Poetry Jazz Café has one of the worst examples of customer service I’ve experienced in the city. There’s a serious lack of professionalism, organization, and basic respect toward guests. Staff act impatient and dismissive, and instead of making people feel welcome, the energy is tense and uncomfortable.
The service feels disorganized, and it’s not clear who’s in charge or even interested in helping customers. Simple questions or payment issues are handled with attitude instead of understanding. It gives the impression that the staff don’t actually want people there — which completely ruins the vibe the place is supposed to have.
It’s a shame because the concept of the café sounds great, but the way it’s run takes away from what could be a really nice experience. If you care about being treated decently and want to enjoy your night without unnecessary stress, I’d recommend going somewhere else.
David Woodbridge
Bands are good, however, the atmosphere and interior design are not good. They tried to overcharge.
Teanah Willis
Did not enjoy ourselves unfortunately. A group of 4 paid $20 each for what we thought was going to be jazz. The band was very off key. There was no sink between them. The drummer had lots of solos of which felt like rock hard drums. I did like the one Blues song that was played but the vibes were off in the venue. Be prepared to pay the second your drinks come or give up your credit card for them to hold. I understand the reasoning is to avoid people fleeing but it interrupted us from feeling comfortable and felt more abrupt and hostile from the waitress. Also I was under the impression that if you sit at the bar you may not have to pay for the jazz event, even tho you can see and hear it, as they were asking who was here to watch the jazz and charged those. We left after the third song as we were not feeling the vibes. However I haven’t given up on jazz I think it was just the particular group perhaps.
Kelly Lv
The Evan porter band and the DJ named D-Roc have some serious skills. I enjoyed the music so much.
Jenn Sin
If this is intended to be reminiscent of the Poetry in Kensington, it’s failed. If this is intended to be a landmark of jazz, it’s left wanting.
Everything here feels artificial. It’s what jazz wants to be without the effort, authenticity, or passion.
The bartender doesn’t know what she’s doing - even though she tries to look to part. After sending back cocktails that weren’t even a whisper of what they were supposed to be, the manager (owner?) asked me if I knew what ingredients belonged in the drink and had the audacity to tell me that if I didn’t know the ingredients, how would I be able to say what it should taste like.
This was not a pleasant experience at all. As an avid jazz and cocktail lover, I was left wanting in venue, music, and service. I would not recommend if you know music or good drinks.
Kate Younghans
Such a cute place! Great music, affordable drinks
Shaneil Kapadia
Good music, can get crammed when there’s lots of people
Had a fantastic time coming here for a jazz night. Inspiring music and stories. Owner Shawn was great to give a tour of the back room as well. Has a drinks menu. No food. Looking forward to coming back. $15 entrance fee.
Ziv Shechtman
Amazing venue! Had a great time here, there was an absolute stellar jazz performance
Nick Guzik
We sat at the bar. The owner borderline groped my girlfriend while showing her to the bathroom and bullied me the entire time. Weird vibes… Great music though!
Craig Aarts
Amazing experience 10/10
Sonia Allen-Teasley
This is a cool.place if you want to chill and listen to some live music. The drinks are fantastic
Such good vibes
Poetry Jazz Café has one of the worst examples of customer service I’ve experienced in the city. There’s a serious lack of professionalism, organization, and basic respect toward guests. Staff act impatient and dismissive, and instead of making people feel welcome, the energy is tense and uncomfortable.
The service feels disorganized, and it’s not clear who’s in charge or even interested in helping customers. Simple questions or payment issues are handled with attitude instead of understanding. It gives the impression that the staff don’t actually want people there — which completely ruins the vibe the place is supposed to have.
It’s a shame because the concept of the café sounds great, but the way it’s run takes away from what could be a really nice experience. If you care about being treated decently and want to enjoy your night without unnecessary stress, I’d recommend going somewhere else.
Bands are good, however, the atmosphere and interior design are not good. They tried to overcharge.
Did not enjoy ourselves unfortunately. A group of 4 paid $20 each for what we thought was going to be jazz. The band was very off key. There was no sink between them. The drummer had lots of solos of which felt like rock hard drums. I did like the one Blues song that was played but the vibes were off in the venue. Be prepared to pay the second your drinks come or give up your credit card for them to hold. I understand the reasoning is to avoid people fleeing but it interrupted us from feeling comfortable and felt more abrupt and hostile from the waitress. Also I was under the impression that if you sit at the bar you may not have to pay for the jazz event, even tho you can see and hear it, as they were asking who was here to watch the jazz and charged those. We left after the third song as we were not feeling the vibes. However I haven’t given up on jazz I think it was just the particular group perhaps.
The Evan porter band and the DJ named D-Roc have some serious skills. I enjoyed the music so much.
If this is intended to be reminiscent of the Poetry in Kensington, it’s failed. If this is intended to be a landmark of jazz, it’s left wanting.
Everything here feels artificial. It’s what jazz wants to be without the effort, authenticity, or passion.
The bartender doesn’t know what she’s doing - even though she tries to look to part. After sending back cocktails that weren’t even a whisper of what they were supposed to be, the manager (owner?) asked me if I knew what ingredients belonged in the drink and had the audacity to tell me that if I didn’t know the ingredients, how would I be able to say what it should taste like.
This was not a pleasant experience at all. As an avid jazz and cocktail lover, I was left wanting in venue, music, and service. I would not recommend if you know music or good drinks.
Such a cute place! Great music, affordable drinks
Good music, can get crammed when there’s lots of people
Love this place. Brings out a ton of talent.
Good place for listening jazz and dinner
Restaurantji Recommends
Had a fantastic time coming here for a jazz night. Inspiring music and stories. Owner Shawn was great to give a tour of the back room as well. Has a drinks menu. No food. Looking forward to coming back. $15 entrance fee.
Amazing venue! Had a great time here, there was an absolute stellar jazz performance
We sat at the bar. The owner borderline groped my girlfriend while showing her to the bathroom and bullied me the entire time. Weird vibes… Great music though!
Amazing experience 10/10
This is a cool.place if you want to chill and listen to some live music. The drinks are fantastic
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