Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret

These bartenders don’t know what an AMF is. They struggled to get me a vodka cran. Don’t come here.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Wanted to enjoy a piano bar instead there was no piano, just a DJ and laptop. Also the hours of operation are wildly inaccurate on the website. It's says they open at 7:30p when reality they open at 10p. It's not a piano bar just another dance club, and skevee one at that.

Used to be a great establishment, but their posts on social combined with shady business practices have made this place abhorrent and unrecognizable. If you are a performing artist, go somewhere else to perform. If you are a former customer, stay FAR AWAY from this place.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

I was a musician who used to play there. Then they stopped paying us.

They texted us one morning saying all live music would be cancelled until further notice. I’ve talked to several other musicians who’ve played there too, and many of us have not even received our final checks yet.

I wish I could say this is a shock, but ever since the new owner, Houda, bought the place, they’ve been cutting corners in every way possible. All you need to do is step inside to see what a mess they’ve made of things.

A few months ago for example, I was playing my set in the front room and the new part-time manager was watching Tik Toks with his phone at FULL VOLUME. In the middle of my set. There were people who were enjoying their drinks, trying to listen to the music, and were getting visibly frustrated. The lack of self-awareness on this guy’s end would’ve been hilarious if it wasn’t interfering with people trying to have a good time.

So there you have it. The old Davenport’s is gone — the fun, weird, cute little piano bar has been replaced with just another a generic cocktail lounge. The new team here had so many opportunities to correct course over the past few weeks, but their narcissism and disrespect for the arts, artists, and the community could not be more apparent.

And to anyone considering working with them, good luck and watch your backs.

Davenport's used to be an amazing place to discover new talents and reconnect with longtime friends. The new owners have destroyed a Chicago institution.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

New owner has allowed this entire place to be trashed. Not only do they have horrible service now, they also don’t have any problems being really crass and awful on social media to the audience THEY RECEIVED when they bought the place from the old owners. They’re trying to rebrand this as a night club with bottle service. There are plenty of other establishments in Chicago that provide these experiences that DID NOT piss off an entire community of people. Whether you want cabaret tunes or a fun night club experience, this place isn’t either of them at this point. Stay far away and let this business die out.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

I've been multiple times in 14 years, including 4 or 5 times during the last year since the new owners took over. Most of what I loved about the old Davenports - the service, the talent, etc, is still just as good as it was before, but what I don't understand is when we're all there to listen/watch the show/open mic, the managers will take up a table, usually near the piano, talking and laughing over the show/performers, an obvious distraction for a number of us that are there to sing or enjoy the show.

Last time I was there, one of them was vaping the whole time, and one night, one was watching videos on his phone WITH SOUND cranked up so high that we could hear it from half way across the room (over the singers) - and when the bathrooms need attention (no paper products), they shrug and say they're on it and then just sit there. The last hour there were no towells or toilet paper.

Words of wisdom to the new owners/management, if you aren't interested in the performance & would prefer to watch videos on your phone, get high, or yuk it up with your colleagues, do it from your office and don't ruin the show for everyone else. You're making it harder for those of us who spend money to order that next drink, which hurts your employees and ultimately your bottom line.

Atmosphere: 2

Service: 5

Super unique and intimate venue to see a show. 10/10 would recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

With the Sinatra Brothers

Atmosphere great

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Warning to those who come here check your bank statements after. I got ONE drink here and tipped $2 on it and the bartender added a 1 I front of it to tip themselves $12 after handing me a cup of what tasted like old pineapple juice. My bank asked me to confirm I tipped 72% 😂

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

I came to Davenports on their Magic Night. The front bar has a great feel to it. The wait staff is very friendly and the drinks were great! The magic show was in the back theater... great time with a blend of magic and mentalisim. Thanks for the great evening!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Staff was terrific, drinks are delicious. Great little place!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had a BLAST & will be returning yearly to see this show. Simply amazing.

Only attended a cabaret show and only had drinks. Show was great. Venue is intimate. Love this place!

Parking: Per person cost was for drinks only, not including the show ticket price.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Good show in the back room

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5