Blues Alley Club

Fantastic little jazz club in downtown Georgetown the food was surprisingly fantastic. Every single thing was absolutely delicious. Well cooked and put out on time. The sound was really good and the performances were fantastic. The only complaint is that the place is incredibly crowded impact to the point where servers and waiters can’t really move around easily.

Our family had an amazing experience at Blues Alley! This place offers great food and beverages, and the atmosphere is astounding. One of few places left to listen to high quality, live jazz music. It’ll definitely gift you a memorable experience.

This jazz listening club is a great spot in the heart of Georgetown. The atmosphere is good for listening to jazz and experiencing a performance in an intimate and cozy spot. The tables are very close to the stage and close to each other. The stage is shallow and the band is right next to the patrons. It’s the closest you can get to musicians without actually being on stage.The doors open early and they have a dinner menu focused around creole / New Orleans cuisine. The food is decent and the drink select is pretty good.Though, the reason to attend is always for the music and to witness the performers building an experience from start to finish.

This is a great place to see phenomenal acts in an intimate setting. The acoustics are great and the ambiance superb. Makes a great first date or date night because you get entertainment without having to talk too much! lol! WE love coming here! Saw Grammy nominated, DC area, Ethopian-born artist Wayna here this weekend. She did not disappoint! Came with a bunch of friends and had a fantastic time!

Lovely dinner theater speak easy vibe. Very intimate setting close to the entertainer in the heart of Georgetown. Excellent acoustics and every seat seemed unubstructed. Seating appeared to be first come first served. Im uncertain whether some tables were reserved. Upscale menu items that are tasty. Polite helpful staff. Clean environment throughout, including restroom.For those unable to climb stairs you may wish to call ahead and find out whether there are restrooms for those with disabilities on the entertainment level.

Me and my group were visiting the city for a couple of days and decided to go to this place for the Memphis Gold Salute to Otis Redding show. What amazing and special night! The place has been opened since 1960, has a beautiful vintage entry and a cozy environment. It transport you to the golden age of music. We had a table near to the stage, we ordered drinks (they have rose by glass 🤍) and food (artichoke dip is a must, try it!). Musicians, singers and the sound were just perfect. I’m a huge jazz fan and I can say this jazz night was one of the best I have ever had. Server and overall service was good. Something to have in mind: if you are attending to 9pm show make sure ordering food and drinks since you arrive. Kitchen close early.

I think I had higher expectations, the tickets was $35 per person and if you pay and if you pay with a card you will pay extra $14 for service fee. They didn’t tell us that there’s a minimum charge per person $15 which I think ridiculous!!The performance was ok

Stunning venue, tasty food, AMAZING atmosphere, and world-class performers. Will be returning and melting into the loveliness of this space over and over again. Also, hot wings. What a beautiful evening.

Was in DC and went to Blues Alley for a show. It is open seating so get there early especially if you have a lot to people. Food was good. There is a minimum amount to buy. Service was great.

Had a great time here with a friend. It was a total vibe. The crab balls were particularly delicious.

I would recommend you stay far away from this place. Fortunately D.C. has a lot of options for jazz music, so that you don’t have to subject yourself to this unprofessional and unorganized shoebox of a venue. The staff is rude and unhelpful, the food is flavorless at best, and the space itself has the charm of a jail cell. Here’s my overall recommendation don’t waste your money buying tickets to a show, (because apparently buying tickets doesn’t guarantee seats) get there about two hours before the show starts and you should be set.

This is a iconic and historic place to hear great music. They always have superb local and international performers. The quiet atmosphere gives you a sense of having an intimate concert with the performers. This is a must visit for anyone who lives in or travels to the DC area

I saw Melba Moore up close & personal, half price on the last day. I purchased great appetizers & shared great company. Blues Alley is the best place to see your favorite artists in the Washington DC area 🙌 👌 ❤

We saw a great jazz quartet at Blues Alley. We also had dinner and a couple of drinks. The food was good, New Orleans style, and the drinks were also good, in addition to decent red wines. The service was very good at table, but the hostess was a little frosty toward us, even though we had reserved tickets and had requested a table with a good view of the performers. We got what we wanted there. Some of the chairs need repair or replacement, and the place could use a bit of a spruce up, but it was clean and kind of what you would expect for a Jazz cellar type venue. Good views in most seats, I would say, but definitely book early so you can get tickets. It sells out regularly, according to the waiter.

Blues Alley doesnt miss. The food was great, the room a true intimate jazz club. Recommend the Blackened Catfish with red beans and rice. Bob James gave a great performance at 84 years old! Well be back soon.

What a great experience. The staff was amazing and the food was good. Drinks were better than a lot of the bars around. The music was truly amazing. It was like an hour and a half journey. Didn’t think about anything but the music. Left feeling amazing.

This was my second visit, and anytime Im in the area, its a must do. Love the location and the New Orleans feel. Staff is friendly and service was fantastic. MUSIC is always on point!!

Absolutely love this place. Have been coming for years, though Covid got me out of the habit. An intimate, comfortable, feel good setting. Service is always quick and friendly. Barkeeps and hostesses are adept and amiable. My Tanqueray and Tonics were fine. Red Beans and Rice, always excellent. Shrimp and Grits were delish. The 3D Jazz Trio was superb

The place was packed. We truly enjoyed the Chelsea Green Project. I wish the show had been a little longer. However, the 1st show ran over. Having to stand in the hot alley with rats not far away was not fun. The seating is extremely cramped. Unfortunately, we werent served our drink order until close to the end of her performance. Everyone around us had food/drinks, but us. We had dinner beforehand, so I could not rate the food. But, I wouldnt eat here.

Classic small concert venue (please bring Chris Standring back again!). Shrimp and grits was outstanding. Seating is crowded and first come first serve so get there early. Good sight lines from our table. Decent beer selection, but could have a few more choices.

Awesome club ! We went there for a date night and it was a great experience. There is little table around the stage where you can get close and cozy. The atmosphere is dark and felted which is perfect for a romantic date.The music was awesome too. It was a mix of jazz, blues, hip-hop and it was definitely perfect.The food was good too with choice from southern cuisine which we love.I think it’s a must do in DC and we’ll definitely come back and recommend it to our friends and family !

Intimate musical experience up close to jazz legends. Enjoyed non alcoholic beverages. Tables near us seemed to enjoy their food and wait staff was attentive while remaining respectful of performers.

Its located in the alley of Georgetown. Definitely, the best jazz bar in DC. The food is good too. Good music is sick!

Attended the 7pm Yarzarah performance and met by friendly & welcoming staff at the door. We chose our seat and I went to the bar to order and after requesting my drinks I was politely informed it was table service.Our waitress was friendly and came along with the drinks I had earlier ordered at the bar, which was nice.Food: We ordered shrimps and chicken wings - I didnt try the shrimps but the wings were just okay - not as hot as I would have liked and I didn’t really like the sauce. Loved my rum and ginger cocktail.Great performance by YahZarah, good crowd, an intimate and cosy venue with a lovely ambience. I definitely will visit again… and our 7pm ticket allowed is to stay for the 9pmShow provided we made the minimum spend of $15 per table.All in all a great night out.

A must place for jazz in DC. Premier jazz acts, new and old. Just saw Stanley Jordan, the guitar phenom. The place has been around since the beginning of creation. Very intimate seating, not a bad seat in the house. Food and drink are excellent. The staff magically squeeze between tables to deliver the goods without disrupting the show.

TLDR; great music, amazing food and friendly staff.Went to Blues Alley to attend Mason Brothers Quintet.The music was amazing. The band was really good. The music volume was just right to enjoy. The bands play for about an hour.The space is intimate. You would be pretty close to nearby tables and the tables aren’t too big but it’s not uncommon for a jazz club.The food was delicious. We got the stuffed mushrooms, beef tenderloins, Caesars salad and the chocolate cake. Everything was really nice and didn’t take too long to arrive.The staff was very friendly.

Visited DC over the last few years and we now make this a place to go to when in town. It so great to listen to the jazz artists. Like the listening club atmosphere. You can just listen with no audience interference. We saw the Andrew White tribute group and just blown away. Had drinks only, no food.

Very nice experience overall, but very expensive.Food was amazing, really amazing! Had the salmon.Music was great.But entree fee around 40$, Food + drinks also around 36$.

Fantastic, intimate venue for enjoying blues and jazz. But tickets in advance because shows sell out. Service is great. Food is New Orleans themed but, no surprise, just adequate. Stick to simpler fare like a grilled piece of fish or a salad, and youll be happy.

The venue is very nice, prepaid for tight seating as this I first come first serve. The shows are awesome. The food is subpar, has no flavor. Had red beans and rice and shrimp and grits. Couldn’t finish either one. Shrimp was over cooked grits came out lumpy, the gray tasted like it came from a can.

Blues Alley is such a perfect venue for live jazz, and Lori Williams gave a fantastic performance. I loved being seated so close to the musicians to really see their technique on bass, sax, and drums.

Went to see Boomscat perform. The place was great, the service was great, the music was out of this world

Great venue. Intimate. You feel like the artist is performing for you only. You always hear the cliche, there isnt a bad seat in the house, well it is true when describing this place. Every table seems like you are next to the stage.We couldnt find this venue at 1st because it is not on the main street that the address suggest...its in the alley (duh) brilliant. The show was excellent. The service is outstanding. All of the staff were very attentive and helpful. The drinks were very good. Food was even better. Very cool place in a very cool area. The only downside was the mens room only has a toilet and 1 urinal. So guys be prepared to wait on some occasions.

The atmosphere and music is always magical. The food just has to catch up. The service is good.

Very intimate place to listen to Jazz major acts in the DC area including pretty decent food.

My dad has been coming here since the 80s and I first brought a date here in 1996. It was good then, and it’s good now. Whenever you want to catch good intimate jazz this is the place to go.The acts are always good...and tickets are 50% for the 10pm shows. I also love the Japanese Jazz series that happens here each spring. Some shows are also free.The service is fluid, graceful and friendly. But the food and cocktails are stuck in the 80s and could use a little modernization!

The amount of gospel music I expected to hear in a jazz club was none. The booker should do a better job fielding the talent or marketing the type of show to the people selling tickets to.The food is pricey and mediocre. The room is hot so the ice in my drink melted immediately. I’ve been to jazz clubs in NY, Denver, and New Orleans and this was my least favorite.

This spot is dope and laid back, I like the location also. The drinks and food were good, this is a must go I will return for sure. They do ask for your vaccination card so don’t be surprised about that. Give it shot and enjoy yourself.

This is definitely a nice spot to check out. The live music was really nice. The food and service was great! Drink orders take a little time when they have a packed house but our food was fresh and came out quickly. Ill be going back for sure.

What an incredible experience. This jazz club definitely is a must if youre in washington.. we went to see Gerald Veasley!! The service is very good!!!

Been coming here since 2007. Lately they’ve been dropping the ball. They gotta sort out staffing. I’m all for intimate, but yall gotta stop seating people at the same table who aren’t in the same party. Waiting an hour for water and getting attitude from the server saying there’s only one bartender? Show starting 30 mins after start time? The couple adjacent to my party was seated 40 mins after mine and they had drinks and water in hand within ten minutes. Figure it out and turn on the AC. Your crowd is falling asleep from thirst and heat. This place always been crowded but they’re trying to break some Guinness level record for most seats per square foot. Brought visitors from out of town and we left thirsty, sweaty and sleepy. Shameful.

I’ve been to Blues Alley multiple times and every time it’s been wonderful. I love everything about it. The food and drinks are delicious. The staff are attentive and warm. The seating might be a little tight but I personally don’t mind it because it’s fitting for the cozy and intimate. As for the music, I choose what I like to go listen, so far all the artists I’ve seen have been outstanding.GeorgeTown is awesome with so much to do, one can even have dinner before or after going to watch a show. If you are bored or have run out of ideas for date nights, check out Blues Alleys, you won’t be disappointed. I kinder wish they had couches but I understand the space is small as it is.

Great show last night. The seating attendant seemed unaware of the seating logistics. Take a moment to adjust 3 of the chairs and all things will flow much better.

Had a magical night with my girlfriend here, im a big Jazz fan (her less so) but the both of us had a great time. Parking is not even a 5 minute walk away, no bad seats in the house, not to quiet not too loud, just perfect all around.

The concert was amazing. The food was meh, but we went there for the music. I wish they don’t water down the drinks so much.

Blues Alley is always a peaceful and fun venue, I have not attended a bad show. Thank you, Jay, for your services.

Food and service was good. Music performance was good. But ... the sound engineer completely ruined it for us. The sound level was SO high that it was dangerous. And I love playing loud music, being a DJ. The last 15 minutes of the show I had to plug my ears because the pain was too much. I didnt leave because the rest of the evening was great. No chance the soundlevel was within legal compliance levels.Conclusion: great place but bring ear plugs.

Always good. A very cozy and intimate venue. Saw Keiko Matsui tonight for the first time. The band was quite international. Shes Japanese, drummer is Cuban, bassist Dutch, and guitarist is Brazilian. They were all exemplary. Acoustics are good, though seating is rather cramped. The food isnt a strong suit, so hit the late show to avoid having to buy dinner.

Awesome place. I’ve wanted to go here for years. We had an amazing experience and can’t wait to go back. We tried their non alcoholic drinks and they were great.

Arrived at 7pm. Had reservation booked week prior. The place is already small, and it was completely filled. Two of the employees started panicking in front of my wife and I as we overheard them talk about how they seated people that didnt have reservations. We waited 30 minutes as they both tried to find a seat.They tried to squeeze us in to one seat, but that was not going to fit us. Something tells me this isnt the first time theyve done this. We were either offered to see the 9pm slot which was already sold out (facepalm) or get a refund and left. We got the refund and they looked relieved that we did.I was so disappointed because the music sounded fantastic as we were waiting, but the business lets their greed get the better of them.

Husband and I had gotten tickets in advance and we arrived just in time for the show at 7pm. They seated people who didn’t get tickets earlier and were sold out leaving no room for us. We waited 30 minutes as they panicked/scrambled and we decided that this was just ridiculous and got a refund. What was supposed to be a fun night, ended up being a huge disappointment due to the greed from blues alley.

Very cool vibe - food was pretty good as well, but the music and entertainment was the star. Tony Bennett night was special and the musicians were talented and comfortable.

Dream night at Blues Alley Club in Georgetown! Lindsey Webster on stage was out of this world, the talent, the voice, her presence on stage was superb.

Phenomenal place for live jazz music! This is very much a hidden place in Georgetown, off the main road and easy to miss. But its a historic venue boasting a good amount of seating while retaining the small coziness feel. Food was pretty good also - mostly New Orleans origin such as poboys and fried chicken. Great place for a date!

Cozy jazz club with excellent food and service. Great venue that focuses on the performers as the main attraction.

I’ve been wanting to hear Kandace Springs for years now so when I found out she was playing walking distance from my hotel I HAD to go. Both shows were sold out on the night I could go, but after calling a couple days early the hostess took my name, told me to bring cash, but she would save me a seat. Nothing disappointed and Kandace was phenomenal!! Would definitely go back on future trips here.

You can go back in time to Blues Alley. It looks and feels the same as it was in the 80s.Finding parking is the problem, so be sure to consider it so you will not miss your show.

Nice venue for live music. Very nice ambiance, friendly staff, food is okay. Parking garage is conveniently located across the street although a bit pricey at $22.

Great Kenny Garrett show. Great meals. Delicious drinks. Made memories with my jazz master son during our DC visit. ❤️

This is a great little jazz/blues club tucked away in an alley. I went on a Jazz night. Ended up showing up late to the first show. Apparently there are two shows and you pay separately for each rather than a flat cover. My fault for not knowing that, though. Atmosphere was great. Service was good. Ordered a dirty martini and Im pretty sure it was a glass of olive juice. Told them the issue, and second one was great. The crowd was great. Nobody on their phones. Definitely 5 stars if you want to see good, live music.

Didnt eat. However, ordered drinks and tea...very lovely. Atmosphere was sultry and gave all the vibes. Definitely going back!!!

Talk about pack them in! But it was a great date night double date and the artist was definitely doing his thing! It was a cool vibe!

Saw Kenny Garrett and his band on March 16th. Simply a dream. Great club with a cool vibe. Everyone was friendly.

Great venue for live music…especially jazz! Love the Georgetown location, great food and excellent wait staff. The jazz artistes that come are the cream of the crop!

The service was excellent. I asked the roasted brie but the sauce was too hot. The music was superb (Eri Yamamoto trio), the atmosphere was awesome.

Top music and great location. Blues music was absolutely wonderful, great neighborhood, good food, great service, and hip spot. Has a very authentic and old town feel, and amazing music. Best part of our DC trip!

Purely by chance got last minute tickets to the 9 pm show for peter white…what a great venue, small, intimate, decent drinks, and bar flood…and every seat is the artist before you.

Great music. Was asked by a customer if we were friends of the band--very weird. Songstress was AMAZING. Very tasty chips for the artichoke dip. Caesar salad was fresh and clean. Seating is VERY cramped, but bearable. Semi-booth seating along the wall is more comfortable. Overall, very nice. Get there early for good seats.

It was hot outside and one person was overcome by the heat. Knocked on door it was 6pm the time of opening. A man came out of an emergency door yelling stop knocking on door. We explained that a person was going to faint from the heat he went back inside and a few minutes later came back and said he called 911 everyone was saying just take her inside with the air conditioning. He yelled calm down then motioned for the people to bring her inside. His remarks of in an emergency you call 911 and nonchalant attitude was to much. This was totally disrespectful to human rights.

Its amazing after all this time, Blues Alley has not expanded. Love the live performances but hate the cramped environment. Food is not delivered hot or in a timely fashion; my waitress was irritable & short tempered. Her mood changed at the END of the night after she caused the spill of water & food on my guest.

Had the most amazing time in the cute little club.Definitely will be back and worth the travel from Maryland

Great vibes and great experience. Very nice staff. My only complaint is that the seating is so squeezed that it is easy to bump into things or spill your drink.

Great live music jazz bar! With New Orleans inspired kitchen, serving great meals for good prices. Really enjoyed the evening. Extremely recommend for anyone who looks for cool live music experience, in a cozy place.

Blues Alley has been a fixture in Georgetown for almost 60 years. So they must be doing something right. Its a great place for intimate jazz listening. The food is OK and not overpriced.

We had an awesome night here. It was very packed literally. The tables are very close together and they are small tables. The musicians were excellent and very talented. The food was decent the cocktail drinks are good. We had the catfish platter with rice and beans and also the catfish po boy. Both were delicious. The catfish was seasoned perfectly. We also got the chicken Po boy and that was good as well as the margarita, Moscow mule, and the espresso martini. All were very good cocktail drinks compared to most places. The spinach and artichoke dip was good but the chips were slightly stale.

Went to see a friend of my wife perform after many many many years from our last visit. Don’t know why it took us so long to come back. We will be back frequently now. Love the cozy atmosphere, the friendly staff, and the intimacy with the performers. Wonderful experience.

I only had drinks, but my wife had the salmon cakes along with the red beans and rice. Not the best she had, but will order again... The venue is small and intimate and we loved the entertainment. Definitely will go back if were in town...

Blues Alley was wonderful! The food was so tasty. The entertainment was superb! Our waitress was very attentive to our requests. We had a great evening!

Note——— get ready to be crammed in like some sardines. There is no such thing as personal space.Very southern hospitality. They treat you like family. The waiters are fast and friendly. The drinks were really good. The music was amazing! Highly recommend it for a date night.Food was okay.

Wonderful place for Great Music!

Top of the line music and tasty small plates. The food and drink are a little pricey but not unreasonable given the fantastic atmosphere you get with the music so close. Service was also good and not overbearing

Regardless of how good the food and drinks are at the Blues Alley, I still come here for the atmosphere of one of the best musical venues and live jazz shows. It is a true gem of Georgetown.

Wow! This place.rocked it! The music (Marcus Johnson and band) was amazing, the food was really good (seasoned well and well presented), the service was quick (perhaps a little too quick but theyre on a timetable!), the acoustics blew my mind. Absolutely loved my visit. Thank you, Blues Alley!!!

I got there 45 minutes before the show. Got one of the worst set. The seat police where on patrol! You cant sit there. Turn your chair around, that table is wrong. So I was stuck in the isle miserable! The show with Roy Ayers was amazing! This was my view. The lady told us we couldnt sit in the other seat. Because they may have someone coming. Well nobody came. And Im sure you will guess how my night was! Thanks ladies!

Chris Standring nite - truly great show

Spectacular small venue to enjoy great performers!!!I just returned after COVID… this place is a solid spot in DC for a nice live music…Grab your partner or couple of friends… it’s a nice place 2 spent couple of hrs!

Very small and loud, not the best speakers. Still had a decent time.

Wouldnt know how the musical performance was, but we wasted over $100 on tickets for a show we never saw. Due to their Southwest Airlines-style seating (i.e., no pre-assigned table seating despite having pre-purchased tickets), you have to line up outside the venue an hour before the show. They let us - and all their other patrons - stand outside in the rain for that entire hour. We didnt really care to sit in wet clothes with dripping hair to watch the show so we left. Horrible experience.

Classic music venue with amazing entertainment.

News years eve performance with Monty Alexander who only played three songs, very short! Then added this “project” the band was terrible.. I wonder what the finger had to do to play there! There were not enough hats, horns etc, for the quests who paid about $300 per couple.. first time in 7 years that we have been pretty disappointed.. the manager was arrogant and did not want to face reality that he and his team did not do a quality job as in the past.. work on your presentation and outcomes..

Drinks were yummy. Gumbo was tasty. Music was exactly what the Dr ordered.

Great Jazz venue in Washington DC!

My Latina wife and I never missed Gato Barbieri when he was here. He and my wife, between shows sat and talked for almost half hour.. . He was a very warm down to earth guy (RIP 2016). He talked about the 2 ladies who had been the great loved of his life as well as his I would have let him sleep with my wife. One time he was in GW Univ Hospital after suffering minor heart attack. When we went to visit him the nurse said He left for Spain already. Who was that guy? President Clinton just called to see how he was doing Blues Alley intimate.

This historic landmark is an excellent option for an evening of live music. It is very intimate, meaning you sit very close to other patrons and the stage isnt far away.Internationally recognized and lesser known artists perform at this venue.

Love it here! Drinks are strong, service is great! Everyone was nice and attentive. Live music unmatched!

Amazing venue, great sound and artists - very intimate and friendly service. 😀

Cool location with an entrance from an alley way. Staff is friendly and was able to sell us tickets at the door and provide the best seating.Food is good. Great underground vibe. Music is on point!

I truly enjoyed myself and will NEVER FORGET meeting one of music idols (Roy Ayers)

Excellent atmosphere in a small club.

One of the best live performance venues in the area that has the flair of underground, avant-garde and roaring 20-s and 30-s of the past century...

The atmosphere and music was amazing. The food however was not worth it. Food was actually nasty and unseasoned unfortunately. That’s the only downside. Wine was delish- maybe a bit over priced for what it was. Overall, great music and atmosphere just high priced wine and unseasoned food.

Witness some great music last evening. My friends and I saw and heard 2 great artists on the same show. I am talking about Brian Simpson and Jazmin Ghent. Awesome music. And, I will see and hear Ms. Ghent again next Saturday at Lake Arbor Jazz Festival which will also include some fantastic music.

Great place for jazz, whether with a group or solo like several people including myself were. So much history here. Seating is first come first served. Theres drinks and a good sized food menu with typical prices. IMPORTANT if youre thinking of visiting: this is a listening club not a bar/regular club vibe, meaning its not the place to talk with your party members over the music. They make that clear and enforce it so be careful so youre not embarassed, etc. One woman came late and didnt hear it and she kept trying to talk over the jazz musicians, I was getting secondhand embarrassment it was so bad. She just couldnt understand why people (customers and workers) kept telling her to stop talking. Eventually the message sunk in though.The staff were very nice and professional. Everyone worked really hard.

The seating is VERY cramped around here. Recommend getting there early so you can grab a seat that wont be heavy with traffic (waiters and bathroom goers). Food was ok but the focus is on the entertainment so its not a huge deal. Great place for dates!

The ambiance, the music, everything was great. The food & drinks are a little pricey but it was a wonderful time for myself & my husband, for his birthday.

Nice jazz place that is worth to visit at least once. The shows are really short just about an hour and they hurry you out to prepare for the next show. May be it is because I have lived in St. Louis and ATL where many clubs go the whole night with just a cover charge that is much less than the ticket prices here, it was kind of a disappointment for me. Madams Organ in Adams Morgan is more my kind of place.

What a treat! Great staff, food was darn good, the vibe, and the music! Support live music venues, 100%. The history of this venue is absolutely worth your visit in DC. Happy I made that happen. Much love!

Frank McComb was amazing as always and the food and service at Blues Alley was good too.

Great music, great food, nuff said!

I enjoyed Kirk Wahlum for my birthday 🎂 with my sister and cousin

Weve been coming for many years; foods the best its ever been!

This place could easily get five starts with a few upgrades. First off, the place is super cramped, youre about an inch if not closer to the other patrons. Secondly, the seats are terribly uncomfortable as they have little padding and are super flat. Third, the pricing is typically $32 a person for an hour and a half max for a show. Fourth the parking is around $22 if youre driving there.Now the music was great, and I loved that the music wasnt too loud making you feel like you needed to cover your ears.As for the food, I had the gumbo and the fried shrimp. The shrimp came with 4 pieces of fried shrimp on a bed of lettuce and cocktail sauce on the side. The shrimp was overcooked and had a panko type breading, it truly wasnt my favorite and was kinda flavorless. The gumbo bowl was a small bowl that was half rice, the shrimp were mini shrimp and dissipated in your mouth, so the texture was off and reminded me of poached shrimp.The service though was incredible, constantly around and helpful. You do need to show your vaccination card before you enter.

This club is a bit of DC history. Top notch performers come here to show their stuff. Great music and decent food. Be prepared to be very close to other music lovers. The place is small and tight. Sitting at the bar is pretty good if you dont mind being further away from the performers.

Great live music, good food. Just everything that a jazz club should be.

Nice venue food and service were good and the show and atmosphere was excellent!

Superb! Blues Alley has the greatest musicians on the Jazz stage. You cant go wrong here. This is an iconic jazz club. I was pleasantly surprised with the crab cakes. Soft on the inside, crunchy on the outside. Crab cakes were fresh and tasty. Wings are also delicious. Great service - shout out to Jay. Amazing musicians. In DC, this spot is a MUST visit. Dont hesitate. Find a show you are interested and go. Youll love it.

Delicious cocktails, wonderful music, and cozy atmosphere. Strongly recommend!

I was so excited but was extremely let down. Service was very poor. I was planning to order dinner, drinks, and desert but the waiter seemed to avoid me the whole time while others were getting attended to. Then when he finally came to ask me, he interrupted my by telling me the item I was ordering was not on the menu. Then as i showed him the item, he said i could not order it because it was on the after 9pm portion of the menu. The problem is, it was 9:45pm!!! I was there for the 9pm show. When i showed him this, he said he would check with the kitchen. He then proceeded to take drink out to other tables and get refills for them without having taken my order or asking the kitchen. Then after 30 minutes, DURING THE PERFORMANCE, he finally came back with an answer of no the item was not available. With hopes that he would not further interrupt my viewing of the performer, i simply told him that is fine. Then after leaving for some time, he came back to tell me that i had to order something as there was a $15 table minimum. This experience was so frustrating as it seemed like the place was more interested in getting money out of you then letting you enjoy the show. I was not opposed to order, in fact i was super excited to get some food. But pestering me in the middle of the performance instead of having taken my order before the performance started, LIKE HE DID WITH EVERY ONE ELSE, was so unprofessional and insulting to the performer.

Great food and wonderful jazz acts.

Nice atmosphere and good sound at this jazz supper club. Tables are very close together, however, and chairs arent that comfortable, but the shows are only an hour and you are cleared out after the first show pretty quickly, so you dont end up sitting for so long.

My friend and I had a spectacular evening hearing Stanley Jordan and his trio blaze their way through choice cuts from the Jimi Hendrix Canon. What made the evening truly special was this: Blues Alley has a notably great and effective staff. Despite entitled habits of some of their clientele, everyone with a ticket got guided amiably to their seats (no second class carriages on their train). Food and drink came quickly. All they did made it possible to listen to wonderful music without distraction. I look forward to coming back.

Decided to try this place out for our first jazz experience in DC. It was good. It does get very congested in there as the tables are very close to each other. There was a minimum of $15 order. You can QR code order everything and even check out online. I thought that process was very smooth. Music was good. You are close to the stage. It did take us asking 3 times for some water. It is also warm in there. Cant imagine how it would feel on a warmer day. They also require to see vaccination card. Photo of one is fine.

Great Jazz Club. Small venue, good sound, friendly vibes.

We had such a great time at Blues Alley! We saw the great Paul Carr and his fantastic band featuring the awesome vocalist Carmen Bradford - WOW!!! What a night!

Great to have this place back after COVID-19. Highly recommend to all to come and see great live shows

1st time and wont be the last. Saw Johnathan Butler in a Covid Free environment. All Vac Cards were checked 👌 and everyone kept mask 😷 on if they werent eating or drinking. Great Vibe

We live three hours away from DC but we go to Blues Alley when we can. Love it! Weve seen some famous musicians there, like Kevin Eubanks. What I love most about it is that its a listening room, so everyone is there to listen to the music and conversation is discouraged during the show. Also its historic and it has a cozy vibe. The drinks and food are good. The seating is tight and the chairs are not comfortable for me, being plus-sized, but last night we sat along the wall on the left side and I sat on the bench, which was great. The host sat us there so that we could have a good view of the piano player and it was perfect! Friendly and efficient wait staff. I hope to come back soon.

Attended Lee Rittenhours jazz set when I visited Washington D.C. It was EVERYTHING!

My husband and I were in town from Texas. I called, texted, sent messages and no response. When you call the phone number, you get voice mail. You dont get the option to speak to a person. Leave a message for one of the managers, who doesnt return calls. Please, when guest leave voice mails respond. If not. At least respond to the messages. Entertainment and the waitress was awesome. Food was a disappointment. Suggest you eat before visiting.

My first time and what a great venue. Hidden, small which is perfect. Saw Jim Croce’s son. What a talent.

So, I purchased Tickets to see the Amazing Carol Riddick for May 28th! at Blues Alley! upon entering the place was warm and cozy but the seating is TERRIBLE! I FLET LIKE I WAS ON TOP of people... no room to walk... God forbid if there is an emergency it would be a disaster trying to get out! and Also the hostess that seat you at the front door came over to my wife and I and told us to keep it down while singing with the artist cause she could hear us across the room... It wasnt even us it was the lady next to us! I wont be back!

Wonderful jazz music in a historic carriage house. The quality of the music and musicians was equal to what we hear at our local concert venue. Owners are hospitable and service is quick and efficient. We enjoyed beverages but want to try the food on our next visit. Check this place out and do your part to support live jazz music and a lively venue.

I think the service charge and drink or food minimum rule is stupid and pricy on top of paying yhe ticket price. And they stick too many tables and chairs in the space. But I always enjoy Miki

Loved the intimate and cozy vibe. Sat by the band and their lovely families. Wes Watkins and My Own Sound killed it and we hope to see them again soon! Hot toddies were great for a chilly night and our server Fatimah was wonderful. Thank you Blues Alley for an unforgettable evening!

Very tight, extremely musician, Ken Waters, saxophonist, and his daughter performed. I celebrated my 62nd Birthday and it was great!

Performed to a sold out show 4 days 8 shows with Marcus Johnson. Great place that showed at lot of love to me. Ill have my band there soon.

Loved it! Very laid back. Food and service were great. Musicians blew me away!!!

LOVE Blues Alley! Great venue and line ups always. The drinks and appetizers Ive had were all very good. I just wish they had a membership. You know... Something like: pay x amount a year and get go to go x number of shows with a simple click. Id probably go more often.

Love this club. Great atmosphere and very good musicians (most of the time).Drinks are good too. The food is decent but we generally eat elsewhere before or after.

I had a great time here! The tables are pretty close to each other, but it didn’t feel uncomfortable for me personally. I loved the music and I would absolutely go here again.

Totally recommended. Super cozy vibes!But get there early for the best seats – its first-come, first-served.

I used to go here all the time for live performances. But it held on to discriminatory Covid vaccine mandates far longer than most places. They dont admit minors--yet maintained a vax mandate until toddlers could be vaccinated. They made it clear they dont want my business and so Ive been happy to accommodate them by spending my entertainment dollars elsewhere.

So cramped and bad service of the host. They set three of us at a single person Cafe table by adding two more chairs in a corner. I was not happy and couldnt wait to leave.

My wife and I enjoyed seeing Melba Moore.

Through the years, I have seen so many artists there. Such as Phyllis Hyman, Angela Bofill, Melba Moore, Jeane Carne, Nancy Wilson, and Sarah Vaughn, just to name a few. Its always a good time!!!💖💖💖

Fabulous, intimate supper club opened in 1965. Super staff and servers. Food and libations very good. Louisiana style cuisine. The show was performed by 23-year old Bryan Eng and his bassist and percussionist. This young man has a real future. Website provides details on upcoming shows. Well worth the visit.

A decidedly mixed rating-- the entertainment and food are top notch and get 5 stars. But the tables are too small to dine on comfortably, the chairs are tiny and hard, and thevenue is cramped to the point of being claustrophobic. Part of the historic jazz club mystique? Perhaps, but be prepared...

A classic jazz/supper club. Need to pay attention to the artist schedule as big and not so big name artists perform here. The venue is quite intimate. A good variety of food and especially drink is available but the music is the star!

Blues Alley never disappoints! The pefect venue for enjoying live music. The staff is friendly and professional. I saw one of my favorite artist Kim Waters. It was an amazing performance and outstanding band. I looking forward to going back soon.

The atmosphere was excellent the music had me on the edge of my seat. Paul Taylor and Michael Lington were awesome 👌. The only thing I didnt like was not getting my drink i ordered. They were slow if they have a drink price minimum we should be able to get what we want. Other than that a Great place to visit

Just spent an amazing night listening to jazz. My only complaint was that they didnt disclose that they dont accept Discover card. Kind of ruined the night since thats my card of choice.

Not as it used to be anymore. I have not been to any good acts yet since post-COVID. The last one barely lasted 1 hour and only one member of the quarter was anything good. The food was always terrible but it is even worse. They are also packing more people in their already tight space.

Blues Alley has a small, quaint and laid back atmosphere to it. The artist are up close and personable. Great place with great music.

Always a good experience. Sit further back - it’s not a big venue and close to the stage restricts service and can be loud. Cocktails are very good and service is friendly.

The music was great. However, the service was terrible!!! The show started a little after 10pm. I didn’t get my drink until 11:30pm. Right after I got my drink, the show ended!!! They continually got our drink orders wrong and didn’t have any of the mixers we ordered. They even sent a mixed drink to our table in two different glasses, unmixed. It was a MESS! I finally had to ask for my drink to be mixed with a coke since they didn’t have anything else. It was not delicious. I couldn’t even drink it. I had to ask for extra soda because it was so strong. I am really disappointed by this experience. I should have gotten a refund! The two stars are only because the music was good.

The shows are always phenomenal! Great performances! Great atmosphere! My complaint is the food. Tonight it was inedible. Disgusting is what we told our waitress. Before this it’s always been lackluster especially for how much they charge for food. My suggestion - go for the show and enjoy a drink or two! Skip dinner.

Wife and I had a wonderful time. Venue was great but you want to show up an hour or so prior to your show time. Food was great as well as the service. When you see these reviews about how intimate the seating is they are true. Get ready to be a few inches from another table.

Love this place!! The music was great!!!

Quality jazz performance with attentive waitstaff, I would definitely like to visit the place again. The only downside is the meal they have. The chicken I ordered was dry, and the desert was underwhelming

I had not been out for a social in quite some time. But, I am overjoyed with the decision to visit Blues Alley and see Grammy Award winner Poncho Sanchez. I had a wonderful time. The table service was great. Our waiter was friendly, efficient and got it all done without fault.Blues Alley is one of the oldest supper clubs in the DC area.Its small and intimate. The crowd is good for the soul.The music is personal.The evening was memorable.Ill be going again soon.Dress casual chic and comfortable, but decent.Treat yourself ,soon!

My rating is boosted more so by the music experience than anything. The show was excellent! As for other observations, be prepared to be in close quarters as you partake of that performance, depending on day of week and whos performing. Early arrival allows for the best possible seating selection, and determines the quality of your dining service. The food quality and cost are decent but on a full night its best to get your order in early so you can enjoy your meal and the show!

I attended the 10:00 show on the past Thursday, March 31, 2022. The artist I was there to see had a guest string section playing with him. His turned the concert over them for a 10 or 15 minutes set, he and is band left the stage. Although the string section was good I didnt come to see them preform and was totally disappointed.

1 star removed for crowding. It is packed, but efficiently done. Otherwise outstanding music, drinks (didnt sample food) and service. Good acoustics too of course, and great names come to play.

One word … WHITNEY!!!Whitney is literally the main reason why you should give presence to this place! Her energy, her soul, her skill set …. It’s nothing like coming to a place to relax, wind down, breathe a little, only to run into a euphoric energy! If i didn’t take away anything else with me … i took away her gentleness, her respect, and dedication to making sure things were running perfectly! I’m sorry it’s just hard to actually find a place that have HUMANS with SOULS that work… a lot of times, ppl get so caught up in the establishment that they forget how to treat ppl once they walk into the door! So good job Ms. Whitney. I wish you blessing!

Very disappointed!!! Unfortunately we had to leave early. Way to crowded! 🤦🏼‍♀️By the time the the singer was in her second song they added even MORE people. We were “Cheek to cheek” if you know what I mean. Waste of money and time

Excellent music, best in town. Historic place with phenomenal shows. I love this aspect. The only thing that keeps me going back.Poor service and rates. No attempt to update the bad seating, charged per glass for a diet soda, food quality goes down in the last 2 years, $12 minimum after being poorly seated, skimped on the food, no adjustments offered (veggies instead of bread for example), etc. it just seems like they are penny pinching. Even as a performer, we were only offered slight discounts on food and nothing complimentary. I think management is going downhill.

Blues Alley is open and putting on great shows. Vaccinations are required to enter but masks are optional (as of this review). Expect to pay a cover plus a food and beverage minimum. Tickets can be purchased online in advance and there are shows most nights of the week ranging from school bands, local up and commers and national talent. There is a parking garage right across the street or on weeknights you can usually find street parking.

My BFF treated me to a weekend trip to Washington D.C as a birthday gift. Blues Alley Jazz Club was one of the surprise spots I was treated to. I enjoyed the music and show featuring Frieda Payne. Very nice atmosphere.

Cant share experience, you just have to be there, feel the moment.

I enjoy the intimacy of the venue. Food is good, atmosphere is cozy and charming. The incomparable Lisa Fisher performed, she was amazing. Her voice was warm and strong. She was extremely creative with the way she sung. Loved it and would travel from NY again for sure.

ALWAYS enjoy Blues Alley. The venue is perfect for a great, intimate night of music...sound is great, you can see the stage, youre close to the artist. There is also food and drink. Food is OK. Some things better than others and the drinks are priced as youd expect for the circumstances, but the staff is great. Blues Alley is a family affair for my family and I often have my walker-using or at time wheel chair bound Dad with me and the staff is so fantastic about accommodating us. My 93 yr old Dad always has a great time. That is priceless for me. PS - HE really likes the food. Do try the crab cakes!

Great venue to listen to jazz music 🎷 🎺

One of the best places to listen to Jazz. No doubt about it.

Cozy, Kool, Jazz place literally in an alley. Popular artists sell out fast! Expensive parking is available across the street, so come early to look for cheaper parking.

Ive been to packed venues but this was way too tight with people wall to wall. It definitely wasnt the relaxing evening with jazz that I expected. We shared a tiny table with four other random people so there was no way to really eat unless you held your plate in your lap. People were literally tripping over each other and a waiter spilled a drink on us.

It was very intimate but in true jazz club tradition. Had front row seating which was great! A little disappointed with the food. I had heard good reviews but everything I tasted lacked salt and flavor...but the desserts and drinks were good. Would definitively go back again!

The top venue in Washington DC for seeing jazz and popular music acts. Blues Alleys intimate space places spectators in close proximity to the musicians making for an exciting and memorable experience. The food is good and the cocktails arent stingy. My most recent visit featured the Earth, Wind, and Fire tribute band. It was an amazing show enjoyed by all.

Probably the best blues and jazz club in DC. It is a very small place but that is the best part. No table is more than 50 ft away from the stage. In fact, we often sit right at the edge of the stage. The place is really packed almost every night, and the energy is just amazing. I have seen performers put in extra songs after songs because they were so excited by the crowd. And then the performers. This place does a really good job bringing in the top talents for the weekend. Their week night shows are good too with well chosen up and coming performers. We prefer the late show at 10pm. The 8pm show is like a warm up for the musicians.

Blues Alley is the oldest continuing running jazz club in America. Its like watching someone perform in your living room . I highly recommend it.

Jean Carne and her band were amazing. She still got it!!

Mark Meadows was amazing, we were a party of 20, for my husband 53bday. Staff was Awesome, amazing, prices were reasonable, I havent been there in over 20 plus yrs but it was a pleasure to be there. Definitely, would recommend for smaller events.

Blues Alley consistently provides excellent jazz performers in an intimate setting. If you like jazz you will love seeing your favorite performers at Blues Alley.

Awesome, intimate space for top notch jazz. Saw the Baylor Project here and they were fantastic. Food is not their primary focus but the crab cakes were legit and the bartender was really good. Id recommend sitting at the bar. Great view of the stage and youll get your food and drinks faster.

Went to Blues Alley for the first time last week, and it was a wonderful night out. Our server was very friendly and attentive. Food was solid and the acoustics were good. We sat at a table in the back closer to the bar, which I liked, because it wasnt too loud and we still had a good view.

Small venue but every seat has a good view of the stage. I saw Chelsey Green and the Green Project and they were awesome. Very talented! As a band they performed well but when she played her violin=black girl magic 👏🏾👐🏾! And she can sang. Her craft is genuine. Food was good. I had the pork chop dinner but I wasnt a fan of the red beans and rice. Not enough seasoning/flavor for me. And my server Myesha was nice as well. Very attentive and kind.

Small venue with tables for two and four close to stage. Volume was perfect; not too loud. Food was tasty but expensive and drinks were reasonably priced. Service was attentive but not overwhelming. We got to talk to band after set.

Love Blues Alley for the culture and vibes, just wish they would step UP their food options and offer more variety for food sensitive types ( i.e., non- dairy)

Set in an actual alley in Georgetown, Washington D.C., this is a fantastic place for a first date or an intimate evening. The tables are small allowing conversation and appreciation of the excellent food. During the shows (the first at 8pm and the second at 10pm) lights dim and conversations hush. Tables are so close to the stage its impossible to have a bad seat or view. Three seating is first come first served. Play attention to which performance youve paid for and arrival time.

We did not eat food not a lot of vegan choice. Can only get Cajun fries at 9pm set.

Tables were squeezed in a little tight but jambalaya was very good and Capitol Lab Band was fabulous. Acoustics were just right. Music wasnt too loud. Will definitely look at more shows for this venue.

Nice place, nice food. Super helpful and friendly staff. Went to Marion Meadows for Valentine. Did not disappoint.

Dont miss this place if youre a jazz fan. Seating is tight but this allows for an intimate setting that you just cant get at larger venues. Atmosphere is genuine and the artists that play here are generally amazing.

The talented artists are wonderful. The food, however, is awful and sometimes the staff are unpleasant, particularly with the seating arrangements. The spacing between the tables is too tight! The bathroom is outdated. Waiting to enter the venue while the rats roam in the alley while you stand in line makes for an unpleasant experience!

A small venue, but the ambience is inclusive and romantic. You are up close and personal with the artist. If you have reservations, arrive early to get a good seat. The food is New Orleans cuisine and very tasty. Reasonably priced food and drinks.

Great atmosphere for a mature upscale proffessional audience. The seating is a little tight but the menu makes up for the seating inconvenience. The Waitresses are attentive and professional and friendly all at the same time. A must go to spot for great live jazz music.

Great live jazz, but be aware of the multiple surcharges for tickets and food/drinks on the order of 20%. I wish they were more transparent about the food/drink surcharges.

The place is literally in a alley in Georgetown which is awesome! Its a really cozy spot with live music. Definitely a great place for date night. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because the food wasnt that appetizing to me. Sidenote when you go see a show arrive a little early because its first come first choice seating! The last show I saw there was Grammy award-winning artist Lisa Fischer( spectacular)! Definitely a must visit place in Washington DC for music lovers!!!

Great location for a up close and personal Jazz show. The musicians were friendly and very talented in there craft. It was a excellent way to spend valentines day with the one you love...... Thank You.....

Worth the expense for the experience. A real hole in the wall, that will transport you to the 1950s. The food was excellent and the service was great. The music surpassed expectation. I live in PA, and I plan to make the trip again just to visit this place.