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.
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 & you won't be disappointed.
I had an amazing time at Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill. I sat at the bar for the show. My bartender was very attentive & kind. It was the night before Valentines Day & I was solo but I didn't feel awkward or lonely. The band was fantastic & the venue was cozy & romantic
Feb 15, 2026
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Complètement agréable!
Pour une 1re visite, moi & mon épouse avons adoré l'ambiance, le show de Dorothée Berryman & la nourriture. L'intimité du restaurant me faisait croire que je me trouve dans les années d'or du jazz.
On va revenir assurément. Merci!
Nice place for a drink 🍹
Menu varié, portions plutôt moyennes à petites.
Jazz music 🎶, belle ambiance, mais les chansons étaient toutes en brésilien.
Il faudrait informer les clients lors de la réservation, surtout qu'il y a 17,50 $ à payer pour la musique . Service gateau aussi non mentionné!
Incredible evening with friends at the early dinner show of Diavinci Code!
The band was very entertaining & talented!
We try to go to Upstairs 2-3 times a year as it it our favourite evening in Montreal.
The food is always good( could be a little warmer upon arrival to the table), the service is spot on with a smile & the ambiance is electric.
A special mention to the hardworking & friendly manager Marianne. Someone took my husband's coat by mistake ( with our house keys in it) & she diligently called all the people on the reservations list & found his coat!! Talk about going above & beyond!
Thank you for a great night against n!
It may have been freezing outside but the Charles Ellison Quintet was sizzlin' hot! Thank you Joel & crew at Upstairs for making the evening so FANTASTIC once again. xoxXO
Visited during the Montreal Jazz Festival. This is a cool little grotto with excellent sound & sight lines to the stage. Staff & the guy at the door were friendly & welcoming. They speak English & français aussi. Will definitely be back!
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.
A friend brought me to listen to the McGill students perform jazz, it was a lovely evening. The place was packed & performances were on a high, performing to a supportive crowd. The dinner was delicious & 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.
