Harvelle's
L.A.'s original blues club still serves up the best live jams in an intimate setting.
Message from Harvelle's
Established in 1931, Harvelle's is the oldest live music venue on the westside. The dark, sexy room is the perfect spot for listening, dancing and drinking to the best local, national and international artists. Harvelle's is a Santa Monica staple for live jazz and blues music acts. Every Sunday, don't miss The Toledo Show for pure unadulterated soul, jazz and burlesque performances. Mention you found us on Citysearch.
Editorial by Citysearch
In ShortLong before the House of Blues came to town, there was Harvelle's--still considered by most to be L.A.'s truest music club. This small, dark venue offers live tunes and dancing nightly, showcasing local and touring bands that play the blues spectrum, from West Coast swing to R&B- and soul-influenced jams. The atmosphere is unpretentious and adult. Portraits of greats such as Billie Holiday and B.B. King adorn black walls, while a black-and-white checkerboard dance floor lies before the stage.
Key Points
- Happy Hour
- Open Jams
- Blues, Soul and Funk
The Inside Scoop
- Know Before You Go - Eat before you arrive, as there is no food service. The cover charge varies depending on the act, but early birds get in free.
- What to Drink - Consider the Harvelle's Blues Buster: Skyy vodka, DeKuyper's blue Curacao, 7UP and sweet and sour.
- Parking - A city parking garage is located just south of Harvelle's. Evening parking is $3.
Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Bongo Fury Tuesdays
by Alex1a2b3c
I took a first date?. We were blown away! The dancers are HOT and the band was FURIOUS. The cover is $10. And was worth every cent. I would of paid more. The drinks are strong and the prices reasonable. Don?t miss this ?Gem? Places like this are hard to find, you have to go to New York or back in time.
-Al
Pros: Atmosphere and Vibe
Cons: can't think of any
Posted 10/12/08
Bongo Fury Tuesdays
by smlocalism
Music cool, and the one dancer was hot but not loving much else. Cover $10, drinks $24 parking $3 and for what ? I waited 30 mins. for the first set and it was 15 mins. long ...that's it? Save your time/money and go else where.
Posted 07/10/08
best jazz santa monica
by aaquino87
I've only been here once, on Tuesday nights, and I was sold to come back after the first few minutes of walking in.
Posted 01/29/08
Turned a believer out of me!
by herronz
Ok guys
I have to tell you, going into this place (which came highly recommended) with a lot of sceptism I was blown away by the 'Toledo' show. His voice is amazing and boy what a show it was! I never thought i could like jazz/soul/funk so much. Now I know what i'll be doing every sunday night! Grooving at the Harvelle's.
You haven't lived in L.A until you've experienced this. I say this is by far the best place I have been to in LA to listen to music!
Posted 09/03/07
I can NOT stop singing Toledo Show songs!!!
by oldkingdom
Okay... First off... this is my FIRST review but I felt obligated to share to those as clueless as I was.
I was very reluctant when I first went to this club who's name strangely resembled an ice cream chain from back home, but some friends knowing my interest in music insisted that I see the Sunday night show. I can't begin to explain what a positive experience it was. Maybe it was the fact that I was in a great mood, maybe it was awesome music and maybe, just maybe it was the dancers on the tables... but I simply can not wait to go back. From the dark and mysterious speak-easy atmosphere to the perfectly shaken martini. (the perfect room to enjoy such a beverage, by the way)
The show was beyond amazing. The Toledo Show is easily the best show in LA. Like the title of this review says... I can't get his smokey soulful voice out of my head. And it's not just Toledo either... the musicians and the dancers... wow! That's really all I can say... wow! As a musician, these guys are top notch. I know they play elsewhere on different nights and I can't wait to find out where. Did I mention the dancers?
My ONLY complaint and it's not really a complaint is that it was pretty crowded, but I think that had to do with the fact that it's a pretty small room paired with a really popular show AND the fact that it was a holiday weekend.
Anyway... like I said... I can't wait to go back and see what Harvelle's has to offer on other nights.
A+++++++++++++
Pros: The venue, the drinks, the talent.
Cons: Have to cab it home...
Posted 01/17/07
Just like the "good old days"
by inla
I adore Harvelle's. Cheap drinks, great live music, really diverse crowd, NO pretense and always always a fantastic time. Red leather banquets and a black & white checkered dance floor. Harvelle's is awesome!
Posted 11/09/06
stunning
by tigress8
Already feeling the jazz sink into to me, when i looked up to order there was the most stunningly beautiful bartendendress. Not only does the music and the atmosphere get you in the mood, but the service is riveting.
Can't wait to come back to LA just to see my favorite bartender.
Posted 12/06/05
Chill Spot
by foodie808
Harvelle's definitely has a nice balance of things going on. Every place in LA is decorating hipster chic...Harvelle's expresses themselves nicely with that motif. On top of that, good looking bartendresses and soulful blues and jazz sessions make it a different spot to hang at. Because of the music genre, I don't make it a regular place to drink at but it's a good place to go to when you're in the mood for the bluesy kind of vibe.
Pros: music, bartendresses, decor
Posted 05/16/05
Must See
by loveindove_0
A place thats all about you. I can't wait to go again. Enjoy your favorit drink in a fun inviorment, with live music every nite. MUST SEE!!!
Posted 09/26/02
Blues Gone Wild
by josho33
This place rocks! Pick a night, any night...and go check this place out. Sunday night at midnight takes the cake. Just go and you'll see what I mean. The show is awesome!
Posted 09/18/02
You love it or you hate it.
by bfremgen
I loved it. Real blues music, real blues feel. I felt like I was sent back in time 50 years.
Posted 05/22/02