Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill is praised for its intimate, warm atmosphere and the strong live jazz that many consider among Montreal's best. The small venue offers excellent acoustics and sightlines, with the ambience described as cozy, romantic, or electric depending on the night. Reservations are highly recommended because shows fill up, and seating can be tight with a few tables offering less optimal views. Service is frequently described as friendly and attentive, though some visits report slower service during peak times and occasional missteps. The food range is generally good to very good, with several dishes highlighted, but some reviews note inconsistency in temperature or quality and meals arriving not hot enough. The music earns high marks for talent and variety, though some nights feature louder or more vocal sets; choosing the lineup in advance and opting for instrumental sets is advised. Price point is often described as on the higher side for a jazz club, with value tied to the ambience and performances but some feel it can be pricey when dining. Overall, Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill remains a beloved destination for jazz lovers, delivering great music in a cozy venue with caveats about seating, service speed during busy shows, and occasional food inconsistencies.
Great food & service. The vibe & the music were awesome.
One comment is that the singer was too loud at times shouting . I think in an intimate venue with a low ceiling it would have been a bit more pleasant on the ears if his mic was turned down a bit.
Overall a great evening.
Jan 12, 2026
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Great venue, the ambiance is groovy & intimate! The band was GREAT (Remi-jean LEBLANC Quartet PLAYS STEVIE WONDER), unfortunately the vocals were waayyyy too loud (according to my brother's nerdy smartwatch, drums maxed at 85 dB while vocals peaked at over 112dB when she sang her stronger/higher notes, as even when belting, she never held the mic away from her lips). People tensed & winced & some literally covered their ears. We mentioned it to a waiter - in vain. Still, beautiful voice & clever jazz adaptations of Steve Wonder's hits!
Service was great, but the food was generally ordinary. (I don't recommend the ceviche, tacos or burgers) The egg noodles with sun-dried tomatoes & creamy sauce was amazing - & the cheese cake too!
My wife & I have been going to the Upstairs Jazz Bar & have enjoyed the food, ambience & great jazz for many years. The intimate atmosphere of this iconic jazz club is perfectly suited for both traditional & modern jazz bands to play in. Excellent food & a great bar along with great service contribute to very pleasant & enriching dinner & jazz evenings!
Joel Giberovitch is an outstanding owner & host who has been serving the Montreal jazz community for over 30 years! Upstairs is deservedly a regular venue in the Montreal Jazz Festival.
We've been to Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill around fifteen times over the years, & it remains one of our favorite spots in Montreal for live music. The atmosphere is always inviting, intimate, warm, & with that unmistakable charm that makes jazz feel alive & close. The lineup is consistently strong, from local talents to seasoned performers, & 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, & a cozy setting that never loses its appeal.
First time checking out Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill on a late Sunday night. There's up to 3 sets with cover ranging from free to $15.00.
The inside is intimate, dimly lit with a mix of seat options. Checked out a 10pm show (free cover) that featured a quartet but the show was only 35 min. Ordered a Belle Gueule blonde ($5.00) & Sauvignon blanc ($10.00). 3.5 stars.
Been here several times now, the most intimate & nicest jazz club I've been to! Patrons are respectful & keep quiet during the performances. You can actually enjoy the music as opposed to many other venues which have loud patrons which I find disrespectful. Will definitely be attending many shows in the future!
Oct 4, 2025
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I had a great experience last Friday as I went with my friend to watch a show. Music was great, cocktails were great & the place super cozy & intimate. Would recommend for a date!
If you're looking for a cozy spot to hear jazz then you have to visit Upstairs. Make sure to make a reservation which was easy online. & then get ready for a very intimate jazz club with great food. & of course great drinks. I sat at the bar & had a great time with the server while listening to a really good jazz sextet playing mostly original music.
Music almost every night a week I think….& always changing.
A very satisfying jazz club evening!
Jul 27, 2025
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