I went to a salsa dancing class on Thursday. I hadn't been for awhile and now I remember why. If you're a beginner dancer and feel uncomfortable on the floor without knowing the steps, you're going to love this event and place. Now, for any free spirits out there, no, no, no. You will not like this orderly version of dance. You will not appreciate the painfully slow teaching, or the desire to get the steps just so. The drinks are average price, average taste. The floor is nice and large, but fills up quickly. read more

AWESOME set... Bashiri Asad Maxwell tribute... if you are not at the 10pm set you missed the awesome voice of Bashiri. I can't wait to see his his other tributes... the Jazz Kitchen has been showcasing great artist new and old from all walks of life.. Music is best there hospitality personal and they make you feel at home... see you next month... read more

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I am VERY displeased with my service here at Jazz Kitchen. I had a server named Parker who was extremely rude. So rude that I don't think I'll be coming back to Jazz Kitchen again. Please hire respectful co-workers/Servers. Being disrespectful is NOT Okay. Very disappointed at the customer service here. read more

I always want to like this place more. I live nearby, I enjoy jazz, and I think the whole concept seems like an awesome, much-needed throwback addition to our city. I'm frequently disappointed, though. Popular events bring limited seating and slow service and slower nights include eating at a table with about two other people in the whole building. The menu could use some revisions and I think it is overly pricey for the quality and style. Staff often seems they do not want to be bothered by my questions or even check in on my experience. I've given it multiple chances, but I am not impressed. read more

Omg. We had such a great time -- on a Monday evening, no less! The food was great (I loved the eggplant veggie entree!) and the music -- open mike -- was impressive! Congrats to David Allee for bring recognized as one of the top 100 jazz clubs in the world! Well deserved! read more

Not a fan :/ service was sub par, lack luster food, and the overall ambience was not ideal. I will always give another go someplace but this one would be a hard convince. read more

Once again a nice night of entertainment! The acoustics lend well to the lounge feel. My dinner partner had flat iron steak and I selected the shrimp and crawfish pasta delicious. The best sweet treat on the menu was the white chocolate and blueberry bread pudding. We ought to know we ordered 4 different desserts. We selected two apps and both were very small could have done without and saved. Seared tuna was five thin pieces had to be less than 2 oz and 2 small crab cakes. Our table tried many items on the menu and by far the best was the crusted tilapia read more

The food here is fantastic. I got some samples of appetizers (didn't know what they were but they were good) and saw a couple of things that people had ordered (like a fabulous jumbo shrimp Caesar.) The atmosphere is like nothing else in Indianapolis. The drinks are fine, but the actual bar/lounge area is definitely where it's at! It has this whole other laid back cool vibe that you only see on TV here in Indiana. It's out of site location from the stage gives it an intimacy even though this is a pretty good sized jazz club. It seems like this place would be quite a place in New Orleans, but in Indiana this is a Hoosier Renaissance Man's paradise. All you need here is to get some slinky ladies to go along with the scruffy bearded guys and you'll have some "vibin" goin on fo' sho' I will be back and it seems like the prime place for a UYE very soon! Hmmm.... read more

I went with a work friend and his wife last month. The food was surprisingly excellent. I always suspect food is an after thought in places that feature live entertainment, but the pasta was excellent by any standards. The music was great and it just has an almost perfect atmosphere. The staff was also very good. I will also add that I am sensitive to overly loud music because I just can't hear anything else. They had levels perfect. read more

The Jazz Kitchen has been somewhat of a tradition for me the last couple of weeks. There's not many places out there quite like it. They really make going out to eat an experience. The menu is unique, the food is delicious and plentiful, the server remembered us from the previous week, she was extremely friendly, and the music is great. On Mondays before 8 they have a really great deal. They have three special entrees for 8 dollars each and there's typically no cover to get in the door. I've only been there on Mondays so I don't know what the rest of the week is like but The Jazz Kitchen is just a great place to hang out. Each time I've been I've had a really enjoyable time. Now just a word of advice... If there is a band playing generally talking should be kept at a minimum or low enough so that it won't be distracting to anyone else there to listen. It's just good manners and respectful to the musicians. However in the back of the restaurant on the other side of the bar there is an area that seems like it'd be good for a conversation. Great place! Go and have fun!! read more

What a great joint. Went down on Tuesday night to see the swing band, which was pretty good. They didn't blow my doors off, but the entire experience -- the people dancing, the 10-piece band -- was definitely worth it. The food was surprisingly good too. We started with the Brie + fruit (definitely do that), then split a pizza (about average) and ended with the brownie explosion (good, but tasted boxed). We never ever saw the cool little lounge area in the back where the bar was (nor did we notice the outdoor seating - although who goes to a jazz bar and sits outside where you can't really hear anything? Dorks, that's who.). This is a keeper place. Oh, and it's pretty casual. Don't feel the need to get snazzy even though it's jazzy. Yeah, I just wrote that. Deal with it. read more

This place was absolutely amazing ! The live performance was incredible and something I will definitely remember for the rest of my life. A truly memorable experience . Food and drinks were great and affordable I loved every second of it ! read more

Pros: Live music (!!!), excellent menu, great location Cons: Slow service I have been to the Jazz Kitchen a couple times, and I'm a fan. I went most recently for a Monday night jam session, and I loved it. They happened to be featuring their Chow Down Midtown menu at $30 for 2. Their food was delicious and the portions were generous. Compared to other local business participating in CDM, I have to say Jazz Kitchen got it right. We arrived around 6:45 with no reservations and were told it wasn't a problem. Now, if I was coming here on a weekend or on a special occasion I'd make sure to have reservations. This place filled up pretty quickly around 7. We were shown to a table on the side of the restaurant that was pretty great until music started and a wall blocked us from seeing the whole band. I would have liked seating where I could see everyone, but I wanted to enjoy my date more than the music so it wasn't too bad. It took about 10 minutes for a server to come to our table once we were seated. We placed our orders and our salads were out pretty quickly. In between our salad and bread, we waited quite a while for our appetizer, main dishes and a very long time for dessert and water refills. I get that it was busy, but our wait seemed a bit excessive. However, it was nice to enjoy the music and just chat so slow service at the Jazz Kitchen comes with perks! We started with the shrimp cocktail appetizer. My date raved about it. Next we ordered the Not-So-Cajun chicken (chicken, mushroom sauce and sauteed veggies over a bed of find past) and the honey bourbon pork chop with veggies and rice. Dessert was a brownie sundae. Food was EXCELLENT! We both had leftovers and got to-go boxes (Styrofoam: bad Jazz Kitchen!) to enjoy our food the next day. All in all: Ambiance is great, food is delicious but the service is kind of slow. Be prepared to spend a while enjoying the music and your company! read more

Home. Sweet. Jazz Home. You have to love a place that has maintained they're great taste, style, and music since you last had a chance to visit. I did not expect anything less. But the drinks are still tasty and strong, food still yummy, desserts still good. I was a little sad my fav dessert was no longer offered, but all things come to an end. But what has not ended is the great music and sound of live jazz here. Hubby and I got made our way to a 9pm show, which was great. The band was just getting started with their second set. Hearing Rob Dixon and Cynthia Lane reminded me of my youthful undergrad years....how I miss their sound weekly in my life. Kenny Phelps still knows how to make the drum sing like no other. I caught all these great talents in one night. I never worry about the cover being too high. Come to the Chi for the highest cover you will ever find for good and quality live jazz. So think about the these elements when you're jamming' at JK's world class and world known location before you comment. I will pay $20 cover ( the most I've ever paid at JK) for many stars in one place in Indy anyday than $25 to $35 around the nation....but let me get off this soapbox. Nothing has really changed at JK and that's what I like to know. I want that familiar feeling of great wine running through your veins as quality live jazz takes over your other senses. Jazz Kitchen, I miss you. Steve, I wish you would consider opening a location in Chicago. read more

Salsa night is the absolute best time ever. Great crowds great music!! The guys love to dance with you!!! I barely sat down! Loved it!! positive energy and environment! read more

I honestly can't think of a restaurant that I have visited more in my adult life than the Jazz Kitchen. That being said, I also can't think of a restaurant in my entire life that I loved more than The Jazz Kitchen. It's fitting that they receive my first review. Long time Yelp checker, first time Yelp do-er. I can't say enough about how great this place is. Live music daily, check. Top notch food that has never once been sub par, check. Whisk(e)y and beer with a selection carefully crafted and selected by knowledgeable bar staff, check. (It is limited, for sure, more than another bar...but this is a jazz club first, then a restaurant, then a bar...remember that and you'll be fine and also amazed at what they DO have if you take the time to ask). Staff that is knowledgeable, friendly, and remembers your name, check. An owner who is present daily...sometimes helping in the kitchen, sometimes doing books at the bar, always smiling and willing to chat it up with regulars and strangers alike...check. I'm sure there will be plenty more reviews coming your way from me about the Jazz Kitchen. I'm new to this, but this gives me a great excuse to start back at the beginning of the menu and share all the love. Here's hoping that if you've never been, this helped you decide it's worth checking out. If you have been, here's hoping this reminded you it's time to go back. First up for me when I get back in... the best pork chop I've ever had in my life and the City's best bread pudding to go... you know...for breakfast the next day. Who am I kidding... it has never once even gotten a chance to cool down. read more

The Jazz Kitchen is a cool little spot in Broadripple. I love the variety and line up of live music. The food is different in a good way, but it's just never amazing. Whatever I order I know they could of done a better job. I ordered a salad with tons of lettuce and barely any toppings. The floor plan is off and very cramped. If you're not one of 50 people to arrive first you will be sitting in the back either right next to the bathroom of behind the bar watching the performance on TV. I did give it 4/5 stars because it's a staple in the community and is important to keep the small business around. read more

Can't go wrong when you see a show/performance here. I had previously been here in the summer to see a bluegrass trio outside. Their sangria is amazing! I think it's only available in the summer...smart. Recently, I had dinner here. The sound quality inside is great. The food is pretty good, too. I enjoyed their baked brie appetizer, though nothing phenomenal. The salad that came afterwards was decent; I was lucky to find ingredients other than the lettuce (I maybe saw a small cucumber slice). I ordered the walnut encrusted salmon, solid choice, and a good portion. Try their mashed sweet potatoes if you have the chance. read more

No Talking, Turn Cell Phones Off?? Bizarre Rules, is it high school again? i don't want to go that far back in time....i'm glad we sat in the bar without enough tables, we could talk & check our phones, the appetizer sample was good, as was the food, but not really worth the money (plus $10 cover, For What?) plus $1 per person credit card charge BS i Doubt if i'll ever wander back they did make a stiff drink, i needed ONE! the other optional is outside on the deck, you could see the band & hear through a window but also the street & smoke out there as well read more

We had the best experience at the jazz kitchen. We went last night one of the Latin Party nights they have on Thursday nights. The house was packed. When we got there there were only two tables left that were meant to be two seaters. We had 5 people and told them we had more people coming. They found us 6 stools and put the two tables together. The next thing we knew they arrived with another table and 3 more stools Two more people showed up and they arrive with another table and more stools. We ended up with a party of about 16 and they bent over backwards to accommodate us. Great fun with dancing lessons and then open dancing. The food was great as well. The waiting staff were right on top of it. Brittany was great! Thanks for a great evening All this accommodation for a group they were not expecting when they already had a big party they were expecting. You made our night a 5 read more

I found this place to be really disappointing. I was incredibly underwhelmed by the environment, the drinks, THE PRICES and the event. We went for the Pre-Turkey Workout dance party. I was pretty excited about it hearing about some of the fun that my friends have on Latin nights and the dancing, but the night we went no one was hardly dancing and everyone just looked bored. On top of that, it was obnoxious paying a $15 cover. I really didn't want to do that, but I had no other plans cooking up at the time so I decided to go here anyway with some of my pals. The look of the place is kind of cool. I like the outdoor patio, the two different dance floors, but I don't really like the set up or the location of the bar. It just really crowds the area in between the dance floor. Speaking of the bar though, I was super disappointed in the drinks. It was almost like they were out of carbonation or something for their drinks and it was almost like they were all watered down gin and tonics. I get that tonic water is essentially water, but it's carbonated water, so I was just a little confused. I probably wouldn't be so harsh if I didn't pay that much, but if we're all expected to pay that much then definitely make sure everything is on point. I might be kind of reluctant, but I will probably give it a second chance sometime. But I am going to be a bit skeptical of next time I go. Not to say that this place might work for others and there was a possibility it was just an off night for them, but it's just really not my scene. read more

The high class place for jazz. Very nice venue and set up for dinner and/or dancing - oh and drinking too.

If I have a bad experience somewhere I try to not immediately review it. So many things can factor in as to why something is less than stellar. But if by my third time I am still experiencing some of the worst service I have in my life I will definitely hop on for a review. I believe Yelp is here to inform others of experiences and to also help businesses improve when they hear honest feedback. This is just so disappointing. I don't think there is anything to bring me back to this establishment. read more

Hmm... Well... Ahhh... Hmm... My review is based solely on Tuesday's "New Orleans Night" experience. I did not venture inside, though after the boyfriend used the restroom (nice and clean he said!), he said "it is very ritzy in there." Take that as you will. I loved the outdoor deck and patio. Upon arrival, there were no seats on the deck so we opted for the patio. The hostess did come around later and ask if we would like to move to the deck since a table had opened. I found that to be a nice gesture. Music and band were awesome. Sun King reps were there passing out stickers and beads and I did get a free koozie as I ordered a light and delicious Cream Ale. Now then, the menu. The online menu states that they have "inventive vegetarian creations," yet there are only three vegetarian items on the menu: an appetizer, a salad, and the eggplant tower. Disappointing. The menu alone would be a good reason for me not to return to The Jazz Kitchen. As a vegetarian I eat much more than just salads and if you claim to have an inventive menu then for Pete's sake live up to the phrase! In any case, the Strawberry Spinach salad is very good if not a bit pricey. Service was a bit slow but I wasn't in a rush so it didn't bother me much, especially since everyone was very friendly! If I should ever return to The Jazz Kitchen, I would likely just stop off for a beverage and to enjoy the tunes on the deck/patio for a bit. read more

I went to the Jazz Kitchen last night for a tribute show. It was such a great time! I love the atmosphere of this place. It's relaxed, yet fancy. We had a table towards be front of the stage and it was perfect. Our service was great! They have great wine, champagne and mixed drinks. We did not eat here, but I have heard the food is great! This was a great time with friends and I cannot wait to return sometime! read more

I was at the Jazz Kitchen to watch the Leisure Kings. They were outstanding. We had the Jamaican patties for an appetizer along with the Not so Cajun chicken as the main course. The food was very good and the prices seemed good for what they served us. The service could have been better as we and a couple of tables around us would run out of drinks and the waiter could not be found anywhere. The other frustrating part of the evening was having to listen to the conversations between the hostess and the manager. I think they should have stepped into the entrance way and discussed the restaurant's business affairs in order to not disturb their customers. Oh well, that is not enough of a reason to prevent me from going back to the Jazz Kitchen. Enjoy! read more

It was a tasty experience, even if I don't think I'll be a regular. I was mainly here for the food and not the music, so I give four stars for tastiness and atmosphere. My boyfriend and I ended up here last night after realizing that the wait for Twenty Tap would be 50 minutes - Jazz Kitchen sat us right away! We chose to sit at the bar, and it was fun to watch the drinks being made. The bar has a good beer selection and a wide range of drinks. I liked the rolls and butter that come to each table, even if the roll was a bit cold in the middle. We ordered the not-so-cajun pasta and the and the lemon chicken pasta. Both were delicious, and I am excited to recreate the lemon chicken pasta at home. I asked for my not-so-cajun pasta to be spicy, and the cooks made it happen! From what I can tell, Monday is the only night you don't need to pay a cover. read more

Classy place...superb talent....terrific room. Food is above par and unexpectedly good for what is essentially a music room. Gracious and capable staff, good drinks, decent beer and wine selection. Among the best places to take a charming and lovely young lady...almost guaranteeing a invigorating desert afterwards :) Definitely check out the deck and outdoor music when in season ! read more

It's Jazz and the Jazz has a kitchen. We saw Rebirth Brass Band here. The venue is small so arrive early for a good table. The dinner menu is fine. It is a mix of American and Cajun. My companion ordered the Black and Blues Salad (cute name) and the flat iron steak was great with a wonderful seasoning. I went cajun with etouffee. It was ok, the flavor was good but the chicken was added as an afterthought and sort of laid on top. It was tasteless. Oh how nice if it would have been heated with the etoufee. Craft beers on the menu are great. We did not try the wine. The band was terrific and the sound system adequate considering the small space. Towards the end of the show they clear a few tables and there is a terrific dance floor. We will definitely go back. And I recommend a visit for you....especially if you like the headliner. read more

Owner Dave Allee has consistently brought incredible jazz acts through this lounge-restaurant combo. One of the only places in Indy where one can catch a true jazz act, especially one that is on the national level (e.g. John Scofield, Charlie Hunter). Wednesday nights regularly offers Rob Dixon, probably the best saxophonist in the city, and certainly one of the most prolific. Each week, he plays during the dinner hours and has special guests joining him regularly. Also in the regular lineup is local, neo-soul favorite, Cynthia Layne, who coincidentally, has Rob Dixon in her regular lineup. The weekends usually features a great show from the national scene, but often times local acts grace the stage for weekends. A great restaurant with a stellar 'ethnic-focused' menu (awesome crab cakes!), and also a really cool bar that invites you to sit and enjoy the music while you sip your cocktail. They have even featured hip hop and other soulful shows outside of the jazz genre over the years, for example, the long-running Thursday night Salsa night. It's best to check their calendar online to see what's coming, and you can even do a drive-by along College Ave to see the marquis to find out what's up for the current week. read more

This is the worst place I've ever visited The food is less than mediocre and the staff is rude. If I could give it negative stars I would

I went out with a friend for a Christmas show they were having and it was packed, so it was understandable that the there might be a wait for somethings. But with another show right after it was concerning that it took about 15 minutes to get our check. However both of us enjoyed our food and the show. read more

I have always wanted to try the Jazz Kitchen and finally went last night. I knew it would be a good night when I heard the first sweet sounds of "Summertime" followed by "At Last." The food was great, too! We had Jamaican patties for an appetizer, followed by the crab cakes (entree) and etouffe, all of which were fantastic! After the cover, drinks and food, we ended up spending $100. Honestly not bad for a two course meal, 2 red bull vodka's, 1 jack and coke, 1 beer and awesome entertainment. I'll be going back again soon! FYI -- once the music starts, it's loud, so talking is kept to a minimum. read more

The Jazz Kitchen is the coolest place in town. It is like stepping into a club in Chicago or New York- it just has that feel. The menu can be pricey and there isn't beer on tap but on Mondays the "8 for 8" deal is amazing if you like Cajun food, which I do. My favorite thing is the Jazz Jam Session, which happens every month on the last Monday. I'm a musician who is getting into jazz- and that's not easy! It's intimidating. Thankfully, the JK offers this awesome experience free of charge. I can have a plate of tasy, interesting food for $8, enjoy a libation, and get a chance to play with incredible musicians like Kevin Anker, the great local pianist. You just sign up, tell the band what song and which key and away you go! Frank the manager/ host is the very cool and one never knows what's going to happen on jam session nights so check it out. read more

Not the place to go for salsa dancing on a Thursday night. Cover is $10 but there are no good dancers and the dance floor is very small and sticky from spilled drinks. The fact that the dancers there have no etiquette makes the floor issue even more critical. The music is not great, and mostly dated. The DJ plays four salsas, then four meringues and four bachatas in a predictable way. I've never seen that kind of mix pattern for a DJ before. read more

Had dinner here last Friday. Being first timers and it was V-day, so we decided to just go with their fixed price 4-course offering plus a champagne toast. Started with the fruit plate with baked brie pastry. Personally not a fan of cheese/fruit plate, but the wife enjoyed it and she thought the baked brie pastry was very nice and creamy. Next came the salad and corn crab chowder, I thought the chowder was quite tasty with good chunks of crab meat. For the entree, I got me the pork chop while the wife got the stuffed chicken breast. Though both dishes seem to have the same creamy topping, both were pretty good and the dirty rice and mash sweet potatoes that came with the dishes were excellent. For dessert, we decided to try the banana foster. It wasn't bad, but still quite disappointing since there seem to be too much banana and very little ice cream, plus not sure if it sat out too long prior to serving but the ice cream is all melted. Service was good and food portion was pretty big. The price seem a bit steep per person that evening, but it was a special day plus with great live music throughout the meal, I guess its OK. Also looking at their regular menu, the prices seem reasonable. Good food, great music, and good service, definitely will be back some other time to try out the dishes from the regular menu. read more

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Can't even begin to tell you how much my husband and I love this place. Food is excellent and the music is even better!

What a great atmosphere!!My husband and I came for our wedding anniversary,driving down from Ft.Wayne,we arrived later than we would've liked.The server GLADLY served us with no charge for the live entertainmaint that we only caught the last 20 min of.She never made us feel rushed,although they were closing shortly.The food??OH!!THE FOOD WAS EXCELLENT!!!!I am not sure about previous reviews saying food was not great..sorry for you!!The Ahi Tataki was absolutely divine..melted in my mouth!!My husband was happy with his shrimp cocktail(which isn't always the case)...then dinner..SATCHMO'S ETOUFFE!!!Served,hot,seasoned well and moist!!!If you like Jazz and a local place...stop in!! read more

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I went here for dinner with my daughter due to the Yelp reviews. I was unaware that it's more about the music than the food and I was somewhat intimidated by the man at the front when the waitress was leading me to the back to eat at the bar without paying for the band. I found the food scene in Indianapolis can be very impressive but this was not one of them. Marginal food but I heard just enough of the jazz that told me I could come back for the music as long as I understand I'll require extra wine to compliment the diet. read more

I decided to stop here after an event & have dinner since I am sans kids today. I'm having crabcakes!!!!! There are two pianists playing right now & I am LOVING it!!! read more

The Jazz Kitchen - Sooooo good!!! Crabcake dinner with veggies & wine. - American Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana