Minton's Playhouse

Hi I was there tonight and it was a horrible experience. First of all, they claim to be a jazz club but it doesn’t seem like. Yes, there was a jazz show but nobody announced the musicians and the audience was so loud that nobody could hear the music. People were talking so loud as if they intended to be louder than musicians on the stage, and definitely almost no one cared about the music being played. I am so sorry for musicians. It is so disrespectful! Then the club put on a very loud music in the break, and that music has nothing to do with jazz btw. Waiters are also completely incompetent and disrespectful. Some broke the glasses, another spilled the water on my husband, then they seem in rush to take a plate before you are even done eating. On the top of that the food is not good, and the waitress that was serving us did not make us aware that the tip was already included. She made us pay not showing actual receipt before so we discovered that we did leave additional tip only after we paid, otherwise we would have not left a second tip. To say it was a poor experience is definitely not enough and I wouldn’t go there again or recommend this place to others. Unfortunately this experience makes me realize that we live in the world full of dilettantes and people who have no idea what culture is.

Tolles Erlebnis! Wer mal originalen Jazz in Harlem erleben möchte ist hier definitiv richtig.

Let me be clear: I love Minton's, its history, and its existence. Here's what I don't love that, honestly, makes me question how often I will see shows here: You're offered two kinds of water: still or sparkling. These are both bottled. If you want tap water, you need to ask for it. As 1st world and really?! as this is, now you know. Gratuity is added to the bill and you're not told about it. Lesson: don't be in a hurry when the bill comes, and before you hand over a card (because on 4/12/24, they didn't have change for payment made with a $100 bill), ask to see the bill in toto. Completely. I was very happy with my service. Happy such that I tipped $10 cash on what I thought was a $48.97 (post-tax) bill. Nope. Only when I asked for the receipt did I see the bill pre-tax was $36. Gratuity added without my knowledge or permission was $7.60. Add my $10 cash, and the joke is on me. Venues like Minton's are necessary for performing artists, their supporters, their fans, NYC residents, and city visitors. Procedures like this, however, are shady and completely disrespectful to the patrons. Minton's, you're on notice: we welcomed you back from a long duration of not being open. Please correct what is I doubt intentional - thoughtless, assumptive addition of gratuity without making guests aware of this - pronto.

We came here for dessert and the show. This place has a great vibe. The band had 13 people on stage and put on a good show, although we don't know how they all fit on stage. I'll definitely be back.

So happy they've re-opened! Great music, service & food!

An absolute must visit if you like jazz. The music and atmosphere is wonderful, and the food is brilliant too!