Reviews describe Diese Onze Jazz Bar as a cozy basement venue that punches above its weight with outstanding live jazz, a warm intimate atmosphere, and a crowd that keeps coming back for both the music and the vibe. The performances are often intimate and energetic, with sound that stays clear from most seats and a small stage that makes the musicians feel up close. The food and drinks are praised for quality and a thoughtful selection, including cocktails and cheese, though some guests note prices can be high and the menu lacks more side dishes. Reservations are frequently recommended because the place fills up, especially for popular nights like big band or Tuesday shows. Service is generally described as friendly and efficient, with staff handling busy nights well, though occasional slowdowns or staffing constraints are mentioned. Overall, Diese Onze Jazz Bar is seen as a true Montreal jazz institution with a distinctive vibe that blends great music, a cozy setting, and dependable hospitality, making it a go-to for jazz lovers and a memorable night out.
What an incredible first experience at Diese Onze Jazz Bar! My coworkers told me this place was a true institution for jazz in the Plateau neighborhood, & I couldn't agree more. We were there for Big Band Tuesdays with Joe Sullivan & it was simply spectacular.
The place was absolutely packed for the Tuesday 7:00 pm show, which speaks volumes about its popularity. Seeing a 17-musician Big Band on such a small, intimate stage was truly impressive. The passion & energy from the musicians were absolutely contagious-it was a breathtaking show! You absolutely have to call & book ahead of time, as this place is incredibly popular.
The entire night was exceptional, not just the music. The food was great; our poke bowl & burger + dessert were all delicious. A huge shoutout to the server who was working all the tables; she was so friendly & provided amazing service despite seeming to be the only one working, along with the fantastic bar staff of course!
This was a great evening out, & it certainly won't be my last. If you're looking for a genuine, high-quality jazz club in Montreal, Dies Onze is the place to be. Can't wait to go back!
A classic jazz club with outstanding music. Also friendly helpful waitstaff & reasonable food at reasonable prices. Basement location provides an atmosphere that's a nice mix of bar vibe, intimacy, & wood-panel elegance.
$15 cover.
We suggest you reserve for dinner so that you get a good seat with a view of the performance. Otherwise you'll likely still get seated but no great view.
This is truly a Montreal institution for jazz lovers. Wide variety of music showcased each week, from big band jazz to intimate duos & trios, all top notch. Sound is excellent from almost anywhere - it's a very small club (& reservations are definitely recommended) with a small stage which makes for interesting layouts for the larger groups. Cover charge is reasonable (varies but averages $20) with a reduced price if you stay for the second set. Note if you do make a reservation you are expected to order at least some food.
It's easy to miss the basement entrance walking by though there's a small signboard. Note that due to the structural reality of a basement, there is a column that can partially obstruct certain seat views, especially from the curved middle off the bar. (That's the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars for atmosphere, otherwise it's a fantastic place)
My experience is that the staff are professional, friendly & provide good service (some others have apparently felt otherwise). It's a small place with few staff so the busy servers & bartender have a lot to juggle & do it well.
The bar menu (including mocktails) is pretty extensive, my recent house specialty cocktail order was excellent & generously sized, yet still only $15, pretty standard.
I've read that the food menu was upgraded recently. I can say that my'tapas' (small plate) chowder bowl - yes it was big bowl - was fantastic & very reasonably priced ($20) - rich flavorful broth, generous portions of fish, mussels, clams, shrimp, calamari, & octopus - all very fresh, hot & served with four toasted baguette slices. I also had an amazing chocolate mousse cake with an attractively plated side pool of berry sauce & berries - a large portion again reasonably priced at $15. My friends had a couple of the plats (main dishes) that looked great. (Menu is available at their website.) They come often & love the food so that is another vote of confidence!
The total bill (drink, food, cover charge, Quebec tax & tip) came in at around $90 & it was money well spent for a superb evening of live music & food. Friendly customers too. It's an institution for good reason!
Note that while the staff are all bilingual, usually the performers (if local) only will talk in French from the stage.
Great jazz club tucked away in a hip & happening part of the city. Intimate setting, great acoustics, exceptional service. A must for any jazz aficionado passing through or living in the city full-time.
We enjoyed the warm ambience & engaged audience for the Marianne Trudel trip (who were fantastic!!). The club is geared to the music with numerous tables facing the small corner stage. A reservation is a smart. The kitchen was closed so I can't comment on the food.
The steak was exactly how a steak in a basement jazz club oughta be: not the best in the world but very impressive; bloody, salty, & I had to fight it a bit. It was lying ceremoniously atop a bunch of stuff that is good for me. Their poke bowl & desserts are wonderful. I'll have to return for some tartare. The music is top notch as well as the drinks.
Dec 7, 2024
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Arrived with a half hour to spare before 9:30 start but only single seats near the door available. So...reservations recommended even on a snowy bitter cold night. But it is the music that counts, & this club has proved itself as one of the best to hear live jazz indoors. Some seats partial view. Excellent Olde Fashion & house gin off the drink menu.
Basement jazz club. Reservations strongly recommended, at least for the weekend. We came on a Saturday of the Labor Day long weekend & all of the seating, including at the bar, with visibility to the band was full. There was also seating without visibility that was mostly empty.
