Blues Alley Club — Restaurant in Washington

I went to this place in February 2009 to see Kim Waters, and it was like the best experience EVER. Food was phenomenal, and the music was even better. I subsequently moved across and out of the country, so there was a lengthy gap to my return. Living a bit closer (almost 3 hours away), I was excited for the opportunity to go see Marcus Johnson perform on December 19th. I booked the late show because of my traveling distance. Seating seemed excessively tighter than how I remembered from 2009, but still, I was happy to be there. As the room filled, there seemed to be ONE server running from table to table, to get orders. I ordered a fried shrimp appetizer and glass of soda to get me "started" (so I thought). My friend hadn't had an opportunity to order anything, because the server whisked away after taking my order, before my friend could view the ONE menu that was there for us to share. She was quite troubled by the fact that she was still sitting with a single glass of water almost 30 minutes later, and no food or drink order was placed for her. The persons delivering the food to tables was not the same person taking orders. Eventually, another server came out, and we watched the newly seated people next to us get their orders taken and were actually served their entire meals before our server returned to get our dinner orders. Ultimately, my friend ordered the salmon, while I ordered the roasted chicken. BIG MISTAKE. The chicken I was served was a cold, dehydrated, hard, burnt, brick-like object, that was assumed to be chicken (the room was dark). Instead of enjoying the show which had long started, I'm distracted trying to get someone's attention to either get a manager or the server to come collect the debacle. My friend's salmon was ice cold, and she also had to wait until I was able to get the server back to say something about that. Thankfully, she was able to send her plate back for microwaving. In my case, the server informed me that the kitchen was then closed, and they had nothing left to serve me. She said I could only order dessert... which I refused. I told her I had not eaten that entire day because I was anticipating having dinner (an actual whole meal) at Blues Alley. She shrugged it off and kept on moving. Before I knew it, the entire performance was over, and I realized I didn't get to enjoy ANY portion of the show, from trying to deal with the poor service. If the seating wasn't so tight, I would have easily gotten up to chase a server or manager down... but that wasn't an option. Neither my friend or myself was ever able to get a drink refill or an offer to get any other drink. I was beyond angry, and while Marcus Johnson so graciously hung around to greet people, my anger from the disastrous night had me storming out of the door. Now I feel like I have to pay to go see Marcus perform at some other venue on a future date. Also, I should add, the show was over, and the server hadn't had the sense to return to tables to drop off checks and collect them in a timely manner. We watched her sitting in the back over in the corner with other people, seemingly having a good time with them. There was NO offer of apology, and there was never a manager to come even when I requested. I really was looking forward to going back in February to see Kim Waters again, but after this experience, I'll have to catch up with Kim elsewhere. Won't be returning to Blues Alley, and definitely won't be...

This review is solely based on my experience with the staff. I visited this place from out of state and was looking to find a nice place to enjoy jazz. I also saw they were highly recommended. I walk up about 10-15 minutes before the show and the person running the check in immediately said the show is sold out and no one else can be seated. I wait a few minutes and notice after a while they are very unorganized. He eventually leaves and someone else comes to the front. I ask the new person about the tickets and he says the same, but then I asked if I can sit at the bar, he says yes. Then I ask, if I can just sit in the main area, then he says yes. Hmmm...I thought they were sold out?! So, I go ahead and agree to pay for a ticket for a floor seat, but while he and I are having this interaction, he is interrupting me with speaking with other customers. I would be speaking, then a customer will walk it and he would completely ignore me and talk to them. This went on for at least 5 minutes. Finally, I give my credit card and still the same. Finally, I get my seat. He tells me he will sit me at a empty table for now, but eventually they will have other guests join. That was totally fine. As I'm sitting waiting for the show to start, the waitress comes over with the most disrespectful tone and attitude and tells me that I shouldn't be sitting here because I'm solo and I will need to get up and sit somewhere else. I politely told her this is where I was sat. She then turns to her team and yells at them for seating me there. She was so rude and at this point, I just want to focus on the show. Shortly after, people finally join the table. The 2 people are ordering food and drinks, and when asked I decline. I didn't want anything. Well, she continues to ask me if I'm going to order and I say no. Close to the end of the show, she walks up to me and rudely yells "so are you going to order because there is a $15 minimum for each seat?" I responded, no I'm good. And she said, "Well, I'm going to charge you any way". And i said "that wasn't communicated to me when I bought the ticket", then she stormed off and went to talk to the staff. I could hear her complaining, but I guess whoever she spoke to told her to let it go because she never came back. No matter what, i was going to be adiment because the ticket to get in was $50. I wasn't going to be bullied into paying more money. - All in all, while I'm sure this place has good, I'd likely not return unless it's a must see act. There are better places to visit...

I have been to this venue many times with friends and family. For the most part my experiences have been terrific. I love how quaint and intimate it is----most seats are really close to the stage and the exchange of energy between artist and audience is special! The dim lighting creates a very romantic/serene atmosphere. The acoustics are perfect--producing a very clean and authentic sound without being loud and over bearing. Exactly what you expect from a quality jazz club! Seating is very tight-----having to sit so close (nearly touching) to people that you don't know----can be a little uncomfortable. Arrive early so that you can select seats that will work best for your party. Some seats provide a little more room than others. The staff is generally nice and accommodating. A few times the wait staff was a little short on patience and snarky -----but that isn't the norm. The food and drink selection are decent. There is a 12 dollar per person food/drink requirement and you will likely have to pay $ 20 - 30 dollars for garage parking; since meter street parking is very limited-----------so it is an expensive night out!! All performances except one have been outstanding. I was very disappointed by a Jean Carne performance. I believe that tickets were 20 or 30 dollars which is relatively inexpensive. She sang only a few of her many hits and then she asked for requests; She only sang a few bars of the requested songs and then the rest of the show was a tribute to other artists such as Luther Vandross; her band member sang the songs. It was offensive! We came to hear Jean Carne sing and she did not deliver! I am not sure if the ticket price was a factor. Again----------this was a rare occurrence. I will definitely continue to support this venue. It is one of a few places in the area that feature top notch national artists in a safe and cozy environment. True music lovers will...