4.7
101 evaluations
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Reviews / Ratings for Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill

Photo of Kristen Schaffrath
26 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

A must-visit for any music lover! This was a highlight of our trip from Toronto. The music and service were so good. Such a unique and special atmosphere/experience! We loved Dawn!

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Photo of Scott Thomason
25 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

The venue was cozy and well suited for intimate music and dinner nights out. The service was friendly and prompt. I would definitely go there again

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Restaurant response
Response added on 27 Apr 2026
Thank you Scott! we look forward to welcoming you again.
Photo of Jeane Thomas
24 Apr 2026
Source: Google
4.7

My group was visiting from upstate NY and had a 9pm dinner reservation. We were seated immediately upon arrival. Street parking is tough, so utilizing a neighboring parking garage might be the best idea. The musical performance was Andy Rubal Cuban Jazz Quartet. They were FANTASTIC! Cocktails were good. Our table ordered a Vesper, Mojito, and two Old Fashions. All were prepared well. For food our table ordered the red snapper, bourbon, bacon, burger, and duck. Dessert was crème brûlée which was heavenly! No one at the table was dissatisfied with their meal. A great time and a destination spot I would recommend all Montreal visitors to experience. We will definitely make this a staple destination every time we visit Montreal. My group was visiting from upstate NY and had a 9pm dinner reservation. We were seated immediately upon arrival. Street parking is tough, so utilizing a neighboring parking garage might be the best idea. The musical performance was Andy Rubal Cuban Jazz Quartet. They were FANTASTIC! Cocktails were good. Our table ordered a Vesper, Mojito, and two Old Fashions. All were prepared well. For food our table ordered the red snapper, bourbon, bacon, burger, and duck. Dessert was crème brûlée which was heavenly! No one at the table was dissatisfied with their meal. A great time and a destination spot I would recommend all Montreal visitors to experience. We will definitely make this a staple destination every time we visit Montreal.

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Restaurant response
Response added on 25 Apr 2026
Thank you Jeane for your wonderful feedback. We couldn't be happier that you enjoyed your total experience. Until next time, Joel
Photo of Joanne Deller
24 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

It’s a wonderful intimate music venue. I can’t recommend it highly enough,

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Restaurant response
Response added on 25 Apr 2026
Joanne, it's always a pleasure to see you at the club. Thanks for your positive feedback and see you soon, Joel
Photo of Yasser Matos Peralta
24 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

I had a wonderful night visiting that place during a Cuban jazz session. It was truly amazing!

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Photo of James Dam
22 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Fabulous! Our second time here, from Vermont. Love it. Plan to make more trips up here specifically for dinner and music at Upstairs.

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Restaurant response
Response added on 23 Apr 2026
Makes us really happy that you enjoyed your visits with us. Thanks so much for sharing and please say hi next time. Best, Joel
Photo of C H
22 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Cozy little spot with a great atmosphere. Seating is a bit tight, reserve a good table and get there early. Service was excellent sitting at the bar. The reason for coming here is the music! Wow what a great show! I appreciate they ask people to be quiet during the set.

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Restaurant response
Response added on 23 Apr 2026
Thank you for sharing and spending time with us. At Upstairs, the emphasis is on the music. Hope to see you again in the future.
Photo of scott mackay
20 Apr 2026
Source: Google
4.3

Music and vibe was fantastic.

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Restaurant response
Response added on 20 Apr 2026
Thank you Scott!
Photo of Pat Bruzzese
19 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Amazing night , best jazz club in Montreal

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Restaurant response
Response added on 19 Apr 2026
Thank you Pat! Always great to welcome you and your family.
Photo of Christopher Byrne
18 Apr 2026
Source: Google
4.7

Always fun with great musicians and good food. Taurey Butler's trio puts on an excellent show, among others.

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Restaurant response
Response added on 19 Apr 2026
Taurey and his band are great. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with us.
Photo of Gastón Aníbal Durán
18 Apr 2026
Source: Google
4.7

I only take frites and a couple of drinks. I can say that the place is really nice, great atmosphere, excellent service, very good music. I really enjoy it and I would certainly come back soon.

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Restaurant response
Response added on 19 Apr 2026
Merci Gaston! A la prochaine.
Photo of jacques corcos
18 Apr 2026
Source: Google
3.3

Go there for great music not for food

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Response added on 19 Apr 2026
Hello Jacques, I agree, the music was great Friday evening. I invite you to try our new menu, which will be released very soon. Our aim is to have all aspects of Upstairs be great. Please ask for me on your next visit. Sincerely, Joel
Photo of Rebel Kennedy
16 Apr 2026
Source: Google
4.7

We were looking for something to do on a random Tuesday night in April while we were here. Found this wonderful hidden gem. McGill students playing live for experience in a great bar. Found was good. Everyone was they just to chill and listen to some good live music.

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Restaurant response
Response added on 17 Apr 2026
Thank you for stopping by and sharing an evening with us. It's great to be able to listen to the next generation of musicians. Hope to see you again in the future.
Photo of Gusto Tours
14 Apr 2026
Source: Google
3.7

Nice place. Good music. There's a parking area just in front. I hoped to hear different jazz styles. Was too repetitive for me. The food was very unflavored. I ordered seafood casserole, it it was surprisingly tasteless. My husband ordered a burger. Wasn’t happy either. We paid around 120 for 2 dishes, sparkling water and the entrance fee. Too packed also. The tables could be a bit far from each other. Four stars for the atmosphere , the band and the overall mood. Thank you!

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Photo of Mark Schneider Law Office
12 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

My favorite place to listen to jazz. Awesome music and very good audience. We drive up from New York to Montreal to go there.

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Photo of B Stolz
12 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Afro cuban group Davinci did an incredible set!

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Photo of Customer Service
11 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Second time at Upstairs for a casual dinner and cocktails, and it didn’t disappoint. Once again, a great experience, excellent food, great music, and a really enjoyable atmosphere. Definitely a spot we’ll keep coming back to.

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Restaurant response
Response added on 11 Apr 2026
Always nice to hear of people enjoying themselves at our club. Thanks so much for sharing.
Photo of Maggie Knauss
10 Apr 2026
Source: Google
4.3

Amazing atmosphere and vibe. We got such great service and had a fantastic time hearing some blues during our trip to Montreal. The food was tasty but nothing amazing, we attending the early seating where dinner is required but you may choose to attend the later one and just get snacks and drinks and enjoy some great music!

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Restaurant response
Response added on 10 Apr 2026
Thank you Maggie for taking the time to share your experience with us. I'll relay your message to our staff about the great service. We'll be releasing our new menu by the end of the month. So please stop by in the future to try it out. Of course, coming in for the later sets and enjoying the music with a drink is a great option as well. Thanks again and we appreciate your feedback.
Photo of Kurt Hughes
5 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Fabulous experience here! The music was incredible (an extraordinary local group did a Roy Hargrove retrospective) and the staff super attentive, friendly, and efficient. We had a great evening! I liked going to the later show so we could linger over drinks and talk after the music was done.

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Photo of Iustin Dumitru
4 Apr 2026
Source: Google
2.3

We’ve been loyal customers of Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill for years and have always appreciated the atmosphere and quality of performances, which makes this review particularly disappointing to write. Last evening, we made the effort to drive a significant distance specifically to attend what we believed would be a Cuban jazz performance, based on a previous experience with the same artist. Unfortunately, the music turned out to be a mix of funk and other American jazz styles, which was not what we expected. While it may not have been explicitly advertised, clearer communication about the style of the performance would help avoid this kind of misunderstanding. More concerning, however, was the overall experience during the show. We were seated very close to the stage in an already tight layout, next to a visibly intoxicated individual (likely under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs) who was disruptive throughout the evening. He repeatedly encroached on our space to the point where we had to physically move our table just to maintain minimal comfort. This behavior was noticeable to others as well. Although staff appeared aware of the situation, no meaningful action was taken to address it. We did ask if we could be moved, but no alternative seating was offered. Ultimately, the experience was uncomfortable and overshadowed the entire evening. As a gesture, one of the two tickets was removed from our bill, which we do appreciate. However, given the circumstances - including the long drive, the misleading expectations about the performance, and the lack of intervention regarding a disruptive guest - we feel that a more substantial response would have been appropriate. It’s unfortunate to say, but this will be our last visit. It’s a real shame, as this used to be one of our favorite spots in Montreal. We hope management takes these concerns seriously, both in terms of clearer event descriptions and ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for guests. MY PREVIOUS REVIEW: We’ve been to Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill around fifteen times over the years, and it remains one of our favorite spots in Montreal for live music. The atmosphere is always inviting, intimate, warm, and with that unmistakable charm that makes jazz feel alive and close. The lineup is consistently strong, from local talents to seasoned performers, and the sound quality in the room is fantastic. The beer is good but the selection is not solid, same for food is good, though I’d love to see the menu refreshed from time to time (perhaps every couple of years) just to keep things interesting. The current dishes are well-prepared, but the variety could be a bit broader. Still, the overall experience more than makes up for it: good service, great music, and a cozy setting that never loses its appeal.

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Restaurant response
Response added on 4 Apr 2026
Hello, I am so sorry to hear that your experience yesterday was not at the level that you are accustomed to at Upstairs. Please rest assured that I will look into what happened, as it is our goal that everyone walks away with a great overall experience. Please private message me at [email protected] so we can discuss it further.-Sincerely, Joel
Photo of Cybile Bénédict
3 Apr 2026
Source: Google
3.0

The show was amazing but the food and the drinks we're just ok unfortunately. I had the duck and some sangria. The service was very friendly so I might go back and choose something else from the menu!

Restaurant response
Response added on 4 Apr 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience with us and highlighting some of the positive points. We are currently in the process of creating our new menu and will be releasing it by the end of April. We hope to welcome you again in the future and that you will have a better overall experience.
Photo of Julie
2 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

I can’t say enough about this establishment. 5 star all around, especially the blues band tonight! What a way to end our getaway to Montréal!

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Response added on 3 Apr 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. Otis Ali and his blues group are awesome. Glad we could be part of your Montreal memories.
Photo of ndgtraveller
29 Mar 2026
Source: Google
5.0

The Upstairs jazz bar is a great place to go to be reminded of just how much wonderful talent there is in this crazy world. Always a terrific experience. Highly recommended.

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Response added on 29 Mar 2026
We completely agree. So many great artists and we’re lucky to have so many great musicians call Montreal their home as well. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive comments with us.
Photo of Walid Naja
29 Mar 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Unforgettable evening (10-OCT-2025). Live music, Annika Chambers & Paul Deslauriers were awesome. UPSTAIRS Jazz Montreal is a new favorite place for me and my wife. This is an update, yesterday (28-MAR-2026) was Joaquin Nunez & Habana Safari night. Awesome group, awesome music and performance, awesome place, as usual.

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Response added on 29 Mar 2026
It warms our heart to know that you truly enjoy our club and the music. Those were 2 great shows, for sure. Thank you so much for sharing. It means a lot to us.
Photo of Holly Hykawy
28 Mar 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Superb music in a great atmosphere!

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Restaurant response
Response added on 28 Mar 2026
Thank you Holly! Makes us happy that you enjoyed your experience.

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