping by and trying one of the to go options.

Great drinks, cool vibe, friendly bartender/owner... will definitely be back. Looking forward to catching them on a night with live music

I came here on a Sunday night with my husband to hear The Commercialists play music from "A Charlie Brown Christmas". The music was wonderful, and so was the experience. When you come to The Jazz Estate, you have definitely stepped back in time to the jazz clubs of days gone by. The place is small and dimly lit, with a cushioned bar and fully cushioned chairs. There is a lounge area near the stage with tables and additional seating. The staff is very welcoming and helpful, and can make you just about any drink that you can think of. You may notice that there are similarities to the famous Bryant's Cocktail Lounge. Well, that's because they are both owned by the same person! And while Jazz doesn't have the flaming drinks (yet) that Bryant's is famous for, they still serve up some delicious concoctions. I am a huge fan of Brandy Old Fashioned's, so I definitely had to try theirs. It was one of the best I've ever had. Perfectly sweet, with a hint of cinnamon. My husband had his favorite, a Moscow Mule, and he said it was very well made. I absolutely want to make it back here again.

Great cocktails, service, ambiance and entertainment! Side note: The ladies bathroom was very clean when I visited!

The jazz estate has a groovy and laid back atmosphere that belongs in a top knotch jazz club. The lights are dimmed, the cocktails great and the music takes over the night. Sit down comfortably at the bar, or on the big couch to Enjoy wonderfull shows. Yesterday it was soul night with Cameron webb. He has an amazing voice and is an overall great performer. With the live instruments filling the room, the whole band made the jazz estate come to life. It's definitely a must visit when you come to Milwaukee. We were Lucky to visit on soul night so we even got to do some dancing. The 7 dollar cover charge is more than worth it.

Primo cocktails in an intimate setting We went for the last of the Charlie Brown Christmas shows and had a great time! Bar staff were super welcoming, attentive, and helpful with drink suggestions. Cocktails were FANTASTIC. Especially the homemade eggnog. The space is small and makes for a cozy environment to enjoy some solid jazz. An excellent way to spend an evening!

Drinks were good and ambiance was nice. our waiter was attentive. Music that night was okay if you like jazz and some good drinks. i recommend this place.

Cool space. Comfortable. Good looking. Good service.

Great spot - terrific music - cozy bar and the bartenders have a great vibe - happy it's in the neighborhood

Cozy, dim spot with old school jazz and strong drinks. I paid the cover and pulled up a stool at the bar, right next to the stage, so I had the perfect view for the show. The house old fashioned was coffee spiked, big, strong and delicious. The place was busy and some were talking, but it was respectful and didn't get in the way of those there for the music. I divey feel with great execution. I'll be back for sure.

This place is rad. I've been to a few Jazz clubs in MKE and this one stands out. It's small but cozy at the same time! I stopped in on a Tuesday night and the place still had a good crowd! The drinks are strong and the music is good. I'm giving it 5 out of 5 stars because it was a great ambiance and I had a good time.

The Jazz Estate is a gem on the East Side. Live music, cool ambiance, and a divey feel make this a great place to spend an evening. Sneak in before first set (or hit the place between sets at 11-11:30), belly up to the bar, and enjoy some fantastic music. There is a cover, usually $5. The drinks are not cheap and they sometimes give you the "Summerfest Pour." The beer lines aren't the cleanest and the kegs aren't the freshest. But you go there for the music, not the drinks. It's an eclectic crowd. You have jazz enthusiasts, people on dates, people getting rowdy, drunk UW-M and Marquette kids mixing with more staid individuals. It's always a good time! The place itself is small and shotgun style with small restrooms. There is an odor best described as NOLA dive bar, a little musty and sweet with old cigarette smoke. It's dark, dank, and fabulous.

So many places this part of town that scares the socks out of me looking from the outside at night... but like all the other places I've been to so far, I'm liking it inside. The music was OK on the night we were there, but we also didn't have to pay cover. The whole setup was a little confusing, since we walked in and just had to find seats for ourselves and chill a while before realizing that we have to get the drinks on our own. No servers around. All in all, neat experience. Will go back again, but on a busier night. Won't mind paying the cover if the music is nicer.

The Jazz Estate is a welcoming, classic Milwaukee establishment. There is great live music every night of the week. You can tell that the booker is discerning in making sure quality bands are performing! Additionally, the staff is friendly and makes great drinks. They even have impressive mocktails! I would recommend the Jazz Estate to anyone looking for a night out for live music.

I recently had the good fortune to perform at the Jazz Estate, or the Estate, as musicians call it.; I'd tried for years to break into the Milwaukee scene via Chicago. Upon arrival, I was struck by the quaint little place...a place you could walk right by without notice in fact. But you'd be missing out. It's exactly the kind of place I read about in early Jazz literature...lived in and elegant, one is transported into a timeless place, your great grandfather could have gone there for a highball. The bar was full and the service was quick, friendly, and efficient. The music they present also has a timeless quality that is both old and new. What more can I say? It was something out of a dream I had years ago. Something out of a wish that there are still places like this. My dream came true and I hope to be back. Absolutely Magical! Go there.

This review is for their happy hour only, there was not yet live music and the place was pretty empty so I'd like to return when it's busier. Drink specials-wise I wasn't impressed with the limited cocktail specials. Only 3 of the cocktails are on special, highball style drinks were $6, normally $9. None of those piqued my interest so I decided to just try the Estate Martini which at $13 is very expensive for Milwaukee. It was a delicious martini made with one of my favorites Nolet's gin. Overall, I suppose I just wouldn't recommend this place for happy hour if you're looking to have a cocktail. Specials for wine and beer were reasonable at $5 or $3-4. The ambiance of this place is quaint and would be a nice spot for a date or a small group. It feels intimate and service was also good. I'd like to return when live music is on for sure.

Caught the late show on a Saturday. Didn't leave until 2am. This place is great! Intimate jazz bar with a classic 70s look. Great cocktails and wonderful staff. And the music, of course, was excellent.

The Jazz Estate = classic jazz club As others have noted, there's oftentimes a cover, but no worries... it's usually not an expensive one, and it's totally worth it given the quality shows the venue brings in. The Jazz Estate features great acts, strong drinks, and an ambiance that's beyond hip, and thusly, this spot is a great addition to Milwaukee's list of venues/cultural capital on the whole. This dimly-lit club is a great spot for a date if you snag table service... just don't be one of *those* people talking over the music!

This place is a true gem of the east side of Milwaukee. I must have driven past this place a million time on my way to Gdaddys or Replay...I know Replay? However it is great for those who like low key bars. I stopped in on a Saturday night. The drinks were stiff but on point! There was a 5 dollar cover with no drink minimum which was cool. The interior is really dim and intimate. The live music was really nice and exactly what i needed at that point as my night progressed. I would say that i was surprised that there were not to many young people or people of color. I was kinda disappointed by that but i doubt if it were because of the establishment its self. I felt comfortable. I will stop back in to the Jazz Estate my next night will be the blues night which i like very much. Enjoy!

The Estate is a classic jazz bar. It's a very intimate setup. There's probably no place else in Milwaukee where you are as close to the musicians. It's usually a $5 cover and beers are $4-$5/per. Head over here, listen to some great jazz, and have a couple drinks. It's well worth the trip over to the East Side.

It all started about four months ago. David B, a good friend of mine was raving, I mean raving about the Jazz Estate. Comparing it to "heaven on earth" "best place in Milwaukee to chill, grab a drink, and listen to some good music." So the next time I made it up to MKE which happened to be New Years Eve, I made sure to check this joint out. From the street, The JE is has a very unremarkable exterior but once entering one is hit with the the warm atmosphere and old style character. The JE is a bit narrow, with the galley style bar immediately on your left and farther down is the stage for the musicians. There are seats at the bar, tables across from the bar and beyond the stage, and two person tables for an up close and personal experience with the musicians. The four band crew playing on New Years Eve included a guitarist, saxophone, trumpet, and drums. As I was told a trumpet player was a real treat as it is less common. The band played smooth tunes, each song lasting from a few minutes to several. The band took a fifteen minute break leading up the ball dropping and resumed shortly after. I sipped on an Old Fashioned Sweet with Brandy which was absolutely perfect. My friends went for beer and chose a Brother Thelonius (bottle) and Trois Pestoles (tap). The sole waitress for the entire place was a complete boss. She ran her tail off all night and did a fantastic job. She even delivered a champagne toast for all at midnight in addition to waiting on 40 some people. I really appreciated the music, the dark, intimate atmosphere, service and diverse crowd. IMO the very reasonable cover charge is a small price to pay and well worth it. I will be sure to make JE an after dinner hangout during all my MKE visits. Check out the JE website for listings of the evening shows.

Get here. Great job with remodeling. Please check it out and learn what a real jazz-blues club really looks like. I have been coming here when Murray tap and Century hall will still open. If you don't know those places you don't know east side. Do yourself a favor and check this place out!!!

I don't know much about jazz, but I know that I liked what I was listening to. My boyfriend knows a lot about it, and he said it was great. When I first saw The Jazz Estate from the outside, I wasn't so sure. But then I walked in. Not only did I like the music, but I loved the establishment. It's dark in there, with candles lighting your table just enough to see the company you're with. They had a cool bar, and the club was a cozy place to relax and listen to good jazz. The drinks were strong and reasonably priced. My friends and I love to play cards, so that's what we did: Euchre, cocktails, and jazz. It was a great way to end the workweek. You can't say no to Jazz Estate. The atmosphere and the bands make it a must-do in Milwaukee.

Cool venue, bad experience. Our server was short with us from the moment we got there -- she had trouble explicitly asking us to move so that the fire exits were clear, and instead would come over and complain disdainfully about how we had the chairs positioned until we guessed at what she wanted. Eventually we got the idea and just moved. Things got worse when I let her know I'd opened a tab at the bar. She said it was no problem -- by the end of the night I had a bill that was completely screwed up, and she told me, "Yeah, it's really confusing because you started at the bar." Um. Okay. After a lot of hassle, we fixed it. Except, evidently, we hadn't fixed it -- after we'd left, my friend got a text message from the server demanding that I come back and pay her $6 because something had been calculated incorrectly and she didn't appreciate it coming out of her pocket. How did she get his number? Facebook stalked him. WHO DOES THAT? I worked in food service and I can have empathy for servers who are rude or incompetent (sometimes you just have an off-day), but Facebook stalking people and contacting them demanding money after they leave is where I draw the line. That's bizarre and inappropriate behavior. If you screwed up, I suggest you eat the piddly $6 instead of making the business look bad. I won't be going back to give her money, or for any other reason.

The Jazz Estate is one of my favorite places in Milwaukee. You walk in the door and forget about the rest of the world for a little bit. The live jazz by candlelight is what makes this place great, and the fact that you can grab a drink is just a bonus. It's a small place and can get a little crowded some nights, but somehow that has never bothered me much while I'm there.

I can't believe I've lived close to this place for years and never stopped in until a few months ago! The lighting is very low throughout the place and it's a very intimate setting. They have great live music and a friendly staff. It's a very casual atmosphere that's perfect for anyone who likes jazz. Drink selection is average, but it's the kind of place you'd go for the music rather than the drinks.

I had visited the old Jazz Estate many times but this new iteration is amazing. Hats off to John (also owner of Bryant's) for a perfect execution and the recreation of a classic Milwaukee bar. The focus on real jazz and weekly jam sessions and live jazz weekly helps restore both the music and the well executed bar, classic cocktails, and friendly service make this a must visit Milwaukee establishment once again.

One of the best kept secrets in Milwaukee - hidden in the basement of a house. You can't even dream of places this underground & happening in Milwaukee. I haven't been here in over three years, but I trust that the Estate is still in fine form. Great music, with jazz musicians that can jam with the best of 'em. I always had a great time on Thursday nights, and it wasn't too busy.

The jazz orgy is playing tonight. They are amazing. The staff is very attentive and friendly. Amazing drinks, brilliant music, phenomenal atmosphere.

Intimate atmosphere, amazing jazz, cool cocktails - I think I'm in love!