Chris' Jazz Cafe Reviews

BBQ ribs and smashed potatoes are my favorite and its just the beginning of a adventure and enjoyable music, food , love and romance..... start the year off right check it out Thomas Paul says this is a 5 star see you soon...!!!!!!!!!

We stopped by here on Saturday evening for some live music and drinks. There was a $5 cover/person. We sat at the bar and enjoyed talking to some of the locals. The bar had a decent variety of spirits and the bar tenders were really gracious and polite. The music was underwhelming this evening but that isn't their normal. I would go back again.

expensive. only go if you like jazz

Was in there once - had a great time. Big space. Warm -basement-like atmosphere. Great Jazz bigbands

While it doesn't look like much from the outside, this place has an awesome thing going on! Pro tip - eat dinner here around 7p and stay for the 8p jazz sets. There is ample seating, and the waitstaff was very attentive and helpful. The food was well priced and tasted great. A special treat was the tasting menu - which included a ticket to the evening performance. This was a great way to end our trip with a final meal in the city - a nice coda to the vacation.

First time at Chris' Jazz Club. Expected mediocre bar food and overpriced swill. Were we surprised! Specials were well thought out and well prepared. The highlight for me was the rock bass on a bed of sauteed jicame. It was done perfectly. The mixed drinks on the menu sounded interesting, but we went with "perfect Manhattans." The chef has many gluten free offerings. On top of this, the jazz was outstanding. Don't tell anyone about Chris' Jazz Club. The intimate room seats about 40 people. The night we were there, the admission was 30 dollars and the cover was 10.

First time guest on a Tuesday night. Fantastic trip with opps for musicians to join in. Low cover, though higher on other nights. We found service good and friendly. Food was pretty good. Drinks reasonable. Four people, food, drinks, stayed till closing, plus tip around 150. I'll be back for great music in a classic jazz venue.

Chris’ Jazz Café was a classic little jazz club. We were there on a Saturday night, and it was remarkably quiet. The band was a very respectable quintet, and the food, while not gourmet, was quite good. There are not a lot of places where one can go to hear decent jazz. Based on our one visit, this is one of them.

My husband and I were looking for something more interesting for our anniversary and found this. It was perfect. The service, the food, the band. I would definitely recommend it. Also, it's good to get there early (even 1h before the performance), so that during the performance you can focus on enjoying the music and desert.

$10 cover charge and a nice atmosphere. Nice location very central to everything. Very good service.

Always the best performances. Delicious food & drinks. If you ever get a chance to catch Paul Jost trio don't miss it. Led Zepplin goes jazz!

This is the place were exceptional live jazz performances meets enjoyable food offerings named after famous jazz artists. They have a very easy to use web site that clearly answers any questions. I no longer live in the area (1200 mikes away} but this place is a true old school New York style Jazz supper club. Every year I find myself enjoying the true "chill atmosphere" during visits to PA, NJ etc. A very unique special one of a kind experience that I wish was located closer to home!!!

The food was just decent, but the music was amazing (even though the band took a 45 min break just minutes after our arrival). The place charged a $15 cover charge per person which was added to the tab. Only bad part was the waiter tried to include gratuity to check AND the $30 cover charge (which amounted to another $6). The desert was not on menu but cost $12 per serving (overpriced in my opinion). Overall location is good, but atmosphere is dated and I wouldn't recommend or return.

I'm not a city girl so coming into the city has always been an intimidating experience for me, but there's a place I will brave driving into the city once or twice a month. It's become my favorite night out and a place I love to bring friends and family for a special evening of great food and entertainment! Just off the Avenue of the Arts, turn into the quiet side street of Sansom, and there you will find Chris' Jazz Cafe. If the weather is nice, you might find a table and chairs just outside the door. It seems to be a favorite place to have a cold drink and dig into their $10 bucket of crawfish that look more like lobsters! There is a respectible and very reasonable parking garage right next door and if you bring them a receipt from Chris' they discount it even more. You just have to step out of your vehicle and stroll in, you don't need to go anywhere else for the evening! You can come casual, I've seen people in jeans with nice shirts to the very dressy, neither will feel uncomfortable here. It has a cozy intimate feel to it. The service is exceptional, really, they know their art and there is a pride shown for the menu, for good reason. The food is a beautifully presented, and cooked perfectly. A gourmet marriage of New Orleans and Philadelphia. You won't be disappointed with anything from the appetizers to the entree to the desert! Sometimes I come and have appetizers and a desert while I enjoy the show and with the $5/$10 cover and a $8-$15 generously sized appetizer and a $5 desert, and a $? beverage, you can expect to spend $25-$30 per person, not including the tip. That's less than most concert tickets in the city or a trip to the movies with popcorn and a drink! The only other cost is the parking next door with the receipt from Chris', it has run me about $10, staying about 4 hours in the city. My favorite is the dinner and a show for $40, which includes the cover. There are so many great things to choose from it's hard to decide what to order so I often let the chef decide for me. The chef prepares a five course dinner just for you and your guests, it's different every time, it's like opening a present. While you are enjoying your dinner, there's a show. I've enjoyed listening to everything from the jazz vocalist, to a young pop funk band, to a full jazz ensemble. The bar area is separated somewhat from the dining areas so that where ever you decide to sit for the evening, you can see the stage as close or as far away as you please and still feel like you have your own intimate corner away from the rest of the world. It's can be a romantic place to bring a special someone, it can be a place where you could introduce a child to jazz and fine dining, or bring a group of friends to catch up, or a business client that needs a break from the grind, or family and friends to celebrate a special occasion. I've seen all of the above happening there. If it sounds like I adore this place, it's because I do, it's a place of my heart in the heart of the city that even a country girl could fall in love with.

The menu is small, top heavy with figs, goat cheese and brussel sprouts. It is also overpriced and the dishes offered appeared very fussy and not to our taste. Most of the patrons around us opted for the overpriced cheeseburger, served with fast food chain-like fries. To do over, I would eat somewhere else, make reservations for 30 minutes before the 1st set, order after dinner beverages and share a small slice of that $10. Cheesecake they offer, and enjoy the show.

It is a real shame that Philadelphia is down to one place in center city that features jazz. Chris' Jazz is well run and has a nice menu. The room is an awkward L shape with an unfortunate column near the stage. The sound system is good even if not all the sightlines are. The biggest issue is that food is the real feature more than the music. Service continued throughout the set, there was general and loud conversations of diners. There wasn't any attempt to convey "keep conversations low during the music" that clubs often ask. My dinner was good, the music fine this evening but overall, not one of the better jazz clubs I have been to. Given the lack of alternatives though, I'd say go and support them, just understand what you will be experiencing.

We were looking for a place to listen to music and get a quick bite to eat. We were just in time for the first set and and were seating. As usual the food was great and the music was exceptional.

After reading the previous reviews, our strategy for our Valentine's dinner date consisted of booking more than a week prior for the earliest seating available Saturday 2/14. We figured this would help ensure they do not run out of offerings and eliminate long waits to be seated (the website is VERY strict about being there on time.). We still had to wait - apparently the hostess did not need to be there at 5pm (for 6pm show) or have the seating plan. The chef was brought out to seat the guests. We ordered a French bottle of Pinot Noir. We were brought a Spanish Tempranillo (apparently the server cannot read labels). I accepted the bottle, as I could not read the label from the distance it was displayed, but pointed out the mistake to the server once the bottle was on the table. We started with a lobster bisque and a stawberry salad. Both good, but the bisque had a burnt flavor to it. Then the shrimp pasta and a beef satay. The main couse was stuffed chicken and crab cake. Unfortunately we were not able to enjoy these plates, as they were brought to us after the performance ended at 7:15, we declined the food and left without the main meal or dessert. Both couples on either side of us were able to eat their main entrees - they were served during the show. The check credited $62 for our entrees, but not the associated tax. I explained the mistake to the server so the owner wouldn't cheat her out of her 20% tip (based on correct taxes), she indicated she would be charged for it regardless, so I annotated the bill. The singer, Joanne, was OK.

My wife and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary and I figured a jazz show would be a nice way to finish the night. When we reached the door we were told we could sit in the bar area for $5 or up toward the stage for $10. We chose up toward the stage because I really like watching how the musicians play. Our server Kate couldn't have been more of a sweetheart. Our drinks were always full. Our feet were tapping. And it was one helluva show. First time we have been to Chris' and certainly not the last. Drink prices were not bad at all. Beers were all in the 5-6 range.

The John Coltrane catfish sandwich was wayyyyy undercooked and under seasoned. Fries were good. Food is overpriced for the quality of the cooking.

The music experience was good... The food... horrid... We had a party of four and all food was bad. I knew we were in trouble when the bread they served was bad- it was like a club roll- that was stale. It's just an odd place- with horrible food. Would not go back and was a waste of a lot of $$. I would have rather stayed home.

We were visiting the city and wanted to have a couple drinks. We ordered vodka martinis, and it tasted like they used toilet water to make the drinks. We left after two sips and before the music started but still had to pay for our drinks.

Great place to hang at night and catch come local and traveling musicians play jazz. The place sets a great vibe and the staff is really friendly

We ordered tickets on the internet for a Saturday night jazz performance, the tickets were only 20 dollars per person, which is reasonable, but what I didn't like was the other charges that came with the purchase, very unreasonable. We arrived for dinner and were seated up to the front of the stage, so we had a very good view. We order dinner, I had the mushrooms for the appetizer and the wife ordered the apple salad. The mushrooms were ok, nothing special. I also ordered the crab cakes for the main course, it came with rice and veggies. The crab cakes were very good, lots of crab meat and not much for a filler. The rice and veggies were lukewarm, I didn't bother mentioning this to the waiter as it was tolerable. The wife had the chicken breast which she said was very good as well. We also had dessert which was good as well. A couple of items to note, the menus was listing items a first, second and third courses, but the only silverware on the table was a fork and knife, if you are going act as a upscale restaurant, then all the silverware should be at the placement. The other issue was I server failed to mention the specials that night, I overheard him telling another table what the specials were. The prices are high for quality and quantity of the food and drinks, the mix drinks were watered down as well.

We went here after dinner in Philadelphia & very much enjoyed the music. The drinks however, we had both ordered different wines & were fairly certain 1 was old and the other a different wine than we had ordered. We were only having the one drink & I'm sure had we asked they would have been polite & repoured for us.

I go to this place every time we are in Philadelphia,simply amazing.The food is very good and good quality.The prices are good. Excellent jazz music

Over the years, several Jazz clubs have come and gone in Philadelphia, but Chris' has withstood the test of time remarkably well! Excellent line up of musicians in the kind of cozy venue where Jazz was meant to be enjoyed!

Wanted a place to hear good jazz. People said that this was one of the few places around. Had to wait for 30 minutes to be seated. Noise was horrible. Food was cold and overpriced. But the worst thing is that few listened to the music. From what we heard the music was mediocre. It's a rip off joint. .

This was my first visit here and the music was great. The place is nice and intimate. Make sure you order tickets ahead of time so you do not have to wait in line to see if seats become available. Now, as for the food, it was just okay, as were the drinks. Would go back again.

This was our third or fourth visit to Chris' and nothing has changed which is a good thing! Reasonably priced drinks and food, friendly and often times engaging staff and the best jazz in the city all contribute to a great experience anytime we visit.

I went here for the first time for a mid-work day lunch. It was quiet, and I imagine a lot less crowded than at night. The service was attentive, the food was excellent (there was a wide variety of appetizers and entrees), and the desserts were pretty amazing. There was a relatively wide selection of *good* beer on tap, and the bar was relatively well stocked and separated from the eating area. No live music due to the time, but it was still a "jazz-y" atmosphere.

Had a wonderful time! Good food, nice music, great atmosphere and lovely service! Certainly recommend!

Door staff was confused and unorganised but wait staff made up for their shortcomings. 2 & 1/2 stars out of 5. You only get one chance to make a first impression.

It is remarkable that the stage could fit a complete big band, but there seemed to be room. The South Philly Jazz Band is a quality ensemble. The food at the Cafe may be a little adventurous for me. Alyson talked me into trying the rabbit. It was really a little too rich for my taste. But the music was first rate And I will say that Alison's service was also excellent. i went here alone while in town on business, and she made me feel welcome. The other customers at the bar were also friendly. The wine by the glass selection was decent. But why, when there is quality entertainment, do people who profess to love jazz insist upon talking over the band?

We were shocked to find a $15 per person cover charge on a recent Saturday night. Do they think they are NYC or LA? Otherwise the food & drink prices were on a par with others in the area, and the food & service were very good. Would only go back on a $5/cover weeknight.

This weekend, friends and I attended the early show for Joanna Pascale at Chris' Jazz Cafe. Ms. Pascale and the musicians were excellent. They are gifted musicians who showcase their craft well and we thoroughly enjoyed the show. We had great seats right in front and Brandon provided friendly and attentive service. I ordered the shrimp and grits with a couple extra shrimp - good looking out Brandon. Was delish. I also tried the Beet salad. I had read that it was good but if you like beets, it is amazing. The pistachios, goat cheese and purée carrots really complement the beets well. I left nothing on my plate. I would definitely come back when I return to Philadelphia.

I went here with friends at lunchtime to celebrate a birthday. First, I'll say that the waitstaff was awesome and the food was really good. I could see too, why it would be a really neat place to go at night and listen to music. But, for a lunch, the place was a bit gloomy and dark, and smelled faintly of smoke. Not that that would deter me from going back, I just didn't think it was a spectacular lunch spot that I would frequent. I would, however, be excited to go back one night and listen to jazz!

Excellent dinner to the sound of Jimmy Bruno jazz! The service is exemplary and very efficient. Very good wine and menu options. Very nice place for any day in the evening.

To preface: I have written about 15 positive reviews. 1 negative. This will be my second. I was staying in Philly on business at the Union League. I walked past this place with 2 coworkers where we were told they had a special $1 draft, $3 Jim Beam Special, so we went inside. Once seated, we were told there was a $5 cover charge per person "to support the band", but we could see if we liked over a drink prior to being charged. Ok, so we were ok with it....then, 2 waiters came approached us. We asked for the draft special and were told that was only for hospitality workers..??? I didn't realize that I needed my attorney to review all of the fine print. We were civil and ordered a couple of drinks then asked to leave without the cover. We understood an establishment needs to make money, but please be honest.... The positive is that the facility is decorated niceley and the band was talented, but we couldn't appreciate due to the dishonesty.

Well, there is a $10 cover charge per person to see a jazz band that looks and plays like a high school jazz ensemble. Music is terrible, they played their own "compositions" and a few old standards but could not stay together. Service was awful, just two people on the waitstaff and they were inattentive. Food is mediocre at best, drinks are $8 and up, with no real flair. Had to ask 5 times for our check. Looks like a tourist trap and based on our evening, was a poor example of a jazz bar. Don't waste your time.

For a city that has contributed so much to the jazz scene, Jazz clubs are few and far between … Having said that – Chris’s Jazz Café is a gem tucked in the center of Philadelphia. There are multiple shows every weekend – music genre selections are varied and highly regarded – making it effortless in selecting the next revue. Patrons have the option to dine at Chris’ or just arrive for the show. We opted for the dining experience along with the Jazz - found the food to be quite good and priced within reason. The only concerns that can be noted are: the tight capacity of the establishment – found it similar to recent airlines’ minimum seating practices – the seating is snug which made it difficult to have any quiet or intimate exchanges; and, even though the patrons all seemed to enjoy their meals, our table was slightly overlooked – that is, our meal got exceedingly delayed and we had to query on our main dishes well after all others were enjoying coffee and dessert. This was most definitely not the norm and we just happened to have the “hiccup” in service that night. Would not deter us from returning for another great show!

On New Years Adam (that is to say the night before New Years Eve) I spent a great evening with a crowd of friends at Chris'. Victor North led a trio which was augmented by many musicians from the audience; meanwhile we enjoyed a tasting menu including a beet/horseradish starter, duck wing salad with gnocchi, trout on spinach Bernaise, lamb with scalloped potato, and ice cream sliders for dessert. It was a fabulous evening, all in all. Thanks Joe for inviting me!

I usually follow a strict, if simple rule - when going for live jazz, DO NOT count on food being good... Stick to basics, and favor beer over wine, and you wont be disappointed. Boy, was I wrong this time! I made a reservations over the phone, to make sure a party with 11 year old member will be accepted. Steven (host?) was very friendly and helpful, and made us feel welcome immediately upon arrival. The food was excellent, if a little more expensive than expected. Menu is not too long, but creative and sophisticated enough to satisfy a mildly discriminating foodie's tastes.. We shared grilled octopus salad, pork belly and fried calamari. Pork belly won the competition hands down - but other dishes were good, and mixed drinks were delicious. Highly recommend this place - will definitely be back next time we visit Phila.

I am native of philly and have watched many restaurants come and go! Our budget does not afford us too many fine dining places, so when Chris's Jazz Cafe opened, I knew this was the place. My first experience at this restaurant was 4 years ago, when I was changing jobs and a bunch of co-workers and myself decided to check this place out for my farewell party. I first discovered it online, and since it was my choice of where to dine, this was it. I am so glad I did. Everyone at our table had a very good experience, (it was 10 of us in all) and we had a fantastic waiter. The food was excellent. There was not one bad meal at our table, but what really set the evening off was the live entertainment that followed. The place is small and cozy so no matter where you sit (other than the back of the restaurant near the kitchen) you had a good view of the band playing. There is a small bar near the entrance and the bands stage is across from the bar. Now its 4 years later, and nothing has changed. The food is still top-notch and the entertainment is good. After work crowds on Friday are plenty so getting there before 6pm is best, but the weekends can get just as busy. l highly recommend it. Its about as close to fine dining as you can get without being busting your budget.

Happy to report that Chris’s Jazz Café on Samson Street in Philadelphia has a new menu and it is wonderful. Always a good place to hear music, the addition of chef Laurent Leseur makes Chris’s also a worthy choice for dining. His bistro menu includes escargot, house-cured gravlax and duck parmentier. The ever popular jambalaya is still available, but on Saturday evening we opted for a yummily seasoned Moroccan lamb stew, a perfectly-sized and satisfying Dizzy burger and the most delicious sweet potato fries. I mean it, hands down these are the best sp fries anywhere. For dessert, an orange-flavored crème brulee transported us, rivaling the best we’ve had in Paris. Our waiter was the best. Go, enjoy!

Chris' Jazz Cafe. A nice place to stop for a drink and a bite to eat - even if you are alone. Food was excellent and location easy to walk to.

I had the recent pleasure of hearing Dr Dean and his group perform at your establishment on December 2nd and I really enjoyed their composition and the ambiance of the restaurant. You really struct solid gold when you decided to book his group.

Slow unprofessional service end up with $191 bill for something we never saw. Instead of three glasses of wine Merlot we saw 6 glasses Merlot on our bill. 2 Strawberry salad we never see was charged $15 on receipt and then the admissions of 4 people we already paid a week before through internet was once again charged to us as a $60. After back and forth with host and the manager our bill was finally changed to $119. Bad taste in the mouth even after appologies from the waiter, host and the manager. Who needs these aggorvations?

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

My husband and I recently had a great night out at Chris' Jazz Cafe on a Thursday evening. It was our first time and we were very pleased with the entire experience. We arrived at 7:30 and a very nice Blues band was performing. Our waiter said he was new, but he may have been the nicest waiter we have ever had. We ordered some appetizers and first/second courses only the entire evening. We were here for the duration, as we wanted to stick around for the 10 pm show which was a spectacular, new jazz quintet from the Temple University Boyer School Jazz Program. Everything brought to our table was great, especially the mushroom/polenta dish. The manager (or owner?) was always circulating to make sure everyone was happy. I am so thrilled that this establishment supports the local jazz music scene in Philly, and gives new musicians a great venue to perform. The weekend shows look stupendous. The cover charge helps support the musicians, so I was happy to pay!

The positive thing about this place was that the band was great. The food was mediocre and a bit pricy for what you were serve. My biggest complaint about this place was how they seemed to secretly charge you for things without any notification. It was a bit unethical and possibly illegal. For example, the tickets were $20 per person with a $3 dollar service charge. My bill was $180 and they charged me $4 to use my credit card? I was never told that I would be changed for using my credit card, the bill just came back $4 higher after I used my card. This was not advertised and the waitress never informed me of this. (Is this even legal?) I have never heard of a restaurant charging you to use your credit card, especially with a $180 bill. One of the meals on the menu was advertised as a crab cake and shrimp, but there wasn't any shrimp. When we asked the waitress about the missing shrimp, she mentioned that the shrimp was inside of the crab cake. (What?) Also, the dessert was advertised as apple crumb and ice cream, but there wasn't any crumb and the apples tasted as if they were fresh out of a can. The place was extremely empty and perhaps they were trying to make up for the lack of business. I would not recommend this place to anyone due to the unethical nature of some of their actions. I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't closed in 6 months. I am not a very difficult person and typically don't complain about restaurants, but this place lacked integrity and seemed very shady.

Small but two great bands tonight (one latino and one traditional) Didn't have food but had great drinks. Worth stopping by if like small jazz club w good music.

Lots of jazz and the food is good too. You can come for drinks or a meal. Cover charge varies but the music can be great.

went there at the suggestion of the bell hop at the loews. hadn't heard of it before as I am an out of towner. went in with husband for meal and music. hostess asked if we had reservation, we said no. older man, prob in 60s or so who worked there, made some rude arrogant remark about us being ridiculous expecting a table without a reservation as he laughed in our face.

I was part of a group of 12 that were celebrating the end of our year's work. The service we were provided was excellent. The water glasses were constantly refilled, the plates and utensils were promptly cleared, and they accommodated special requests. The salad we had was perfectly dressed, delicious and crisp. We enjoyed an appetizer of a platter of fried calamari, which also included fried slices of jalapeno. My entrée was a crab cake with remoulade and rice with herbs, vegetables and shrimp. It was very tasty. My fiancé's entrée was some cut of steak, perfectly cooked and seasoned with pepper, accompanied by broccoli rabe, cipollini onions and mushrooms. So good. For dessert, we all enjoyed a pecan pie tart. The musical entertainment was top-notch. On this particular night, there was a "house band" consisting of piano, bass and drums accompanied by two headlining saxophone players from NYC. They were wonderful. We really enjoyed it and will be back.

While looking for something to do on our last day in Philly we came across Chris'. This was a small hole in the wall club, but the music was great and the food was even better. My only complaint was the prices, and I found the prices on the high side everywhere in Philly.

I've been going to Chris' since there actually was a guy named Chris who owned it, 20 years ago. Can't praise the place enough. They have "name" jazz acts several times a month, with a cover charge ranging from $10 to $30. Well worth it to see folks like George Coleman, Rashied Ali and David Leibman over the years. The food has gone from good to excellent in recent years and the crowd is respectful of the music, which is a major plus. You can park at the lot next door for $10 for the evening. If you reserve a few days in adance, you can get a table near the stage. Highly recommened!

Joanna Pascale's Valentine's Day performance was excellent. We expected full menu offerings, but was given a limited menu. The website did not specify a limited menu for Valentine's day.

When I visit Philly, always come and listen to nice jazz here. Location and atmosphere are perfect just in heart of the city.

3 course dinner with live music was spot on! Great atmosphere and amazing jazz. Will be back again soon!

We heard a lot about the jazz bands that play here. We bought tickets online for the 10 pm show for $30 because the 8:30 sold out. They said doors open at 9 am and to buy tickets in advance. We got there at 10 and luckily we didnt arrive early there was a long line and we waited outside in the freezing cold near the garbage. We had people walking up to us to ask for money. They were people who were in line who didnt have reservations. They put us in the corner where we could not even see the band. I could barely see the bass. Then they say its a $10 min. I told them we already paid tickets to enter. Finally we got up from our table and went near the door so we could see the band play. It was an amazing band and Ravi Coltrane is awesome. It was just disappointing where they put us.

I saw such wonderful reviews from both NBC and CBS so I decided to try it out. Let me explain, the place is extremely small and gets crowded fast, the portions are very small and pricey as well as the tiny drinks. Also, there is a cover charge of $20 even if you are purchasing a meal and drinks FYI. But that is not why I am giving this place a low rating, the host Steven was absolutely rude. We had a large party of 12 and it was a surprise dinner for someone, so we asked if we could have the majority of the party sit (10 ppl) while I showed up 5 minutes late with the person we were trying to surprise. Steven was so rude on the phone and had our party waiting in the lobby the entire time, when we asked to speak with a manager over the phone he just laughed and would not put the manager on the line. Apparently it's company policy to ruin a surprise he said. So the whole surprise was ruined when she saw everyone just standing in the lobby. Not only that, when we finally were seated and comfortable, we started to talk and enjoy ourselves, Steven walked over to our table and told us that we were extremely rude and we needed to stop talking and walked away. I proceeded to follow him and talk to him since I was the one who was hosting this gathering. I brought up the issue about him being rude over the phone and how he inappropriately addressed us at the table....Steven decided to jump in my face and point his finger all around. I had to ask him to back up because I am a paying customer. I have never been treated so rudely at an establishment where I was spending money. Another worker proceeded to walk out and tell him to calm down and go back inside. I asked the worker (didn't catch his name) to ensure that Steven does not come back to our table. It was such a horrible experience.

i bought tickets 3 weeks in advance and paid MORE for the tickets than if i bought them at the door...but only about $5, i guess not the worst thing in the world but kinda annoying. next problem, the band cancelled due to a family emergency- of course, nothing they could do about that. here's where it gets interesting...they refused to give me a refund when i didnt want to see the replacement band. after pleading with them for my money back, they simply refused because "all sales are final" EXTREMELY UNHELPFUL AND RUDE STAFF. and the manager rob was a total jerk to me when i explained i wasnt from philly and a "credit" wasnt an option. BUYER BEWARE!

had a spectacular time at Cris' tonight! The parking could not have been more convenient. We were seated right away. The staff was great! Our waiter, (Michael?) was very attentive. The drinks were great! The food delicious. And the entertainment , stellar! Had a fabulous time! Would not hesitate to go back!

I went to Chris' with a friend on a Friday night. The place was fairly crowded and hopping. We intended to just get drinks, but there were enticing smells so we ordered/split Jambalaya and dessert. The cocktails are unique and delicious, but very expensive, +$12. The band was good, and the pianist was particularly talented. The bill ended up being $150, for just a split meal and 2 drinks. Had a great time seeing the live band, but I'll be prepared next time.

We stopped by this location to listen to Jazz. We were suprise by how delicious the food here was. We enjoyed gigantic burgers and fruit and cheese platter. The drinks were potent and the entertainment awesome.

I've heard of Chris' Jazz Cafe for a while now. I proposed to me wife at the Ritz Carlton around the corner about 6 years ago. It was too cold that night to walk anywhere but I told myself I'd make it to this place. Well 6 years later, with the same lady, I finally made it. The doorman gave us a table right infront of the stage. We couldn't have been any closer. It was unforgettable and totally enchanting. The band was Magnificent and I can't wait to go back. I love how low the price was to see such great talent in a very classy, intimate environment. Perfect!!!

Very good evening for 4, with family. Good meal, good jazz performance. Cool atmosphere and good reception. Good value for money

Just checked my statement, overcharged by $6 which is unfair on principle. Place lacks atmosphere and is laid out like a canteen with steel chairs, food was very expensive although the music was good. Not what I was hoping for from a jazz cafe though, more like an overpriced and poorly thought out restaurant with some live music at one end.

This is one of the hidden treasures of Center City. In an alley north of the Union League, this old jazz cafe still has it going. The entertainment is world-class. If you are not tapping your foot to the music, you are dead. The room is old-school and minimal, the food varies, depending on the chef. Our last dinners were very good, but the music is what brings us back. This time it was jazz pianist Matt Savage. This kid is going to be major player for years to come. We have never seen the same group twice and every one had been great.

good music, otherwise nothing special.

We were told this would be a great music spot and it was better than expected. Steve greeted us immediately and was very accommodating. The music was excellent and varied. The food was good, but the quantity was less than expected. Our server was also quite accommodating when my wife want a special drink. Then she came back to check if it was prepared to her liking. This rarely happens. Get there before the first show, it does get pack.

It was a great experience, the food, the service, the greetings and the other people in the restaurant were all great. My first time visiting the business and to top it off we were entertained by "The trio of Drummer, Webb Thomas. Their were Christmas Carols and other melodies. Recommend that you stop in and enjoy their menu items.

Spent New Year's eve at Chris' Jazz café....the food was very good, the service was very good and the music was wonderful. The ambiance was perfect, a real mix of people, both young and old. Diverse backgrounds etc. Our waiter was the best. Go there, have fun.

We popped in to listen to a local sax player. It was a very quiet evening and as we had eaten dinner we just wanted drinks. There is a cover charge and the bill also has voluntary amount for the band which seems like double dipping. we ended up being the only customers but the music was good. It is a solid jazz venue. Just plan why you are going and at what time. I guess it gets much more crowded for big acts.

great live music. good ambiance, though a bit cramped. a bit steep though for those who don't know jazz well.

After attending the Flower Show at the Convention Center with my date, we strayed into Chris' Jazz Cafe for a late dinner. The venue is small and relatively intimate in the heart of center city just south of City Hall and across the street from the Union League. It was midweek, a jazz quintet was playing and the room was not terribly crowded. My date ordered a strawberry gazpacho and a Calamari dish that she enjoyed. I had the Shrimp and Grits which was so salty that I sent it back. I cannot remember the last time I sent anything back. Our waiter, came back and said the grits weren't salted and it was likely the old bay sauce so would I like a fresh dish with the old bay on the side. I agreed. The new "unsalted" dish was also too salty, but absent the old bay sauce was at least a bit edible. Our waiter didn't serve us bread until my date requested it and then he had to have it put in the oven so it showed up after we were basically done our main courses. Finally, we shared a tiramisu with strawberries that was not bad, but not great and we each had coffee that was subpar. Twenty years ago, I loved Chris' - but, I suspect it will be another 20 years til I give it another chance.

Had a great time there. The food was excellent, the vibe was great, and the bartender Allison made some amazing olde fashioneds!

The music is top notch, but they need to start over with the hosts and emcee. The club will not succeed with such poor customer service.....The front man at the door treated the clientele like dirt....4/28/2012

I visited this place in 2014, but since I wasn't on Trip Advisor, I never left a review. But this is such a nice place, and I had such a nice time that I wanted to get their name out there. This is a jazz café with appeal. The music was impeccable. I felt like I was on the set of a movie! Every thing you see in movies about a jazz club is here. Great atmosphere, an awesome 5 course chef's special made to my specifications...cannot express enough the thoroughness of the staff. The chef came to our table on at least 3 occasions just to check on us. Long Live Chris' Café!

We were interested in listening to some jazz, so we stopped at Chris', where a quartet was playing. While we were listening, we ordered a couple of drinks. We liked the music and we kind of liked the drinks. Ambience has really soft lighting, so -at times- it may be hard to see. If I understood correctly, there is always a $10 "ticket surcharge" that you have to pay, if musicians are in the club (and playing).

Frequented when I was single & always had good times listening to excellent jazz. Went back last week for a post-conference cocktail reception. Staff was super nice, pass-around hors' d'oeuvres were tasty.

Just off Broad Street in City Center Philadelphia, this jazz club provides great music with multiple jazz groups appearing nightly. Great bar with an excellent wine and beer selection. Food is good, filling and not too expensive. Come for the music and enjoy the atmosphere

I chose this restaurant for Valentine's Day 2015. We made reservations weeks ahead of time for dinner and the show. When we arrived on time for our reservation but we had to wait 20 minutes before being seated. After we were seated, we were given a special "Valentine Day" menu (which was not advertised beforehand). I shared the evening with my mother and father in law who both allergic to shellfish and guess what the special "Valentines Day" menu featured almost exclusively, YEP seafood and shellfish. So they were limited as to what they could order from this menu. The food (other than the strawberry salad) was not good at all; in particular the lobster bisque which I returned because it DEFINITELY came from a can. I believed our waiter knew of our displeasure and offered us VIP passes to return at another time. FYI, I saw our waiter offer this to other customers numerous times which lead me to believe this is a standard protocol to get you to come back, so this was no consolation to me. The music and company really helped to salvage our evening. We may return, since the cover charge will be waived, but I will eat elsewhere before I do.

Recently attended a show at Chris'. Not a bad room. Small, which is good. The layout could be better. There is a large post/ support beam that is difficult to see around. Also, there is too much talking in the audience the handful of times I have been there. People have lost their manners. Accoustics are good. It is astonishing to think that this is the only jazz club in Philadelphia, a city with a deep rich jazz history.

First time in Philly and first time here. Made a reservation online and the tix were $20 each. You couldn't go wrong. They had a young jazz band on that night, Chelsea Reed & The Fairweather Five singing and playing jazz from the 1920's, like Cab Calloway and Bessie Smith. The were very good and we had a great time. We didn't have dinner at the restaurant just drinks. The folks that sat at the back of the room near the stage were very quiet during the performance but the folks at the bar were very loud and rude. I wish the owner would have told them to keep it quiet. We will be going back the next time we visit Philadelphia.

Really enjoyed our visit here. We didn't eat so can't comment on the food but a great place to sit down and enjoy some great jazz music in a place with wonderful atmosphere and a very welcoming host. Highly recommend a visit.

Intimate jazz spot with great performers and food. The service is good and the crowd is awesome. Great spot for tourists to visit when in town.

The ambiance is fantastic and exactly what you'd expect of a hip Philly jazz club. Intimate-feeling restaurant area that keeps you up close and personal with the performers. Really affordable cover charge for performances (usually $10 or $15, but $5 student discount!). The staff is always so friendly and accomodating, and the food is absolutely delicious. Even if you're nervous, try the frog legs!!!! They are to die for. Between all of the members of my family, we've had just about everything on the menu, and have had no complaints. The beef over mac and cheese is really tasty. All the performers we've seen have been wonderful, if you haven't been here I would HIGHLY reccommend this spot!!

Went in for a drink after dining at a nearby restaurant. We were looking for someplace with live music and a nice ambiance that wasn't too loud or jam packed. Chris' Jazz Cafe was perfect. In addition to our drinks, we did try one dessert which was excellent. There were two musicians during our visit, both very good. If you are into Jazz, this is a great choice!

Went there due to a recommendation. Looked like an average bar but was very nice once you get inside. The staff was very friendly and the food was excellent. I had shrimp and grits, my hubby had jambalaya. We were with another couple who had the crab Mac & Cheese and a supposedly spicier version of the jambalaya. I had the most amazing cheese cake with blueberries, raspberries and strawberries covered with a mixed berry sauce. There was Jazz music playing in the background at just the right volume to allow us to talk without straining to hear. They also have live music but we didn't stay for that. Next time. Oh yes, we will be back.

Went to see some good jazz and that's what I got! The band was great and the atmosphere was perfect for the jazz trio on stage. The food was decent and the drinks were flowing. This is a cool place for if you're looking for a sit down, lounge type atmosphere.

The music was great! The service was decent. The food was okay. But, get this... $32 for a scallops entree - with 3 scallops! It included a smear of sweet potato or some such, and no sides! Really Chris'?? The three course menu consisted of $12 and up appetizers, $30 and up entrees. This is after paying a $25 cover (plus fees because you can only make the reservation at some 3rd party booking site). We felt rushed out after the show so we didn't order dessert. Was very disappointed.