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.
Reviews / Ratings for Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill
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.
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 :)
Just wow. We went there for a late Valentine date... Amazing food, amazing music. Cosy atmosphere. I loved it !!!
Warm atmosphere and incredible jazz everytime. Great sound and the musicians are top notch.
The band Masson Stomp was amazing!
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!
Excellent as usual
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.
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
Everything was just amazing. Highly recommend!
Great experience! Yummy food (red snapper)! Amazing Christmas Jazz!
We got sushed for no reason while the band was playing. Don't go there on a Tuesday Nights! Food and service, amazing!
Great music, great atmosphere, great staff! The only downside was some of the audience weren’t there for the music and talked too loudly.
Decent food in a cozy and busy jazz club. Music was wonderful.
It may have been freezing outside but the Charles Ellison Quintet was sizzlin' hot! Thank you Joel and crew at Upstairs for making the evening so FANTASTIC once again. xoxXO
We had a wonderful night at Upstairs Jazz Bar for the Upstairs Jam Session with Jim Doxas on Wednesday. Food was excellent (recommend the aubergine parmesan, but lots of the plates going by looked delicious). Exceptional jazz! If you are in Montreal, be sure to make a reservation for Wednesdays at Upstairs Jazz.
Great vibe..great music…higly recommend
A friend brought me to listen to the McGill students perform jazz, it was a lovely evening. The place was packed and performances were on a high, performing to a supportive crowd. The dinner was delicious and served in good time, despite the crowd. I honestly don't know how the servers kept up, but they did with such finesse, it was impressive.
An outstanding jazz venue in downtown Montreal. Upstairs Jazz Club consistently delivers top-tier performances, and the McGill University jazz combos are a true delight—an impressive concentration of talent in an intimate setting. The atmosphere is warm and close-up, the food is good and reasonably priced, and the service is genuinely welcoming. A practical bonus: indoor parking just across the street for about $8. Well located and easy to access, this is a must-visit spot for jazz lovers in Montreal.
Excellent place to appreciate great talent and good taste in music ! I went to Upstairs and it was a very good experience. Lots of excellent talented, young and energetic musicians, and I was very surprised they were on the first year of studies, what a promising future, congratulations ! The audio quality is good and every musician was very positive, easy going with good vibes, inviting the listener to want more performances being played. First time I have visited this place and I would go back for sure.
My favorite activity in Montreal so far. Amazing vibes, Michelle sweeny was there and it was impeccable.
Excellent atmosphere, hospitality and food.
Great food, service and amazing music!
Upstairs is a cozy, comfortable jazz club that hosts a lot of great local talent. It has great service, good food, and a wonderful atmosphere. I am a local Montreal-er and highly recommend it!
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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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