Great retro fun having to use cash (wtf??), although they do have a bank of sketchy ATMs if one is okay playing russian roulette with their bankcard. Otherwise, good place - live music and a fun and safe atmosphere. read more

Great service. A little pricey for a 14oz draft. Great music and atmosphere however . Fun place to dance. read more

We went see a live band and it said doors at 8PM and when we got there at 8PM, the place was almost full. There were a few tables and seats but the view was obstructed. We ended up at the back corner and could see partial stage. Even though we were at the back, sound was still good and glad we could see part of the stage. The server came by throughout the evening to check on the drink situation. Saw lots of men and women go into the wrong washroom! The women's is closer to the back door and there was a line up but you get a good view of the stage while waiting. Lots of people going in and out of the back door so not the best to stand by there with all the traffic. Didn't mind seeing a show here but next week will come before the stated doors open time to get a better seat in the section closer to the stage for a better view. read more

Blues On Whyte - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

See all

I'm really liking the renovations of this local favorite. They've done a fabulous job, in fact it's almost like they knew the pandemic was coming because it's perfectly spaced out, kept very clean and the staff has adapted really well to the new normal. I would've given it five stars -- however, there is a very strange concept they have enacted. Recently they opened up this most fabulous and incredible patio (where the old hotdog company was) ... but what is strange is all the drink prices are double the cost from the inside to the outside - so for example a pint can be as low as $3.75 just like black dog and other cool places on the Avenue but then when you go outside to the patio the exact same pint costs $7.75. Also they only take cash which is very strange especially during a pandemic, as everyone is doing touchless etc. no debit no Mastercard nothing literally pure cash only. But besides touchless factor, people are also on tight budgets so coming up with cash is more difficult then using credit - it is much easier spending wise. How do I know that the patio concept isn't going over as well? Because it's normally half empty -- yesterday was absolutely incredible day & evening and there's like four people on it. Hopefully, they'll correct this oversight before summer ends -- it will be the only way to pay for the exorbitant amount they likely spent making the patio. read more

Blues On Whyte - The epic awesome Mural behind the new patio. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

Ambiance is great and it's a sweet mid-aged bar, however never depend on ordering food there. If you make an order, they will order it from outside and even then there's barely anything on the menu if there is a menu. I really wish this bar would have its own kitchen and provide wings, fries, etc. read more

They just renovated again. New artwork throughout. And the VLT area now has a bar counter. Older crowd. Happy hour. Starting to serve some food now, so you can't bring in any. They opened up the walls. Music is still great! Blues artists from all over North America. Great for people watching Lost a star for the smaller pints. Haha! Good luck finding parking. This place is a classic. read more

See all

This bar should be in the "Dive Bars" category. Not saying that's good or bad. It is what it is. The acts this bar attracts is World class. You can see pictures of all the previous performers and you will be amazed. The clientele is somewhat older. A smattering of Bikers. The beer selection has improved of the years and you can now safely drink the draft beers. Staff is fabulous. Door man is very professional. Friday and Saturday nights, you'll pay a cover. Between $5.00 and $10.00 depending on the act. We like to go on a Thursday to see the band for free. It's a little less crowded that night as well. The bathrooms are clean, but there is always broken stuff. Doors, taps, whatever. People like to dance at this place. Even a one legged lady. True story. The pool tables are always full and they have VLT's. Coat check available. read more

I'm really sad to be updating my review with such a low rating, but New Years eve this year was the last straw for us. I have reached out to the business via their website and facebook page to discuss, but haven't heard a response and it's been almost a month. When the NYE 2020 act was announced, it appeared to be met with mixed feelings - at least that's how it appeared on their facebook page. It was a Bruno Mars tribute band. Not exactly what we would expect from Blues on Whyte - but should be a good time. We always go to Blues for NYE, so we were excited. We were especially excited when they posted a VIP package deal that boasted "Entry for 2, a room in the commercial hotel, dinner from our new street eats menu, and a bottle of champagne". Well, we were planning on getting a room anyway, and we usually have to leave the bar to find some food at some point, so this seemed ideal. We purchased the package online, as instructed. About a week before the event, I called to ask if we could change our room to one with 2 beds instead of 1. They had no record of our reservation. Apparently we were supposed to call to book the hotel room separately? I went back online - but it didn't say that anywhere. There was only one room left with two beds, and it was one without a private bathroom. Well, that sucks, but all we need is beds! It said the doors opened at 8, so we figured we'd get there around then so we had time to order food and get situated. We checked into our room, and headed down to the bar. The lady at the door said that the buffet would be open at 9:30. huh - buffet. that doesn't sound like "dinner from our menu". In fact, every year they offer a buffet for NYE so that doesn't sound like anything "VIP". I asked how we get our bottle of champagne. She said "I really don't know anything about how this works, but I promise you, they will find you with the champagne". Luckily, there were chips on the "VIP" tables. We ate all of them because we were starving. We stayed at the table, hoping somebody would come and tell us how to get the champagne. At 9:30 when the buffet opened, I went to check it out. What I remember being there was Cesar salad, rice, mac & cheese, and chicken. I may be forgetting something.. but even so, it was really disappointing. and it was clearly catered because you could see the caterer running the food in from their SUV outside. Which is fine... but if it had been advertised that way, we could have planned to eat elsewhere. I will say that the chicken was delicious. But we ended up leaving to go get pizza at one point anyway. It says a lot that the Funky Budha next door had a line up down the block and Blues had no line up at all. The opening Band - the Rondell Roberts Band was phenomenal. I'm pretty sure we've seen them before. They keep the crowd dancing. I wish they had stayed on stage all night! The Bruno Mars band was fine, but definitely didn't keep us pulled in. We stayed on the dance floor for the countdown and we were upstairs in our room at 12:04 am. The next morning, the lone sink in our room was full of dirt and crud. It definitely wasn't that way when we went to bed. So I mentioned it at the front desk when we were checking out. She said "honestly, i haven't given that room out in all the time I've worked here. It's probably just not used to being used". It was disgusting. and it smelled. Oh, and we never got any champagne. read more

The Music is good. However my stereo at home is better. The only reason to go is to interact socially. However to go there for that is a total waste of time. People there don't like it when a stranger talks to them. There are much better venues that have the same bands and where the people are friendlier. Lesson learned read more

Last night had another outstanding experience at Blues on White. I love this place and have been going for years. Live bands are usually very good and we always have a great time here. Usually a group of us go and dance in till 2 am. I am also a fan of the jam sessions, I have been to these often and have heard some outstanding artists. Part of the great experience is that you never know who will be next, and get such a different mix. I like the new look of the place , but enjoyed the low prices before the update. I wish they had a kitchen but since they don't we get pizza from around the corner and bring it in. read more

A Blues dive bar. It's gross in here but I always have a great time. My father in law makes us all go every time he visits Edmonton and it never fails to entertain. Booze is fairly cheap so we were getting the rounds in and had decent service from the bar staff. She remembered our order which was impressive, as the place was packed after the gnr concert. It's had a bit of a reno so the bathrooms are a lot nicer. They still book awesome blues bands from all over and last night it was like a bluesy cabaret show from 'The Good The Bad And The Blues'. The lead guitarist did a solo while walking around dance floor, then up to our seats and got my mother in law to play the guitar. It was awesome!! She had some night! Her high heel strap broke so we ended up on a mission for a stapler and discovered the door that joins blues to the hotel next door. They fixed her shoe! Huzzah! We danced, we drank, we had a blast. Till next year. read more

See all

I've become a recent regular here in the past little while. I love this place. Great music ( live or not) they play music videos! How cool is that?? It's one of the best music bars in the city! I've become less of a fan lately though. Every time i go in now there's sports on most of the tv's. I get it people want to watch sports, But on all the tv's? Isn't this place a music bar, Not a sports bar? read more

Blues on Whyte is my most frequented watering hole. Why? THE MUSIC. As Edmonton's main live blues venue, the place is sensational. Okay, it's a dive bar, but that's part of it's charm in a way, as it's completely unpretentious, laid back and relaxed. You get a lot of bikers, and it looks less than salubrious, but I always feel comfortable inside, no matter how small a group I'm part of. The staff is relaxed but good; they're happy to bring you your drinks or have you wander up to the bar, and they don't bug you about buying multiple drinks even if you're there for the entire evening. And the music... the music is simply incredible. It's free on weeknights, and only $5 cover on Fridays and Saturdays. And for this, you get some of the top blues acts out there! The music ranges from original 20's blues and jazz, to big band, to late 60's/70's blues/funk to 'modern' jazz and the recent retro blues. What I especially love is the dance floor: As a swing and blues dancer, it's often hard to find venues that are a) receptive and b) have enough room to actually execute swing steps. The floor here is big enough for about half a dozen couples and anyone else who feels like dancing, in good condition, and I've never heard a complaint from the staff about the crazy dancers who come in so frequently and order tons of water but very little liquor (swing dancing and drinking mix as well as driving and drinking). Everyone also seems to understand it's a real dance floor: no one takes their drinks out there, so it remains in good shape and I never have to worry about what my dance shoes are going to encounter (well, at least not until I head back to my seat). Yes, it's a dive, yes, some of the clientele are dodgy, yes it most DEFINITELY needs a good scrub, but it's a blues bar and the edge BOW has makes the perfect backdrop for listening to music that was always supposed to be gritty, raw and real. read more

I finally stepped foot in the "Commie" (as regulars sometimes call it). Whether you call it Blues on Whyte or the Commercial, this is a quintessential blues bar. Lighting is dark, the air smells like beer, there are lots of biker-looking dudes walking around, the music is loud and often live, people are dancing, people are drinking, and people are generally looking like they are having a good time. The live music area has plenty of table seating, as well as a dance floor. A separate gaming room is full of VLTs for those who happen to be into that sort of thing. People come here for the music and to socialize. It is one of Whyte Avenue's most popular bars. If only the walls could talk . . . read more

Have been going to Blues on Whyte for over 30yrs, it used to be a really fun place and great bands, awful bathrooms and lots of memories. Now, it's been a bit updated, renovated and there's a cover charge even before 8pm (used to be free till 8) but overall it's the same place, with the same type of people...although a few more yuppies and pupies find their way here...but those "middle aged badass bikers" as one reviewer stated...help to keep them away :) Would I make an effort to go back these days? No, probably not ~was there recently and the vibe seems to have changed. read more

It's pro and cons with this place. For me the cons totally out weigh the pros. The music is stellar. Probably one of the better places to catch a blues act. The atmosphere is just not for me. I find the crowd rougher than average. The crowd seems a fare bit older than average for a bar, which I don't mind if there is a certain respect for fellow patrons. However, I don't feel this is the case. For example, conversing with a number of people in the bar lead to several passive references about my age (the joke's on them because I am older than I look). This is a pet peeve of mine and quite frankly I'm not shy about it. So it's best for me to steer clear from here. All in all I find it too divey of a place for my needs. It does appeal to many though and I seem to be in the minority. Don't let this review deter you from visiting a famous Edmonton institution. read more

Great music. Check listings to see if you're missing something good. Old-school vibe. Decent bar. read more

Blues on Whyte needs to be redone. The place looks old inside and out. While many places on Whyte Ave have changed with the times, Blues on Whyte has not. Inside everything seems old and worn out. The crowd is usually people who have come just for the music and not anything else, other than drinking. I am not really a huge blues fan but I don't mind it. The place could be cleaned up, renovated and made into a real attraction. Many people just pass on this place because of how old it looks from the outside. read more

I've been coming to this place for years now and each time enjoy the venue, music and people. Love the laid back atmosphere and blues

Even though I love blues, Blues on Whyte is not my cup of tea. While the music is always great, whenever I was at this club, I couldn't help but wonder why the owner couldn't clean up and spruce up this place a little. There are plenty of tables to seat at, and there is a pool tables area, but everything is extremely worn down and looks millions years old. This place could use a total overhaul. The crowd at Blues on Whyte is made up of relaxed and drunk people who crave some blues. I will stress again that the music played here is fantastic! Nothing makes me feel more at ease and puts me in a good mood than blues, but only if I am enjoying it in clean surroundings while breathing air that is not "soaked" with beer. read more

Blues On Whyte - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

Had a great time at this place. Went with a large group for brunch and it was fun. Live band made it quite fun and friendly. Good was tasty and options for non meat eaters avail :) read more

Blues On Whyte - Live band, dancing all aroubd - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

Went to the Blues on Whyte for the first time in my life last night, because my friend was singing, and it was MUCH better then i thought it would be! I always thought this place was kind of run down, with a rough crowd (that is still true lol) but i think they did renovations as it was really light, and everything looked newish. Great place to see a show, there were people dancing and lots of tables to sit at. I wish they served food, and also that they took debit or visa at the bar... not sure what place in 2016 only takes cash? all in all, this is not a place for 20 or 30 year old girls, but if my friend was singing again, i would go back. read more

Pretty awesome renovation. Always great bands. The place is Clean. Love the mix of people. Fun for young and old. Great atmosphere read more

I am one of those people that goes there weekdays but not weekends.Most popular night during the week is Wednesday night bands start at nine..Beer is lees than five bucks.No cover,live bands,many from States and down East.Good dance floor.But no kitchen,no food,being a historically designated building and that location I guess the owners see no reason to put one in.There is a Franks hotdog place outside and I've seen the bar bouncers kicking people out from their so I guess thats the kitchen.Thursday nights the band does not start until 10pm which I always found irritating.Saturday afternoon jam is popular if you like to drink during the day but thats just not me.If you don't mnd an older crowd and like live blues type music and dancing this place is always there for you seven days a week. read more

I am dry torn when it comes to Blues. I love that they have live music all of the time even if it's not always to my taste I still like that they showcase live music. It is the only thing that attracts me to this place tho. The toilets are always dirty and 3 outta the 5 times being there they have stunk of weed and smoke. Each to their own if they wanna smoke but not in the toilets unfair on everyone else. The staff are always the same which is a great sign some nights they are very nice other nights they are the extreme rude depends on how they are feeling which I find very strange. The atmosphere is usually really good tho people up dancing and enjoying themselves the bar is a lot bigger than it looks to. Overall I will go back but it's very hit and miss. read more

Also known as The Commercial, this bar is legendary. Great musicians have played here and new bands have gotten their starts on the same stage. A long-time landmark in Old Strathcona, this blues bar (Edmonton's only, as far as I know) draws an eclectic crowd of people who come for the beer, music, amicable crowd, pool tables, slots, pinball and ever-changing vibe. This is the kind of place to let down your hair, and dance, dance, dance because even if people are watching, no one cares. You could do the Funky Chicken, or cut the floor with Running Man all night, and no one would judge. I expect Blues On Whyte will be a steady fixture in this neighbourhood for many years to come. It's a plain-spoken, good ol' time without the frills and airs of the swank clubs and martini lounges cropping up in urban centers. Mind you, the carpets haven't been changed since before the smoking laws were revised, and once the air cleared, believe me you, it wasn't pleasant. I don't know how much brew has been spilt, and vomit spewed, on that shag over the years, and I don't want to, but my nose suspects it's time to reupholster. Despite the dank, old shoe feel of BOW, it will always have a place in my heart. read more

Blues On Whyte - E-town's home of blues. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

Solid blues joint that isn't a total shit-hole! Drinks are decently priced (they only take cash) and they had a legit band onstage all night that looked like they were straight outta the 70's....pretty sweet. There were a few cougars prowlin around (which is always a good sign) and they have bouncers to keep the heroes in line. All in all this is my kinda joint! read more

A bar that actually has a stout on tap! What a surprise! Nice live music (albeit a little loud, definitely nowhere close to speakeasy volume levels) nice layout and a cool vibe. Planning to check out their website for upcoming live acts and plan accordingly read more

You won't get shot if you come to the Commie. Or stabbed. You may very well get hit on by a drunk 47 year old woman from Red Deer dancing up a storm, and see some awkward white-person dancing from men in work jeans and hiking boots. You will avoid eye contact with the VLT players in the other room, and you will observe more than one middle-aged man in leather chaps trying hard to be a badass biker but really more likely just an accountant out for drinks. But you won't get shot. Or stabbed. Blues on Whyte is more blue collar than dive, a non-pretentious atmosphere in a slightly unkempt and cavernous location. There are two excellent reasons to come here: 1) Great live blues music every night with a large, non-judgmental dance floor (well, the people are non-judgmental, I assume the floor is as well); and 2) Off-sales for those desperate nights. read more

Been in a few times recently. Consistently charged different prices for the same drink depending on who I order from. Do the staff not know the pricing? I doubt it. I'm a bartender and this is just staff overcharging customers and pocketing the extra money on top of their tip. I've seen it a hundred times. Great bar. Great music. Fire the thieves it's a bad look. read more

Extremely disappointed!!!! Been here so many times and loved it, had my in-laws over from Ireland and really wanted to show them this really cool bar. We went there on a Friday night, the guy sitting at the door asked myself and my husband for ID which okay is fair enough as we're in our late 20's/early 30's. My father-in-law who is in his 60's with grey hair made a joke saying "oh I don't have any ID" and the guy sitting at the door refused our entry. There was a older couple behind us that said uck now just forget you heard that and the guy was like no, there's video and audio footage right here. Even if anyone were to watch or listen to that footage would know it's an older person entering the bar. This was absolutely disgraceful and stupid that the guy refused us entry, obviously this bar is making too much money to turn loyal customers away. I honestly don't think I'll bother coming back here or recommend any visitors that come to visit us either. read more

Are you looking for the best drinks in town, cleanest bar, highest class clients, and hottest waiters/waitresses? Then go somewhere else. Are you looking for the most laid back atmosphere and BEST local music for cheap? Then look no further. Blues features some of the best blues musicians, cheap drinks, and an overall good time. No douch-bags, no prosti-tots, and no problems. It's client base is mostly older, so look homeless, some look sketchy, and some seem to be high on everything and anything you could find. However, it's all apart of the atmosphere that makes Blues the place that it is. Drinks are cheap too and usually pretty well made also. However, be aware that you can't start a tab there so have cash on hand at the ready! Come in, sit down, and absorb the atmosphere and the music, just try not to touch anything! read more

This place never disappoints always a fun time never feel out of place because I am a little older never a bad band consistently a good time read more

I want to start by saying that I love this place. Service is hit and miss.

Bar is awesome, unpretentious as a blues bar ought to be. Certainly not the ritz on the inside, but this serves the bar's purpose as it keeps uppity people who likely wouldn't have a good time unless sitting in a V.I.P section in some swanky bar, listening to the black eyed peas, and pleasuring themselves while receiving compliments from barbie-doll staff. Fights are extremely rare, as 25 and under's prefer to strut in "classier" establishments. Music is great throughout the week, though sundays are hit-or-miss. read more

This is a hot spot in Edmonton and deserves every bit of credit it can get. Cheap beer and live music with pool tables that are almost always open. Good stuff. read more

Having grown up on Whyte Ave and after having spent many many many afternoons visiting from out of town/meeting old friends/or dropping in to catch the music at the Saturday Afternoon Jam I, moving back to Edmonton after being gone for 8 years, can categorically state that this Saturday Jam has become a living joke. I have been back in Edmonton since June 2014 and have gone to every jam ...until just before Christmas 2014 when I realized that the idiots who are running this Jam are doing everything they can possibly do to not have this as a BLUES place. Guys getting up and playing Matchbox 20 songs or straight out rock songs...the music they play over the sound system is most definitely NOT Blues Music. This place has rarely changed in the 30+ years that I have been a loving and loyal patron....so it pains me to say that even the regulars who have been supporting this place for ever are all feeling the same way. Time was you couldn't even get in the door for the Blues Jam, now it's about as limp as overcooked spaghetti and just a bland. If management's job was to hire some guy who calls hImself "Back Door" to run the jam into the ground well then they've succeeded. I was blessed to watch a well respected patron give this Back Door dude sh*t for who he was allowing up on the stage. This isn't a garage band venue...it's a blues bar. Now start acting like one. read more