The Side Door Jazz Club — Restaurant in Old Lyme

We went to the 10:45pm New Years Eve show last night. The music was great, the service not so much. We got there at 10:25pm and did not get our drinks until 11:30pm. There were a lot of people there, but only one waiter and one bar tender. They needed at least two of each. The waiter was coming around to each table, he accidentally skipped ours and then he never came back. We waited about ten mins to see if he would come back, my husband then went up to the bar to try and find him and to see if we could get drinks. He was nowhere to be found. The bartender would not serve him since he wasn’t seated. Finally the waiter came back from the back room and my husband had him come over and take our drink order. The show is only an hour and a half long and we waited an hour to get our drinks! The server was very nice, it was just too much for one person. For the price we paid for the ticket we expected top of the line service. We love the Old Lyme Inn and in the past have loved the Side Door, but we will never go back. Way over priced for what it is. There are other places to...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An unforgettable evening at The Side Door Jazz Club!

After dinner, my friend and I decided to check out The Side Door Jazz Club—and we were absolutely blown away. The setting is intimate, warm, and inviting—perfect for truly appreciating live jazz. The acoustics were incredible; every note from the band was crystal clear and soulful, making the whole experience feel immersive and personal.

To top it off, the owner of the restaurant came over to greet us while we were enjoying the music—a lovely and genuine gesture that made the night feel even more special. You can tell this place is run with heart and passion for both great music and great hospitality.

Everything about the evening—from the ambiance to the music—was simply beautiful. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience top-tier live jazz in a cozy, elegant setting.

Can’t...

A destination club hidden in coastal Connecticut as good as the great venues in NYC and more intimate. We opted for dinner earlier so can't comment on the food this visit but the cocktails & spirits did not disappoint! So convenient and on-site free parking - keep an eye on the artists performing there. A phenomenal opportunity to see performers up-close with great acoustics! And if you happened to travel a ways, the Old Lyme Inn upstairs may be just the...