Food great. Service great. Fun venue. Expensive cocktails. Fair priced food. Entertainment: dualing piano was a bit of a miss for me personally. The crowd seemed to love it. Just too loud for the size of the venue, couldn't understand the guy shouting / singing too. close into the microphone. That being said, the crowd did seem to enjoy it. read more

"Princess" Christina here to edit her review! I wanted to edit my review to explain sort of what was originally posted trying to make it short. First before being seated we were approached by a female server who was angry we were seated at her table to enjoy waters before being taken downstairs to the show. She told us we're r not allowed to sit there even though the host placed us there. A whole thing... we moved for her. I was there for my birthday, husband Venmo 20$ to play two songs and do a shout out ( owner attacks me in my original review insinuating that I am an entitled princess demanding a happy bday song ( which I didn't request) and that we stormed out after an hour. We stayed till almost 10:30 show ends at 11. We asked for 2 songs that were fun classics everyone could sing along to since the playing of "wet a** P***y" wasn't exactly bumping in the club and just made the establishment even more grimy than it already was! We got outbid, not knowing exactly how dueling piano bars r ran. Now we do and we will never go back. We just wanted a shout out which coulda been said in 2 seconds... is that why you got a 1 star? No. The food was also extremely gross. Only dish with eating was the pasta. What salad comes with no lettuce lol? Weird whatever? I didn't order it. My original review complemented some of the songs and some other things but it was also pointing out the crappy parts like asking for more money mid song. I hate places that seem like they r begging for money. It's just not my vibe. And while this place is "ALWAYS sold out" how many are return customers!? And why are the restaurants reviews at 2 stars? Because it's a 1 star establishment. I have never had two reviews deleted before so yes... my bad... I take full accountability that I ASSUMED your establishment had anything to do with a removed review and it didn't. But i did not delete it myself. Jason m the pianist had asked at one point for me to remove it and I said I would not but I understand the concern. He then brought up health issues and played on my empathy and my love for God then came back and told me how I was rude and how Jesus was not always nice so he justified Jason and himself don't have to be nice to me. My review was unfortunately taken personally by these two men...when I did not say anything personal. The owner though... got personal with me over my expression of why this place was a 1 star ( for me ) and silently attacked my character. Thank the lord for my husband. M. C. Who came to bat like a pro for me. I didn't even ask him to, but he mentioned my military career and other services to this country that in otherworldly do not take the title of "princess". ESPECIALLY the paths I have gone down! I hope this and his review make you think twice about how you speak to people before getting upset over a 1 star review! It's the internet I wasn't being a bully I was explaining so other who read are aware of what they r stepping into. A 1 star bar and restaurant venue who ask for a lot of money don't treat their customers with much respect in person and over the internet... and don't reimburse people for items they don't receive or accidentally got charged for. It's not hard to DO the right thing. And "being a good person" doesn't mean I have to delete a review for your bar. I am a good person. I'd like to say proudly... a bit better of a person than you Jason. I wish you luck! My first review below: edited review above My review was deleted don't know why. Who whole establishment was a rip off. And having my review deleted makes this so much worse off and corrupt. Very interesting. I understand piano bars r based off tips... but this was gross and like begging for more money every song that played. My request was never played.. while I was there... and ( they reached out o tell me they eventually did) (By the way other ppl reviews they were reimbursed for not playing their song but mine wasn't) While some songs were fun... the music selection was truly trash... I won't go back and I'll never reccomend. No one at my table would ever go back. The food was horrid old dry and gross tasting also. read more

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According to the staff who served us dinner upstairs beforehand, this was a real speakeasy in the 1920's with secret tunnels and such. They really take pride in its history, and I love that they share these interesting tidbits with visitors. The "reservations only" rule here is kind of odd, especially cuz this place doesn't seem to really get packed, even on a Saturday night. But it worked out for us, cuz my large group was able to enjoy our time together without huge, crazy, crowds like you get in SF, Vegas, or even Texas dueling piano venues. And it was still lively enough around 10-11pm. They even provided fun props at the tables for guests (tambourines and fedoras!). You can order food and drinks down here from the restaurant menu, but of course, just like the restaurant, beware they may be out of items. I enjoyed some of the molten lava cake for dessert. They were out of vanilla ice cream, but a scoop of the strawberry flavor was more to my liking anyway. And of course, just like at the restaurant upstairs, I absolutely loved the drink offerings here... so many tasty concoctions, especially if you like fruity cocktails. We requested a bunch of songs throughout the night, and they played most of them. They were honest about what they didn't know or tried to learn it on the spot (says my musician bf), so I appreciate the effort. Be sure to tip for the awesome range of songs they play for the crowd (mainly rock, rnb, pop, and country). The two pianists (and one drummer) were fun and friendly, and did their best to keep the slowly shrinking crowd entertained. I've never seen a dueling piano bar empty before closing time, especially when closing time is early for a Saturday, but the entire place was deserted by 11:45pm... except my group, of course, which stayed for the last 15 minutes. Compared to other venues I've been to, it wasn't as lively a crowd here at Makse, yet it was kinda what I'd expect in Vacaville... or as my bf calls it, Vodkaville :D read more

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I meant to post this review a while ago but just not getting to it. It was my first time at a dueling piano bar and I had such a fun experience! The pianists were entertaining and talented and the vibe was just so lively and welcoming! They forgot to play my song up until the very end but only because one of the pianists was impressed by my handwriting and put my paper aside (: I did not mind that at all as I enjoyed listening to other people's requests. It has a full bar and you can order food items from the restaurant right above the speakeasy but we opted to dine before heading to the show. You can also order shareables and dessert when making a reservation. It was surely a Friday night well spent! read more

We had so much fun. Looking forward to watch again. The songs are so familiar that anybody can sing along. Some of the food in their menu were not available though. read more

So much fun! From the other patrons to the servers... Everyone is laughing and having the best time. Didn't expect the fun party favors. All in all... Can't wait to go back. read more

This piano "show" felt like getting stuck at a karaoke show with only ONE bad singer. We were unfortunate enough to attend a performance after our dinner at Makse restaurant in Vacaville. One of the two piano players was friendly and talented. Unfortunately, he wasn't the one doing most of the singing and talking. Jason, the other piano player was rude, inexperienced, and not talented. When I say rude, I mean there were request slips on every table to request songs, but he'd only play a request if you put money with your request, and even if you gave him money (and/or bought him alcohol), in addition to paying the cover charge, he didn't KNOW ANY of the songs we requested. We weren't requesting weird songs either, we were requesting top-40 stuff that anybody in his profession should reasonably know ESPECIALLY if you have the gall to DEMAND people pay you PER SONG when you are BAD at singing. It was such a tacky, out of place dynamic for an establishment trying for a high-class atmosphere. I'm not exaggerating when I say you'll hear more talent at a karaoke show, and I'm not a fan of karaoke. I think it's worth noting that there are few reviews. I question their validity as I know for a fact that the good reviews for this business posted on other platforms are fake and/or posted by the untalented piano player himself read more

Dueling Pianos At Makse - The threats against my family because I didn't like his piano show. This is who you're employing, Makse. - Piano Bars Near Me - Vacaville, California

Date: 2/16/2024 Time: 1930 hours Party size: 8 We booked this venue for the first time thinking it may be fun. On the reservation it was identified that we had a Birthday for one of our members. Two other large tables were set up center stage and also apparently had birthdays. Because both were announced at the beginning of the night. No one at our table has been to any "dueling piano" events. So, naturally it to us a few minutes to figure out the process of how this thing worked. I eventually sent a song request in and identified the birthday for the members in our party. I paid $20 for a song to be played... seems a little high but someone outbid me for $25. Whatever... maybe they will get to it a little later I thought. 2 hours go by and we have already eaten portions of the food that we could. Some of the dishes were good some weren't, to be expected anywhere... I did expect at least a mention to our members birthday though, that takes what? 5 seconds for the $20 I paid and on top of that we spent probably $4-500 for food and drinks... So our member reviews this event and experience of the night and the owner has recently responded to her. Mr. Jason D. Who started off with "Not saying this is Christina, but when a *princess* comes into the club and demands you play her song NOW! And demands you sing happy birthday to her NOW! In front of DOZENS of other requests- and instead of realizing it's a THREE HOUR show-already being upset over dinner, decides to storm out after the first hour (even though we played the songs), what can be done- should we tell the entire room, sorry about your requests, if we don't do THIS person's NOW- we'll get a 1-star review on Yelp..?" Pretty classy of you Jason D. especially for a customer voicing an honest opinion of the event. Sad... Jason D implies Christina is a "princess" without just manning up and saying... This "princess"... has served on a deployment and a few humanitarian missions over the last 6 years as well as helping to protect your freedom to run your business how you see fit. She is also one of the few members to be on a special response team as a female, she is the first female in her unit to earn a RAVEN tab, she has been a first responder for her civilian job for over 10 years. But, if making immature responses on YELP makes you feel like a man... then more power to you. You have that freedom, likely because of people like her. Stay unprofessional there Jason D., that was one classy act... thanks... read more

Loved this place. So freaking fun. Actually was just considering coming back for my birthday celebration but just decided against it because I am taking a break from drinking alcohol and this is most definitely the kinda place where I think a few drinks is necessary. It's loud and funny! read more

If you look at the art of music, then this is a great venue! Wonderful pianists enjoying their art. Be aware of what it costs to hear a song that is important to you on a buys night or just enjoy what other people love. Having been to many Dueling Pianos in my life, this is a little more low-key and a tad loud for the space, but fun to have in Vacaville! No tuxes or concert grand pianos, but talented people were doing what they love. Add a good jazz vocalist and you would have perfection! Careful ordering drinks, as the bar tab can run up quickly. Ours did when we attended, but other than that, it was a fun evening. We eat upstairs at the venue: "Maske Restaurant" often and enjoy the ambiance and almost always enjoy the food! read more

I'm writing this to defend my girl Christina who has had two reviews deleted. Jason the owner apparently doesn't like negative reviews. Who would. He even called her "princess" like she's a spoiled brat. But her review was honest. Read further in a review by MC to see what kind of a selfless person Christina is! To dis Christina (who brings a whole group of friends to this venue for her birthday) is immature and condescending . 3 groups of birthdays that night. 2 groups were given center stage and multiple shout outs but for some reason my friend was NEVER mentioned. A little bit of a let down as we drove from Concord/Martinez area to celebrate something fun! I began by enjoying the music as they played one of my all time favorites "Come Sail Away" but when these 3 old guys sang WAP I was grossed out. We spent lots on food and I have to mention I paid for an item from their menu...I never received it and I have not been refunded. I have had to contact Channel 7 consumer reports to get my money back. I have been hung up on and my calls go answered by the restaurant. I was told that they would help me solve the problem but so far they haven't and it's been a week. Such a poor way to do business. So much potential here. But sooo disappointing. Wasn't worth the time or money. Do better Jason! I'm keeping the review here in support of my friend but I'll update that my money was refunded after a week! That wasn't necessary for it to go on so long! and I feel it is terrible customer service!! read more

If you are looking for a fun night then you have found your spot . I've been 3 times so far and already planning my next weekend here . The musicians are all great and fun. When they don't know your song they either try to still do it , offer something else or give you your money back. Don't leave until the end because as the night goes on it gets better and the crowd becomes more involved and fun. read more

Definitely going back soon!! I love the energy and the voice on Jason!! My goodness, pure enjoyment for me and my boyfriend on date night!!

(The good is towards the middle/end so read the whole review before assuming) I went to a piano bar years ago out of state and ever since I have wanted to experience it again. I had planned on making the trek to SF to go to one for my birthday but to my delight my hometown announced they were opening one. To say I had been looking forward to this visit was a severe understatement, I would pretty much tell anyone that would listen. Anyway, I made reservations in advance for a group of 8 (a bunch of family members and myself). When the time came I was so excited to share the experience with my family. They pointed us to the secret passage and away we went. When I entered, however, there were no tables reserved that could seat 4, let alone 8. Mind you, this was about 15-30min after opening. My husband went to talk to the front desk and came back with no help. Finally, on the verge of a panic attack, I went up to talk to woman at the front desk. She showed me on her kiosk where we were supposed to be sitting but other bar goers took that space over as there was no reserved sign on it. I was on the verge of tears, as it was my birthday and I had been looking forward to that moment for sometime. The lovely woman came down to the bar with us and was able to arrange seating for all of us to fit in. Does Makse have some kinks to work out with their reservation system? Yes. Will I let this stop me from going back? HECK NO! The piano players were AMAZING! Even if they couldn't play a specific song, if they knew other songs from the artist they'd play that. My husband and I lost our voices from singing along so much and we were sitting right by one of the piano players so I really hope the poor guy didn't suffer too much. Honestly, even though it started out a little rocky, all was made right and then some. I will continue to tell anyone and everyone about this place. If you are looking for an out of the box experience for a girls night/date night, this is the spot to go! Huge shout out to the woman at the front desk and the epic piano players! read more

Dueling Pianos At Makse - The front entrance! - Piano Bars Near Me - Vacaville, California

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Best entertainment in Vacaville...hands down! If you've never been to a dueling piano bar you must check this place out. The downstairs "speak easy" is a great bar with friendly service a great live music. Get ready to sing along to all of your favorite musical hits because you won't be able to resist. The banter between the two grand pianos just puts Makse above the rest. Pro tip: go on their website and make reservations because it fills up fast on the weekends. read more

I was expecting something classier so was disappointed. I thought a speakeasy that is in such a small space would be real pianos playing without amplification. This is a small space with incredibly amped up keyboard sound that is deafening. The music is more like karaoke with piano accompaniment. If you are looking for a loud party scene, you may enjoy it. If you are looking for piano playing, skip it. Your eardrums will thank you. read more

Jason is an amazing artist. He can sing, he can play the piano, he learns music within minutes by just listening and most of all he has FUN, making the whole experience FUN and AMAZING. I have watched Jason play multiple times and he never ceases to amaze me with his entertaining. Jason recently played the piano at our wedding and he was the talk of the night. He learned to play our first dance song and it is a memory we will have forever! I would recommend Jason 1000x and I am planning our next date night at Makse very soon! read more

I love this place! This is the best date night and entertainment in Vacaville! The show is amazing! It is a sing along, interactive, fun experience! It is like being on a cruise ship where they have dueling piano shows! I am having my birthday party here I love it so much:) read more

Spent my 48th birthday at the dueling piano bar. Such a fun and wonderful evening. Jason the entertainment director was awesome and the owner Jason was the best. The sweet employees were super kind and sweet! Love this place! Highly recommend i! read more

AAAMMMAAAZZZIIINNNGGG....I think that pretty much summarizes our evening at the Dueling Pianos at Makse. From the moment we walked in and Anna greeted us (beyond welcoming and such a great smile) to the bartender making the best drinks and top notch service, to the show starting.....WOW is all we could keep saying. We had the best time with Jason and Wes "dueling" and even got a guest appearance from Jason the owner on the drums! Our entire party of 6 woke up the next morning still grinning and talking about our next visit to the piano bar!! A must see in Vacaville!! read more

The servers are the sweetest. Piano guy on our left played all our songs so he's awesome. If they don't know the song they legit try to learn it. For better or worse they do their best, and it's definitely entertaining. One suggestion - have a bouncer or gogo dancer or even one of the servers if they're comfortable, can be male or female, just someone to keep some super drunk people in line. Not their fault some people can't handle their liquor but there is a solution by hiring someone to dance with that person so she doesn't dance all up on other people causing them to leave early. Again, not the owners or artists' fault but it can be mitigated. Even our fave piano guy on our left looked surprised she was dancing all up on people that were obviously uncomfortable with that drunk person. read more

Best place for a date night or for a group of friends always a lot of fun id be there every Friday and Saturday night if I could

It was our anniversary 12/10 first ones in the door at 8pm We submitted a request for our anniversary song at 8pm on the piano We wrote on the request this is our anniversary We were told we could sit at table 52 and got booted to a different table pianist showed at 9 then hour and a half later they never played our song so we left disappointed The pianist commented about $5 not being enough but played another $5 request that was submitted after ours These guys play only for money make sure you pay up read more

Came here for a birthday party. It was alot of fun. There was a guy from Wisconsin that did Gin N Juice on the piano. Very well done and entertaining. The bartender was solid but the seating could be better. read more

First off the website for this place is really good and well ogranized. I did not eat here but the dining looked very classy and the out door patio is very nice. This is a place you would go for a special occassion. I recommend hitting up this place for a nice lunch outside. The pianos show was amazing and a good time for anyone. The piano players James and Jason both could sing really well and had some mad rap skills. The Despacito was off the hook too! It was accompanied with a drummer who was also very good. The drink menu was very extensive and the drink prices are a bit high but this is a classier type of place. If you like dancing or just enjoying good music you should check out the piano show later in the night, well worth it. read more

Dueling Pianos at Makse in Vacaville is true entertainment! This is exactly what Vacaville needed for a fun night of music. Request your favorite songs and if Jason or whoever he is Dueling with for the evening is not familiar with your song they will learn it! John and Christine are the best bartenders! Very personable! Prior to heading down to Dueling Pianos stop upstairs for a great meal! It's just an all around great experience! read more