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!
Reviews / Ratings for Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill
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
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.
It’s a wonderful intimate music venue. I can’t recommend it highly enough,
I had a wonderful night visiting that place during a Cuban jazz session. It was truly amazing!
Fabulous! Our second time here, from Vermont. Love it. Plan to make more trips up here specifically for dinner and music at Upstairs.
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.
Music and vibe was fantastic.
Amazing night , best jazz club in Montreal
Always fun with great musicians and good food. Taurey Butler's trio puts on an excellent show, among others.
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.
Go there for great music not for food
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.
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!
My favorite place to listen to jazz. Awesome music and very good audience. We drive up from New York to Montreal to go there.
Afro cuban group Davinci did an incredible set!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Superb music in a great atmosphere!
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Opening hours
- Sunday 17:30 - 01:00
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday 17:30 - 01:00
- Wednesday 17:30 - 01:00
- Thursday 17:30 - 01:00
- Friday 17:30 - 01:00
- Saturday 17:30 - 01:00
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