Cafe Wha?

I love Cafe Wha, another great place to go is The Griffin NYC to Michael Fredo's Wednesday night party. They have a great show and an open bar from 8-9:30. Free admission too. Michael Fredo with The Benny Reid Orchestra is a great Jazz/ Ratpack show.

I'm a native New Yorker, and recently started going to the Cafe Wha? and now I'm hooked! Their house band is phenomenal, and they play all different sorts of music. By far, the best house band I've seen in the city. Whether you are just visiting or have been around a while, you've gotta check this place out, it always makes for a great night with friends

Cafe Wha? delivers the Wow effect. It seems like a tourist trap but if Bob Dylan used to play here, I have to visit this indie band mecca.

I came here on a Tuesday night so it was not too overly crowded nor did they charge cover although there is a 2 drink minimum.

The band they had that night was real amazing. Everybody in the band can sing. They know how to work the audience too. There was not a single down moment.

Drinks are a little expensive for what it is but I guess you are paying really for the live performance and the fun atmosphere.

We love live music, and this is a pretty good place to go. On the night we went (a Thursday) the band was pretty good, but looked a little unhappy. A couple of the singers were really good. Service was atrocious.

Pros: Nice intimate room

Cons: Horrible service

We heard many good things about Cafe Wha? from family who goes there often.. I'm not really a fan of live music from house bands doing covers so it never was on the top of my list of places to visit. The decision maker was really their website advertisement of Sunday having no cover.. Having trekked all the way from Jersey on one of the coldest nights ever.. we decided to still go in after we were told it was $10 a head to enter due to it being a holiday weekend.. (whatever, dude.. it was freakin January 3!!!)... (add that onto the 2 drink minimum per person).. I was a bit bummed at first but after deciding to make the most of it (that and the stiff martinis I ordered).. I ended up actually enjoying myself. The band was really great and made the evening cool.

Pros: Great band, strong martinis, history

Cons: So very overpriced, misleading on cover charges, very tight

I read a couple of the most recent reviews, and I cannot understand what people are talking about? Cafe Wha? is one of the most fun places in all of New York. The band is phenomenal, especially the house band. Every time I go, the band has the crowd up and dancing. I recommend this place to anyone who likes great live music, and enjoys dancing, and having a good time!

Pros: Dancing, Great Band, Fun Fun Fun!

Years ago I used to come here a couple of times a week. But now the management and the entertainers don't really seem to care anymore. It's like they're not even trying. Actually, I'm sure they're not even trying. There are not many places in New York to see live music anymore. It will be a shame if this one, especially with its history, ends up packing it in. C'mon Wha, wake up!

Pros: Bryan Stephens

I went on a Sunday night, which is supposed to have no cover, but they charged $10 because of a Monday holiday. Strike one. I sucked it up and agreed to pay the cover. Inside, I found out that they did not serve coffee. I ordered a drink then went to Caffe Reggio for my coffee boost. I returned to Wha, where they told me that I could not take the drink to the table where my friends and the drink I had already ordered were waiting. They were pretty rude about it, which made me upset, so I left and will not be going back. Here is how they lost $1200 to $2400:

If they had treated me respectfully and used some good business sense, I would have had my coffee at the table with my friends and spent about $30. Multiply that by four people and you have $120. Multiply that by about 10 more visits with an average of 4 friends and you get $1200 within the next year. And say we go a little less than twice a month, and that's around $2400. So, my friends and I will be spending $2400+ elsewhere while, potentially, Cafe Wha shuts its doors, unable to pay its rent because of bad/stupid/inflexible business policies applied out of an ignorant sort of desperation. Oh, and multiply $2400 by the number of people turned off who don't write reviews, and then New Yorkers learn why "good," and even historical clubs loose money and have to shut their doors. Then again, CAFE Wha could add coffee to their menu. But then again, maybe they are special enough to treat customers badly, have misguided business policies and still pay their rent/stay in business. Time will tell.

Pros: not sure

Cons: bad management, shady customer relations

I used to play at the Wha? with my band, The Outcasts, in 1965 and 1966. We played alongside Jimi Hendrix and the Spoonful. What a great place..............JOE

Pros: The Real Deal

Cons: None

My fiance recommended this place because he thought it would be a fun place to go with my 8 friends for my bachlorette party. After standing in line for a while, we were ushered in to a cramped dark basement and seated at a table large enough to accommedate my group. After settling in, we were asked to move to the far corner because another group had waited patiently. More patiently than us? I highly doubt that as we're a pretty quiet group of ladies. We didn't mind moving, but the explanation for why we had to do so was odd. After re-settling into our new seats, the music began and the fun started. Then I got up to have a cigarette outside. That's when I was told that I must have a pass fro my server. Fine. Sadly, the place was so overcrowded with people dancing that I was unable to find my server in the dark room and fell because I was unable to see the step up somewhere in the middle of the room. This is when the staff announced to my HORROR that I was "cut off" from drinking and needed to be watched. I was not drunk. Not even a little bit. FINALLY, one of my friends found our server and got the pass...but the staff had already announced I was cut off and they still wouldn't let us out (again, to my confusion). I got very upset and pointed out they were ruining my night... so they finally let me out. Later on my friends told me that half the food and beverage ordered were never served and they had to argue their check with a staff of enormously intimidating bouncers who had given most of the party trouble throughout the course of the evening. We all left early, sober, and extremely upset. Half the group works for various hotels in the area and we're shocked at the service. Not only are we contacting the fire marshall regarding the overpacked basement with one exit that you're not allowed to utilize without being threatened but we're encouraging everyone to not waste their money for a place that treats you like a criminal and not a guest.... especially when you're not acting a drunken fool!! They really did ruin my night...

Pros: The Music

Cons: The Staff, The Staff, The Staff!!

I can't believe t they fired the band!!! Cheryl we miss you. It's not the same. They're trying, but it's just not the same. NOT THE SAME. The Cafe Wha had a great run, but at those prices and no more band I don't think it's really worth it anymore. Maybe they'll get it together. I hope so.

Pros: Mike Davis

Cons: Fired the regular band

I came New Years Eve. The last reviewer had it right. Take it or leave pretty much does sum up their attitude.

Pros: Tall white guitarist

Cons: way over priced, cramped space, rude manager, totally lackadasical service, way over priced

I went last night to celebrate my birthday. Invited about 10 or so friends out to join me. Prior to arriving, I called and e-mailed the week before to confirm the cover and any other information I should know about. No one ever responded to me. When we arrived, the cover is $10 (it's advertised as $5 on a lot of other websites)...no biggie...BUT, it's $10 + a 2-drink minimum. Nowhere on their website is this noted. Certainly not a deal-breaker but when I brought it to the management's attention, he had a 'take-it-or leave it' attitude. I had a couple of friends with me who are currently out of work and had I known I would have forewarned them that this could end up being a $40 night. In any event, we decided to stay and check out the show.

My sole purpose was to see Cheryl Pepsii Riley perform. I heard good things about their Tuesday night showcase and knew that she would put on a good show. As the band started performing, I noticed that she wasn't on stage. I asked my server was she going to perform tonight -- his response: "Who??" I repeated myself at least 3x. He then proceeded to tell me that she's no longer w/ the band. Oh really?? Soooo, not only are we paying more than I anticipated but the person I came to see is not even performing. My server literally told me "It is what it is" -- So not cool. I'm sure I could have found this out had anyone ever returned my calls or e-mail to begin with.

All things considered, the band who performed did a good job and kept the crowd jumping. But, the combination of poor management and poor customer service put a damper on the evening. I wouldn't return and definitely wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. It's unfortunate because the music is good. But, and I cannot emphasize this enough, the service is HORRIBLE. Do not waste your time.

Pros: the music...the band who did perform did a great job

Cons: the service, the service, the service

Heard so much about it and got to check it out with a few friends. Had great time from start to finish. Stayed all night Saturday and the music just got better and better. What a rockinnnnn band. Got to eat, drink and have a blast. The host was super nice and gets you all exited for all the right reasons. Will highly recomend it to all my friends. See you soon.

Pros: Live music, decor, atmosphere, food

Cons: The night had to end eventually...

Best live music.

The band is like nowhere else. Had a great time in a great place. Got to be crowded but it is part of the atmosphere. Whenever I come to NYC I visit and it is just getting better every time.

Thanks for a special evening and see you next time.

Pros: The band.

I usually prefer a lounge with a DJ but ended up here for a friend's birthday party, 5 years ago. Since then, I make it a point to go out here, at least twice a year.

The band plays everything from classic rock (a la Pink Floyd) to various Jay-Z, and 90's Hip Hop/Alternative Medleys.

Just be sure to make reservation or be ready to wait in between sets.

Pros: the Cafe Wha? Band

Cons: crowded and a bit pricey

This was a really expensive way to see a weird guy sing rock and roll songs. Service was good, drinks were small and pricey.

was a crazy night at cafe wha? and the band was probably one of the best cover act i saw...
on the weekends there is a cover charge but its worth it in my opinion.
enjoy.

me and the guys found this place at the village and it turned out to be our best night in new york!
not too expensive and a great live band rippin' all night long...
a must if your at the village!

Pros: live band and good food

Cons: packed on the weeked

if your looking for the best live show around,playing anything from rock to hip hop...then the cafe wha? would be your choice!!!
i went 2 nights in a row when i was in town and i cant wait to get back there!

Village 9/27: Rude staff and extremely mediocre (and weird) band. The Michael Jackson impersonator made us squirm, but we had A LOT to drink and made the best of it. Not a cost effective evening out!

Pros: bass player

Cons: some preformers seemed kind of like beginners.

Went with a few friends who were in from out of town. We saw some great music and really enjoyed our night. The server we had was attentive and friendly. I had never been here before but I would recommend Cafe Wha t o anyone reading this.

Pros: Music. Venue, Service

Very expensive for mediocre music and shockingly rude staff. I don't know where they get their cajones.

Cons: Total overpriced tourist trap

I'm a NYer who went to a friend's birthday party here. The cover band ranged from quite good to horrendous, but the disproportionately touristy crowd seemed delighted with the parodical band and that made for a party atmosphere. The beer selection is what you might find at a small midwestern airport -- bottled Coors, Corona, Bud Light etc. -- but our waiter worked hard and was responsive. Overall, the place was overpriced even by NY standards.

The weirdness happened when my wife and I tried to leave. An extremely large man refused to let us leave the building without a little blue "pass" from our waiter excusing us from the table. (After paying exhorbitantly for below average music and drink, this was infuriating.) I tried to pass the brute and he physically blocked me with his hulking torso and all of a sudden I was swarmed by what seemed like a Cafe Wha SWAT team. (Were they going to slam me to the ground and detain me like on "Cops"?) Eventually, our waiter came and properly excused us from the premises, for the last time EVER.

Pros: pseudo-historical mystique, lively

Cons: tourist trap, overpriced, silly aggressive exit policy

I went to the Cafe Wha this weekend. It was pretty empty and the band was just not the same as they used to be. The energy was kind of low. Maybe it was an off night, but it felt really different.

Pros: Conner!

Cons: REAAAALY Expensive

As an Englishman in New York, I would heartily recommend this venue. Drinks were a tad steep, but all in all I really enjoyed the music and the atmosphere.

Some of the performers at the Wah were just too corny for me. Except for the rock guy who played guitar and sang, most of the performers were just doing typical Disney World, Pleasure Island corny tourist stuff. They were all really talented, just too geared to the out of town people. Not quite worth the $20.00 to sit in the cramped basement.

Pros: Guitar Player, Comedian was really funny

Cons: Really Expensive Drinks

the best place to be in new year eve i will be there with all my best friends . i hope it will be amazing
evening just like every new year eve was before in this room can't wait anymore for the best show in town
i'm from l.a california.

I'm a local who's been here twice - once for a birthday party & once when entertaining a friend from out of town. This place is great for such nights (bachelorette parties, etc) because it's a guaranteed good time out w/ great live music... You know those nights when you want to see good live music but you comb the Voice & are faced w/ chancing it on seeing a band you don't know because none of the ones you do know are playing? Well this place is the solution because all the musicians are fabulous & all the numbers are crowd-pleasers. Sure there's a bit of a cruise ship atmosphere (as someone stated below) but it's a FUN & entertaining vibe if you go in there knowing what to expect. It's not about seeing cutting edge music or hanging in a hip scene, it's about having a party with all sorts (LOTS of mainstream-y tourists/B&T/event types) with a sure-to-please bunch of songs. They really do run the gamut here of fun upbeat songs...there's an r&b phase, then a rock phase, then a Latin phase, etc. All the band's missing is a female & they got all the all encompassing crowd-pleasing bases covered! The room is cramped, they have that arranged seating where you might be seated w/ strangers & all the dancing happens in the crowded aisles, but it's all good. We had a comedian opening up that was pretty good. They also are sticklers about that cover, which they'll charge at the end of the set; if you leave early, you have to show your receipt (my friend got separated from me & was grilled until our waittress confirmed she had paid). Overall, though this isn't the edgiest place to catch live music on a night out, it is guaranteed great night if you know what you're getting! And sometimes that's all you need. PS My mojito was awful but it did the job...

Pros: Great band, wide appeal entertainment

Cons: Cramped seating, bad but drinkable mojito, slight cheesy factor

I have been to Cafe Wha? quite a few times in the few years I've lived in New York City, and I enjoy it just as much as the first. The bands are always fantastic, and the servers I get there are always very friendly. The dance floor can get crowded at times, but the vibe is so good, that no one really seems to mind. If you've never been, it is certainly a place you have to check out.

Pros: Vibe

The place is tiny. You're rubbing shoulders with everyone but no one seems to care since they are having fun. There no trendy decor, just some raw fun.. The life music makes you want to dance, which people do in the tiny hall way. Drinks are cheap and the crowd lively. I absolutely had great fun at this place. Of course I got trashed too. :) Get there early if you want seats.

This place is fine if you are interested in uninspired cover bands. But why would you be, when there are so many other places featuring the best in music of all descriptions?

Pros: Party atmosphere

Cons: Has seen better days

Great live music, annoying NYU crowd of young people weekends. Location is prime for bar-hopping, though.

Pros: Great bar-hopping location

Cons: NYU nerds everywhere

I'm not a tourist, Im from right here in Manhattan, and tonight was possibly the best live music that I have heard since I have been here. The Wha band's energy combined with genuine musical talent and passion for performance was stellar. I highly recommend this place to anyone who is looking for great music and fun, but don't attend if you hate dancing, because here, you just can't help yourself.

Pros: Great service despite the small room, fantastic live music

Cons: Crowded

i am traveling all over the world, i was at the cafe Wha few days ago and i will recomend to every person that i know to get there, the house band is ausome and the disfunktion band is amazing!! i didn't have a chance to see the barazuka band, but i had great time, food, music, atmosphere everything PERFECT!!!!

Great for party, fun, starting with funny scene, end with fun also. It's really great, some waitress is really worst, but it's fine. Check your bill all the time, I was charged which one is not my order. It's a little overcharge. Covercharge $ 12 per person, and you will have tiny space for seat. Anyway, it is fun place.

Pros: Fun, great place, nice musical

Cons: Bit overprice, too small.

Went to NY for the first time and through countless different clubs / bars / restaurants / hangouts / lounges from the beginning to the end of our trip, CAFE WHA was the best. Great great great music, fun crowd, good service, and etc etc... where is there a place like this in LA?

Pros: MUSIC, SANGRIA, DANCING

we came to NYC from Munich, Germany, for a week, during the month of february
we went to many Broadway shows and other museums, however, our best experience was on our last night, where we decided to go to the west village.
it was sunday night and the house band played amazing tunes from rock and roll to reggae and R & B
we were treated very kindly by all staff members and specially by the manager on duty Anthony and the server Jonathan
we felt that this was the best night we had for a long time and surprisingly the prices are reasonable (if not cheap)
the band was so talented and we could only wish that we had 1 more night in NYC so we could come there again
Stephen

Pros: fun, women, great music

The cruise ship comment is sooo what I was thinking!! This place just made me want to go on vacation, and when I stepped outside and realized I wasn't..it was just a little sad. hehe. The band has amazing talent, I'm guessing this gig just pays the bills... well I"m hoping. There were many tourist and out of towner types... I mean when you see a white guy getting down and grandmothers shaking their bums, it's just not a good situation... can't believe this place exists in NYC... maybe Thurs isn't the night though. Oh and the disco lights sooo did not help!

Pros: Band

Cons: Crowd, Venue

I've never been on a cruise but I can't imagine that the Cafe Wha band could ever sound like a cruise ship band - I guess you just can't please some people. I have however been around musicians my entire life and these guys and Jessica are extremely talented performers, singers, and musicians. Jason's voice sweeps me off my feet everytime and no matter how many times I hear Jessica sing, I'm always impressed by the power of her lungs.
If you enjoy a variety of popular music, sweet & strong mixed drinks, munchie food, & gorgeous men whose smiles make you melt...oh & a mix of friendly patrons from all over the world, you will love Cafe Wha? as much as I do.
I'm almost embarassed to say that I am addicted to the place & never go anywhere else when I do get out of the house.

Pros: $7.00 drinks, Talented singers, Fun atmosphere

Simply loved the place. The atmosphere is capturing, and its created by the amazing group of musicians that are on stage. The house band provides such a diversity of fun and talent, that we could not leave until the end of the night. They are funny, entertaining and sophisticated.
Thank you Cafe Wha for a great evening, and sure to see you again soon.

Pros: band, atmosphere, location

About 15 of us ended up here for a birthday party. What a waste of time. The closest thing I could compare it to is being on a cruise ship. The comic was only OK, then the band comes on, demanding respect and participation wile they sing super mass market rock songs, (Tom Petty, etc). They even treated us to Carribean hits like "Hot, Hot, Hot" and that 5 cent 10 cent, 50 cent dollar song, you know the one that you hear in the islands that are tailored to us Americans. Tallanted musicians playing horrible music. This place is super cheesey, and the only ones who apprectiate it are the suburbanites and tourists who don't know any better. It's not that expensive, but not worth it if it was free. We walked out. It truley was painful.

Pros: reservations

Cons: the band, the comic, bad mixed drinks

I just went to Cafe Wha for the first time recently and had a blast! The house band was KICK ASS, playing everything from the Beatles to Radiohead to 50 Cent. Our waitress was really nice and very helpful-even though it was PACKED she still made sure we were ok and had everything. Good drinks and food.
Awesome place for a group of friends or just you and a date. Make sure you get there early though to get a pretty good place to sit - gets crowded and FAST.
If you don't like loud music or just a place to talk and hang out, this is NOT the place to go to.
But definitely an awesome place worth checkin out at least once!

Pros: Live Music

Cons: Crowded