Sorry about the long msg but I I'm shocked my the poor management and extremely rude staff. Also I'm giving 1 star only because there's no option for 0 stars. I was really excited about cafe wha after hearing great things but I've honestly never had a worse experience. We had 2 reservations for 10 ppl in each for 10:30 and were told to come at 10 pm sharp. We arrived at 9:50 and were told we can't go inside till 10:30. So we asked if we could sit outside while we wait and order food and drinks since it was a very cold night. They said no to that and told us to stand across the street because apparently we were disturbing them. By 10:20 they had letting other groups in all whom came much after us and when I asked the door guy just yelled at me saying "for the 15th time stop distracting us you will get in when we are ready for you". We had even told them they could split is into multiple tables if it helps. They also told us last minute that they would add a $15 donation per person on our bill which wasn't communicated before. When I made the reservation someone named Don told me there was a 2 drink and appetizer minimum but that's it. At 10:30 they finally said 10 of us can go in and as we're going in one of us asked when the rest could come in, the door guy got really mad and said "stop asking questions we've already told you that's it you're not getting in now". After that they told the rest of the staff that our group was not allowed. I understand it's difficult to fit so many people especially during covid and that's why we were willing to wait 40 minutes even though we had a reservation. We were patient and respectful but were treated very badly. I'm never going back. read more

This place was great! Saw the in house band and they are BEYOND talented! The wait staff was so incredibly nice and attentive. This is a must for live music in nyc!! read more

This place is AMAZING! My cousin (a regular) introduced my sister and I to this village gem on Easter Sunday and it absolutely made my holiday. The staff is friendly, the food is great and the drinks are better. None of that matters though, because the live music is phenomenal. Corey and Jesus on drums, David on keyboards, Brandy on vocals and several other extremely talented musicians should be performing at MSG or the Barkley Center. I can't wait to go back cause this place is absolutely top notch! read more

Cafe Wha? - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

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The staff at Cafe Wha was very rude to us and when we asked for better seats and we ended up leaving to The Groove where they treat you like guests and not like animals. read more

sheer excellence. great place. professional musicians & singers for the house-band. good food. attentive staff - even when bust and it does get busy. awesome atmosphere. comfortable. enjoyable. reasonable prices on food & admission. surprisingly clean restroom. cafe what - sheer excellence. read more

5 stars for the band, 0 for the establishment. I came in with 6 other people after a very long time, i remember being a pretty cool place. What a mistake, drinks were repulsive but priced as premium liquor, service was okay at best. We asked for our check 3 times and finally we got it after (no joke) 35 mins. We came in ready to have a good time and left angry and stiffed. 350$ tab for two drinks per person tops. I wouldn't mind the price but my gosh this was bad even for a tourist trap. Times square is way better in comparison. Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere. read more

It's a very cute and cozy place with an incredible band. With or without company you'll have a great time.

Saw the house band and danced my arse off, in my chair anyway. Great mix songs of songs, talented musicians. During the break an awesome hip hop guy came on and I was one happy girl. Get the pretzel bites. We were seated promptly. There's partitions between tables. It started out distanced but close to show time every table was taken. Staff was masked, efficient and very nice. read more

Word is Jimmy Hendrix was discovered here...Originally once night in June of 2002 that is what brought me here on my first ever visit..And I have been coming back ever since. When I lived in NYC from 02-05 I used to come here with different friends every Sunday Night. They have a band that kicks ass when it plays live Classic Rock, early rock n roil classics, funk, motown classics some recent hits. Some of the tunes they used to play were covers including but not limited to: "runaround sue" "say it ain't so" "message in a bottle" I heard it thru the grapevine" Once one of the guys from the Gypsy Kings got on stage and performed some of their stuff. I was there when this happened. The food is good. I reccomend the nachos. I always come back on Sunday night before my plane trip on Monday morning. Its worth not sleeping and just winging it Monday morning. I have not been here for two years but I will be back. You will always be treated right by the staff. The drink prices are not through the roof. A must see if you find yourself in the village after 9PM on a Random Sunday Night. If you are a business traveler you should bring people you are in town to see. They will like your taste. You dont have to make reservation but it would help if you came after 10:30 PM read more

This place is out of this world! I came here on a Sunday and watched the cafe wha band! And they were totally rockin' the house down! They sang almost every genre from oldies to motown to even latin songs! We had a great pleasure to have the drummer of the Toni Braxton band play for us as a guest drummer. I hear he is a regular there. The drinks are basically 9 bucks. And there is 2 drink minimum per person. There was no coverage since it was a Sunday. The food is a bit pricey but still ok. read more

Cafe Wha was one of the best music experiences I have had in years! The House Band is amazing...hugely talented and plays a wide range of music that hit the sweet spot for an audience of varying ages. You literally want to dance in your chair! (And I did!) If I could make one recommendation, it would be to clarify at the end of the set (ours was an 8 p.m. show) that the band isn't "taking a short break" but rather the show is done; and if you want to hear more, you need to leave and get in line for a second show. Frankly, if I'd known how good they were, I would have bought tickets to two shows!! read more

1 star for the establishment. 5 stars for the band. Although I hate that the 'hostess/seaters and bouncer think they are cops, or they wanted to be cops and failed cause they are rude or couldn't pass a background check - I still recommend Cafe Wha to my friends that visit from other cities and countries because I love the House Band and they should be heard! The Friday night blond hostess/seater is a B***CH and embarrassed my friend in front of our table, taking away from the show. I have been to CW over 24 times in the past 7 years and every single time there is an issue with overcharging of drinks or food, or the hostess and bouncer wanna pick a fight or kick someone out, cause it makes them look cool and important. Use your energy for something more productive. I always make a reservation, as the place is super packed. $15 cover on Fridays. The band is totally worth it but you have to live through the pain of all the other crap. My bill for a party of 6 was over $400.00. Please note the tip and cover were included in the total bill. It is a win for CW. The band keeps this place in business. I hope the band is making beaucoup dollars! See you soon with my next group of friends visiting NYC! lol.... read more

Best live music in NYC! I went there two weeks ago with a group of friends and we had a blast! So fun, awesome music, good drinks and the food was ok, but I wouldn't take a star off for that. This place is amazing and I'm definitely coming back! read more

Had an amazing experience, but be careful, the amount they charge you is NOT the amount the menu states. You will end up paying much more than the prices listed. read more

If you ask our guests about our wedding, the first thing they exclaim is "OMG, THE BAND!". Cafe Wha was the highlight of our wedding. They flawlessly bring the same energy, sound, and fun that they create at the club in the village. They sound incredible, play music everyone knows and loves, and can read a room like no other. Our guests were on their feet dancing the whole time because they played song after song people loved, a huge feat while the band seamlessly switched up genres and decades. Ben & Hap were extremely communicative in advance of the wedding - we discussed music taste, guests/audience, vibe, attire and collaborated on the run of show in order to ensure a smooth and seamless event. In addition to fantastic music they were also able to help coordinate confetti & cold sparks for some extra fun elements. As both a bride and a producer in the events industry, I would recommend them over and over every time. Don't hesitate because their dates will be gone fast because they are SO GOOD! I'm already looking forward to the next wedding I attend or produce to work with them again! read more

I have been here before and have seen a good show, but tonight... TONIGHT, I had reservations for the 11:15 Saturday show and the email states arrive early to avoid waiting in line. I had to wait in line regardless AND have been waiting in line since 10:30, its's 11:30 and they are not letting ANYONE in. Security says they repacked to capacity. They've been doing this for years and you mean to tell me they haven't figured out how to NOT overbook. They won't even tell us if the 11:15pm show has started. This is ridiculous. Are they under new management? This is NOT the Cafe Wha I'm used to. Shame on Cafe wha for making an entire crowd wait in 30 degree weather without explanation. NEVER again. read more

I have been coming here with my sister for well over 5 years. This is definitely one of my favorite places to hear live music and have drinks with some yummy food. The House band may change their members but they never disappoint. I love that there is no phone reception because it forces you to actually live in the moment and enjoy every second. I never liked that they pack you in like sardines which limits the dancing space and you are almost guaranteed to share a table with a stranger. Maybe it's time to move to a bigger venue. The band is definitely my reason for coming back for so many years. Thanks Cafe Wha for so many wonderful experiences. read more

Great drinks great band and delicious buffalo wings!! Perfect night My favorite Woo woo read more

Cafe Wha? - Delicious buffalo wings - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

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Seriously Love this place on Funk Nite!!!! I've been a fan of Cafe Wha for over 10 years and I always have a great time whatever nite i choose to show up. However, Tuesday nights are my favorite b/c Dis mother funkers are playing and take me back to my mother playing all the old school r& b that i love & they through in some from the 80's -'00's. If you ever have a Tuesday evening free and don't really have a early Wednesday PLEASE go..You will enjoy!!! read more

I admit it. My friends already all know it. I have a huge crush on the house band. Sure, it's a cover band but they do a great job "covering" and play everything from Radiohead to Gypsy Kings to Reggae music. Cafe Wha isn't where you want to bring your friends who only hang out at Buddha Bar (yes, there are nights when a girl doesn't want to get all dressed up) but it's a great place for anyone who loves dancing and having a good unpretentious time. As this was the home of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, this is obviously one of my fav spots to bring out-of-towners who like live music. The crowd is always fun and this is also a great date place since there's no dance floor and the tight quarter encourage plenty of body contact with that date of yours (note that they have a policy where you have to sit across from each other at the table- not next to each other though). On weekends, they start the show with a comedian before the music comes on for the first show. I like sitting in the middle looking directly at the band but you usually have to get there a little earlier to get those seats. Tips: It is divey. Don't dress up. Make sure you layer as it gets very hot as the evening wears on. Oh yeah, Sunday nights there is no cover but there is a 2 drink minimum. read more

Cafe Wha? - Cafe Wha House Band - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

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The house band is incredibly talented and the show was so much fun. The service was outstanding as well. Will definitely make this place a priority the next time get down to the city. read more

Cafe Wha? - Band - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

This place is super fun! We went with a big group and had a blast. The drinks were strong and came quickly. The food was pretty ok. The house funk band was amazing! Definitely the highlight of the night. All kinds of music was playing, enough to keep the party going. The only reason I'm giving them 4 instead of 5 stars is because it was super packed! Not a lot of space to move around. read more

The first time I visited Cafe Wha was in 2007 and it was love at first sight--and sound. The crowd was amazing, and the Cafe Wha band even more impressive. Bryan and Byron have THE most amazing voices and everyone in the band is so talented. This is a place where rock legends have made their way thru, and its evident its all about raw talent. The cool atmosphere and the overall vibe just adds to your experience I love the diversity of the crowd--you can go with anyone and have a good time. Ultra-cool place that should be on everyone's list of favorite gems in NYC. A trip to the city is not complete without a visit to Cafe Wha.... read more

This place is truly a hidden gem in NYC! I went here for the first time with a group of friends as a birthday celebration and loved it! The wait staff was really nice and the music was great! Plus, the history of the place is awesome! Definitely recommend! read more

Came here for Michael Jackson tribute, and well not very happy. Here's what happened: 1- get there very early to get a good seat. I got there 10 minutes before the show started and no good seats 2- ordered wine... see attached picture which is the portion-- looks like a shot of wine if you ask me. Two good sips and your glass is empty 3- ordered chicken fingers... see attached pictures. 3 fingers and bland 4- show was only 1 hour and they asked us to leave. Literally peoples food was still coming out and they asked us to leave 5- waiter was rude and bumped me to the point where I almost tipped over Overall I was excited about this place but can't come back. Enjoy read more

I love this place, this is my happy place but throughout the years it has become more popular so you should try to make reservation. The band is always great the only down side can be the lack of room/seating; they will make you sit even when there is no room. That said, for $15 a person to come in and be able to enjoy live music for until 3am if you would like; it's the real NYC night out and deal ; the drinks are great as well and if you are hungry there is food to munch on. ( Add this place to your do list and try it at least once) read more

While we didn't have any food here , we did have an AMAZING TIME ! The house band is phenomenal !! We came here for the 9:30 show and ended up staying for the 11:30 as well because we had such a blast . If you're in NY make sure you come here to see them play ! There's a 15$ cover which goes towards your tab . If you're ordering a few drinks it's very easy to do . read more

I've been in NYC for two days and by far the best night I've had in NYC was spent here at Cafe Wha? Two friends and I bought tickets for the special Michael Jackson tribute and made reservations for the 9:30, 11:30 sets. So yes, we were there for 5 hours and it was TOTALLY worth it. The music was amazing, such an interesting, entertaining set list. There's also some space to dance if you want. The manager went out of his way to make it a great experience for us and our server was extremely helpful and attentive. I really recommend this to anyone looking for a fun night, two of us were under 21 and still had an amazing time. read more

i give a 3 star being nice because the service and the band is amazing. But that manager is horrible. That establishment has no protocol, prices on the menu, do not match the bill, hostess do not leave menus on the table. when you ask to speak to a manager, you see him smoking cigarettes outside all night. Its just overall unprofessional. The way you see him displaying temper tantrums and cursing out staff and customers is totally unacceptable. I suggest new management and things will probably run smoother. I know I'm not the first and most definitely not the last but I won't be returning due to that alone. #CafeNah ! read more

Cafe Wha? delivers the Wow effect. It seems like a tourist trap but if Bob Dylan used to play here, I have to visit this indie band mecca. I came here on a Tuesday night so it was not too overly crowded nor did they charge cover although there is a 2 drink minimum. The band they had that night was real amazing. Everybody in the band can sing. They know how to work the audience too. There was not a single down moment. Drinks are a little expensive for what it is but I guess you are paying really for the live performance and the fun atmosphere. read more

$$ Live Music Band, Tasty Comfort Foods & Drinks Multi Music Genres, Ex: Soul, Funk, Disco, Jazz, R&B, Merengue & More. Once! You Step Into CafeWha. You Are In A Video. You Become Part Of The Show. Everyone's Celebrating! Like One Big Family. And SomeTimes Moments Occur & Fantasies Happen...! Thanks Loyal Friend read more

Cafe wha is a must see if you are in New York! One of the most incredible venues for live music in the city- and probably the world.

The Cafe Wha band Blessed my musical spirit! The spot: It's in the basement which has zero phone reception. The folks: super friendly as long as you are friendly to them lol Service: it could've been better, my server forgot my food order, after abt 45 mins to almost an hr we finally asked her abt it she was honest that she had forgotten to put the order in... our drink orders were forgotten a few times. I asked for a cold glass for my beers but never received them so I drank it from a champagne glass. The house band- the cafe wha band is mind blowing! So many talented individuals on one stage bringing the house down! They'll have you singing and dancing all night long! Literally the best band I've ever heard! They were so good they kept me from getting hangry while waiting for my food! I'll definitely be back but will probably eat before I get there! read more

I am an event planner in New York and have just planned a wonderful party there. We were able to close the club from 7pm-11pm and invited close to 150 guests. The evening was a huge success. Our guests who crossed generations all are still raving. The music was incredible as we expected and the food was excellent. All of the success was due to a well trained and professional staff who worked with us from day one to customize the evening. BRAVO!!! Judy read more

Was here for a comedy night - wasn't bad, but wasn't crazy, either, no one of significant note, but they played to the crowd taste, and the music wasn't bad. Crowded, though, so be ready to deal with small tables. Had to buy drinks at a minimum amount, which I'm not a fan of, but otherwise, they were decent. read more

I've been coming to Cafe Wha? for YEARS and just got married last Saturday and had Cafe Wha as our wedding band. It was single handedly the MOST amazing music, voices, instruments etc. I've ever heard. Kim, Hap and the rest of the team made all of our dreams come true and played their hearts out. Every single person was on the dance floor the ENTIRE night. I couldn't have asked for a better wedding band. THANK YOU! read more

I had an awesome time here! We ended up spending a ton of money, but it was so much fun! They cram you into the tables and booths like sardines, but you stop noticing after a few cocktails. Our server was efficient and attentive. You have to make reservations, and they are sticklers about not holding your table. Make sure you're on time! The comedy act was super funny, and the band was a hoot! I think it's kind of touristy, but I had a great time as a tourist! read more

Cafe Wha? - 12/1/2007 - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

I've been coming here for over 20 years. Last month I went there to celebrate my birthday. This is the first time that we were met by rude staff. The hostess was nasty and the waiter was arguing with me the customer and telling me I had no reservations. I clearly did. I was on the list. I didn't wait on line yet this troll continued to argue with me. The manager seemed unbothered by the rude staff and sent us watered down shots to make it up to us. The food is pretty standard for bar food, the drinks are over priced and weak. Thank goodness for the show the only saving grace! read more

How this place isnt a 5 star for everyone i dont know. Its casual, lively, fun, inexpensive, great music, friendly, great cross-section of people, its awesome. The band is fun and plays everything with their own spin. The musicians are fantastic and its just a place where everyone has fun. I have been here at least 20 times over the last few years, and this week was just a fun as the first visit i had. They have food but its better to eat at one of the 100s of great restaurants and save the Wha menu for drinking food (ie fries, burger, chicken wings, etc.) You have to like people to like this place, its small, close quarters, and you will HAVE TO SIT with people you dont know. Are you ok with interacting with society? well then by all means...enjoy Cafe Wha. Worth seeing...right in the heart of west village. Secret: make reservations, save time in the line. B read more

Cafe Wha? - Brian Stevens - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

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It's a great place to take out of towners, but you should definitely note a couple of things first: 1. Drinks are expensive and there's a 2 drink (or 1 drink plus 1 food item) minimum. Plus cover! We got our's waived bc the total bill was nuts. You'll spend the least by getting two waters, but a ton more if you drink. 2. Make reservations! It's very crowded and people go in and out. This place was pretty stuffed on a Friday night with a good blend of people. Luckily, you're sitting rather than standing, but be prepared to share your bench or table with strangers. They have the typical bar food and drinks along with attentive waiters, but really the main attraction was the house band! Their band was made up of about 8 or so people on drums/keyboard/acoustic/electric/etc., and half of them also sang. They really showcased each singer's styles as they covered oldies, 90's, and even salsa. Band had a full sound, but you could still hold a conversation with the person next to you. They were all incredibly good, including the "ringleader" who interacted with the audience, but my favorite was the guy who covered Oasis/Radiohead/U2/etc. People definitely got into it and were dancing/singing along. (it's pretty dark so no worries about looking silly) I would definitely go back, but only 4 stars because it's pricey even if you just get a couple of waters! read more

Cafe Wha? - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York