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Review Highlights
“A soulful joint and the last place to feature big band jazz on a nightly basis.” in 6 reviews
“They used to have George Gee, but now it seems that the Big Bang Big Band has taken their place.” in 9 reviews
“They have swing dancing and jazz bands every night (I think) and a great deal on a tasty three course meal.” in 51 reviews
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About the Business
Business owner information
John A.
Dining Dancing Cocktails Dance Lessons Swing DJ's Live Bands - Every Single Night! Located in Midtown Manhattan's Esteemed Theater District Featuring Grammy Nominated and Award Winning Artists Perfect for Parties and Special Events
Ask the Community
Q:
Im planning on taking my husband here after dinner on a Saturday night. Do I need a reservation? What's the cover fee? Is it just sitting and listening to live music, or is there dancing involved?
A:
You only need a reservation if you want a table. I have t been there in a bit but it was around $20 to get in plays you must check your coat. There is dancing! There is a bar area to hang out in but if you want to sit in the room with the band and… more
Lisa P.4 years ago 1 person found this helpfulQ:
Are you expected to dine there? What if you want to just pay the jazz cover to enjoy music and drinks AFTER dinner?
A:
That's fine! No one will press you to buy food. At least in my experience.
Mike W.5 years ago
Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
333 reviews
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1 star
- Esther H.Brooklyn, NY370104677Apr 13, 20241 check-in
Made a reservation here for a birthday dinner and saw that they had swing lessons prior to the jazz shows so thought it would be a great experience to check out.
The host at the front was very pleasant and friendly! Walked us through to our table which was located to the left of the stage.
Our waiter was very nice as well, he gave us some food highlights. Before the swing class he made sure to let us know that it was starting and gave us the option of waiting to have the entrees served after the swing lessons were over so it wouldn't be cold.
Paolo who was the instructor was so patient and fun ! I think it was a 15-20 minute class in front of the stage. The live band even popped in and played a great swing song to practice too!
We ordered jazzy fries and calamari for appetizers, they were very good and fresh. For entrees we picked the braised beef ribs and the maple pork chop. The meat was very tender and practically fell off the bone!
The show that we caught was George Gee Swing Orchestra. They were amazing and the speaker was very presentable.
Overall a great experience and ambiance. Would definitely go back again!Helpful 1Thanks 1Love this 1Oh no 0 - Dec 13, 2023
Walking down "Restaurant Row", the host saw us looking at menus and convinced us to stop in. It's free to sit at the bar but you have to pay a cover to go into the back room where the live music is. You can still hear the music and you have a small TV screen to watch.
The bartender was friendly and the drinks were ok. Happy hour was buy 1 full price drink, get a free house wine or $8 beer.
We ordered some appetizers throughout the night and they were all average at best. The wings were probably our favorite as they fell off the bone so easily. The Bruschetta was pretty good as well but sharing 3 pieces of bread is annoying. The crab cake and shrimp cocktail were pretty fishy and not amazing. The calamari just seemed like typical frozen calamari rings.
Overall, cool old dive bar atmosphere with live music. Drinks are better than the food and service was average.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 1 - Sharon I.Miami, FL2622940Apr 15, 2024
This place is 10 stars all day! We came here many years ago and loved it and on our recent trip to NY we, by chance, stumbled on it while en route to another restaurant. We immediately cancelled our other plans and opted to go here instead. If you want to sit in the area where the band plays and the dance floor is, there is a very reasonable $20 per person charge. When you consider how many musicians there are and how long they play for, I am astonished at some of other reviews complaining about the cover. It is so reasonable for the quality of the entertainment. There is an option to sit in another part to have dinner and drinks with no cover, although you can still enjoy the band. We loved sitting facing the stage and watching the band and happily paid the charge. Many of the diners enjoyed the dance floor and the music was sensational. Our server was excellent and the food was delicious. We had the Bruschetta, the Pasta Orecchiette and the Rigatoni with Shrimp which were excellent. I am a wine drinker so I didn't sample the cocktails! The atmosphere is so romantic, the staff were friendly and really accommodating. A special thanks to the lovely host who greeted us a the front door! Honestly if you don't do anything else in NYC - do this!! It is a first class experience in every way.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Angela P.Tucson, AZ2059978Feb 24, 2024
We made a reservation off of the recommendation of someone on the free tours by foot Facebook page. Nowhere did it mention that there is a $20/pp fee to just sit down. The drinks had NO to minimal alcohol for $20/drink. The food is beyond subpar for being in Hell's Kitchen. 2 appetizers and 4 drinks cost $225... no thank you. The music is decent but not worth that cost considering what's available around you.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Laura O.Queens, Queens, NY01Apr 4, 2024
I tried planning my birthday party here. I spoke to someone named John, who cursed at me on the phone and was vague in the pricing of how much it would be per person when we tried to confirm our group. My partner called John afterward to ask for clarification. He told us that he didn't want to book us. Apparently asking for confirmation about prices to give our business to someone was too difficult. (One star is too much; it's there because Yelp required me to rate the establishment.)
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 1 - 11252126Mar 1, 2023
You have to come here for the jazz not the drinks. It was $15 to go into the room where the music was live - we sat at the bar on the booth wall seats for no charge. The drinks were weak, we had bourbon sours, a Manhattan, and a grey goose with club soda. Tried to order 4 choices of different red wines but they had none of them in stock/ I am not into Yellow Tale. We sent back the the drinks and the staff was quick to make another drink. We stayed here for about hour and 15 minutes and stayed only because the music was great! The place smelled of cigarettes even though nobody was smoking. It had the feel of a hole in wall with great performers and plenty of room to dance!!! Seems like a great place for a large group.
If you sit at the bar they have a small tv on wall for you to view the band- the tv does not offer a clear picture.
Go for the music! Be friendly with the staff and you will have fun.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Rachel M.Los Angeles, CA1423522Sep 24, 2023
We've been going to Don't Tell Mama, a few doors down from Swing 46, for years, but we had never been to Swing 46.
We heard about it from a couple from the UK while waiting to get into another restaurant with music.
The next night we went to Swing 46 and we lucked out. It was great. We went to the early show specifically to hear Janice Friedman (on piano) and her band (bass player, drummer, and trumpet player) and they did not disappoint, the music was awesome.
Swing is a Supper Club. I ordered the braised beef short ribs with creamy polenta and grilled asparagus. The food was delicious.
I would definitely recommend Swing 46.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 2 - Holman V.Owings Mills, MD1056Jan 6, 2024
Go for the entertainment NOT the food. Love the band, singer and interaction. Drinks are weak and there is an unpleasant oder where we sat.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Brian A.Chicago, IL027148Jun 7, 2023
Music awesome. Host awesome.
Food bland and overpriced. Would prefer they just charge more cover than play this pricing game.
They don't tell you beforehand, but when you pay by credit card, they increase charged prices. Another "surprise".
Bartender kid with light hair obnoxious. Argued over tip. Wanted three dollar tip per glass of wine where all he did was pour it. Then told co-workers loudly that customers suck.
Suugest sit in bar and have a drink. Skip the food and the obnoxious bartender attitude by telling him where to put it.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Lisa G.San Diego, CA246043Jun 14, 2023
Paula the bartender is so amazing! She served such crafted cocktails that were balanced and had such a great pleasant taste profile! She took her time to find out what we liked and helped make suggestions. We also heard her singing while working and her voice was so beautiful she definitely should sing with the band. I feel it would be a great addition, and a nice surprise. The band was also very good and talented! Will definitely be back!
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