Amazing establishment! They have worked very hard to make a classic-style venue for jazz and roots music! I have been to a few shows and always treated with Southern hospitality in a sophisticated New York vibe. There is something for everyone and their location cannot be beat, right on King Street. Well done team!! I recently was on Yelp and realized I hadn't written a review yet. Pardon my delay, yet never too late :). read more

Brought guests from Hollywood, CA -- we were all totally impressed with this venue. Alma was an awesome performer with the house band full of talent behind her. We were treated like VIP guests from the time we walked in the door. Classy .. Band wearing suits and ties.. Impressive. Couch seating is worth the extra $. Can't wait to return. Great for a quiet evening but plan to take a group of neighbors and share the fun. read more

Love Love Love this venue. Forte Jazz Lounge showcases some impressive professional jazz groups, legends, recording artists, Grammy winners, et.al, and continues to be one of the most unique nightclub spaces in Charleston. The lounge offers bistro type seating, theater style seating as well as comfy premium couches for two. There are small tables by your seats so you can have drinks and food while listening to some of the best jazz music in town. Excellent staff and Service with a smile. Forte is a family friendly venue. Two shows nightly 7pm & 9 pm. read more

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A fun evening watching live music from comfortable chairs. This evening's performance was Motown night. The two lead singers and the house band belted out a lot of memories. Good entertainment. Good older crowd for the most part. There is a dance floor and house staff goes out to dance if the guests don't, presumably to loosen things up. They have mixed drinks etc available as well as soft drinks. Everything is expensive. Be warned. One star off for them allowing a young lady to get so very drunk at the show before ours that she truly should have been hospitalized. She had trouble standing. She had trouble getting out of the facility. But once she staggered out (with someone supporting each arm) there was no further apparent interest from the facility staff. That said, it was worth the stop, a good evening overall. read more

My sister and I went to celebrate her birthday. We chose Sinatra night and it was a really great experience. Check in was fast and easy. The pianist (also the music director) and the saxophone player were just on point. The vocalist sounded exactly like Sinatra. They played all the greatest hits. The place is well decorated and themed, chairs comfortable and easy to find our table (they put your name on it). They had clean restrooms and water available. We both got the Ella cocktail and it was super light and refreshing, along with a scrumptious charcuterie board (it doubled as our dinner). I would totally come back again, next time with my husband for a romantic date night! read more

Forte Jazz Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We were able to sneak in on a last minute opening and could not have had a more fun experience! I loved the way the audience engaged with the band and it was a very unique way to experience music in Charleston. Make sure you pre-purchase your tickets! read more

This place was amazing - I came on a night when they had 80's/90's night - I purchased couch seating off of the dance floor - it was a great view of the performers - we ordered a cheese board, which tasted and looked amazing, it was plentiful. Everyone kept getting up to dance and super friendly - when I'm in town - I will def make another stop here read more

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While visiting Charleston I was looking for some entertainment, I found a Motown jazz show here and it was an enjoyable experience. The horn players were great. It's not a very large venue, the seats are close together. I didn't try any of the food, just popcorn. read more

Forte Jazz Lounge - Motown Night/Jazz - Lounges Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Great evening! We so enjoyed the Bobby Darrin tribute with the great ensemble of musicians. I loved how devoted to the raft the owner was. And quite talented as well. Heck, his wife was bartending as well. And we got great service at the bar. We were there to see our friend Kenny, who is in the horn section, but we loved all of it. My wife is looking for old Bobby Darrin Albums now. The inside was beautiful. The artist wall apparently was painted by local students and was very nice. We will be back! Great option for a date or just to see some good music! read more

Forte Jazz Lounge - Wall - Lounges Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The food and music were great! We loved our experience here and hope to be back soon. Its quite small inside, very cozy and comfortable. The service was great along with the food. I was told their cocktails are very well known. I liked mine for sure! I believe reservations are required, and easy parking lot outside. read more

This is a very nice lounge with chill vibes and amazing art on the walls. You get a fun feel the moment you walk through the door with a foyer and bar as soon as you enter... When the house opens there is varied seating from table tops to stools to couches to suit everyone's needs. We opted to sit up front to get a nice view. The Club has a live YouTube channel and an amazing sound system to boot. Such fun with this unique Halloween happening. They have different shows and acts throughout the season for a varied audience. Love the venue. They also have a nice craft cocktail menu ($12-16) with red and white offerings as well as some eats. The cakes looked incredible but did not partake. They also offer some sandwiches and a charcuterie tray. The staff was very attentive and friendly. Can't wait to go back and experience more events at this venue! read more

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Playing tourist, I randomly stopped in on a Thursday night. It was midway through the owner's performance, so thankfully the gal gave me half price on the cover charge which ended up being $13. From the outside it looks small, but inside it's deceptively large! Dark, chic, and romantic, with good acoustics. The owner and his trio were playing jazz standards and taking requests...good stuff! Beers start at $7, and cocktails are in the teens. If you're looking for a more upscale, quiet, and elegant place to enjoy music and drinks, this is it. read more

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Great place for a fun night out. The owners are wonderful! The show was full of great music and entertainment. Highly recommend going!

My wife and walked past the Forte Jazz lounge when we first arrived in Charleston for a weekend getaway. Both of us enjoy Jazz and we decided to get tickets for their Saturday night show of love songs through the years. Wow. There were three different singers and they were all great. We had a great evening that was an awesome surprise find. Thanks Joe Clarke for creating such a fun, unique, venue. read more

What a cool vibe inside this Jazz Lounge. Brought our kids, and they enjoyed it thoroughly! The band was great, and the singer has a great voice! Didn't have food, but we did enjoy ourselves some Shirley Temples! If you like good music, Jazz, and a nice relaxed vibe, this is a place to get them all! Vibes 10/10 Decorations 10/10 Live Music 10/10 Kid Friendly 10/10 read more

Advertised as being inspired by classic New York City jazz clubs, Forte meets the mark and gets bonus points for being family friendly. I've been to the Blue Note in NYC and the Catalina Jazz Club in LA, and this feels reminiscent of both. The size of the venue is just right with good sight lines and nice sound. There are food and drink (order at one of two bars and bring to your seat/table). The cheesecake and coffee I had were good. Right now, the venue is booking mostly local acts (and also serves as a permanent residency for groups featuring its piano-playing owner). The show I recently caught was just fine (R&B covers), but would love to see some acclaimed jazz veteran or up and coming national act set up shop here for a week. Forte could carve out a really nice niche here in Charleston to showcase some serious jazz and I'm rooting for it to succeed. (4.5 stars). read more

Forte Jazz Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I was in town for the week, I had been to a lot of the restaurants and done some things on the water, I wanted to see a show and found the "Jazz Festival" was happening... I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting, but I certainly didn't go to a "festival". This small venue had tickets available for several shows each evening and I just chose the best date/time that worked for my schedule. I was only able to get a seat toward the back, although any location in the small theatre was no issue seeing the stage...however, the level of comfort in front row seats (on a comfy looking couch) vs a bar chair in the back were worlds apart. There are a lot of things that are hidden or camoflauged with large fabric. Like it was a magic show along every wall. In the lobby, it's very tight, very little space for everyone to stand waiting to get in...the bar area is closed off with large fabric (like curtains) when they are between shows. And inside the theatre, everything is lined with large fabric and dark lighting.. the flooring is uneven, you can feel it moving when people walk by. I think I find all the buildings in Charleston overall, need to be rebuilt. I ordered a glass of wine and charcuterie board at the lobby bar before the show (before they closed the fabric) - they offered to bring me the board once inside the theater, which was no issue because it's much easier than me trying to carry everything myself...you get a table, which is nice. It was a decent portion with different breads/crackers, cheeses, meats, accompaniments... I do think they could have sprung a little more on the types of cheeses offered. Regular cheddar should never be one of the options. But the show is just an hour and none of this is a big deal for me, it just looks/feels cheap. The tickets weren't terribly expensive either. Seemed like a low budget hall with low budget offerings. But the music/entertainment/show are what really matter here. That said, the show itself was great - I saw Oscar Rivers Jazz Quartet. I didn't research any of the artists....honestly thought I'd get some horns, but there were none. But enjoyed it nonetheless. The singer had a fantastic voice and belted out a few very well known tunes. Would I return? YES. Would I check more into who I'm going to see? YES! Still, I would come back... I know what it's like inside now... and now you do too. read more

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Jazz and atmosphere were amazing!!! Would absolutely be going back. We didn't have food but it looked good

Overall loved this jazz bar. First time attending with my wife. We saw Soul, R&B and Motown with Charles Grant. Great show. We loved the show as well. A few things to make note of. When we went in, we were told there were menus on the table and you can order all drinks and food on the menu at the bar. They weren't specific about that you had to go to the bar. So we, like two couples next to us, sat at our tables for at least 20 minutes before realizing there was no table service. There are two more things I want to mention. I guess if there was one big thing that was not customer-friendly was the bar/food service. At the bar, there was one bartender and another person, presumably the bar back (checking on the alcohol, popcorn machine, etc.). At all times up until toward the end of the show, there was always at least 15 people in line. When I finally got in line, it took almost 30 minutes of the 2 hour show to get a few beers. The two women worked as fast as they could but this was the only place to order everything so the bartender was making mixed drinks, taking food orders, etc. The delay was not due to their lack of efforts. They just didn't have enough people helping them. I also felt the show was somewhat expensive. Again the act was great but it was $40 per ticket for a two hour show with an intermission. Would love to see a three hour show. I also think the owner is leaving money in the table and could be enhancing the customer experience. We would have had a few more drinks and probably food if they had waitresses and more people working the bar. And from watching others, I guarantee by hiring more help would easily pay itself off in continuing dividends and make for a better customer experience. In the future , we might have a few drinks before going and maybe go straight to the bar when we get there. The one plus about the bar is that it is just located at the back of the room so you can still easily watch the show. Lastly, the venue opened an hour before the show but the bar, again the only place you can order food and drinks, did not open until 15 minutes before the show. Again , leaving money on the table. By opening the bar earlier, people would order food and drinks while waiting. Ticket prices might be able to be lowered somewhat from the additional revenue while still making more income overall. But what do I know. Ha Overall, again we loved the venue and the act we saw. We will definitely go back and do recommend. read more

Had an amazing experience at Friday R&B night!! Downtown Charleston had its nightlife popping! Everything was just fine beautiful actually.

No food or beverage service due to staffing issues. It was a mid week show. Very lightly attended but was nice and cozy. Enjoyed the ambiance. Female Jazz singer with 3 piece accompanying. They took requests. It was nice read more

A very friendly and relaxed environment with live music performed by good performers. The $25 we paid for admission was very fair. The drinks and the salmon flatbread were good. I would good again if I were visiting Charleston! read more

I wanted to take my mom to a show during our vacation to Mt. Pleasant and found this gem! They offer instrumental jazz night on Wednesday which we were able to book seats for. Give yourself time to park! Street parking is available (if you can find any) and small parking lots which require payment ($6 and up) are in the area. I recommend viewing the seating chart before buying tickets. For my visit, I purchased VIP seating in row A (7/8). These are essentially loveseats meant for a couple. I found the back cushions to be really thin; felt like I was leaning back and constantly felt the need to reposition myself. For 2 tickets in VIP I paid $75 (with taxes) The lounge itself was clean and quite frankly impressive! When you walk in there is a bar where you can order beverages; for 2 canned sodas I was charged $10 .. yikes, I know. I figured the prices would be outrageous for food/beverages, so I ate before I came. I made the assumption the show would only be an hour long. But the band performed 3 sets, each an hour long with intermissions in-between. The night I visited, Jocelyn Gould was the special guest. I've never heard of her and did a little research into her music. After 2 sets I left. Thoroughly enjoyed myself!! Jocelyn Gould was a pleasure to see live and she was so energetic and radiant on stage! I'd recommend and return myself! read more

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I try to be a regular here for the Wednesday night jazz set. Forte is truly a gem in Charleston for music lovers. Beautiful space, a true listening room, with a mixture of sofas, tables and chairs, and stools. Never had their food beyond snacks, but I have seen people order hot dishes. read more

This place is very nice. The band was absolutely spectacular. The bartender was wonderful. She made a perfect cosmopolitan. Purchased my ticket online with Apple Pay. When I got to my seat there was a camera sitting in my seat area that stayed there the entire show. I didn't want to say anything because It's my birthday weekend and I really just wanted to celebrate the right way so I said I'll let it pass, but I found a disturbing at the very end of the show that they sold me a ticket to a seat that I could not use. I had to sit behind the camera , so I spoke with Miranda, who was very kind and she said she didn't know what to do she would speak with the owner and the owner did what owners normally do apologize and said if I'm ever in Charleston again, he would give me a ticket to some other show. He was probably one of the worst owners I've encountered. Excuse me owner why sell a seat to a show if the person can't use it read more

Great place to stop in after dinner for a drink and listen to some live jazz. Seating options are tables and couches. read more

Forte Jazz Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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SO AMAZING!!! Went with my family and had the best time. This is different to what I would normally do, but I had an amazing experience and I'm so glad I did it! The band is clearly in love with what they do and it shows! Good job gentlemen! read more

Had an amazing time seeing Charlton Singleton. The venue was cozy and inviting. The staff was great, they were very friendly and accomidating. Clearly they had thier act together. There was a gret selection of drinks and wine. We ordered the charcuterie platter and it was huge and had multiple cheeses, meats, fruits and breads also with pickles, olives and spreads. Plenty for two people to snack on for the entire show. Awesome venue, we will return as soon as we get the chance. read more

A friend invited me out for a show here. I did not know this gem was located downtown. It was more of a mellow jazz experience. I've never been big on jazz, but I enjoyed the show. The lead of the show was very entertaining and the music was worth the cover. The crowd was older. I will be back. I think this place is great for a low key date night. read more

Forte Jazz Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Amazing band playing music from the 20's. Nit alit if paces have that old school jazz fee. This place was perfect! Ambiance was great, true to the era! My only critique is I wish they would have servers taking drink orders. Otherwise, great place for weekend fun! read more

Cool jazz atmosphere with seating options from old school couches to sit closer and nod to the beat of the music to regular tables and chairs. The space for the tables/chairs is a little cramped. So if you're bigger/taller, would definitely recommend upgraded to a couch for a few dollars. Great music. Long set and lots of music for the money. Good drinks. The only thing that was missing that would've made it a 5 star is better food options. read more

Forte Jazz Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I looked online for live jazz in Charleston and came across this gem! I knew it was recently opened but didn't know their soft opening was only 3 days old! They currently only serve craft beer and a few wines and hopefully this will expand as they flourish. The concessions were limited to chips and water from what I could see. The chips could get loud for those who don't know how to chew properly ‍. The decor is nice in blues on the walls and even the floor. They have a small art gallery as you go into the room where the live music is. Inside the live music room is where that beautiful mural is that is posted online. It's even more amazing in person as you get to see the shimmer and bling the student artists of Charleston School of the Arts included in the design. The seating has various levels in price. The couches, which are closest to the stage are the more expensive, then the next level of seating is the tables, followed by general admission seating, which includes tables lined along the wall behind each other. If you plan to purchase the general admission seats and you're with your partner or date, just know you won't be sitting next to each other but behind each other. Saturday we arrived about 7:40 to hear Rochelle Whitley Green. She was good as well as the band (piano, Richard Wright, Jr, bass, Roman Picar, & drums, Mary, forgot her last name) who was with her. I think at times the bass player seemed to struggle to keep up as he read the music but otherwise the show was good. They performed many standards and she even danced during the show. There is room to dance up front near the stage and behind the seating area. She will be performing again the end of the month. The owner's big band will be performing for the grand opening weekend September 5th. I look forward to supporting them each time I'm in Charleston and hope they do well. read more

Forte Jazz Lounge - The fabulous mural of jazz legends done by Charleston School of the Arts students! Also, see the general seating chairs along the wall. - Lounges Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We came here on a Saturday for Gracie and Lacy and I loved the club. It was intimate and there is not a bad seat in the house. As a matter of fact, not all the seats are "seats" Those opting for the higher priced tickets get couches and that feeling that you are in your own living room. The seating is first come first served within your price point section. The owner opened and was great. His wife runs the bar in the back. The show was great and the acoustics were fine. My only complaint, and thus preventing it from being a 5 star review is that for the last 10 minutes or so of the show, they let some people in who were "over-served." They came and sat down right in front of us, talking loudly and laughing the whole time. Not sure if they snuck in or what, but they should have been removed. I am sure they came from the bar our front that does not require admission tickets to enjoy. read more

What a fantastic place! We were lucky enough to find this place on the first night of our stay in Charleston. Great music in a really great setting. Everything about our visit was stellar. I can't recommend this place enough. We can't wait to go back again before we head back home. Check it out! read more

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Excellent jazz lounge, the owner joe Clarke of the Joe Clarke big band is great. This place is a must for any music lover. read more

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Went for a burlesque show that happened here for my birthday and I really enjoyed the space. It was a little cramped out front, but once you get to the main entertainment space it opened up. There were two places to grab drinks in the space and though I felt everything was a couple dollars overpriced, it wasn't bad. This place lets you bring in your own food, so that's pretty sweet! And the bartender gave me a free bag of popcorn once she learned it was my bday which was nice. read more

Forte Jazz Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Beyond thrilled to have found this gem in downtown Charleston! Beautiful jazz, an amazing atmosphere, and a fantastic location - how can you beat that?! This exclusive, intimate jazz venue is family owned and operated Joe Clarke, the owner and manager is incredibly kind and accommodating. Additionally, he himself is a jazz singer and regularly performs here! Clearly, the man is passionate about jazz music, so you know you'll only be hearing the best when you come here. Joe helped me surprise my husband with VIP tickets to the show for an early Christmas present. My husband said it was hands down the best night he had had in Charleston so far, and we have already booked tickets to our next show. You are welcome to bring outside food to enjoy while you bask in the delicious jazz music and glow from the stage. There is also a beer and wine bar in the back, and Joe's wife will serve you! They had a wide variety available for purchase at a reasonable price. This unique lounge makes for an excellent date night and a great place to bring out of town guests. You won't find anything like it anywhere else! read more

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Amazing NYE celebration with the Gatsby and Forte orchestras. Music was excellent. A fun night of music and dancing. We will be back!! read more

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Took my wife out for Gracie and Lacy's Valentine Show and everything was great. We have visited The Forte Lounge many times and are always impressed with each and every musician in the band. It is actually difficult for a musician to stand out as they are so so good. The atmosphere is comfortable, unique, and elegant. The show was particularly good last night. The ladies sang beautifully and the band was on fire. read more

We came here on Valentines Day for the Joe Clark and Band show. The lounge is very conveniently located on King Street and just down the street from our hotel. I was able to buy tickets online the week before and the show was not sold out. We purchased VIP tickets and had a fantastic seat right up front. Seating is still first come first serve just based on the section you bought. Joe has a great jazz voice and the sound of his band is fantastic. It was a lovely way to spend Valentines Day. read more

Forte Jazz Lounge - View from my couch - Lounges Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina