Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill

Kurt Hughes (62 reviews)

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.

Iustin Dumitru (26 reviews)

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.

Cybile Bénédict (167 reviews)

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!

Julie (6 reviews)

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!

ndgtraveller (70 reviews)

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.

Walid Naja (10 reviews)

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.

Holly Hykawy (10 reviews)

28 Mar 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Superb music in a great atmosphere!

Erica L (11 reviews)

27 Mar 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Great time on a Thursday evening. Had the smashburger. Welcoming staff. Saw the Taurey Butler trio, fabulous jazz piano trio... will definitely be back to see them again! Highly recommend the second show, less crowded. Thank you for an amazing experience!

Calvin Kwong (10 reviews)

20 Mar 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Food was delicious and the staff were very friendly. Once the band started, we just chilled and vibed with the atmosphere

Mel Larkin (10 reviews)

17 Mar 2026

Source: Google

4.7

Busy, cozy little jazz spot with great cocktails and a romantic, dreamy vibe. Feels like you’re on the set of a movie. It was busy when we went so we waited quite awhile for our drinks and food but didn’t mind at all because the music was so good

C. de Saint-Rome (2 reviews)

27 Feb 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Great show tonight...Bruzzese, Pilc. Coleman, and White...wow! Wonderful food and service as always!!!

Yamane Music (12 reviews)

26 Feb 2026

Source: Google

1.0

I've never been so disrespected by any staff anywhere. First, the live band was changed last minute. Second, the waitresses came to our table and SHUSHED us twice in less than 5 minutes, even though I promise we were not the loudest table. We were also all the way in the back, so there was no way the band was hearing us. When we complained that we had been shushed twice even though we reduced our volume, the waitress said "If we told you twice it means we're right". Super super super rude. I'm a musician, we've never shushed an audience and forced our music on them. Plus, I ordered a dirty martini that was basically olive juice, absolutely disgusting. We left after 20 minutes of arriving due to the abnormally mean service. If you want people not to talk, say that at the beginning of the performance, second, be kind while asking for it. Absolutely never returning.

Karin Kedikian (5 reviews)

26 Feb 2026

Source: Google

1.0

Really disappointing experience overall. The main act cancelled last minute and was replaced by another band, which already set a different tone for the evening. We arrived on time but our table wasn’t ready, so we had to wait about 10–15 minutes. When we were finally seated, it was all the way in the back near the kitchen/bathroom area where we could barely see the band. While trying to have a normal conversation at our table with instrumental jazz playing, the staff repeatedly told us we were too loud, even though nearby tables were much louder and weren’t being addressed. On top of that, the drinks were disappointing (the martini tasted mostly like olive juice, and the Encore cocktail wasn’t good either). Overall, the experience didn’t match the expectations for a jazz bar night out.

S M (3 reviews)

23 Feb 2026

Source: Google

4.7

We really enjoyed our evening here. It’s a fantastic venue and the live music (Masson Stomp) was excellent, as were the acoustics. Thanks to a cancellation, we got the “worst” (as per their own floor plan) table in the house at the 7pm show but it was more than fine. Food was good to very good, I docked a star because my meal wasn’t quite hot enough by the time it got to me and the vegetables were slightly undercooked but it was still very tasty. My companion’s meal was very good. Very interesting selection of 0% beers. Service was very friendly and excellent!!! We’ll be back :)

Leona Mbonyingingo (19 reviews)

23 Feb 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Just wow. We went there for a late Valentine date... Amazing food, amazing music. Cosy atmosphere. I loved it !!!

noga zaitzov hassin (8 reviews)

22 Feb 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Warm atmosphere and incredible jazz everytime. Great sound and the musicians are top notch.

Sabrina Baran (36 reviews)

22 Feb 2026

Source: Google

5.0

The band Masson Stomp was amazing!

Cynthia Bennett (1 review)

22 Feb 2026

Source: Google

2.3

The service was truly terrible. 20 minutes before anyone spoke to us, half an hour to get our drinks, then another hour to get our food. It was also cold, but I didn't want to end it back because who knows how long it would take to ever see it again. We had no napkins, the waiter never came back to fill water glasses. Train your young staff better!

Arlene Cohen (7 reviews)

20 Feb 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Excellent as usual

Jacob (14 reviews)

16 Feb 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Small, but cozy with a great ambience. Dinner is expensive but worth the price. Make sure you look up who's playing when you make your reservation and you won't be disappointed.

Adrianne Spivey

15 Feb 2026

Source: Google

5.0

I had an amazing time at Upstairs Jazz Bar and Grill. I sat at the bar for the show. My bartender was very attentive and kind. It was the night before Valentines Day and I was solo but I didn’t feel awkward or lonely. The band was fantastic and the venue was cozy and romantic

Marc El-Chabab (5 reviews)

13 Feb 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Everything was just amazing. Highly recommend!

christopher biernat (2 reviews)

7 Feb 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Great experience! Yummy food (red snapper)! Amazing Christmas Jazz!

Sophie LeBouc (11 reviews)

4 Feb 2026

Source: Google

3.3

We got sushed for no reason while the band was playing. Don't go there on a Tuesday Nights! Food and service, amazing!