Blue Note Reviews

Harlem Gospel Choir lunch time: Choose another venue to see this wonderful act, they are truly amazing and but totally let down by this historic venue. So for the Blue Note: AVOID AVOID AVOID. 8 people sat on a table fit for 4. 35 minutes to get water. Poor quality food. Make you pay the bill whilst the act is still playing. Been to a few Jazz Clubs in my time, (including a Blue Note) but I really feel mugged.

Wonderful set with Chris Botti and several special guests. Food good. Drinks good. Customer service good. However, I can’t see how the venue doesn’t violate fire code. Extremely cramped. Hard to navigate. I’ve had more room in coach class on a crowded flight. Bypass this location until they figure out how to give people more room.

The guy organising the queue and checking tickets had clearly had a personality and customer service removal operation. Charmless. Inside the seating requires most people to have an awkward view of the stage. The acts were excellent but then straight after finishing you are turfed out. So far from the spirit of a jazz club. Out on the street so many other clubs were clearly rocking.

We came for the sublime jazz, but also had dinner, which was just fine. Ordering on our phones did not work well, but a sweet waitress was there to fill in the gaps. Food came out fast and was just fine. Better than expected for a club.

For years it was one of my dreams to have dinner and a show at the Blue Note - and it was a very nice evening. The performers that evening were the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - and that was excellent. The food was also good. The only reason for a four-star review instead of five-star is the sitting arrangements. The Blue Note crams 8 people into a space where 6 people would be already challenged to eat right next to each other ... but 8 was impossible. I understand the need to maximise the business, but this is at the cost of the customer ... so please reconsider if you want me back ...

I always have a good time at the Blue Note NYC. seating is tight but when the music is right. It doesn't matter.

The Blue Note brunch had been highly recommended by a friend who used to go to it some years ago. If it was good then, it has faded by now. The food is OK. The prices are OK the staff is clearly just doing it by the numbers. If you DO go, don’t arrive before about 12:30. There are plenty of seats—though the cabaret seating is pretty cramped—and the music won’t start before 1:00. They are riding on their long reputation—and not much else.

Was looking forward to a wonderful experience with the Harlem Gospel Choir and brunch. It was mandatory to order for min. 20$ per person. Fair enough, ordered Coke and burger - what could go wrong..? I was asked how it should be cooked and asked for medium. The coke was completely dead and the same goes for the beef, which was more dead than a drowned rat during a cloudburst. The fries were not a hint of crisp - just floury and soft. Kind of a tame experience. In fairness, they came out with a new Coke, which unfortunately was no better. And since several people at the table had had the beef prepared in the same way, I refused to send the food back to the kitchen. If you can't cook the steak to your liking, don't ask at all! First come, first served they state. Be aware it’s a hoax. Guests are stacked at random - despite coming first. Consider yourself a part of a game of Tetris. The musical experience itself was worth it all and therefore draws the overall experience up.

Yes, fortunately there is jazz, but what a deplorable welcome and above all what crassness from the manager, who came to completely yell in the middle of the concert at our friend who had paid She was wrong about the tip, although in New York for 1 week we had understood how it worked, but in the dark, the concert had started, the error was excusable On leaving, we had to go see this character to tell him the indelicacy of the tone in which he addressed us. But FORTUNATELY there was jazz, great concert, good atmosphere

We didnt eat, strolled past by mistake and decided to go in. Unbelievable jazz. Hteat cocktails. Great find!

For Jazz music a must-see place, Maceo Parker was a great experience. Place is already a bit historic design wise, service was very good, food ok and the prices for such a location as well.

The Blue Note Cafe is a true NYC experience. I always see who is playing before I head to the US. This time I took my children to see The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and we had dinner reservations. Early show doors open at 6 but we lined up at 5.30 to get a good table as tables are given on a first come basis. The food is great, the drinks menu extensive, the table service is super friendly and efficient. I wasn't sure if my children 13 and 14 would like it but they loved it...as they love live music... Something different for them on our last night in NYC. Would recommend this to everyone and if you aren't sure who the band is just go along anyway. Also the album cover for The Free-wheeling Bob Dylan was photographed on Jones St about two minutes away.

Went to the second show last night with my girlfriend for a birthday celebration. Waited outside in a long line more than 1/2 hour as the second show was 1/2 hour behind schedule. Inside is incredibly cramped. $125 per person tickets to sit directly behind the piano player and as a result only caught glimpses of the show. The musicians are all incredibly talented save the female violinist whose stage presentation doesn’t fit with the group at all. We’d never go back to the Blue Note. Next year a great dinner then back to the apartment, sit by the fire with a bottle of wine, load all our Chris Botti CDs, spread out, get comfortable and enjoy them.

I just saw Chris Botti and it was an AMAZING performance. 5 stars for him and his band. 0 stars for seating…..WAY TOO CROWDED, could barely move at our table. 4 stars for food, the butterfly shrimp and French onion soup were good! 4 stars for service, waitress was very friendly and prompt. Probably won’t return here only because of seating unless we shared an entire table with people we know.

Mythical place probably in the past. Today it is not enough to have a good program to have a good time. The “customers” or wallet on legs, are piled up, or even stand for 2 hours without having a piece of the bar to put his drink down. This place was and no longer has. He's not worth the trip. There's much better things to do in NYC.

My wife and I wanted to visit a nice jazz club in The Big Apple with great music, food and atmosphere. The Blue Note hit on all cylinders...we will definitely return...

I had been to the Blue Note years ago with a different seating configuration. I'd purchased two tickets to see Robert Glasper & MeShell N'degeocello. For the cost of the ticket, the fact that no tables actually face the stage, and that we were packed tighter than a Spirit Airlines flight was more than upsetting, especially in the age of COVID. Literally rubbing shoulders & elbows with guests I don't know, the too-tight seating is ripe for a fire hazard infraction, and how truly uncomfortable trying to enjoy the show was, I was thoroughly disappointed with the jazz venue experience. I was ready to purchase two drinks and light fare to enjoy myself, but the desire to make all of their lost COVID revenue off of each person entering needs to be tamped down and reevaluated. As someone who runs a theater in NYC, if there had been an emergency, there would've been a disaster. The actual capacity of The Blue Note needs to be reassessed with the the amount of seating they've chosen to include.

The whole club looks really fine and atmosphere would be cool but there is just one problem. There are a lot of people and I got sat in the table that was meant for 4 people but they put 8 there and it was impossible to even move. The toilets were also dirty but the concert was really good.

I bought tickets to a jazz night for my fiancé. It was amazing! The music was incredible and it was a hit. The only downfall is the seats are very squashed together and drinks are quite pricey.

I spend 50-100 sets per year in jazz clubs around the world and have been a Blue Note customer since it opened. The club has always been overpriced, uncomfortable, with barely edible food, and disrespect for the artists, but today I remembered how rude the hosts and waitstaff are. Questions for management: Why do you interrupt the live music to have customers close out their checks? Why do you scream at customers and the band to get out of the way following a brunch set attended by friends of the band? You have 4-5 hours to clear 10 tables. QR code menus are great at Burger King. Why do you charge $7.45 per ticket for me to be your reservation system online? Has it occurred to you that you are in the hospitality business? The Blue Note NY is the Greyhound of Jazz Clubs. Spend your money at Smoke or Birdland instead. Small’s and Mezzrow are great options for less formal jazz without a kitchen.

Extremely rude and arrogant manager who doesn’t know how to talk to customers Please don’t visit if you have any self respect

They cram people 6 to a small table, the waiters are brusque but professional and there is touch of "the customer is never right" about the servicer philosophy here. Be alert that if you are seated looking away from the stage, considering you are packed like a sardine here, you are going to have an awkward time turning around to see the musicians. The food is perfectly OK and the music, the music is heavenly. Top musicians. It's the management of the club that is the problem from the customers' point of view. At the very least the managers should tell the waiters to be nicer.

My wIfe and I were treated like animals by the doorman in a show in april. Blue note is note Zero. Worst experience Ever.

Food is absolutely disgusting and not tasty. Even the burger made me feel depressed (dry meat, no sauce, no cheese….). There is no other words. Definitely overpriced for what you get. So disappointing… the place is overcrowded and physical distancing is absolutely not respected. Nice waitress and fast service. As for the music, sadly it was too loud and there was too much echo so we could not appreciate it as we expected. I do not recommend and suggest an other place to enjoy jazz music

We’ve seen perhaps a half a dozen shows at The Blue Note, from Maceo Parker to Earl Klugh to Chris Botti. The venue just works. Yes, it’s small, and you find yourself jammed in at a table for eight that really is meant for six, but that is, in part, why it works. As close as you are to your tablemates, you are just as close to the performers. Maceo Parker, at age 76 thank you very much, put on an amazing snow. At one point, he explained how time passes so quickly, which he did musically. No surprise there. His band was terrific. Everything about The Blue Note is up close and personal, which is what makes it so special.

Tasty food, nice jazz music, lovely attendants and one of the best places I have ate a black angus filet mignon in NYC, so, it was amazing to have all together, jazz show & music + tasty food.

Music was great and food was good. Convenient to be able to eat while watching the show. Great drinks and staff was attentive. You may have to share a table with strangers if your table is for a larger number than your group.

What a fantastic night at the Blue Note Jazz Club to see the amazingly talented Arturo Sandoval. Having seen negative reviews for this venue I was prepared for the worst, and what was delivered, was simply the best! The staff were excellent and the food was pretty good. The prices were on par with other Jazz Clubs around the World and yes, the seating is tight, but that’s a small price to pay in order to see some of the Worlds greatest musicians. Well done all at the Blue note, we will undoubtedly be back when we next visit New York.

My recent visit to Blue Note New York was unfortunately a very negative experience. From the start, the hospitality and professionalism of the staff were seriously lacking. We purchased tickets for seats at the bar, but it was not clearly stated that seating at the bar was not guaranteed. Luckily, we managed to find a spot at the bar, but it offered absolutely no view of the jazz performance—it was impossible to see anything. When we asked the gentleman at the entrance if we could change our seats, he rudely informed us that we could do so for an additional cost, but he refused to show us where the new table would be. His attitude was both dismissive and impolite. To top it all off, the bartender set the tip percentage to the highest possible without showing us the payment screen, essentially tricking us into tipping more than intended. This was a terrible, overly touristy experience where there was zero respect for the customer.

We left due to the way we were herded in, and offered seats from which we would only be able to see the backside of the keyboardist; never the full Harlem Gospel Choir who we'd come to see. No way to enjoy music when you're crammed in like sardines with no way to move, let alone see the performers! Dreadful. will not return.

Great music by top musicians! Just don’t go with the expectations of a comfortable table space and you will be just fine.

My daughter and I had a great time here watching the Harlem Gospel Choir. Loved the intimate setting and great seating near the stage. Just had drinks - me a nice local beer and my daughter a mocktail. Both were good.

Blue Note was a great place with many awesome artists. But covid time has shown the real face of this place. I have purchased a lot of tickets to attend events in 2020. Eventually, because of COVID-19 all of them were canceled. And now it is more than 6 months I'm trying to reach the administration to get a refund. And I did not receive any response by email/phone. It is an absolutely unfair business

We had a really lovely evening. Table seating and service made it relaxing and easy. The music was amazing and you feel close enough to be wrapped up in it.

Came here to see the Harlem Gospel Choir. Arrived and it turns out we had booked the tickets online for the week before! How, we don’t understand! Blue Note said this has never happened before but then the people behind us also had incorrectly booked for the week before…I suspect a website glitch because we were visiting from the UK and ensured the correct dates were added. Anyway they kindly accommodated us, which was great, but said we would have to be seated at the bar. Food was good, the choir were amazing! However the drinks prices are very expensive! My reason to writing this review is to let people know to ask for the bill BEFORE you pay. The bar tender charged my card before I could see the bill and was so very rude when I gave him a partial tip (others in my group were adding to it) he only then presented the bill and rudely said (whilst tapping/pointing at the receipt) I must pay the 20% tip now. I informed him others would be giving a tip also if he waited and if he had given us a receipt first! He looked me up and down with a face of disgust. His rude attitude absolutely ruined a lovely time we had there.

Loved it! You have to go an hour or more to get a table , the tables are shared and very narrow but the important thing is to listen to good music and there you do it !!! We loved the time we took. Don't miss it!!!!

We bought tickets about a month in advance. Arrived 15 min prior to the show. We were told that the seats are not available. The ticket says that late arrivals do not guarantee seating together. We came on time but there were no seats available. They tell you to come at a later time slot as they oversell their shows. We could not attend later show do to an early flight. Refund was promised by denied the next day as they do not guarantee seating. SCAM!!!! BEWARE!!!!

The music was everything we hoped it would be but the Blue Note experience was toe curling. I think they have lost any perspective that this is an iconic destination that people travel from all over the world to visit. I would liken it to a canteen where you are told to sit in a place, served overpriced and mediocre food and then rushed to pay. Skip the Blue Note and go to the Vanguard - no food there, but no disappointment either.

Got to the overpriced and deeply uncomfortable club an hour early to get a good seat to hear a great band. The table of yahoos next to me and Benny Green’s piano were ordering rounds of shots, engaging in makeup foreplay, and would not shut up. I just moved away from the stage next to the stairs where dishes are being tossed about and another couple is talking. Also, why does the club smell like the Port Authority in 1981? The Apple Strudel was microwaved too. I go to 80-100 sets of live jazz per year all over the world. The Blue Note is one of my least desirable destinations. They don’t deserve the caliber of artists performing amongst the din tonight.

One of the jazz clubs to do in the city , a beautiful establishment with a stage for bands and singers. We had the chance to attend a show of a South African singing group. The food is typically New York without more. Otherwise good experience I recommend booking.

Saw Macy Gray here and it was a fantastic experience! Intimate venue- very tight seating but that allows you to be mere feet from the artist. But get ready to be arm to arm with the strangers behind/next to you. It was so intimate that the band was in the men's room when we went in at the end. I wonder if Macy Gray was in the ladies room? The QR code ordering on the table worked GREAT- order on the phone and BOOM the drinks (or food- we just got fries) are there SO quickly. Overall was an INCREDIBLE and memorable experience. Some tips: - Bar seating is kind of far from the stage - Get there early to line up. We got there an hour early and were still pretty far back.

I don’t know what the F—- people are grousing about with this place. Maybe they’ve never been to a jazz club before. There is TONS of space here. All seats have a good view of the stage. Tables are NOT “packed like sardines.” If you are at the back of the bar, you do not get a direct view, but you CAN see the stage. If you are at the front of the bar, you are fine. Those of you complaining about space, go to New Orleans. Wait…don’t. You will never make it. Staff is friendly. AC is awesome (it’s 90ish in NYC right now). Drinks are very slightly overpriced ($18 for a top shelf gin and tonic), but that’s just the way it goes at a club. Get over it. Music is top notch. OK, I may be biased by the fact that I went to see Frederic Yannet — a jazz harmonica player I had never heard of before — and Ed Sheeran jumped onstage (yes, that happened), but Fred and the band killed it. This place is awesome. Go.

I went last night and had 2 bar "seats". Got to the Blue Note and was told there aren't bar seats but bar area. I had to stand for 2 hours. If you get there early, you can get a seat but they sell many more bar area tickets than seats. Asked if I could move to a table if there were no shows and told I could if I wanted to pay the regular price for the table seat (extra $70 per person last night). The other issue at the bar is the problem with acoustics. At the bar area, there is a slight echo so it sounds a little like hearing music in the subway. The musicians were very good but the sound engineer did a poor job of mixing. Certain instruments were way too loud and others were mostly missing. My mixed cocktail was indeed mixed, in a factory. For $15 I got a drink that was a pre-mix that was poured into a glass of ice. The bartender even handed me the bottle. Yuk!

The show was good, there was a band and several musicians soloing or jamming with the band. The atmosphere was nice. Crowded. Come at least 40-50 before the door opens(not the show start) to get a seat at one of the packed tables. Blue Note Martini was on the strong side. Service was quite good.

This is a classic spot for the coolest jazz in the city. Nice decor and tables are well arranged. Fill dinner I'd you get there a bit early. The foods was very good and very suitable for the locale. Music can be loud, but otherwise an enjoyable evening if you are a jazz fan.

Worth the hour to wait in line for an A+ seat. But the reality is there’s not a bad seat in the place unless you get the bar seats. Amazing interaction personal feel fantastic music good service. Seats a little tight together. You have to look at 45° angle to see the stage vs straight on. But the amazing music of Chris Botti makes you forget everything except the talent in the music

Hmmmmm actual musicians Harry Palmieri and band were fabulous however this is not the greatest venue. The welcome was poor not a professional warm experience, we were basically pointed in the right direction of our server who let us have our choice of table but had a go at me because I dared to put my husbands jacket over the back of the chair next to me as it had been raining outside and we were all wet. She sort of shouted decide where you are sitting and move that jacket and get your bag off the stage - my husband had left a small plastic bag with two bread rolls in on the very edge of the stage next to our seats whilst he went to the rest room. We were in the process of sorting ourselves out and would have removed it shortly. So not a good start. We ordered a couple of soups which arrived with no bread which we asked for. Soups were really mediocre and not very hot. Waitress was exuding an angry attitude generally. Luckily the two people who sat next to us were great and were regular nyc jazz club attendees and they both said the food in the Blue Note was overpriced and pretty poor so they never ate there. As I said the show was excellent and the club let the band down I feel there was no atmosphere it felt like sitting sideways to the stage in a sort of corridor environment nothing like Ronnie Scott’s in london which is fabulous. To cap it all we got our food check about $35 all in and we put $50 in it and guess what angry waitress never came back with the change - we were totally hoodwinked and felt rushed out of the place and too confused to ask about our change. She never even acknowledged to us she had collected the money let alone asked us if we wanted our change back. How can a service charge be $15 on a $35 dollar check???? This left a very bad feeling about having been ripped off we had already paid $100 roughly for tickets. This waitress left us feeling we had dined with thieves.... if you decide to go here be very very careful as this joint lacks integrity. I would not go back here as I don’t like being stitched up or ripped off it leaves a bad taste.. sorry Blue Note you really let your wonderful musicians down badly last night!!!!

I never expect music at a music venue. Most burgers and chips. But the Blue Note surprised us. The food was good, quickly served but pricey. Drinks were also good but more expensive than comparable venues. Still if you are there for a great show (and most of them are) it is worthwhile to get their when doors open for best seats and settle in a a decent dinner.

Always an easy night, from lineup outside to ticket collection to seating, it was a great experience yet again, super jazz, a must for every visit we make to NYC. Don’t miss out!

Eddie Palmieri at the Blue Note Great concert with fabulous musicians particularly the trombone player. Eddie was pleased to perform to a sell out audience, his first at the blue note for 13 years (his words). What a shame the Blue Note didn’t match the musicians with the service. Waiters were dismissive when I pointed out a constant buzz from what seemed like an internet connection hub near our table... it ruined the soft melodies being performed by the band and with a music cover charge of $45 dollars a head you don’t expect a top jazz club to respond ‘ the noise is always there and we can’t do anything about it’. Having heard this response I approached the guys at the door who were also unconcerned about my experience. If I were a musician playing at their club I wouldn’t be very pleased if my audience had to be listening to my music with added interference. Obviously the club have little or no quality of care for their patrons. Toilets were disgusting with an overflow of paper in the ladies and carpets heavily stained. The whole place needs a change of management. The previous evening we visited Tomi jazz, no cover charge and great staff management who clearing appreciate both their clients and the musicians who perform there.

Blue Note has been always, in the last 30-40 years, the epicenter of world jazz music. I was more than happy to attend the concert of Avishai Cohen & Makoto Ozone (piano). It was a great night and an excellent concert. Service and food were just fine. It would have been great to have more than few centimeters between each member of the public (the space is really small in case of high interest). A great jazz venue!

The blue note? How to say a place to flee, a joke You people like us excited to be in New York and ready to treat yourself without counting , don’t go too low🤦🏽🤦🏽🤦🏽 Deplorable welcome, unprofessional waitress and in addition having no respect for guests There they think tourists are sorry for pigeons, money boards Live which lasts 45 min , with 55 dollars per person + if you take a table 20 dollars minimum consumption per person more, the waitresses press you to consume and serve you again Forced to drink fast!!to respect the cota (where is the fun there!) Plus the locker room (boss or manager who disrespects you if you don't put your jacket in the locker room while regulars keep all their jackets on Laura's back chairs , a shame ) It's expensive the little session (I went to the blue note!!!! ) 4 persons Entrance $220 Compulsory drink $80 Tips 15 dollars Compulsory dressing room $12 All for 45 minutes of show! Finally to summarize Place that does not deserve to be stopped for nothing in the world.

We were a little afraid of the performance given the previous inglorious comments and as a result we were delighted with our evening. We were seated at a table, certainly crowded, but less so than in a famous Parisian jazz club, more like in certain Parisian brasseries or Lyonnais brasseries. The servers were welcoming and efficient and we were able to consume our meal before the concert started and finish our drinks during… The concert itself was fabulous: David Sanborn and his musicians surpassed themselves. If I go back to New York I will definitely do another evening at Blue-Note!

I’ve had good experiences at this venue before but this time was definitely a very bad one. On top of expensive and not very tasty food and cocktails the place was so crowded (and no one with masks) that we decided to leave during the show. Is it even legal to have so many people in such a small venue?

Went to the 28 Oct Robert Clasper & D Smoke show whilst visiting NYC from London. First time going to Blue Note, mixed feelings about the experience. Glad I finally went for a show there but I can't help feeling a little short changed! Music was just okay, started about 8.45pm and it was all done by 10pm, if not before. We paid $85 each for just over an hour's music, and the drinks weren't that cheap. Iconic venue, yes, but I won't be rushing back there anytime soon.

We were here for the jazz. It is after all, a jazz club that serves food -- I wouldn't have expected great food. (We just had drinks.) The jazz was terrific! We saw The Bad Plus and thoroughly enjoyed the show. We looked them up ahead of time, liked what we heard online, and loved them in person! We would definitely return again to the Blue Note when in NYC.

Chris Botti is always worth hearing. His residency at The Blue Note is genius. Well worth standing in line for! Do not miss the top notch band in addition to that fabulous trumpet sound. Food is good too. Bartenders friendly.

Authentic disappointment, place like others, it looks more like a restaurant.. poor show, there are dozens of clubs in the area where you don't even pay for entry and you see a better show

$140 admission, $20 minimum consumption. For average food $150. Service so bad. Soup ordered as starter, came with the main course, but without spoon. When it came, the burger was almost cold. Bottle of water without glasses. And then another bad-tempered waitress. What you need to know, the act plays 2 sets. However, the whole place is opened after the 1. Set (about 1:10h) cleared to accommodate new guests. Jazz is OK, but there are nicer and cheaper ways to find good jazz in NYC.

Incredible awful place. Although we we purchased our ticket a month ago, there was no seat. They even didn’t help us find a solution to find a seat. And of course we said that we will leave and ask for a refund. They even didn’t reply to us. I am very disappointed. NEW WORK DOES NOT DESERVE A PLACE LIKE THIS

bought a bar seat from overseas, just to came in and find out that you can't actually see the band from a bar "seat" (which doesn't have places to seat either)

Best tables all “reserved for friends”. We came early, a party of 6, stood in line with cold weather, since it’s supposed to be first come first serve, but they shove you in at very the back of the place , the bad seats first. When we asked for a good table half of the venue was“reserved” for family and friends of the owner. There is no way regular customers can reserve a specific table, that’s why we came 2 hours early. We felt disrespected, second class citizens. Many other people felt upset

We came from DC for Chris Botti concert, bought our tickets month ago for the bar seating but no one told us that some will be seating and some will have to be standing at the bar, I was impossible to see the performance, it was impossible even to move, such an arrogance from the door keeper when we asked for a table, he suggested we should have come at 8:30 for 10:30 show !!! We left as there was no point to stand up in cramped place while it was not even possible to see the stage. I ill never go there again, and will never suggest to anyone, we were all so much disappointed

We have been going to the Blue Note for years when we’re in town. The music has always been great, but tonight, the club showed that it could present world class jazz in a venue that can best be described as third world. The club crams in as many people as possible, and then puts in more. Service is ok, but the servers are constantly moving around during the show. That’s distracting to the patrons. They and the photographers/videographers should get out of the way so we, the audience, can see the show. I don’t suppose the club can do much about the setup, but many tables are situated such that many people don’t have a decent view of the stage. My wife had to see the band through the mirrors in the back wall. Not acceptable. Nor was sitting on top of total strangers. I’m sure overcrowding causes the club to require patrons to check their coats; no use of the chair back. I don’t mind that, but don’t charge me to enhance your profit center (way too many patrons and overpriced food and drinks). There is a $20 food/drink minimum. I ordered a $27 cheeseburger that came out raw. The server, to her credit, brought out a better cooked version but the food has to be a huge profit center for the club. At the end of the day, I made a decision: if I want to see and hear world class jazz, I’ll take it in somewhere else.

Bought bar seats, totally crowded as most jazz clubs are so good to be by door. Some Lo Mein noodles that were swimming in a horrible sauce, so more like soup, were $30! The Vegan Farfall was $32 but neither the mushrooms nor the bow pasta were cooked (not al dente, not cooked); the salad was $13 and small. A Stella was $10 and my Old Fashioned was $16. So for bad food and the 2 of us it was $148. The Hispanic bartender was fast, attentive, the other one seemed the same.

Dreadful venue. Queue outside for 45 mins then jammed in to a shared table with no space to move making atmosphere non existent. 20% of seats have very poor view. The music was good but they need to half the capacity to make it an enjoyable night out. A bit like getting served a great steak at McDonalds.

I had known about the Blue Note for quite a while as I had different CDs that were recorded at the club so in my last trip to New York could not miss the opportunity to visit it. I recommend you look at the calendar at their website to see what shows are available and decide which is best for you. I went to see the Duke Ellington orchestra and was totally worth it. They have different prices for listening at the bar and for sitting on tables, I think it is totally worth it going to a table. I did not book my ticket in advance and had no problem but I went on a Sunday, so I guess depending on the day and the type of show, booking may be recommended. The gift shop is a bit expensive and I ended it buying a CD, which I probably will not listen, and was much more expensive than I though at USD 21. So I would be careful around the gift shop. Overall, if you like jazz, this is a great experience.

There are some bad night clubs, this one in my experience, could not be worse. If you offered me a million dollars to go back to Blue Note, in NYC, I would respond with a, no thanks. Too bad, one star is the lowest rating I can give Blue Note. It doesn't desreve a fraction of that, in my opinion - too bad. Enough said.

Stay away from this place! We left after 10 minutes because of the way we were treated. The staff is incredibly rude. People are being handled as cattle and being stuffed on top of each other. I have never been treated as rude as in this place. Not even thinking about the absolute neglect of basic safety rules.

I've gone here four times..great bands but seating is the worst! They cram you in shoulder to shoulder facing the wrong way so you have to twist your body and neck around to see the stage...I would pay more money to have more space around me and have them deduct one chair from each side of table. It's always horribly uncomfortable and makes me sad they do this. We would all pay more money to make up for less seating and more space.

A beautiful night with an old school element. What can I say about NYC and the historic Blue Note Cafe. Everyone has played it to John Coltrane to Monk this place was a delight. Great for date night and intimate settings with friends. Go an experience Jazz of the future ...

I been in BLUE Note for two nights. The Line UPs were fantantic, but the room have problems. As is too small, the tables are Very close each other. If tour tickets IS on the bar is Very dificult to see the musicicians. Maybe is better stay in the tables. Food prices are expensive. As you have to spend in consume something, keep Focus on the drinks.

The guy in the entrance is very rude! That it was really bad. Its not good to be discriminated in a place like this! We came to live a good experience and a person like This can ruin it.

The music and atmosphere is fabulous but the food was a dissapointment. This was the worst Ceasar Sallad and Burger that I have ever had. No salt… no pepper…. Just No taste at all. So all of you visiting this great Jazz Club… just take a drink and go somewhere else to eat.

We (3) attended a concert on November 1 at The Blue Note. Our first visit and we were very much looking forward to hearing the music. Important: You do not have a reserved seat at the Blue Note. It is first come, first served. Fair enough. Yet the seats we ended up with were jammed into a corner with a terrible view of the stage. Further, we sat at a table for 6 that was designed for four humans. We sat down and took the three seats on the side of the table that offered the best view. A hostess approached with two gents who were single ticket buyers and told us that we had to move to enable one of them to have one of our seats. Wait, isn't it first come first served? The gentlemen accommodated us and we settled in to watch the show, Robert Glasper. Which sadly, was poor. Last night and the band totally faxed it in. NO energy, just goofed around Common showed up and free styled for 20 minutes which salvaged the evening. Very disappointing experience for a place I have always wanted to visit.

be very careful if you make an online reservation for your tickets (e payment), they will bill you twice with the dinner if you don't look carefully at the check !!!!!!!

I went to see one of my favorite musicians, Bela Flek. I arrived a full hour hour but the place was already filled and we were seated in Siberia. It was immensley uncomfortable and claustrophobic as there are just too many people in that small space. The waitresses are moving constantly and tripping over my feet. My cocktail was terrible. They played a bare 90 minutes for $75, plus a $20 minimum. The musicians were great but I will go see them again in a place that isn't trying to squeeze every penny out of their patrons.

We attended an excellent jazz concert here. Good intimate venue. And the dinner food is good as well, so we had dinner and a show. Very nice service.

As with previous reviewers I found the music and performance superb, the service OK, but the venue extremely poor. Table seating is extremely cramped, so don't expect to be able to get out once performance started. Toilets = not great with overflowing refuse. I would pay more for a more comfortable experience.

What a disappointment.... First of all I want to salute the performance of Avishaï Cohen and his two extraordinary musicians!!! The concert was amazing... (5 stars for them ❤️) Now what a shame to keep giving credit to the blue note... Place a priori mythical... Here is our reality; reservation for two seats at the bar for the 8pm session (95 dollars ... Or) ... Freezing welcome ... Fortunately there are two seats left at the bar I have a real thought for all the people behind us who paid the same price and who certainly had enormous difficulty seeing ... The map, the prices are high but it's New York... I'll start with a cocktail... No taste... I end up having a beer... But all this without mentioning the icy reception of the waiter... Constant calls to my husband to order while we are only reading the map... Then this feeling of being constantly watched... We took 6 drinks over 2h30 ... We did "our best" to finally be taken to task in a frontal way to settle the note while the concert was still not over... Evening review almost 200 dollars... Once again for Avishaï Cohen nothing wrong ... For the blue note... Everything to review...

We recently saw the guitarist name Milos here, excellent show ! We arrived early and had dinner before the show, I had the Lavender Chicken and my wife had the Pasta we were both impressed with the meal. Yes, they pack you in like sardines and the chairs are hard, but hey, this is New York. I would do it again in a heartbeat, Milos was well worth it.

Impossible to move when you are sitting. You eat with the elbow and the hair of your neighbors in your plate. Only money push this kind of unscrupulous organizer and manager. And this is the death of the Art & Jazz Music. Good the food and the guys at the table-service.

Heard John Pizzarelli last evening at the Blue Note Jazz Club. Have know of the clubs for years but this was the first time I had attend a performance there. I was NOT disappointed! What a terrific, intimate venue. The food was good and the wait staff was terrific!

It's been ten years since I visited the Blue Note Jazz Club. I read all the recent reviews and was concerned about our visit, especially all the messages about crowding. I didn't feel crowded at all and it didn't seem any different from things 10 years ago. I don't know what all the concern is about. We saw great jazz (Dizzie Gillespie All Star Jazz Band), in a great venue up close, great service, great food and great drinks. I couldn't have asked for anything more. My young son-in-law, who I don't think listens to jazz much, said he had a great time, that it was one of the best shows he has seen. So from an old timer and a new comer, this venue was fantastic. I highly recommend it!

Is it touristy? Yes. Is it packed? No more than many other jazz clubs. (Have you BEEN to City Winery??). Is the food bad? Actually, not really. Should you go? YES. YES. YES. Just purchase your tix (use AMEX for reserved seating) and go. You'll have a fabulous time. And by the way, our server was absolutely lovely.

Still all in all a great night out. It is, after all, a legendary place. Seems they might be riding on that a bit when it comes to service and food though.

So thankful COVID is repressed enough for us to visit here again! The Music was wonderful, and the food was good. Yes, the service could be a little slow, but anyone going to a small jazz club for dinner and drinks already knows that. The solution is to order your food early, and when you were ordering drinks order two at a time. Every waiter was friendly, every person around us was friendly, and we completely enjoy the experience.

Super and overly crowded place. We booked our seats in advanced but were seated behind the stage, basically watched the performers back the whole show and enjoyed an awful sound the whole time. They put 6 people at a 4 people's desk (at the best) and the whole thing feels like they just try to make as much money as possible without considering the fact people actually need to sit in this unbelievably crowded and small space for the entire time. Don't go.

We had an absolutely fabulous time last evening at the Blue Note. We went with another couple who were visiting NYC from Canada. As suggested, we arrived 30 min before the 6 pm opening for an 8 pm show. We were given a great table perfectly situated center stage. The staff were really friendly and totally responsive to all of our requests. The food was not gourmet, but was definitely good enough for a jazz club. The Dizzie Gillespie (tribute) band was sensational with a perfect sound system. As in others' reviews, the seating can be very tightly packed, although the separation of the individual tables was more than adequate. In all, a terrific place to go for a wonderful evening. I can't wait to return.

Loved the show, arrived at 7.30p for 8pm show and it was packed. Go early! We were given great seats at a shared table where we had to squeeze in like sardines with other people at the table. We were literally on top of one another but everyone was friendly so it was all good!

Non-tourist site in the sense that the quality of the music is paramount, great place to listen to jazz in NY. We had cocktails because we figured the food wouldn't be the best. Booking essential. It is a small club, so you share a table with other people (very NY), arrive with a lot of time, you are placed on a first come, first served basis. Highly recommended

Its historic and I know they want to make money but the seating is absolutely unacceptable. A total abomination. Far far far too crowded. And I am a small human. Quite literally cannot move from where you are an inch or you will never get back ‘your space.’ It makes for a truly miserable musical experience. Additionally, they seat in a totally discretionary and therefore discriminatory fashion. I waited in the line like everyone else. Why are you now taking me to the very back, skipping over heaps of other open tables. When asked why they simply said ‘these are the available tables.’ But then they sat people at the better tables and when questioned said ‘well those are open too.’ So basically if you’re their buddy you get good seats. And you my friend reading this are not their buddy so it’s a total crapshoot whether you will have any semblance of an enjoyable evening. I can say of 30 years of attending gigs this was the worst experience I’ve ever had. Drinks are also weak and overpriced. Poor guy next to me doesn’t drink alcohol but had to make the $20 minimum spend. Ordered a burger and water and his bill was $59!!!! I felt awful for him as I know money for him was tight. Only positive is the sound system which is good. It’s the only reason it didn’t get 1 star. They shouldn’t get high ratings just because they get good acts. Avoid this place and go to the Bitter End. You can choose your seats, drinks are cheaper and better made.

5/11/2024 - Purchased bar tickets to watch an early show . We had a short weekend in NYC. It was like standing in a line about 6 people back with NO view of the stage. There was a old small TV projecting the stage. It was a joke. The staff was rude and we were basically ripped off. The people around were also confused that this was actually happening. We did not stay for the show. Total Scam. Blue Note should be ashamed of themselves and should NOT sell these as tickets.

It's important to say that I had a lot of expectations for this as it was a bucket list item for me. We came in early and unfortunately weren't able to find the best table — but that's okay. We were right next to the stage on the left and we were very happy. However, the way that there is absolutely no space to move when seated is ridiculous. I understand that management needs to maximise the venue.. but I literally had no space to move while seated, neither did other patrons. Food was great, portions are generous, staff is very friendly — exception made to a gentleman that I believe was managing the venue that came across as inappropriately facetious. The other thing is.. it's pricey. Prepare your pockets because you're going to leave lighter.

A great Jazz club, one of the best you can find in NYC for its regular billboard. You can have dinner or a drink during the performances, it is not a very large place so it is mandatory to reserve in advance. We were lucky enough to see a performance by @fredyonnet. A virtuoso with the harmonica

Not a terrible venue. The good: they have a nice collection of beers. They have food (Contrast that to Village Vanguard). They book some good performers. The bad: they pack you in tighter than anything else I've seen. Many patrons will sit with their back to the performer and need to contort themselves to watch. There isn't much room to maneuver a chair. The price is rather steep for the discomfort. My other complaint was the loud mixing on the sound. I know other don't care, but I want to preserve my hearing, and my ears were left ringing.

God forbid there was a fire, we’d all be dead! Went to see the incredible Esperanza Spaulding last night… and she was divine! HOWEVER … they, the Bluenote, are not interested in your personal experience… it was probably oversold by 25%…. We were squeezed in like sardines… I’ve never felt more uncomfortable at a show… SHAME ON THEM! Sorry to say I wouldn’t step foot in there again.. EVER

Very very disappointed- my wife and I are huge jazz lovers and coming to New York for the NY marathon we wanted to go to this Mecca of Jazz on Saturday evening before the marathon race on Sunday. We had 200$ tickets for the concert at 8pm w Robert Glass. The place was completely packed - literally you could not move in your seat. At 9:30pm Robert Glass was still not playing. We had to leave as I needed the sleep before the marathon next early morning. I complained to the manager. I wrote an email on their website. Nothing. Horrible customer experience. Never going back.

We saw a great show by Jazz harpist Brandee Younger (and friends) here which was excellent. I am not a jazz fan myself but enjoyed the show. The place itself is pretty small/intimate. It felt a bit crowded and the seats were a bit hard. The drinks are quite pricy too, but I guess that's to be expected in a jazz bar.

For sure, my worst night in NYC. We paid 55$ to only have an access to the bar, where you can see the musciciens through a screen only ! The Aircon is ON and it is freezing while we were in the middle of Decembre. As a result, all the bar's client were wearing there coats and gloves ! When I tried to speak to a waiter, he answerred me "I have no time for you, only for the people who reserved a table". When I tried a second time to ask a waitress to reduce the Air Con, she answered me that "I wouldn't be cold if I had paid for a table". Those answers are just not acceptable. We couldn't have access to the restrooms because "You understand Mrs, I have rules". We left. That jazz bar is just racketeering there visitors. It's not worth it and the people working there are detestable. It's not the spirit of jazz music. Shame on you !

The band shall start at 8pm, but it was not until 8:17pm finally someone came out to speak something, it totally dissrespected the audience paid for the tickets. The music sucks and not played by live band sang without pre-recorded music. This place packs everyone together like slaves during the rush hour in subways and tried to sell as many seats as possible. For a place like mecca for Blue Jazz, this venue is absolutely overpriced and not worth it. Nevertheless, its food is surprisely good. It shall be treated as a resturant instead of a place to have music.

Unkind staff not respecting the policies marked on the ticket; e.g. they force you to sit as they please even if we are at a show, where positions matter, and the ticket explicitly says: first come first seated. Rude and disrespectful even with disabled guests. Totally inadequate, poor standards.

They usually have great artists, if you like JAZZ, this is the place to go. Great service, atmospehere, acoustics, prices, drinks and easy good food.

The Blue Note NYC is horrible waste of money! The place is truly nasty and sticky. The seating is outrageously cramped and dangerous. If being literally shoulder to shoulder with strangers for 3 hours is ok, you may survive. BUT….. The Manager of the Blue Note on 10/19/23) was an example of a lack of courtesy and lack of customer service. He was rude and condescending. That place remains an attraction because of prior history. The house musicians appeared on stage classless! The musicians (Robert Glasper) were dressed in old dirty sneakers, They appeared like they woke up put on dirty clothes and stopped by a dive bar. Washed out faded hoodies and ill fitting jeans. They looked like the were there to clean the stage, not perform on it. The filth and uncomfortable environment was so bad, my guest & I left halfway into the first song. Our requests for a refund for our grossly overpriced tickets were refused. Thats fine, but think about leaving so soon after spending nearly $200 for 2 people…. It was pretty bad. UNSAFE, FITHY, NO CLASS, OVERPRICED BIG TIME, UNPROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT and HOUSE BAND (Robert Glasper). DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY OR TIME. Dont go to Blue Note NYC with high expectations. Its a dump.

As far as the band were concerned the music was 1st class - hats off to Soul Live. However, we we crammed together on a table for 6 which was only really big enough for 4. The food was expensive - meal + a couple of drinks + tickets for 2 was over 300 dollars so not good value. We were also ejected pretty swiftly after the band to accomodate the 2nd performance at least an hour before doors were due to open. All in all, great music poor value - should take a lesson from Ronnie Scotts in London who know how to put on a good value show.

When you like Jazz, Blue note is a safe bet. Quality is guaranteed most of the time! Once you have a desire to combine it with food, again disappointing menus with rather hi prices which are not justified!

Bought table tickets. Was 5 minutes late and the doorman refused entry unless I agreed to stand at bar with my wife while my 18 and 16 year old sat at different tables with unknown people. There should be notice upfront. Staff was rude and could care less. Very disappointed.

We visited Blue Note for Sunday Brunch to see the World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir. We had an amazing time and have nothing but positive things to say about our experience. We bought table seats in advance and joined the queue about 30 mins before the doors opened. We had a choice of tables right in front. of the stage with an amazing view. Yes, the seats are close together but no more so than the other jazz clubs we visited and most people were standing up dancing by the end of the show anyway ! The Choir were truly amazing, a magical combination of vocal quality, showmanship and variety of their song choices. Food & drink were good value but service could be improved (think our waitress was very new). Definitely one of the highlights of our visit to NYC and encourage others to ignore the negative reviews and experience it too.

What a wonderful venue and experience. We went to see the WORLD FAMOUS Harlem Gospel Choir and were not disappointed! An amazing show but the highlight were the staff. What a team - these guys deserve a raise! Unbelievable amount of drinks and food served to a packed club… with maximum efficiency and no stress. Smiles all round from Scotty, the amazing bar man, to the rest of the crew. Amazing

The atmosphere seemed nice and the music lovely; however we paid 25 dollars per person (we were 3) to enter being told that there are 3 seats at the bar and then after we paid we were told that actually only 2 are available and they are not close to each other. One of the seats was actually a corner of the bar where there was not even place to put a chair. i will not go again (at least not without booking a table)

Coming over from England for the Jets game and being a regular at Ronnie Scott’s in London I decided to visit the famous Blue note jazz club. I think many of the previous reviews sum the experience up pretty well. I was mainly disappointed at how 6 of us were crammed into a space for 4,. The service was ok and food average. Why not charge everyone an extra 10% and give us all the chance to properly enjoy ourselves in comfort? I’m in New York every couple of years… but it won’t be to the blue note. Pop over the pond to Ronnie’s and see how it should be done.

I saw a show at the Blue Note this week for the first time. I've been going to music clubs in NYC for decades -- and I have never been as well-treated at a club as I did at the Blue Note. The door staff were welcoming and helpful, and the wait staff was attentive, prompt, and friendly, and the food and drink were served in a reasonably short amount of time. I had a few requests (to charge my phone at a club desk, to hold a seat for the second show), and they were accommodated cheerfully. Yes, like at all NYC clubs, the seats are very close together, but unlike many other clubs they don't force you to sit where they want you to sit and so if you're aware you can pick seats with a little less crowding. The food and drinks are a bit high in price, but it's NYC, and more than made up by the ticket price being low. And the sound was quite good (not to mention how fantastic the band -- Low Cut Connie-- was!).

Music on scale of 1 - 5, 4 for John Scofield and Dave Holland. Food wasn’t bad but 26.00:for a hamburger and fries is just too much. The worst part was everyone was packed in there like sardines, to the point that it was very uncomfortable. Even worse, the venue is set up in a long rectangle shape and one side of the tables have their backs to the stage. No room to turn your chair around and guests are seated across from one another with no option for both people in your party to view the stage. I honestly believe that they are breaking maximum occupancy rules.

We were in town to see BJ the Chicago Kid. Everything was perfect! Keep in mind this place is pretty small so you will be sitting shoulder to shoulder with people at your table. It is a true Jazz spot in the Village. Sound was amazing. Food and drinks were even better. We will be returning for sure.

I used to visit Blue Note with pleasure but this will be a thing of the past now. Their lack of professionalism and client service is ridiculous. I had a ticket for the Hiromi performance scheduled for 5 October. The performance was moved to a larger venue (Sony hall) and different date, which I could not accommodate. I was informed by email that I could ask for a refund. Which I did, by email response. I never heard back from Blue Note by email. I called several times, speaking to a member of staff and to be asked to call back to speak to someone else. I called at least 6 times, the person was never in. I left my phone number and was assured I would be called back. Of course that never happened. I called back and was informed the reason they did not call back was since I did not have a US cell phone number. Excuse me for living in Europe. The excuse of course is laughable, given Blue Note is an international establishment with venues over the world. I called again and left the credit card details with info that the reimbursement would be processed and that I would receive email confirmation. I emailed them again, silence. I can see that they would not care about mundane things like a reimbursement but to be so unprofessional and simply ignore a client is exceptional. Terrible business, please keep my money (as you intended to anyway) but I recommend to consider your client relationship attitude.

Horrible!!! We went with our 3 teenagers to enjoy a jazz concert. Admission was very high but we wanted to have a jazz club experience in NYC. What a disappointment! The sound was very poor quality. We could not hear the singer who for the first 30 minutes had a problem with her microphone (over a concert period of 60 min. The food is very expensive and more mediocre. We got ripped off in over $80. Their technique is as follows: they bring you the bill on their machine in the dark during the concert then never bring back the ticket. Once at the hotel we recalculated the consumption (including tip ) and the observation was the same. They ripped us off. It left us with a bitter taste. Were really running away... it’s a waste of time and money. You'll be disgusted. We spent 600€ for everything (seating and meals ) for 5 to listen to a singer at the end of her career with an oversized ego who spent her time telling her life story instead of singing and eating the wrong food.The sound was very poor quality and the food expensive and not good. I found only the truth in the previous negative comments.

We arrived to find out that our paid reservation for 4 was not to be honored because we arrived at 7:40 for a 8 pm show. According to the posting on the door if you are not there prior to 7:30 they will give your table to someone else. The $140 earned us the right to stand!!! We told the arrogant guy on the door to shove it!!! He could have cared less.

A disgrace of a place. I was so looking forward to see Chris Botti, it was the 6 of us, had to take a second mortgage to buy tickets (my birthday celebration) they sat us at a table that fits maybe 4 people, so tight I couldn’t move left or right. The food was just ok the service slow and non existent at times lots of misunderstanding. The highlight of the evening, the music, was great but he had way too many extras which was disappointing because I came to lister to him. Definitely my last time at the Blue Note

One of the greatest jazz clubs in NYC - great music but really cramped! We came here last night to see my favorite jazz trumpeter Chris Botti and it was a fantastic performance! He was amazing, as were his band members. The food is completely overpriced and not very good, but one of the stipulations of the club is a $20 minimum per person. I enjoyed a $18 French 75 cocktail, while my husband had the Guiness at $12 and an order of fries of $9! The waitress added the $1 to equal our bill to $40. She wasn't around when we wanted more water.. The club is filled with crowded tables. Bathroom is upstairs. We came for the performance. I'd expand the footprint of the club - this can't be safe according to fire code.

First time coming to this club and probably the last. We purchased bar seats and immediately saw there were about 8 seats and 20 people for an area enough for 10 people at most. Couldn't see the stage from the bar area so we upgraded to seats for an extra $25 each. When seated we were lucky enough to be right in front of the stage but we were packed in very very tightly. The music was great and glad we got to see Hiromi live. But the experience at the club is sub par and am happy with only coming here the once.

Pretty small place with a extrememly uncomfortable placing. They tend to announce events and chang them at last minute notice. Drinks and food are average with extremely expensive prices.

We went to see the Chris Biotti show and bought tickets for the bar area. In previous experiences at other clubs the bar is in the back and you can still see and enjoy the show, here the bar is at the entrance and you essentially have no view of the show. When we raised this with the staff the answer we were given was, "you can watch it on the monitors". Furthermore, they had totally overbooked so when we came 1 hour and 45 minutes before the show all bar seats were taken, and they had really squeezed in people at the bar so they could hardly move. So we had the alternative to stand all night, at the entrance, with not seeing anything of the show and drink absurdly overpriced drinks and wine of bad quality. There were others in the same position and some elderly people as well. The choice was easy, we left and we are never coming back. The one friendly person though was the man at the door that was really trying to welcome people and make the best of a very bad situation.

Go to the blue note to get great entertainment and enjoy a night of talented musicians. Food is ok but entertainment is what our large group came for. Service did the best they could with a large group snd we all enjoyed their price fixed meal, they even accommodated gluten free needs for us.

Everything was bad..the atencion..the manager...the food ...so many people together in small space...we paid for 2 hour show and the show was 1.20 min Lost my time and my money!!

Great music. Excellent dinner. A must go when you are a jazz lover. Very nice room. Fair price for the entire evening.

Terrible experience. The policy of the place is to pack it over limit. We bought 2 tickets for gospel on Sunday brunch, we were sat in a table of 8 with no breathable space. Even very dangerous in case of fire or any problem you are trapped inside. Better to put price higher and leave space for enjoying the experience. I'll never come back and I'll not suggest this jazz club to anyone I know. I spoke with the host and she told me to stand at the bar if I don't want to be trapped. The place is clearly overbooked what you think from the pictures attached ?

This is a bit of the 'theme park' jazz club. The music (Esmeralda Spalding) was very good but I cannot overemphasise how much you are squashed in and not treated with any warmth or respect! You will be VERY close (ie touching those on each side & behind) with no way to go out during the performance. You will have barely any room to eat your food (which is overpriced and very bland - so best avoided anyway). Seating is allocated but random and there are lots of really bad options (although we were very lucky on the night with seats close to the stage). Another thing to beware of is that you will be presented with your "bill" during the live performance. You will be asked to tap a card machine with just an amount (+tip) shown on the screen. You will not be shown any breakdown or given any bill - so make sure you keep a mental note of what you order! I was sure I was overcharged but too embarrassed to question it during the live performance. Sure enough when I checked afterwards that was the case. I tried to raise this on a few occasions with the club afterwards -as on principle I don't like being ripped off - but instead of investigating or fixing the error they just ignored me - so I am now telling you all on this forum so you can avoid also being overcharged (or better, choose a more genuine and friendly jazz club in NYC to start with). It might be an honest mistake - but I'd be interested to hear if others have also experienced this 'mistake' as the club knows most visitors are tourists passing through. For sure the Blue Note is only interested in extracting maximum $$ from your visit, is trading on a past reputation, and has NO interest in making your experience memorable.

The reason we came to the City for the weekend was to see the Three Divas at the Blue Note. The Blue Note is known as the top jazz bar in the USA. The music from Jackie Warren,Sherri and Amy was absolutely amazing. The brunch was enjoyable, but the music was amazing!

View from the bar is limited and prices are expensive in general (quite). But music is good. I guess this is a touristic experience but Im a tourist so cant complain very much.

If you get bar tickets, get there as early as you can if you want to actually sit down. We were lucky enough to get seats and enjoy some great drinks by the bartender. It’s a little bit hard to see the stage from the bar, but they have a tv displaying the stage if that matters to you. We got to listen to the legendary Ron Carter. Great experience!!

The food was good enough but Jazz fans come here for the music. It's a classic place that you must visit in person if you're a Jazz fan.

I had been a lot of times there and TODAY I prefere other jazz places, like the 55th Bar or the IRIDIUM or other, because I AM NOT A TOURIST. I DON´T WANT TO PAY a lot of money (at this times) Rows of People... I hate the BUSES with a lot of PEOPLE like cows going to a show or the GOSPEL or...Not for ME anymore...SORRY!!! (expensive!)

I was so excited to have a true iconic jazz night out especially because the jazz here is meant to be amazing, however when you arrive you are packed together like battery farm caged hens! When I say you can’t move, I mean, you can’t move at all! We were told to sit in the middle of a table for 8 however as it was so packed, we couldn’t even move the chair out to sit. I understand places need to make money, but I wasn’t willing to pay $35 plus food for sitting on someone’s lap! What’s worst is the incredibly rude host snapped at my sister when she asked if it was possible to sit in an UNRESERVED seat which was easier to get to - when I say easy to get to, I mean no ninja moves required to fit into the tiny space.

Nine of us paid 45$ dollars for a music tax. The band came out late for a 1 hour session. Yes they could play their instruments well but they did not play a single hit of Stevie Wonders leaving all of us extremely disappointed. It felt like a jamming session. Our American neighbours on the squashed table were also unimpressed. Food was pub grub and the alcohol was the most expensive we had during our stay. They advised us to arrive early but it seemed to be a ploy to have you there longer paying for expensive food and drink. It was so squashed you are sternly told nothing can go on the back of your chair and you have to check coats and jackets for which they charge you. It's a money pit. Would not recommend or return.

Went to see the amazing Harlem Gospel Choir. The experience was ruined by the venue. First thing to know is, they don't sell seats. It is first come, first served. If you want to sit, you must arrive early. So we got there at 12 when it opened. Then we sat around for 90 minutes waiting for the show to begin. Everything was so loud that I couldn't make out the songs or the music--it was just a wall of sound assaulting me. It was actually so painful to be there that we left early. It's been a few hours and my ears are still ringing. I wasn't the only one, either--another patron at our table had her hands over her ears (--and so did I!). There is really no excuse for the audio issues.

Just saw Ron Carter here, and very much enjoyed the show. A little tight, and the food is below average, though I've never been to a jazz & blues club that had good food. For good music it's worth a visit.

Bought 3 tickets for specific artist I thought would appeal to my non jazz fans wife and daughter. Shortly after purchase Club emailed saying show cancelled and would be replaced with different (more avant guard) performer. Called Club and requested refund since didn't want to see replacement. Club said no refund but could try and use for some other time. Told only going to be in New York the one weekend so won't be able to use. Club refused to refund. Keeps my money and probably will sell same seats to others.

Tables too crammed together. The first table we were offered I literally couldn’t move my seat to get in or out , and it wasn’t even facing the stage. The table we eventually sat on was supposed to seat six people. Luckily only two other people joined us otherwise it would have been totally unbearable. The food was awful. My wife’s hamburger was dry and unseasoned. My jerk chicken was ok, but the accompanying rice was awful and the veg tasted frozen. Service was ok considering how busy the staff were. $175 for two starters two mains and four glasses of cider was definitely overpriced and poor value for money. We’ve done it now, won’t be visiting again.

Rude staff ! First come first served - but really they don’t give you the tables available and the waitress just yells at you “no, you sit here” don’t waste your time and money. The most highly offensive squeezed tight seating if tables are available.

If you love jazz and visiting New York, check out their website for the scheduled artists during your visit, and RESERVE for that performance. Top names usually headline the shows and shows can get really crowded. We recently watched The Manhattan Transfer and booked a table a month in advance. If you can, get a table away from the bar and service areas because the noise can be disruptive Small detail: the show was ticketed at $65 online and became $75 on the day of the performance. No explanation. Don't order the crab cake. Too expensive ($21) for something that was more breading than crab.

I've been going to the Blue Note once or twice a year for the past 10-years when living in or visiting NYC. I've seen some great artists including, David Sanborn and Kyle Eastwood. While the tickets are pricey, compared to Ronnie Scott's in London (the equivalent jazz club) they are a bargain. I've enjoyed sitting up close to the stage and talking to the musicians after the shows. So far, so good. But my last visit, should I say my final visit (?) back in October to see Robert Glasper and Nora Jones was spoilt. The artists were terrific, don't get me wrong...and unlike other reviewers I don't care what they wear if they play so well. But standing in line for over an hour to get in while being pestered by beggars and drug addicts does take the shine off the evening. While allowing someone to smoke marijuana while the band played shouldn't have been allowed. Since I don't see the owners reading and replying to these reviews, I don't expect any improvements anytime soon. So perhaps this really was my final visit.

went for sunday brunch with jazz, got our table at 1pm , band started at 1.35 and finished 2.30pm sharp, at which point we were asked to vacate our tables and leave , unless we wished to visit the gift shop. the band and singer were good, but i think she did a maximum of six songs !! 39.50 plus tax for admission , basic one course and a drink of cocktail or wine , extra drinks were priced at $14 and $16 . way overpriced and little or no atmosphere,

It’s been at least 20 years since I last visited the Blue Note and I was not disappointed. The music was predictably excellent - Take 6, but more surprisingly, the calamari was AMAZING!!

We went to a David Sanborn gig. And yes I know how this place works but each time I go I am still surprised by how much they get out of you and how it doesn’t feel like the best value. Tickets at the bar - don’t do it unless you arrive early as you will be expected to stand for the whole gig once the few seats there have gone - so with no sear a bit of a rip off. We upgraded as i assume you are expected to do. Extra $. A seat but so crushed in and poor visibility as they pack so many people in, but good to meet people as you are almost sitting on each other. But you also have a $20 min spend each as well, ok so fine have a drink and fries, extra $, all ok and waitresses do an amazing job but it is a bit of a factory. Still enjoyed it but do feel like I was processed

As a big fan of Jazz (and the Blue Note label and musicians) going to the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City was always on my bucket list, so I was delighted when I got tickets to see 'Butcher Brown' in Feb 2022 at the venue. The venue has a great ambiance, intimate and close (maybe too close with Covid) and you get a great stage side seat if you are there early for door opening, which we were at 10pm. The tall black American gentlemen (the owner maybe) who seemed to be managing proceedings was to say the least aggressive and rude which is the only reason my revue did not get the full 5 stars. He marched up and down the line outside barking orders at people and then this continued when we got into the club and seated. The performance of the waitress staff and the band themselves was excellent though. Butcher Brown absolutely nailed it, a fabulous gig in an iconic Jazz venue. A night I will remember forever. Merchandise is available in the upstairs gift store, although many of the T-Shirts did not have XL sizes in stock.

The welcome was good. The food, although not of fine dining levels, was perfectly good and the service was great. The accompanying jazz was superb. Really worth a visit

Service is horrible, selling extra tickets for bar seats that don’t exist, schemes for upgrades to charge extra money, very very rude staff

Good place for some late night traditional jazz, with some food and drink. Don't expect to have a lot of space to enjoy your evening, as the place is very popular, and they certainly pack people in! If you're from the UK, this is not Ronnie Scott's or Jazz Café, but worth a visit in any case. Servers are efficient at getting your food orders to you, despite the crush! Good food, for this type of establishment.

I've gone to The Blue Note plenty of times over the years. While I would never say my experience was good, it typically isn't horrible, as it was last night. Normally I have been able to sit at the tables that are closest to the stage. But last night we ended up at the tables along the wall opposite the stage. My complaint is that the tables are so close together that the chairs of one table are right up against the chairs of the table next to it. So if you are sitting in any of the inside seats, you cannot get up and leave without first climbing over your chair and making everyone in front of you get up so you can squeeze through. Not only is this ridiculously uncomfortable and claustrophobic but it's a fire hazard. It isn't quite as bad at the tables by the stage but these back tables are insanely packed together. I've been to BB Kings when it was still open, Jazz Standard, Iridium, Vanguard and several others. The Blue Note is the only one that makes it impossible to comfortably enjoy the music. I'm hoping the NYC fire department comes in and makes an inspection forcing them to do something about this unsafe issue.

The owner at the entrance was terribly rude, it’s impossible to sit at the bar when you booked a table seat (your HAVE to be at your table or you’ll lose the seat), the rest of just bad service after bad service. Why does the Blue Note have to be so arrogant ???

Reading reviews here almost made us skip this place, because of lack of space and not good food. Wrong! Place is a small club with intimate atmosphere, and yes, packed, but not impossibly packed. Food - who is coming to have proper dinner in place like this must be insane, if you come here, then it must be for music, not food. We booked table for last night of show with Joshua Redman and his band, (it is/was 45 usd for table, 30 for standing place at bar - it is entrance fee for concert) at 20.30. or 20.00 I cant remember now. We arrived at a venue 5 minutes before show, and that was wrong - they gave ours table away, and offered us standing place, not at the bar one, just one place in the back and we refused it and decided to come on next show , at 22.30. We were smarter this time, and arrived 30 minutes before, and got great table, close to stage. We order some drinks, beer and blue note cocktail, and some chicken wings and rolls - just something to byte with drink, and that was decent. Concert was amazing, Joshua, band, audience, atmosphere - everything was just perfect. We were so happy that we did it, and I would do it next time, and next time again when I am in NY. So, forget big tables and great food, go for music, venue and atmosphere and you will be fine.

This is one of our favorite places in NYC. I know there are many great restaurants in the city, The Blue Note, however, is not to be overlooked as one of them. My husband had steak and I had fish. Both were fantastic! The service was fast, polite, and professional. The Blue Note is a must for all food AND music lovers!

We came for a show and enjoyed dinner as well. We had a nice cob salad and ravioli which was fresh and tasty. Nice drinks as well. Good service.

Table seats- yes, you'll need to wait in line. The earlier the better. We got excellent (waited over and hour) seats but you will sit with 6 other people. VERY, very tight. Forget the food, though served quickly wasn't that good. Drinks are pricey. Show was excellent! Staff was very good, pleasant. I would go back to see Chris Botti again at this venue.

Went to see the "World Famous" Harlem Gospel Choir. What a waste! They are on par with a bad Bar Mitzvah band. This is far beneath professional standards; it is NOT Gospel, and their talent is amateur at best. We have seen some superb talent at the Blue Note and have never resented the ticket prices or the food/drink minimum. You go to the Blue Note for the music, not the food (which is average at best). The Blue Note used to be a home for serious musicianship; now it is a tourist trap.

Three nights of Greenwich Village Jazz and we saved the best for last. Chris Botti’s winter residency at the Blue Note is Jazz at its best. The Blue note is criticized by some for being to crowded but their no different that the other local Jazz Clubs as everyone is crowding as many people in as possible. If you want a good seat get there early and wait in line. If you want a great seat, buy the VIP ticket and get there early and wait in line. We did the latter and sat next to the stage at center stage. Expensive seats but well worth it. Botti is a great talent and he is accompanied by other jazz musicians who are themselves great talents. The Blue Note location was convenient from our Washington Square Hotel and to many nice restaurants. We didn’t try their food but they have an adequate wine list and a full bar. The service was good. I think it’s a good value but some would think it’s too expensive. In reality it’s a business and like any business they’ll charge what the market will pay. Catch Botti if you can as it’s a great show.

Sony Holland was the featured act, and she and the band were fabulous! She has a rich voice and sang jazz, blues, and original songs that the guitar player (also her husband) wrote. The intimate space provides a very relaxed atmosphere. The menu selections were also good. We thoroughly enjoyed the visit.

Chris Botti is thrilling and performs with great musicians...this seemed to justify a trip to the village from Ct. to hear in a small venue. Right? WRONG! Arriving early enough for good seats (No reservation policy) we stood on line for almost an hour and once inside find the best tables have "reserved signs." Tables are squeezed inches apart; food service so delayed many folks ate in the dark. Menu is ordinary coffee shop with overpriced drinks at premium cost. Music was basically enjoyable except for the acrobatic violinist who belonged in a circus. Not worth the pricey tickets to be packed in like a sardine and pay through the nose for the treat.

My wife and I on holiday from Australia thought it may be nice to visit a jazz bar in NYC. We enquired with the man at the door regarding the cover charge. He mumbled it to us and didn’t even look at us. We asked him to repeat it, which he mumbled again and still no eye contact. He then saw some people he obviously knew approaching and greeted them with open arms and a voice that could actually be heard. So don’t bother with Blue Note. We didn’t.

This is the second time I have been to this show and I can safely say NOBODY of any age could not enjoy it. It is everything an hour and three quarters of jazz entertainment can give. Get there very early ... we arrived for the 8pm show at 6.10 and half of the tables were taken (doors open at 6pm). The food is ok...the cocktails better...but this yearly residency of 56 shows does not get any better. Which is why it is always sold out. Enjoy!

They did not pack people like sardines then and lucky for me, it was the time when I was an eyewitness to the likes of Oscar Peterson, Dave Brubeck, Stan Getz, etc. Fast forward to my three annual visits recently and while the soundstage has survived digital transformation, the place has become a veritable fire trap because of shoulder-to-shoulder seating. It has become a real jazz lover's high-risk adventure. 1. Buy and pay for your tickets online for pickup at the door; if you don't, the server will expect and harass you for a tip on the ticket price as well. 2. Get in line 45 minutes before showtime. Forget Amex Platinum concierge, seating is first come, first serve - even if you have paid for your tickets online. 3. Try to sit near the front door, the second row from the bar for easy exit in case of fire, but far enough from the noise. Three strikes and I'm out. I went there merely to show my nieces the remnants of a legendary "Temple of Jazz."

A place to definitely avoid!!! We found ourselves in a tiny table sharing drinks and food, very close to the stage with literally the artists behind me that I could never properly watch without the cost of turning my neck down. Yeah, eating at a corner of a table because money is far more inportant than the customers’ comfort (picture attached to this comment). Food was average and pricey. Artists though were quite talented and that’s really infortunate I couldn’t enjoy their music as much. Never again I will come to this place and I would suggest any one reading this review to try other less famous but more cosy jazz places in NYC definitely worth being known and your money valued!!

We saw Al Di Meola when he was in town recently and also had dinner here. There is a contactless menu and orders are placed on the smart phone, which sometimes works and sometimes does not. No matter, the wait staff is very accommodating and can take the order if the phone is being obstinate. The food was good (I had a salad and pasta as did my husband). The service was good. Tables are shared with other concert goers which makes for an interesting evening! We had very good seats. In fact, I don't think there are any bad seats in the house.

Visited here this past weekend to see Maceo Parker. He was ok. The show was at 8, didn't start on time but we got there about 7:45. BIG mistake. Our seats were terrible and they pack you in like hot dogs in a vacuum-sealed package. It was almost impossible to eat, with very little elbow room. It's ridiculous. I guess they figure that people will deal with it because it's the "Blue Note" so whatever, but nowadays there are so many good jazz places, you really don't have to put up with this abuse. I will say that the food was decent; I had salmon and my partner had steak. But we had to take it to go because there was no way to eat at the table. However, the food and tickets are overpriced for what you get. It was almost 100 bucks just to walk in the door, then add your drinks and food. Not worth it, so I would not recommend.

Catch the dick! Absolutely avoid. We arrived early and no tables were available contrary to what our reservation had told us! The drinks are very expensive and we left at 8:30 p.m. because we were tired of standing and rushing! Haven't heard the jazz