Le Upstairs, ce sont des spectacles de jazz de grande qualité, auxquels vous pourrez assister confortablement assis dans un sofa, un verre à la main ou en dégustant un savoureux repas.
Les avis décrivent Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill comme un lieu intime et chaleureux, idéal pour écouter du jazz en direct et profiter d'une atmosphère conviviale. Le programme va d'artistes locaux à des invités, offrant des performances énergiques et souvent mémorables. La nourriture et les boissons sont généralement bien accueillies, avec plusieurs plats et boissons jugés savoureux et de bonne valeur, bien que quelques commentaires signalent des plats arrivant tièdes ou un menu à renouveler. L'atmosphère est souvent décrite comme romantique ou chaleureuse, adaptée pour une soirée ou un dîner musical; toutefois la salle peut être bondée et le placement des tables serré lors des heures de pointe. Le service est fréquemment chaleureux et efficace, avec des compliments pour le personnel attentif, mais certains trouvent le service plus lent lors des soirées très fréquentées. Les réservations sont recommandées, surtout pour les spectacles populaires, et il est utile de savoir qui joue à l'avance pour choisir une bonne table. Dans l'ensemble, Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill est perçu comme une référence montréalaise pour les amateurs de jazz, offrant régulièrement une musique mémorable et une ambiance distinctive.
There are two jazz bars left in Montreal. The same 4-5 musicians play the same sets, about 2 or 3 singers. This is indicative of a highly'elitist' culture of gatekeepers. I was photographed by patrons here on two occasions, they used flash. It was embarrassing. Have fun with your mediocre selection. & don't reply with some gaslighting. The vibes are way off.
Cozy little spot with a great atmosphere. Seating is a bit tight, reserve a good table & get there early. Service was excellent sitting at the bar. The reason for coming here is the music! Wow what a great show! I appreciate they ask people to be quiet during the set.
We've been loyal customers of Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill for years & have always appreciated the atmosphere & quality of performances, which makes this review particularly disappointing to write.
Last evening, we made the effort to drive a significant distance specifically to attend what we believed would be a Cuban jazz performance, based on a previous experience with the same artist. Unfortunately, the music turned out to be a mix of funk & other American jazz styles, which was not what we expected. While it may not have been explicitly advertised, clearer communication about the style of the performance would help avoid this kind of misunderstanding.
More concerning, however, was the overall experience during the show. We were seated very close to the stage in an already tight layout, next to a visibly intoxicated individual (likely under the influence of alcohol &/or drugs) who was disruptive throughout the evening. He repeatedly encroached on our space to the point where we had to physically move our table just to maintain minimal comfort. This behavior was noticeable to others as well.
Although staff appeared aware of the situation, no meaningful action was taken to address it. We did ask if we could be moved, but no alternative seating was offered. Ultimately, the experience was uncomfortable & overshadowed the entire evening.
As a gesture, one of the two tickets was removed from our bill, which we do appreciate. However, given the circumstances - including the long drive, the misleading expectations about the performance, & the lack of intervention regarding a disruptive guest - we feel that a more substantial response would have been appropriate.
It's unfortunate to say, but this will be our last visit. It's a real shame, as this used to be one of our favorite spots in Montreal. We hope management takes these concerns seriously, both in terms of clearer event descriptions & ensuring a safe & comfortable environment for guests.
MY PREVIOUS REVIEW:
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.
The Upstairs jazz bar is a great place to go to be reminded of just how much wonderful talent there is in this crazy world. Always a terrific experience. Highly recommended.
Really disappointing experience overall. The main act cancelled last minute & 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 & weren't being addressed.
On top of that, the drinks were disappointing (the martini tasted mostly like olive juice, & the Encore cocktail wasn't good either). Overall, the experience didn't match the expectations for a jazz bar night out.
3 mars 2026
sur Google
🍽️
Sachez où manger à Montréal avant tout le monde.
Découvrez en primeur les ouvertures les plus branchées, des menus secrets et les coups de cœur de RestoMontreal.ca. Rejoignez plus de 50 000 foodies.
Le vendredi 27 février 2026 était notre première expérience au Upstairs. Nous étions assis au bar & avions réservé pour 18h. Le barman était bien sympathique & ses cocktails étaient délicieux. Nous avons commandé des entrées à partager & tout était très bon. Le spectacle de jazz était VRAIMENT super, avec des musiciens vraiiiiment exceptionnels. Une très belle soirée, à refaire!!
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
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.
I had a very nice evening at this jazz club. The food exceeeded my expectations for a club. The barmaid was very attentive. Atmosphere was perfect. The audience was sympa.
15 janv. 2026
sur Google
🍽️
Sachez où manger à Montréal avant tout le monde.
Découvrez en primeur les ouvertures les plus branchées, des menus secrets et les coups de cœur de RestoMontreal.ca. Rejoignez plus de 50 000 foodies.
Visited Upstairs Jazz bar during a 48 hour trip to Montreal, atmosphere was wonderful & service was great. Food & drink prices were reasonable. Overall a great experience & would 100% go again; & recommend a friend to go here.
They should revisited their'vins à la carte' simply not possible to drink it. Surprising for a Jazz bar downtown. Also it took 20 min just to order & we had to insist someone come at our table to take the order.
Had a wonderful evening with an amazing CD launch. The vibe is always great … typical jazz room…& love the listening room rules. My only less than positive comment would be that there there were approximately three too many patrons sitting at the bar. We usually sit at the bar when we go to music & restaurant venues & this night it was actually too tightly packed where you had difficulty raising your elbows to cut your food. The food was however excellent once it reached our mouths.
16 nov. 2025
sur Google
🍽️
Sachez où manger à Montréal avant tout le monde.
Découvrez en primeur les ouvertures les plus branchées, des menus secrets et les coups de cœur de RestoMontreal.ca. Rejoignez plus de 50 000 foodies.
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.
Don't let the name fool you... Upstairs Bar & Grill is actually downstairs! I got in last-minute off the waitlist for a seat at the bar, & I'm so glad I did.
The vibe is lively & welcoming, with very friendly fellow patrons (definitely a late Gen X/Boomer crowd overall; think relaxed, music-loving regulars rather than rowdy kids). Service was warm & personable; it was a packed house so things were a little slow, but totally understandable & handled with grace.
Food was a standout: I had the salmon salad & it was fantastic. Great value, flavourful, clearly a well-thought-out menu overall. Drinks were also on point: I enjoyed a well-balanced dirty vodka martini made with a new-to-me top-shelf vodka, & the wine selection looked solid.
The space was completely packed, which speaks to how popular it is, though part of me wished there had been room to dance. Can't have it all, I guess!
Would definitely go back for the atmosphere, the food, & that martini. Highly recommend grabbing a bar seat if you can snag one.
