Insider Pages Reviews for Dimitriou's Jazz Alley

4 Stars: Great Music Venue with BAD food, drinks and service (by jwveg)

jwveg — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:00:00 GMT

It's a wonderful sounding room with lots of great talent on the roster. Room feels good too. But I have to tell you that every single thing we ate was bad. The steak didn't have enough sauce, the salad was bitter with not enough dressing, the potatoes were tasteless.. the house wine was VERY low end.Hummas wasn't too bad. They are clearly looking at food cost and profit...they need to add a little to their budget that would go a long way. I will be back, but I won't ever eat there again. I'll drink something they cant screw up like a Budweiser.
I'm a night club owner, audio engineer and musician myself and I really appreciate the job they did with the
sound rig, It's beautifully smooth. The engineer did a great job of capturing Chic Corea's piano sound as well as Stanley Clarkes Bass ... all of the depth and harmonics were captured well.
The food's not cheap, but if they need to add a couple of bucks to the menu to make their dishes better and improve their guest experience, they should. I was was with my daugter so I didn't want a whole bottle of wine. The house wine was disasterous. There is nothing worse than bad wine, yuck. I had the merlot..then I got the pinot noir..it wasn't much better.
The servers were spread too thin. If I had wanted to send anything back, i really didn't have the opportunity to do it. The bussboy filled our waters up about 10 times. He was all over it. But the pleasant server had WAY too many tables to do her job properly.
The club is much more comfortable and better sounding than the Blue note in NYC but the food is MUCH better at the Blue Note...
Have I made my point yet, LOL...
Mr. Dimitriou, please increase your food quality to match the quality of your fantastic room!

5 Stars: How is it not great? (by DanceLady4)

DanceLady4 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

I love that I can see an amazing big jazz name in a beautiful, classy venue for less than 20 dollars as a student. I love that Jazz Alley also goes above and beyond just jazz concerts and also includes more eclectic names as well. All the shows are top quality, and the food is pretty good as well. If you're planning on having dinner, it will set you back a little though... plan on upwards of 20-30 per person.

Students, make sure to ask about student discounts. Such an amazing deal!

5 Stars: A complete evening of food, wine and music (by Rondog66)

Rondog66 — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

My wife and I have gone to Jazz Alley numerous times over the last 18 months. We have consistently had great evenings of entertainment and dinner without a single disappointment.

The service is friendly, understated and efficient-a phenomenon of its own in Seattle. Food is reasonably priced, and the food is good. I don't understand why anyone would go somewhere else to eat first. There are several rather nasty reviews that seem to be written by the same committee, so I would take them with a grain of salt.

The entertainment speaks for itself. Top rate performers, every seat has a first rate view, plenty of room for singles.

I'm looking forward to my next visit.

5 Stars: Another wonderful night (by jennifer james)

jennifer james — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 09:00:00 GMT

A night at Jazz Alley with Dr. J was like going back in time to the small club - unique energy and intimate connection with the performers. People were so high on Dr J's music and personality they danced with him. He sure seemed to feel the same about the audience.

I don't understand the gripes about the food. I have eaten at Jazz Alley 6 times in the last few months and the food has been wonderful and served quietly and with graciousness. I wonder if those reviews are from competitors not patrons.

5 Stars: A memorable night! (by rocketdog1)

rocketdog1 — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:00:00 GMT

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here, and, tho we dropped a load of cash, it was worth every cent! We were seated immediately, after getting to choose our favorite table, which was lit by a small, glowing lamp. Negroni cocktails appeared quickly as we perused the menu. Succulent lamb curry was so good that I contacted the chef for the recipe! Capped off the meal with chocolate volcano cake and port. Terrence Blanchard and his band pulled off a captivating, flawless performance, and the whole evening was lovely. We look forward to returning soon for another great experience!

1 Stars: Eat elsewhere first (by kcrotts)

kcrotts — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT

We visited Jazz Alley last night to celebrate by brother in laws 60th birthday. He flew in from New Jersey a few days ago. Kevin Eubanks was headlining and is an amazing artist. The music was great.
The food was terrible. I had the salmon salad, my wife and daughter had the cesar salad. We also had the chicken drum appetizer and Pane bread. The food was the worst quality and highest price I have seen. The only potential spotlight is the lack of light which prevents you from seeing what they are serving you.
My salad was made from old salad greens, the dressing was tasteless, I think there was something on the plate that resembled canned artichoke hearts, and the salmon must have just fallen out of its vacuume pack.
The other salads were just as bad. Really, smuggle in a Cesar salad pack from Safeway and you'll be the envy of the restaurant.
Service was little better as my bother in law asked for butter for his bread and was told they didn?t have any. Later the waitress shows up with one pat of butter like she had done a big favor. At the end of the show they basically said get out, we have another show to set up for.
My advice, eat anywhere else in the city, have a couple of drinks with your dinner, and then watch the show only if it is an artist you must see.

4 Stars: So so... (by moonsshine)

moonsshine — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

They sort of got you by the(Male anatomy plural)if you love music the way my significant other and I do. They tell you one thing over the phone only to arrive and hear something entirely different. I have been to many many performances and sometimes eat and sometimes not. You definitely are treated better if you make dinner reservations then if its just for cocktails but even then you might get treated like junk. I think they have a problem with people who are in their early thirties as if they are not worthy of the music that is played there or as if they are to young to really know what it is they are seeing, therefore it is alright to treat them badly. Sometimes I feel like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman when she goes into the store and they wont wait on her because they are total snobs. They food is also waayyyy over priced and its always cold and its never something I am overly thrilled about. It fills the belly and looks pretty but its ehhh, just so so.

2 Stars: Great Jazz club but don't order dinner. Overpriced, unorginal, lacking inspiration and creativity and taste. (by kennedyp5)

kennedyp5 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 09:00:00 GMT

I wish I had read the reviews here before ordering dinner because the food is a bad joke without delivery. The menu select is unoriginal and lacking inspiration and creativity. A nightly special would be a nice touch.

I ordered the Rigatoni with pancetta; butternut squash and mixed braising greens in a light cream sauce topped with freshly grated Parmesan. The pasta was overcooked, and the entire dish spoke more of a giant salt lick. I didn't even know what the butternut squash was until later. Originally we thought it might be polenta but not in a good way. My friend ordered the grilled Wild Alaskan Salmon topped with a lemon buerre blanc sauce and served with a side of mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. It wasn't wild; it was farm raised and severely over cooked. The vegetables were frozen, undercooked, and unidentifiable. My ear caught wind that the Jazz Alley Caesar Entree- Traditional house specialty served with a choice of marinated organic chicken or poached shrimp was the worst salad they had ever tried.

Clearly Chef Ramsey was not in house, as he would have sent every order back for an overhaul. The bread was the only bright spot that came out of the kitchen.

The service was decent, but they made an error and charged us for the show that we had already paid for which was quickly corrected. The show was amazing, Al Di Meola. We will be back for the Jazz, but next time either we will eat before hand or settle for an appetizer and have dinner afterwards.

5 Stars: Awesome Food and Show (by Alex M.)

Alex M. — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:31:00 GMT

My family wanted to see a great show in Seattle so we decided for something different. We went to the Jazz Alley in Seattle. They had an awsome show and great food. They had Fish, Steak, Chicken and so much more. I highly recomend if you go to Seattle try this place out

4 Stars: Jazz (by Elaine W.)

Elaine W. — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:15:00 GMT

A nice place to go to listen to great music, eat good food, and hang out with fun people. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Seattle. Highly recommend.

3 Stars: WORST FOOD EVER!!! BUT SHOW WAS GREAT. (by jeslynn)

jeslynn — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Went to see Amel Larrieux. The performance was phenomenal! Beautiful performer, great voice, and wonderful band. As far as the restaurant, poor service, small and very light drinks, and the worst food I've had at any restaurant. I would have been more satisfied with fast food. For the price of the meals and the ambiance of the place, the food should be on such a higher level than it is. I would suggest this place for the shows, but not for the food. Go out somewhere half the price and twice the quality before watching a show.

2 Stars: Wicked show, abysmal food (by tdrisdelle)

tdrisdelle — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Went to the Maceo Parker show a few nights ago, it was my first Jazz Alley experience. I knew the show would be amazing (and it was), but I was brutally surprised by the awful food - expensive and food-court quality. Clearly the owners are jazz-lovers, not restaurateurs. Imagine what they could do with some easy changes to the kitchen and the dining!

5 Stars: Great place (by curatipsum)

curatipsum — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Great place for jazz lovers. Dinner and drinks were fine, but nothing special. The ambiance is fantastic!

5 Stars: Hands down, best jazz club in the northwest! (by jesusita5)

jesusita5 — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:00:00 GMT

As soon as you walk down the stairs, those marvelous hosts are there to greet and make you feel welcome and and at home. We normally sit at the bar but the appetizers are to die for! We have yet to come to Jazz Alley for dinner and are eagerly anticipating seeing The Manhattan Transfer there next weekend! I would highly recommend this classy club to any and all!!

5 Stars: best jazz anywhere!!!! Atmosphere A+++ (by mozzman)

mozzman — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Been there 5 times and have seen the biggest names in jazz in the world. Performers often have cds for sale that they are more than happy to sign for you. Every seat in the house is great, and everytime I go I hate to leave. If jazz is your thing then this is the place for you! Have dinner at the Palace Kitchen around the corner though. Not taking anything away from Jazz Alley, I have eaten there three times, but the Palace kitchen is better food for less money. Have drinks and dessert at Jazz Alley and listen to the best jazz ever. You'll be back!!

4 Stars: Great Line Up of Talent. Disappointing Grub... (by eddiedidgo)

eddiedidgo — Sat, 26 May 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Without a doubt, Jazz Alley brings in premier talent from around the world! Since the remodel several years ago, it is a much better venue with a very intimate setting. (For music lovers and lovers alike!). I have been a regular patron since 1991 and have had the pleasure of seeing Dizzy, Jimmy Smith, Olu Dara, Doctor John, Brandon Marselis, Little Jimmy Scott, Bobby Blue Bland...the list can go on forever. Thanks for being a jazz jewel in the Pacific Northwest!

Now the sad news...the food needs a LOT more attention!!! How hard can it be to present simple cuisine (never mind the price!) for those who make an effort to attend a 7:30 p.m. show, it would be nice to look forward to nice simple meal. You have a captive audience...cater to that market. The food need not be second fiddle to the great music that you present on a consistent basis. No...you do not have to compete with the high end, over the top dining spots in Seattle. Nor do you need to succumb to bar food (i.e. chicken wings and jalapeno poppers). Just send something out that will be slightly memorable. For starters, a nice cheese tray would be a simple addition to the menu. A real antipasto platter would be appreciated as well. (READ: quality olives; skip the typical, pre-sliced, institutional quality meats...what ever I had last week was not the real deal; Take advantage of the agricultural bounty in the Pacific Northwest. Worst case scenario, go shopping in the Pike Place Market and call it your own.

Enough said! Jazz Alley continues to bring top shelf talent to Seattle! Until something significant happens with the food, I will dine before the second set, have a drink at the bar and enjoy some of the greatest music in the world...that you might know as JAZZ! Enjoy the music! Well worth the price of admission!

eddie would go...

4 Stars: Great music, bad food (by suburbanseattlite)

suburbanseattlite — Wed, 09 May 2007 09:00:00 GMT

I've been to the Jazz Alley three times so far, and I gotta say, each show was very enjoyable. Last time when I was there (3/21/07), I had the pleasure of attending the performance of Lura, the Portuguese-Cape Verdean chanteuse. I enjoyed the show so much that I even bought her CD and got it autographed on the spot! What a talent. The Jazz Alley always has such great performers! However, I cannot say much for their food. I don't mind paying high prices for fine food, but their food is just expensive AND bad! Go for the show, not the food. I love the Jazz Alley's ambience, it has a very romantic atmosphere. I love cuddling up in the candle-lit balcony booth with my significant other, enjoying great music.

4 Stars: Smokin' Hot Jazz! (by hubriis)

hubriis — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Go to see the smokin' hot jazz at Jazz Alley ~ we saw Eartha Kitt there and she was phenomenal! The food was great, but nothing really stood out and shone. In reality, it's a beautiful thing if the performance sticks with you more than the food at a supper club-type of venue, and Jazz Alley provides some top-shelf entertainment.

5 Stars: Great Show, Food, and Service. 10! (by cpm1)

cpm1 — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 09:00:00 GMT

I took my family to see Peter White's band last weekend. The show was fabulous. Our booth table for 4 was comfortable and the visibility was great. The food and service were excellent.

5 Stars: Absolutely worth the money! (by gabers)

gabers — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 09:00:00 GMT

I saw a show last night at Jazz alley and it was outstanding. I have waited to splurge on an event there and to be honest, I wish I had gone sooner. It was so comfortable and "The Bad Plus" was fabulous. Go to Jazz Alley! It's romantic, not too stuffy, and somewhat magical on a first visit.

5 Stars: Great music consistently (by thegrtoz)

thegrtoz — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 09:00:00 GMT

I have seen several artists at Jazz Alley.

I have been a longtime jazz fan, former DJ, and had the good fortune to frequent NY, Chicago, St. Louis, New Orleans, Mpls, Memphis and Cinci clubs, regularly seeing many, many artists.

Jazz Alley is one of the best venues in the NW to see an artist. No ifs, ands or butts.

4 Stars: Great music (by Yen D.)

Yen D. — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 21:48:00 GMT

From seeing one concert there, I can say the atmosphere is very relaxed. You may want to come early to get the middle floor seats since they get taken easily. The meals are on the pricey side, but I would love to come there again! However, they don't have their own parking lot so I had to find street parking

PROS: concerts
CONS: no parking lot, expensive food

3 Stars: Great names, Small Venue, OK atmosphere (by m m.)

m m. — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 15:55:00 GMT

I enjoy all the great acts Jazz Alley is able to attract. I also really appreciate how small and intimate the place is. However, it has two downsides - one is that the atmosphere is a little snooty. The other is that drinks are expensive.

PROS: great names, small venue
CONS: snooty atmosphere, expensive drinks

2 Stars: An unfortunate experiece (by seare)

seare — Sat, 14 May 2005 09:00:00 GMT

Though the space and atmosphere are nice, the experience we had was way below par. The show started very late and the performer, Ivan Lins, had a chest cold and was unable to sing, but was talked into performing by the owner. He only was able to perform a handful of songs before stopping. The owner offered to let us stay for the second show, but why? To see the poor sick guy perform the same 4 songs? No reduction in the very steep cover charge was offered. The expensive drinks might have been worth it if the show had been decent.

5 Stars: Smooth Cool and Yummy (by Rachael B.)

Rachael B. — Sun, 08 May 2005 08:29:00 GMT

I saw Madeline Peyroux my first time at Jazz Alley and I was entralled. Not only was her performance amazing, but the venue is great. Intimate without being super crowded. And the food is delicious, albeit being somewhat pricey.
The acosutics are great and there are speakers everywhere you turn.

5 Stars: Unlike anywhere else in Seattle (by medico)

medico — Fri, 11 Feb 2005 09:00:00 GMT

Went and saw Madeleine Peyroux the other night and was very impressed...not even so much by the music but by the whole operation. The second set was sold out and even though we had to line up outside in the cold, once the seating started they roled us all inside in about ten minutes and we had our drinks on the table in front of us in another ten minutes. When you consider that 400+ people just walked through the door...and there were only two bartenders that I saw...that's one incredible machine! Hat's off to the staff at JA! Your make a romantic and classy joint a true pleasure to patronize!
ps- heating lamps outside on cold nights would make the anticipation phase more pleasant.

4 Stars: Music first, food second (by bangwhistle)

bangwhistle — Fri, 29 Oct 2004 09:00:00 GMT

A fine venue for great jazz, comfortable and cozy. Good drinks too, not too bad price-wise. I have a problem with the food though. more often than not, it's unimpressive and overpriced. Quarters are a little close too, especially for large parties so eat with your elbows tucked in. Service can be a little inattentive at times. Last and certainly not least- no place to dance, not even a little clear spot off to the side. Sometimes the music is so swingin' you want to dance!

3 Stars: bad service (by foofoofunky)

foofoofunky — Mon, 16 Jun 2003 09:00:00 GMT

It took us 40 minutes to get a beer! And, they messed up the order! Then we didn't get our check until the show had been over for 10 minutes! And they gave us someone else's bill! HORRIBLE service!

4 Stars: Non Smoking (by mromyn)

mromyn — Mon, 03 Mar 2003 09:00:00 GMT

Until the expansion of Jazz Alley it was, by far, my favorite place for live music. Now it is a little too big - but worse, it's non-smoking. Since the smoking section was upstairs and would not bother the non-smokers this didn't make any sense. Taking smoking out of a jazz club is like taking Tanqueray out of the tonic....sure it's good for, but is that really want you want on a night out?

5 Stars: Good Vibes @ The Alley (by jaleel_da_sheik)

jaleel_da_sheik — Mon, 23 Sep 2002 09:00:00 GMT

Jazz Alley is now on my list of favorite places in Seattle. Great atmosphere, outstanding jazz performances and unbelievable food. The intimate setting was very friendly, with more private seating for couples or tables for larger groups. The music was fantastic, the service agreeable and the food was some of the best I have ever had (pork). The best part of the night was being able to gaze into my dates' eyes over a romantic candlelight dinner. A night to remember!

5 Stars: Worth Coming from Afar (by anotherlemming)

anotherlemming — Sun, 08 Sep 2002 09:00:00 GMT

I drove all the way from Portland, Oregon to catch Shirley Horn at the Jazz Alley on August 17th. An incredible show and a great venue! Looks like I'll be using up a lot of gasoline in the coming months... I'm already planning my next visit.

5 Stars: national entertainment (by lolita206)

lolita206 — Fri, 06 Sep 2002 09:00:00 GMT

jazz alley is one of the few premiere jazz clubs in the nation! an intimate setting. seating for 400 and only 3 bad seats in the entire house. food is good especially the salmon. have a full dinner or some thing simple, you can't go wrong. do you think the tickets are a little spendy? you can buy same day tickets while they last at 1/2 price tickets. where else can couples and for that matter a single person enjoy a comfortable warm atmosphere and see world class jazz entertainment. always the cozy place. seattle been truely blessed to have this club in it's mist for the last 25yrs. hats off to you jazz alley and let the good times roll!

4 Stars: Jazz Alley serves it up hot! (by marcclark)

marcclark — Fri, 23 Aug 2002 09:00:00 GMT

Jazz Alley, the Northwest's premier jazz club, serves gourmet italian favorites. Further, this venue offers up some of the best jazz entertainers who tour nationally. The restaurant/nightclub is intimate and enjoyable.

5 Stars: Great Music, Great Food, Great Service (by beetsey)

beetsey — Thu, 25 Jul 2002 09:00:00 GMT

Jazz Alley is the best place for live music in Seattle. I always love the music, the food is delicious, and the service is great. The new remodel is beautiful!

5 Stars: Best Place to See Jazz (by jazzhead)

jazzhead — Thu, 25 Jul 2002 09:00:00 GMT

Jazz Alley is a wonderful place especially now that they have remodeled and have a new menu. Sound system was amazing! Great place you have!

1 Stars: spend your money elsewhere (by asdf)

asdf — Wed, 24 Jul 2002 09:00:00 GMT

poor service - lousy food - ok jazz - clean bathroom though.