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    Tomi Jazz

    4.4 (977 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    TOMI JAZZ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Tomi Jazz

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    Alisa J.

    Very cool bar. I got there 90 minutes before opening on Saturday and was first one in line. They seat everyone staggered so be prepared to wait if you aren't one of the first ones in line. Jazz was ok I personally just liked the ambiance with the normal music more. The clever drink was ok. The mandarin slush drink was delicious. Food was good but not mind blowing and kind of expensive for what it is. Great service. This is an authentic Japanese bar.

    Anna N.

    Be prepared to wait at least an hour or more to get inside. There's limited seating inside and small tables, so you'll have to be careful moving your food and drinks around. I really enjoyed my frozen mandarin drink! It was refreshing. My friend's calpico float drinks were also good, and loved the ice cream on top! All of the food was so yummy, especially the avocado spaghetti which was very unique. The live jazz bands are great and you can tip them with cash or Venmo. If you pay with cash then you get 5% off.

    Shumai
    Laura B.

    Went to Tomi jazz on a Friday at 5pm and the line was already quite long and not moving fast. But we were ready to wait and excited for some jazz. After 1.5 hours, we got a table inside but no view at all on the jazz band, which is a shame for a jazz club... Fortunately, after the appetizer, the waiter offered a table at the bar (probably knowing this was a bad table), unfortunately we still couldn't see the band as a large pillar was obstructing the view. On the food side, we ordered the okonomyaki and the udon. They were fabulous! The food and the vibe of the place are definitely worth the hype. But if you are going for the jazz part, as we were, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed in the audience. People are going for instagram now, not the music, so few people were applauding. That's too bad. I heard it used to be a casual place.

    Cod Roe Udon
    Christine L.

    One of my favorite spots in New York! The line can get crazy so definitely get here early. But it's worth it for cozy vibes, delish food, and great live jazz. My favorite dishes here are the Omurice and the Mentaiko Udon. I could finish the mentaiko udon by myself no questions asked. The drinks are also delish, Road Runner is incredible (very coquito reminiscent). The jazz band is also great, I love how they have so many woodwind instruments (flute, bass clarinet etc). Very unique set! Only downside is the table limit, but given the huge nonstop line it makes sense.

    Kirsten C.

    This place is absolutely beautiful and has great vibes and music. We got in line at 4:30 Pm, they open at 5 Pm, and we got in around 7 Pm!! Yikes! Long wait! They charge a $10 cover fee per person, but the food is affordable and delicious. I ordered the Omelet Rice with Demi-Glace, which was a 4.5- experience. Josh ordered the Yaki Soba and Egg Drop soup, and both were great. The soup was a 4.7- experience. While the food is good, I would say that the atmosphere and asian inspired drinks are what really make this place special. We tried the Mandarin slush and the Lemon drop! Minor cons: - The music was a bit too soft for my liking, especially since it was quite crowded. - Long wait

    Chelsea L.

    Unfortunately, so worth the hype. I wished it wouldn't be so amazing because the wait is always over an hour long. But the band is always SO AMAZING - loveee watching all the musicians interact with each other and with the audience. The vibe of the place is perfectly dim and intimate while being lively, and you really feel like you're part of the community. And it's not just the music and the atmosphere. The drinks are delicious and the bites are the perfect things to snack on as you enjoy your night. The fried oysters are sooo good.

    Happy Birthday Icecream
    Tati C.

    Had an amazing night here for my dads birthday. Aside from having to stand in the cold, the wait was so worth it once we were inside and enjoying the food. It is very tight inside, so the limited seating is understandable. But they do a decent job in making everyone feel as comfortable as they can with the limited space. The drinks were good, i had a frozen lychee which was really good, hubby had the Alexander, and my parents got the Pearl Harbor. For food, we started with croquettes: shrimp, crab, & corn. For our entrees we had the avocado spaghetti, seafood spaghetti, curry rice and hayashi rice. I really enjoyed my dads seafood spaghetti, he mentioned it was a lil salty, my husband seemed to enjoy his avocado spaghetti, my hayashi rice was good, it reminded me of oxtail stew just with thin slices of beef, & my mom enjoyed her curry rice. The staff and musicians were great too, they even played happy birthday and brought my dad a nice dessert . The vibes the whole night was fantastic, I'd def recommend but be ready to wait. I can't wait to return again

    Entrance
    Kinte C.

    I've ran across my fair share of jazz clubs in NY but Tomi Jazz stands out amongst the most unique for its unique intimate environment ,incredible performer's and eccentric cuisine. ENVIRONMENT It's quite easy to walk right past the recluse entrance on 53rd St. The line of individuals outside is the only "tell" that you've made it to the right spot. As others have mentioned, the wait times to enter can be quite excessive but upon stepping past that last outdoor heater(a godsend) you're met with a barrage of lovely sounds, whiffs of scrumptious food and an intimate oasis that resembles the hull of a ship. FOOD During my visit, I tried the Sea Urchin Cream Croquette, Truffle Fries, and the Seasoned Octopus with Wasabi. The standout was the Seasoned Octopus which had just the perfect amount of kick via the wasabi. Tomi Jazz is a remarkable addition to the NY jazz scene and its popularity is well-justified. While seated there were a plethora of guests taking pictures of the performers, food and decor which is quite easy to understand given the outstanding presentation of it all. However, Tomi Jazz is best experienced being present amidst its incredible ambience and flair. Wear your most comfortable pair of shoes for the wait,it's well worth it. Happy eats!

    best cocktail
    Jude K.

    Magic -Worth Every Minute of the Wait! I went in with high expectations for Tomi Jazz and I walked out even more impressed. This place is the quintessential NYC jazz bar experience. The Experience: It's a cozy, intimate Cocktail Jazz Bar where you can enjoy live music while sipping on drinks and having a bite to eat. The atmosphere is warm and authentic--it feels like you've been transported to a hidden basement bar in Tokyo. The Food & Drinks: The Cocktails: Truly top-tier. They are well-crafted, balanced and far better than your average "jazz club" drinks. The Food: Even the "simple" dishes are executed at a high level. I had the Pasta and it was surprisingly delicious and comforting. I was so busy enjoying the vibe that I completely forgot to take a photo of it! A Fair Warning: The only catch is the popularity. Be prepared to wait in line for at least an hour (or more). My advice? Bring a friend you like talking to, wear comfortable shoes and just embrace the wait--because once you're inside, the music and the mood make you forget the line instantly. Final Verdict: If you love live jazz, great cocktails and a soulful atmosphere, this is a must-visit. Just get there early!

    Love
    Isaac Q.

    It opens at 5pm, we got there at 5:40pm and waited 1 hour and 45 minutes. The people in the line will say "it's not worth it" just wait. Is it the best music ever? No. It's the collective experience that you can't get anywhere else. Drinks and food were great. Just wait in the line!

    Chicken wings
    Eric H.

    Real men wait in long lines... especially when there's jazz, whiskey, and crab croquettes involved. Walked into Tomi Jazz in Midtown East and instantly felt like I accidentally time-traveled into a Tokyo basement where cool lives permanently. Tight space, dim lights, live jazz... and suddenly I'm nodding like I understand music theory. Started strong with the crab croquettes -- crispy outside, creamy inside, and that egg yolk dipping sauce? Dangerous. I almost asked for a second yolk like it was a side of fries. Then the wings showed up... bold, satisfying, and gone faster than my self-control. Washed it all down with Yararak 12 Year Single Malt like a gentleman who totally knows what he's doing (I don't, but it tasted fantastic). And just when I thought it couldn't get better... the live jazz kicked in. Smooth, classy, and suddenly my casual dinner turned into a main-character moment. Long line. Small space. Big vibes. Tomi Jazz isn't just dinner... it's an experience. And yes... I'd wait in that line again like a man.

    Okonomiyaki
    Nicole K.

    Such an awesome spot. There's normally a wait, but it's worth it. Food is also much better than expected

    Japanese Curry Rice
    An C.

    I am a sucker for ambiance and this place gets 10 stars on ambiance alone. From the intimate dark environment, live jazz band, lit candles, background chatter and vintage Japanese decor, this place is a real gem! Not to mention the food is delicious. Additionally, the staff all speak to each other in Japanese, which adds to the authenticity of this place. They are casual and accommodating, the busy bartender even offered to take a photo for us after watching us struggle! You will be elbow to elbow with the other guests, and Im not sure if the jazz band teleported into their tiny corner but it's amazing that they managed to squeeze in. I adored this place. All our food was great, but my favorite dishes were: 1) Okonomiyaki - I'm just a sucker for okonomiyaki 2) Fried Oysters - light and fresh 3) Wasabi Octopus - raw, and texture was very fun, though I can see it not being for everyone We got in line 30 minutes before they opened, were maybe 5th in line, and only waited another 5-15 minutes to get inside. The line after we left looked absolutely atrocious, though. They also had tons of desserts on their menu that I will definitely be back to try next time!

    Melon soda float

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    24 days ago

    Amazing ambiance, the only downside is how long the wait is here. The jazz music and food selection was great

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    It's not much but good for date SPOt since the place is so small. Very small place and foods are ok.

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    Page 1 of 25

    Tomi Jazz Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Tomi Jazz

    My bf and I are under 21 can we still go?

    There is no age limit. It's a restaurant!

    What's the line like on weekends?

    Friday night, after work, seemed like a 2 hour wait.

    When does the kitchen close?

    How much minimum do you have spend?

    No min, but there's a $10 music cover charge on fri - sun.

    Can I bring my 7 years old kid with me?

    The jazz bar is an adult-only. Not ideal for kids.

    Does tomi jazz still offer happy hour?

    Nope they don't :(

    What time does the kitchen close ? And when is last order for food DELIVERY?

    Do you have to be 21 or older to enter? Is ID required at the door?

    No, ID is not required at the door!

    Is there a cover charge?

    Only on Fri and Sat, $10 per person

    Does everyone in party have to be present to make reservation (1 of 4 put name down to wait)?

    No reservations. First come, first serve basis.

    Do you take they reservations? I keep seeing different answers online :(

    I don't think so - I recommend going there early right when they open so you can be guaranteed a table without the wait!

    Is there live music for the outdoor seating?

    when I visited this place, only outdoors allowed so yes there was live music for outdoor seating

    Are Shorts and slippers available to enter?

    I wore shorts

    Is this spot 21+?

    It's ambiguous, I did not see any 21 and under there but alcohol is served. Best case is to email and ask as they are very responsive

    Is there a better time to go when it's not jam-packed full of people talking loudly over the music?

    I'd say Sunday- Wednesday.I think the chatter will always be there. I went on a Monday night. Not packed but still loud.

    Do you allow kids?

    Yes - they allow kids, but kids cannot sit at the bar.

    Do u not take a reservation on Friday?

    Yes

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    Review Highlights - Tomi Jazz

    Delicious cod roe udon and fried bries, with a great selection of drinks and small snacks to accompany them.

    Mentioned in 41 reviews

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    54 Below

    54 Below

    4.1
    (252 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$$

    I went one time last night. It was a bit cramped. I did not sit by the rail and went to the bar…read more The food I had was great. Talent was very good. It was cozy. I must have passed it many times. A Greek church and a Greek diner are nearby, as is Alvin Ailey where I have taken lessons and performed, and of course the SAG Foundation is across the street. I will update this when I visit again. The man on the telephone should not hurry customers if they have not made up their minds to come.

    Was here for a special night and left a bit underwhelmed…read more So much of this place works - classic NYC theater vibes, and the musical talent, food and drink were all great. The show I saw had incredible performers and felt really happy to be attending. But this is where it fell apart. I have a great deal of empathy for waitstaff especially during this kind of cabaret show. I had gotten a last minute VIP ticket and ordered a drink - and was informed at the time I placed a drink that there was a $25 mimimumx which I knew about when I bought the ticket. The waitress who served us was unnecessarily rude sbout it: I went to order food but stopped at spending more because at that point, the fewer interactions with her the better. I don't know what to think - someone willing to spend more money and feeling reluctant to because of a rude waitress is a problem to the venue to fix.

    Photos
    54 Below
    View from the bar.
    View from the bar.
    Zero-Proof Hot Buttered Rum, Zero-Proof Strawberry Margarita, zero Vinada Airen Gold Zero-Proof Sparkling Wine

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    Zero-Proof Hot Buttered Rum, Zero-Proof Strawberry Margarita, zero Vinada Airen Gold Zero-Proof Sparkling Wine
    The Rum House

    The Rum House

    3.9
    (716 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    We were staying in Times Square and were looking for a cool spot with live jazz. What luck that the…read moreRum House was just a few blocks away! Tucked into a very cool art deco hotel, the Rum House is a tiny little oasis amidst the insanity of Times Square. There was a guy at the door asking about reservations. We did not have one, but we were admitted regardless, and a friendly server / hostess informed us of the 2 drink minimum and seated us right near where the musicians were set up. The drink menu is a ode to rum. All kinds of rum; spiced, dark, overproof, high end. Most of the cocktails are tiki cocktails, but do not be turned off if you don't like sweet drinks! It's a myth that tiki cocktails are all sickly sweet. A properly crafted tiki drink will be a great balance between alcohol, sugar, mint and acid. These drinks were properly crafted! I honestly cannot remember what Larry and I ordered but all four of our drinks were delightful! You really can't go wrong with any of their rum cocktails. We were with Larry's brother, who is not much of a drinker. He ordered a whisky sour made with Crown Royal. The whisky sour was a surprising standout! The sour mix is house made (of course), which elevates this drink from an overly sweet attempt to cover up cheap whisky to a complex beverage that can be savored. The jazz was great - they had 4 musicians (kind of a lot in the small room) who played 2 songs before breaking and returning for another 2 songs, etc, etc. The short sets were welcome as they allowed for conversation between the entertainment. The Rum House is a great stop; don't miss it if you are in the area!

    Been wanting to check this place out for YEARS... I finally have. It was really small. It looked so…read moremuch bigger to me in pictures. This is not a bad thing, I was just surprised. Regardless, I love the dark decor. Its not loud or anything, just a more relaxing environment for drinks where you can actually speak to each other. They have a huge selection of drinks, not too much to eat but there's plenty of restaurants in the area to handle that for you. The popcorn did smell good though. It was also the end of Happy Hour when we arrived. My husband got the 'Hot Buttered Rum' and I got the 'Escape' which was Bacardi 8yr Rum, Coconut Crème, Pineapple Juice, Sweet Vermouth. The drinks were STRONG. They are also pricy but the Hot Buttered Rum was part of Happy Hour so that helped. The service was super friendly, knowledgeable and quick. I would come back or recommend if you are in the area. It was a nice little place and glad I finally tried it.

    Photos
    Rose & espresso martini before the show
    Rose & espresso martini before the show
    The Rum House
    The Rum House

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    Swing 46

    Swing 46

    3.5
    (365 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$$

    Came here for the music and left happy, which is honestly the only metric that matters for a spot…read morelike this. The live band was great, the vibe was lively, and people were actually dancing instead of just sitting around pretending they're "listening." Food was good, service was easygoing, and the best part: zero pressure. They have a minimum spend, but they don't play games with it. Hit the minimum however you want, drinks or food, your choice. Other places love to force both, which is basically a tax on having fun. Not here. Why not 5 stars? The place is a bit dated. Our booth was literally held up with tape and the cushion situation was... let's call it "vintage springs." I heard they're planning a remodel, and if that happens, this becomes an easy 5. Until then, it's a very fun 4 and I'd absolutely come back.

    11/7/25 - We came here late in the evening on a Friday night. We were looking for a jazz/swing club…read morewhere we could listen to live music AND dance. Most of the clubs we saw were more for eating/drinking while listening to music but didn't offer the dancing component. If you want to just listen to the music while enjoying your food/drink then sitting at the bar is free. To sit in the back area where the band and dancing is, there is a $15 cover fee. We didn't order any food and my friend did order some drinks but I'm not much of a drinker so I can't comment on that. We enjoyed the music and watching the regulars dance. A couple regulars were very nice and brought us out onto the dance floor to show us some simple moves! Unfortunately this place is closing at the end of December. It's really sad that it is going away as the regulars' described it as one of the places in the city with a dance floor where you can actually dance to the live jazz/swing music. If you are in the area before they close and want to spend some time away from the busy city definitely stop by here!

    Photos
    The Stage
    The Stage
    The Stage
    The Stage
    The Band and Dancing

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    The Band and Dancing

    Tomi Jazz - japanese - Updated July 2026

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