Caveau de la Huchette — Restaurant in Paris

On Saturday night, I arrived too late and found an incredibly long line at the entrance, almost like people were queuing for concert tickets. So, on Sunday, I made sure to arrive early and finally got into this legendary jazz venue. The performance that day was by Megaswing Quartet, led by French jazz drummer Stephane Roger, featuring an energetic swing jazz style. However, to be honest, the music didn’t quite match my taste—it felt like ordering an espresso but getting a watered-down Americano instead. The atmosphere was there, but the flavor was lacking.

The venue was incredibly small, and the dance floor barely had enough space for people to spin around without stepping on each other’s toes. The crowd was packed like sardines in a can, and the air was so thin that I began to suspect I was undergoing high-altitude training. After 30 minutes, I felt like I was suffocating, and one thought kept running through my mind: if anything went wrong, I might just end up stuck here forever.

The organizers invited some dancers to perform, but the scene was far from what I expected. Watching a few elderly gentlemen with white hair and some rather overweight dancers attempt high-difficulty moves was both amusing and nerve-wracking. One particularly unfortunate moment involved a young girl being accidentally dropped onto the floor—it felt like I was witnessing a slow-motion wrestling match. The whole situation was awkward yet oddly comical.

In conclusion, this venue is more suitable for soaking in the atmosphere rather than expecting top-notch music or dancing your heart out. If you enjoy the vibe of swing jazz, you might find it enjoyable here; but if you’re picky about music like me or looking to dance seriously, you’d better be prepared—or just find another place. And remember, safety first—don’t forget to bring an...

A delight. many folks don't know about the Parisian's love for American Jazz as such there are many fine clubs where you can listen to American Jazz. This one is unique for several reasons. First, this is primarily a swing club. If you don't know music think Frank Sinatra or Harry Connick Jr. Second, the place is soooo cool. Third, there is dancing.

When you enter, you will pay a cover, a bit steep the night we went at 14 euros each. Students are welcome at a discount. You enter into a typical bar with exceptional bartenders, however the drink prices are a bit steep. You will hear music from below - yes BELOW. Walking down the stairs, you will enter what looks like a WWII hideaway. Stone arches make up this cave-like room. Everyone is sitting on these benches that surround a small dance floor with a small stage at one end. Most folks are dancing to some pretty darn good swing music.

There are people from all over, all different ages, all different backgrounds and they will dance with just about anyone. It does not matter who you come with, you will be asked to dance. We were there less than 3 minutes and my wife was up dancing with a stranger. The place is very cool and almost worth the price of admission just to wander through the arched caves.

The music the night we were there was outstanding. They played swing, blues and some boogie-woogie.

There are only two negatives. First is it is cramped and not really fitted for those that need accommodations for wheelchairs/walkers/canes. Second, the sound system sounds like it is from the 40s. HORRIBLE. But that does not matter because the place is so small you hear the instruments naturally - even better!

So if you are mobile, limber, like to dance, listen to swing music and/or enjoy exploring a great space, this...

What am I missing... I have been to Ronnie Scott's and Camden Jazz Bar in London (plus many many more)... I have been to the best Jazz clubs in Chicago and New York... and then I went to Le Caveau de la Huchette...in Paris.... OK I had average expectations as it was a random Saturday night... but wow wow wow this was an eye opener. Firstly, I was maybe 30th person into the club (which is small)... and it was jammed full already ... not on the ground floor, I admit, where there is no Action... BUT in the basement where there is limited seating ... no problem... i like standing. So Jazz band starts 9.30pm... mainly American Jazz players... and then the penny sank... it was average at best... ahd thats being kind.... so during the interlude I machetted my way upstairs and sat down and watched Jazz on a screen.... then I watched an endless.... stream of people come in and on very face I could read their thoughts.. it was hello... where is the Jazz band? Oh its downstairs... better head down... Well I thought... good luck getting down... and best of luck if you thought you were in for a treat...so maybe I was just having an average night.. so I spoke to a few people around me and they all said it felt like a tourist trap and the Jazz music was disappointing. Yes there is Jazz and yes the queue outside even at 11pm is snaking in circles... but no... you wont have your expectations exceeded... Best advise. Head to Gare De Nord... catch a train and get off at St Pancras... UK... and head swiflty to Soho and see the original Jazz club... honestly... whatever the night... you will never be disappointed .... or stay in Paris and head to a kebab shop for more...