If there’s anywhere jazz and blues worthy in Philadelphia, it’s Chris’ Jazz Cafe and every person you ask – no matter age, race, creed or background – will tell you so. It’s that good. A Center City Philly staple since 1989, it’s the longest operating jazz club in Philadelphia with peak seasons in the fall and spring, attracting visitors from over 50 states and 160 countries. Summer is their slow season so if you like stretching out in your own space, go then! Otherwise get ready to make some fast friends in this intimate, elongated place.
Some of the biggest names in jazz history have walked through those doors and onto the cozy stage including the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, Junior Mance, Kevin Eubanks, and many more. Doors open Tuesday through Saturday and for all of those curious but can’t fly to Philly, this jazzy spot streams live performances on their pretty popular YouTube channel. With live jazz available five nights a week, they offer an impressive menu including the chef’s tasting menu which we were hosted to experience and includes any dietary needs.
Tickets are surprisingly affordable which is probably how it maintained its longevity (greed is no good, ya’ll) and Owner/Chef Mark DeNinno, offers a soulful Southern menu with French techniques that will tickle your tastebuds. An evening out is quite an event with a format of two shows, the 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. featuring cream-of-the-crop quartets and quintets You don’t have to have dinner but a $10 minimum for drinks is required (and you can easily get there with just sodas or a mocktail if needed). Put a nice dress on or your fancy pants and get ready to enjoy the show!
Taking the good ol’ Septa train and walking miles past City Hall to get to Chris’ Jazz Cafe was worth the flip flop blisters!Walk down Broad Street and turn right on Sansom Street to find Chris’ Jazz Cafe.The outside where people enjoy a smoke of whatever variety at Chris’ Jazz Cafe. Marijuana is still only medical in Pennsylvania as of 2024 but I smelled it everywhere I went.Looking down the other direction of Sansom Street in Philadelphia.Walking into Chris’ Jazz Cafe, wood paneling everywhere and a cool vibe.To the left, a fully stocked bar for drinks beforehand – or after your show if there’s space you are allowed to linger.Toward the right, you can people watch on the street at Chris’ Jazz Cafe. Hello, my reflection!And a wall to hang across from the bar lined with jazz legends at Chris’ Jazz Cafe.I enjoyed this map of Chris’ Jazz Cafe as well hung on the wall.The stage ready for performers to make it come to life at Chris’ Jazz Cafe. We were sitting right in front of it with a wall behind us which I was grateful for while photographing the performance.The server told my plus one no flash which I found amusing like “reign in your woman” at Chris’ Jazz Cafe. I knew the assignment without instructions however I needed to capture the menu first with flash before the performers came on stage. A little nibble of creamy butter, oil and homemade bread to start.I was hemming and hawing over what to get for the first course and landed on the homemade ravioli filled with ricotta and truffle with a sweet English pea and mint puree. A delightful little dish indeed! The sizes were small however the flavors of each dish were perfectly on point.My guest enjoyed a watermelon salad which was mixed with greens at Chris’ Jazz Cafe.Then the pianist appeared and started playing as the lights dimmed down low at Chris’ Jazz Cafe.From the back of the space emerged Vocalist Kieran Brown and her Quintet at Chris’ Jazz Cafe.
Kieran Brown is a New York City based multi-genre vocalist, composer, and arranger with a strong concentration in Jazz, R&B, and The American Songbook. She also had a very strong love for Frank Sinatra much like myself so I was very pleased with the song selections for the night. Get a little sampling in the below video!
As a photographer in a tight space, I both enjoy and loathe the challenge to get that perfect shot at Chris’ Jazz Cafe but always up for a creative challenge!For dinner, I chose the Grilled Marinated Chicken which I’ve been leaning toward a lot lately at Chris’ Jazz Cafe. The giant slab is a grilled zucchini with risotto underneath. I ate the whole plate! I wanted to try the notorious jambalaya however it would’t photograph well… the food struggles of a blogger.My guest was fond of the Summer Squash Pasta at Chris’ Jazz Cafe, a perfect choice for any vegetarian.I always enjoy a sax solo at Chris’ Jazz Cafe.Getting a photo of the bassist was hard since I was on the sidelines so my plus one snagged this shot for me at Chris’ Jazz Cafe.Since it was still hot times in the city, a fresh fruit cup of Poached Pineapples sounded tasty for dessert at Chris’ Jazz Cafe and was refreshing.But the clear star of the show were these homemade Peaches & Cream Beignets at Chris’ Jazz Cafe!We ere then given these matches as a souvenir of sorts but instructed not to light them inside at Chris’ Jazz Cafe. A bit blurry but that was kind of the vibe.As a musician, this must be ideal to play in front of a music legend at Chris’ Jazz Cafe.With a hop to the right and different angle, I was able to capture the drummer keeping the beat steady at Chris’ Jazz Cafe.Playing in unison for the last song, the show lasted about an hour and a half total at Chris’ Jazz Cafe.With a working day ahead of me, we headed back via Septa and I caught City Hall with the blues behind it too.
If you end up not having to work the next day, my guest suggested heading to Solar Myth Jazz Club afterwards for a night cap which is further down on Broad Street and open until 2 a.m.. Overall, it was a pleasant evening (minus Septa and walking in flip flops) and there is parking right next door if you have wheels while visiting.
