A few years ago, my wife and I enjoyed going to Biddles Jazz club, where the music was the most important part of the club. When an artist came on stage, everyone stopped talking and enjoyed the music. When we heard about the Upstairs Jazz club, we went hoping for a similar experience but were very dissappointd. We received a warm welcome and were luckily seated at a table for 2 near the stage. However, a large noisy group came in and sat next to us at a table for 8. When the artists came on stage, my wife and I could not enjoy the trio playing on the stage next to us. We were stuck in the middle. The manager would not ask that they tone down their talking, but rather asked us to change our seats to nearer the back of the club, which we accepted hoping to better hear the music. Nothing changed, so we left really dissapointed and have not returned. I guess 8 paying customers are better than just 2!

First of all, part of our problem was in being misinformed by the front desk of the Marriott Hotel in Old Montreal. The manager told us no reservations were necessary and so we just showed up. Well, just as an FYI: you need to make reservations! The host greeted us and after learning that we didn't have reservations, asked us to wait 5 to 10 minutes because another reservation was now 35 minutes late and if they didn't show up, he'd offer us their table. So, we waited. After approximately 5 minutes, the host returned, took our coats, and sat us at the table providing us with dinner and drink menus. Our waiter came over and introduced himself asking if we would like a drink to start. We requested a minute to look over their wine selection. We decided on a nice wine and were about to order when the host came back over informing us that the reservation (now 45 minutes late) had arrived and that he needed the table back. This, as you can imagine, was extremelly embarrasing and my wife and I felt that it was quite rude. A decision had been made to seat us, and now we were being asked to leave. The only thing they offered us before we left (never to return) was a future reservation and "a round of drinks on the house" for our next visit. Yeah right! I'm sure that this may very well be a great night spot, but our experience was horrible and, as such, neither my wife or I would recommend Upstairs. Try the "House of Jazz" instead...

Set in a cozy and intimate restaurant type room on Mackay St., Upstairs Jazz Club was everything I had hoped for in a jazz club. The service is excellent, and the musicians are spectacular. A truly warm place I highly reccommended. Be prepared to wait in standing room a few minutes for available seats on popular nights. Worth the wait, I assure you!