Sam First - Jazz Club & Bar — Restaurant in Los Angeles

As a frequent attendee of Sam First, I’ve come to appreciate the occasional good performances. Sadly, the overall experience is marred by poor management. The service can be slow and inattentive, the enforcement of guest standards arbitrary, the food sub-par, and the atmosphere often feels more awkward than intimate. Indeed, without the performers' own followers, the attendance would occasionally be quite low. With better leadership, this place could be remarkable.

What makes the mismanagement even more concerning is that it operates as a 501(c)(3) public charity, meaning the club isn’t privately owned but exists for the benefit of the community. Given managent likely took this nonprofit route after struggling to run the club profitably, hoping for donations and public grants, one would expect a stronger commitment to its mission and public. The lack of accountability is troubling—poor management doesn’t just affect the audience and musicians, but also undermines the club’s...

Top notch but little known Jazz Club next to LAX. I was instantly relaxed and in awe when I first walked into Sam First. If you like jazz and good music, and you like comfort & relaxation, this spot will provide.

Eclectically furnished but tastefully done. I will come here again & again for the well stocked bar. Side note: I'm convinced the mixologist is an alchemist.

And the music? Outstanding musicians grace this establishment. Came to see drummer, Milachi Whitson and was blown away but the young blood quartet. BLOWN AWAY! Come for the music, and stay for the intimate ambience. So intimate, in fact, that you will most likely strike up a conversation with the band. At...

Wowza. Just landed in LAX and super stoked we stopped by. Amazing recommendations on our cocktails. Our initial interaction was with first Tyron, the door guy, who very politely, wouldn't let us in during the jazz set. We chilled for a moment outside. I thought it was very respectful to the jazz musicians and the audience that they asked us to wait. Then the amazing bartender, Carlos, came out and asked what would would like to drink. He had some incredible recommendations. I had a hard time deciding so he made me this amazing tequila cucumber drink, but boy the old fashion he made for my hubby was also amazing. Stop by anytime and you'll feel like royalty! Amazing...