Chris' Jazz Cafe

For over 30 years, Chris' Jazz Cafe has kept the jazz flame alive in Center City Philadelphia, serving as the city's premier dedicated jazz club. Chef/owner Mark Deninno has created an upscale dinner-and-show experience featuring cream-of-the-crop quartets and quintets.

What They Offer Patrons: Southern cuisine with French influences—famous for jambalaya and the signature Chicken-Fried Lobster Tail on a waffle. Three-course dinner service accompanies performances. Two shows per night most evenings. Open Tuesday-Friday for lunch (noon-3 PM), happy hour (4-6:45 PM), and late-night service (open until midnight Tuesday-Wednesday, 2 AM Thursday-Saturday). This is a "fancy" night out—dress up, enjoy craft cocktails and exceptional food while listening to world-class jazz in intimate setting.

What They Offer Musicians: Professional performance opportunities with quality sound and attentive, knowledgeable audiences. Thursday and Friday jam sessions provide local musicians access to the venue. Connection to University of the Arts jazz program means engaged student audience alongside dedicated jazz enthusiasts. The venue books established jazz artists, indicating high standards and strong reputation. Recipient of Live Music Society's 2024-2025 Music in Action grant for "Sisterhood of Jazz" series spotlighting women in jazz. Performers benefit from venue's 30+ year history and dedicated jazz audience that understands and appreciates the music.