Simply the most fun I have had at a smallish music venue ever!!! People who wrote negative reviews because they were seated with people they didn t know and service was spotty simply don t get it. It s like going to an off broadway show and complaining about leg room. Or going to a comedy club and expecting the whole table to yourself. And, what s so wrong with partying with strangers while listing to the most incredible, versital, multi-ethnic band you have ever seen. They played everything from Pink Floyd to Pink. I never knew I loved Reggae until Iast night (2 or 3 songs). I would go back again and again to hear the House Band! Please save us our table by the entrance. The staff hangs there when the music is playing and they were delightful and answered all my who sings this? questions. To all the negative reviewers, you missed a great night, you should have just chilled out and went with the flow.... or rhythm I should say.
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Loved the music, food and atmosphere. It's proper Old-school with some really lovely soul and R&B music. You can always tell that a music venue is good when their equipment is high class (good bose sound systems). They allow people from the audience to come in and share their talents too (music or poetry or even stand ups) Good soul food, some of the best batter fried chips (fries for you Americans) ever! My rating is on the low side because I was charged a 10 dollar cover charge over my 40 dollar food bill (for one person). I think this is appalling and I feel they should waive the cover charge for those who dine in as their food isn't cheap either.
Music was good. Very mainstream but well performed. The place itself is a bit too crowded and the service was pretty awful. The waitress looked pissed and rude.
This is the first and last picture I took before having the time of my life! Cafe Wha's live band is one of the best I've seen in a while! Definitely the spot if you're looking to just hang out & dance!!
The band is great and they are the only reason to come here. DON'T COME HUNGRY, food is so bad. Been here twice and don't think I'll go back. It's really a one and done kinda place.
Some girlfriends and I went on the summer cruise around NYC. It was a great deal for the price. The band was so much fun. Everyone was dancing in the sweltering heat. The drinks were fairly easy to get and the food was pretty decent as well for boat food.
Other people there dancing were nice too for the most part.
We took so many pictures. It is highly recommended! There is a reduced price if you order a bit ahead of time.
Our guide had been shown us this cafe by indicating an original place where Jimi Hendrix and many other celebrities had performed We went there and we found a musician who was supposed to play at the Buena Vista Social Club Rather, we had some revamped Gipsy A little disappointed with the atmosphere because the concert only lasted one hour Please note that there is a charge for the concert plus the consumption
Chill decor and design, but expectations were SEVERELY let down due to poor management / experience. I'll break things down if interested:
When I first arrived, the entry was very confusing. There is a comedy bar next door, and many people were getting an a very long line just to be told that it was a different entry. Same for the restaurant line next door. Likely due to a busy weekend crowd, but the exact place to enter is a bit confusing.
Once I got in, I was told that I had to check my bag for $3.00. I was meeting a party of 5 that wasn't there yet, and there was no cell service, as this is in a basement setting, so I went back up to try calling them. They were at a nearby bar, so I said I would come meet them to report that there was likely no more room for us (it was already VERY full at 8:30). I grabbed my bag and told the staff I'd be right back.
When we returned (less that 10 min later) the friendly doorman said "This is your party huh? lol" So he clearly recognized me. I was with a friend that apparently knew some of the staff, and we were told that they had plenty of room for us. Before we were seated, I was told that I again had to pay to check my bag. I mentioned that I had just barely stepped out. but was informed that I still needed to check it again and that it would be $2.00. I said that I was just told not minutes ago that it was $3. I was then told "oh, yeah. That's [staff member's name]. He always charges an automatic tip for himself..."
I payed the 2.00 fee...
When we were seated, the seats were VERY cramped. I realize that I'm a 6 ft. tall guy, but the benches were SO CLOSE to the table it was nearly impossible to get it. We squeezed in just tight enough for the outer person sitting had to "half cheek" it, and we had little arm and leg room, but were happy to be seated. The server came over and took drink orders (there is no bar, you must wait for a server's attention), and I asked if I could be on my own tab as I would be ordering cocktails-- which are the more expensive drinks on the menu-- and would like to pay separately. I was informed that they were unable do that.
The cocktails themselves were not very well priced, as I have had much better cocktails at venues just as good that don't charge a cover or a bag fee and are far more comfortable. I ordered a drink that cost $15.00 (as most are) that was flavorful, but not very strong. I felt almost nothing from it and it tasted mostly of the mixer ingredients. My friend ordered another one for me which again was good, but had no real enjoyable effect of having " a drink".
The band was very talented, nothing bad to say about them at all! Would I go to this venue and pay for pricy drinks, a cover, mediocre service, and bag fee JUST to see them? No. They were wonderful and had tons of energy! But nothing EXCEPTIONAL.
It may have had something to do with the fact that everyone was crammed into their booths and tables and there is no dance area. Maybe 5 ppl or so can dance in the aisle, but servers are constantly squeezing by. After we asked for the check, it took a while to get and there was some discrepancy that the manager had to fix, which took a while and I'm still not sure was resolved.
While this is a "hip" place to be, It's definitely for tourists. There are much better places with better prices, atmosphere, space, and just as good live music. If I went again it would have to be someone else's treat, and even then I'd make sure it was not on a weekend. Given my choice, I would not choose to go again.
$5 door charge then added tax to it, which was a little odd but didn t think twice about it until after paying the bill for 8 of us and leaving, when we realized they added another $5 music charge per person to the drinks bill. Would ve been happy paying a $12 entry and knowing up front.
A great house band and a great manager. Made me and my son feel great. Looking forward to returning to hear legacy concerts for Jimi Hendrix and Nina Simone. .
Death Trap!! They push hundreds of people in this basement with one exit. I cant believe the fire department didn't close this place and allows it to operate like this. Small problem, fight or scare and this place can quickly turn to a nightmare. At this point, who cares about the food or music....!
Ok, when my friends first invited me I was like, "I don't do tourist traps".... We had a friend in from out of town, and my friends insisted it would be a great time.
To be honest, I did have a great time. Yes it's not my cup of tea, nor do I have any desire to go back, unless im entertaining guests.
But whenever someone comes from out of town this is my go to suggestion, because it really is an all around good time (music dancing etc...) thats hassle free. Plus prices are affordable if you are cost conscious.
All of the artists were superly good, It was unforgettable night to have beer there. They are so good at singing and playing guitar! I love it, here is one of my favorite!
The drinks and food are good. The waiters are ok. The music is awesome because of the band. The atmosphere is always live and enjoyable. I always have a great time when I go.
very average meal, very unpleasant service, they take your credit card at the start of the service, supposedly as a guarantee but require you to consume if you stay for a second concert (even if you pay extra). Thieves !!!!
The worst bar ever!!! Will over change you. Tell you to move tables then seat them with other people even when you lose you're own table. Pay $499 to be screamed at. Go anywhere else
A great place for the music lovers that flows to the soul, fast and excellent service, tasty and juicy food, excellent music We have already said, it is important to emphasize that live music is played on stage by excellent musicians, a very nice team from the guy at the entrance.
Poor service from manager to waitors. Although the band was great. There is a compulsory 20% gratuity. Since when tips are compulsory? Especially in a poor customer service?
One of the best bars that I have visited in the city of New York, I invite you to know its history. Where Jimmy Hendrix, Bod Dylan, among great artists were presented long before becoming famous.
Or why not say it, also Van Helen It was introduced a few years ago.
Fabulous attention, great atmosphere. Great variety of cocktails, beers (I recommend a delicious IPA), also variety of food.
An incredible environment to go with your partner, with friends and have a great time.
By the way, the band is the most played different rhythms. Their vocalists and musicians are integrally sensational.
You must pay the deposit but it is worth knowing this wonderful place.
I put 3 stars since i had 2 experiences, one of them was a 5 star experience, and one was 3 stars, so guess 2.5 will be perfect. The first one was on a weekday, the place was full but not packed, and a Brazilian band played, i did not want it to end. The second was on Weekend night, the line was way too long, and once i got insode i wanted to leave. So choose your day wisely.
The ambience, atmosphere and staff was amazing, we went as a group and had a blast, had some drinks, enjoyed the music and danced a lot! The band performed modern and old hit song which was pleasant for every age group.
Great band that really knows how to engage a crowd. They musicians play well and keep the beat constantly running while four vastly different and all talented vocalists provide diversity in genres and styles, singing great hits from the 60s up to modern pop that everybody knows and can sing and dance too. The comedian was also funny. On the other hand, it is way too small and crowded and the prices are not exactly cheap
It was my second time to come here. It s a fun night out, with world class performers all for a 15$ cover charge. The singers are amazing, especially the girl who is the lead in the house band. Honestly... give that girl a record deal! The servers are quick with the drinks, as per the food, I think it s better to eat before going. Make sure to reserve a place before going, otherwise, you won t get in.
This is a second time we bought tickets and very disappointed. The music itself is really good; however, the service is unacceptable. We had to wait 30 min for the waiter to come and take our order; while other people who came much later were already eating. Another 20 min with reminder to get a water and when finally food came salad we order didn't have chicken. After show was over, we had to wait another 15 min and hunt our waiter down to get a check, while he already started to take new orders for upcoming new group of people. We bought tickets for 2 more shows, but will try to cancel it and get our money back.
Cafe Wha . Love this place .one of my fav. Places. Love me some Tracey Nicole, Kim Davis and Mike Davis, Trev Allen a, Jason Patterson , Dovon and Dulie.
This is my absolute FAVORITE live music venue in the city. I love love love it. The band is great. Prices totally reasonable. Such a fun place - every time.
Always reserve a spot ahead of time. Show up a little early to get a good seat. Expect to sit near other people or share a table with them - get over it and have a great time.
Starts with a comedy bit and the the band comes out. Enjoy it!!
