Looking for a Jazz Cafe that incorporates good music, vibes, food and drink for a full experience? Chris Jazz Cafe is your go to. From the time you walk in you transform from Philly to a worldwide jazz ambiance. So what are my favorite aspects of Chris Jazz Cafe?
Vibes in Chris Jazz Cafe
When you walk in the lighting sets the mode. My husband and I went for a date night. After a long week of ups and downs we just wanted to unwind with each other and enjoy our time. Our schedules are super busy one thing we don’t have time for is a flop. Chris Jazz Cafe was the perfection for a great date night. We were greeted with care. You know I like to see how one is treated before I give my name. In actually they didn’t see my name at first which worked out as they didn’t change their tones either way. This is important. The reason I tend to lean in to the greeting at places more is that it sets the tone on care during your time.
Staff was extremely nice to me in every way. I was guided to my seat where I was able to see the performance of Just the Three of Us quite well. My tip is that if you are joining for dinner and a show to get the VIP. These are the seats that allow you to be engrossed in whomever is performing. You also have the option for just the show as well.
Cocktails
One thing you will notice is that the prices are about the same for the cocktails. So if you want one or more they average to be the same. I had the Blueberry Lemonade and my husband opted for an Old Fashioned. Both were good. A great mix of alcohol is important. They weren’t too strong where you don’t want to finish it nor too weak where you wonder if the alcohol was included. As often as I go to restaurants the cocktail is a deal breaker for me. Great food should always be accompanied with a great drink, wine, or beer. Chris Jazz Club did just that.
1st Course at Chris Jazz Cafe
I will say the only thing I wanted more was more. The portion sizes are what they should be. However I think often times we want them to be exaggerated and thus you may find them small. The menu is set to be built upon from course to course. I love that. Often times I go to restaurants and am too full to finish my meal. I had the Grilled Peach Salad. It had mixed greens, farmers cheese, peach vinaigrette, and toasted sunflower seeds. I loved it. Perfect for a Summer evening it was delightful.
Truffle Mac & Cheese
Mac & Cheese is always going to be my husband’s go to. He loved it. The cheese was creamy that the only thing wrong was that it went too fast. Before I could finish my salad he was done. It looked absolutely delicious.
Main Course Vibes at Chris Jazz Cafe
I had the Zoodles. They were the most earthy and delicious I had in a long time. Made with Pesto, tomatoes, truffle, lemon zest, and locatelli. Every bit built upon each other. I honestly could have ordered some more to take home. Zoodles when made right just is a full on veggie explosion. Chris Jazz Cafe hit this dish out the park.
Lamb Bolognese
All of our hot plates came hot. Not too hot where you can enjoy them but the type of hot that lets you know it was fresh. The Lamb Bolognese is made with fresh Pappardelle, Filetto De Pomodoro, olives, and parmesan cheese. My husband normally isn’t an olive person but he ate every bite of it. That says volumes as our friends know my husband isn’t always into trying new things.
Dessert-Beignet with Home Made Preserves
When Tanner my waiter brought me this white paper bag my face was priceless. I looked over the menu again to see if I ordered the right thing. However he shook the bag and opened it to the best and moist delicious beignets. The peach preserves are deep inside each of them. They are perfection. It melts in your mouth with goodness. I honestly would come back just to order this on a random afternoon.
Pineapple Poached with Vanilla and ginger is what my husband had. The presentation was beautiful. I never seen my husband eat anything with ginger and I must say this whole experience elevated him a little bit.
Just the Three Of Us
This amazing group is made with Jm Ridl on piano, Michael Pedicin on tenor saxophone, and Dean Johnson on bass. Collectively and separately they are all amazing in their own rights. Growing up jazz was a huge influence in our home. I actually sent my dad the snippet and he immediately wanted to know where I was. The music is just mesmerizing. While the music or should I say experience is happening, be mindful of your conversations to others around you can enjoy it. I loved how Chris Jazz Club also showcases the entertainment all over the world.
Overall I rank this as the best jazz cafe in Philadelphia. There are others but none of them can hold a light to Chris Jazz Cafe. The staff definitely know what to do to make sure their patrons feel like they are home. One of the things that the manager said to us before the show was to leave your issues at the door and come and unwind in the music. We all need a few moments that we can have a great time and music is that escape. Thank you to the staff at Chris Jazz Cafe including our waiter, Tanner. Thank you to Peter Breslow Public Relations and Allanah Richman for having us.
Few key notes: Make reservations here either for dinner and show or just a show. 20% gratuity will be added to all bills
