Reviews of Wally's Cafe Jazz Club (Night Club)

Michael Bártek

A lot of fresh, young and creative energy. Wonderful musicians. Jam session was also good as concert after.

Nathaniel Ziering

The one, the only. The legend is alive, breathing out the finest jazz-funk for you to inhale, to imbibe. Get drunk on a note, high on a pitch, fall in love with an alto, or a baritone. Let your self go, home with a melody. Wally's. A night waiting for you to remember.

Angelo

Not much elbow room, bar is dark and dusty, no beers on tap, no food. Exactly what you want an authentic jazz club to be. Decent selection of bottled beers and plenty of cocktail options. The music is second to none.

V N

True pure JAZZ.

Boopy Doo

Love this place..years of nice music..Frank Bartender cool...

M. Donovan

Hot fire jazz, cash only, packed to the brim

John Lin

Terrible place. The waitress is pushing and won’t let you sit if you don’t keep ordering drinks.

Zero Adrenaline

Looks like a very popular club, but there is no space for the amount of public it attracts.

Angie Fernandez

I LOVE live music! Wasnt crazy about how small the place is

Grayson Kempster

Go here for the live jazz bands

Richard Rich

What a cool little spot. I asked locals about it, and they didnt know it, but I felt fortunate to find the little historic "joint" Live music was what I wanted, and that's what I got. Average priced cocktails, challenging seating, and service, no AC, dark and narrow! But what a good time!

Leticia Everhart

Food is mouthwatering. I tried their burger and fries, both were good in taste.

Laneyscha Echevarria

Awesome small and comfy bar! I went 5 days in a row and had a blast. Meet the bartenders Lloyd and Frank. Even the bouncer was cool! Every day a different band played, you can feel an awesome vibe. I got my Wally’s shirt on my last night there. Definitely will be back when in Boston again. Two weeks later I traveled again to Boston and stop by to say hi to Frank and meet Paul. They are three awesome brothers. My puertoricans friend’s loved the place too. I took new videos this time and hug Frank at least twice because of his great hospitality in that bar.

Thami Dambuza

Today was my first time there. Honestly, I was not pleased about the customer service I received. The waitress was rude. She told my friend and I that the manager said she must kick us out cause we weren't buying drinks! Mind you, we don't drink and we did buy virgin drinks. Honestly, that's not how you speak to customers. We were shocked by what she said. Overall, the music was great!

Shawn Moore

In town for a special occassion so stopped by for pre-celebration. The jazz band was phenomenal and the place had a great hometown feel. Many thanks to the bartender

aneliya todorova

Small, cheap local place. Great bands, bartenders kinda rude, but parta the deal

Jacqueline Lahey

Came in thought I'd have a good time. Asked for my favorite drink "GOT JUICE". FOR $12 dollars. Never again. Wow. Crazy. What a let down....

Jeff Skrypek

This place is a gem. Super small but the musicians are top top notch. Saw an excellent jazz funk band on a Tuesday night. You aren't going to get funk like that just anywhere on a Tuesday night. Trust.

Elgin Davis

The staff is really rude and they bully people into buying more drinks, or they will just make you leave. It sucks that they operate like this, because the student performers are amazing. I was asked to leave after not buying a second $12 drink in 2 hours

Briana Butterworth

Wally's is an institution in Boston. It's loud, it's cramped, and you might not get exactly what you ordered. something something, that's jazz, something.

Gavin Haynes

No frills jazz club, buy a drink to get in. Good music.

Kim Pho

Such a cool place, obviously a local favourite because it was packed! Pretty small but if you get there early enough you might be able to get a spot close to the stage. There are also small tables and seats as well. Bar has a nice cocktail menu, highly recommend the Nirvana! Great music, great atmosphere and had a fun night.

Sharon Hatcher

Tiny, Tiny, Tiny Jazz Club... Latin Jazz Night.... Authentic. A great time, not enough room for dancing. Beware no cover, but made up in the drink prices. I would give this place 5 stars, if it had a dance floor, and a stage. The band was awesome, talented, but unable to see band from the rear. People stand in the floor and block the view. So come early, find a table, don't expect to see the band... Enjoy some super fine live music.

Juston Western

Tried to drop in on a Sunday evening around 6:00pm. Place was apparently closed (despite a sign saying it was open) aside from one guy at the bar, who ran to the door and yelled at me for attempting to walk in. I’ll find jazz elsewhere, angry guy.

Michael Finnegan

Old school jazz bar. Exactly what you are looking for. Will get crowded because of space but great atmosphere. Board games behind the bar also for that in between time.

Xavier Bower

Just stumbled upon this place tonight and stayed to see the funk. Put aside the history there, the cheap drinks, the knockoff faux keith haring bathroom, the truckstop chic digs, strong af vibe: The music was AMAZING . I saw the ABs (AyBees?) and they caved the place in, best keyboard solo I've seen in my life and a great atmosphere to hang with some friends and just get destroyed by pure musicianship. You should go see for yourself.

Evan Hutton

The only true Jazz club in Boston, Wally's does it right with their atmosphere, drinks and top live music. I love going to Wally's to mix up my nightlife routine.

Christina

Wednesday 09/12/2018. At dinner our waiter recommended Wally's for music and drinks after dinner. We arrived and, at first, were skeptical because of the small crowded space which was standing room only. We decided to stick it out and give it a chance and it turned out to be the right decision. We eventually got 2 seats at the bar and had a WONDERFUL experience. The music was incredible, some of the best jazz we have heard in years (and we are serious jazz fans). The bartender was also great. He was kind, attentive, knowledgeable, personable, and one of the hardest working bartenders we experienced. We live in Tampa, FL and we would (and we WILL) fly back to Boston just to go here again.

Andrew Magown

It's a small bar counter style place with a few tables so don't go with a big group. Beyond that this place has GREAT prices for drinks and the live music is on point.

Jason Gitlitz

For my money, this is the best live music venue left in Boston, and any night of the week you'll probably stumble into an incredible experience. Don't let the dive bar aesthetic desuade you - The music speaks for itself.

Daniel Vela

Amazing music! I would recommend this place for all of those who like good music. They have different genras every day of the week but funk and jazz are specially good. Be prepared however for a staff that doesn't seem to be friendly specially if you are a new visitor.

Claudia DiBlasi

$5 beers, $12 mixed drinks. The band was great. Audience members can sit in for a tune. It seats probably about 45 people. Not the most comfortable. The bartender is attentive. You don't have to wait to get your drinks.

Benita Cartagena

I am beside myself! First impressions are definitely welcoming, but unwittingly this wasn't. I am a hardworking mother with 2 jobs employed by the state. I walk into this establishment to urgently and kindly ask to use the ladies room! Owner I'm guessing stated I needed my drivers license! Ok fine I rush to grab my ID , as I return to show identification, he wasn't to eager to see me return. I pleaded! He then looked into my soul

Steve Kitay

Basically an old closet, but if you're into raw, great jazz and r&b and cheap beer, this may be one of the coolest places in the planet.

J. Anthony Myrick

Great live music in a small spot with great people. A find that turned out to be a great experience. Very small simple place.

Kevin Berry

Live jazz $5 beer and no cover. One of the best places in Boston.

Benjamin Wasserott

Swanky, jazz spot, hole on the wall with full bar. Local amateurs play every night. Great music and cozy feel. A chill and fun place to bring a low-maintenance date. Cons: drinks are pricey, the bartender is not so friendly, very little seating. Went on a Monday and had a great time with my wife.

Alvin Campbell

My Hometown bar met every walk of life. I got some great experiences from experience music

Elvis Tegum

Great to listen to a sweet jam. It's definitely a place to go. However don't expect courtesy from the waitress and from the bartender. Plus have an ID plus another reference.

Paul Langton

Great atmosphere, absolutely insane music. Easily the best bar in the area.

John Hanley

Now this place is something! You gotta know what you're getting yourself into when you come here and need to have a very open mind. The ambiance is absolutely amazing and helps you have a really joyous time. Great environment!

Bea Leon

Wally’s is a hidden gem in Boston. It’s a tiny bar with excellent live jazz music and very well executed drinks (courtesy of their incredible bar tender, who’s capable of making great drinks even when he’s working the bar alone on a crowded Saturday night). The bar gets crowded pretty quickly, so make sure you get there early if you wanna grab a seat while enjoying the music.

Chris Spiering

Certainly memorable. Very busy, packed in, small and run down. Loud. The bartender was haggling everyone to make sure they bought something as there was no cover. So justified. The jazz was very good. It’s cool to pop in but I wouldn’t take your dream date (at least first night out) for more than a drink.

Poppin Pita

Walked by this place and heard the music from the parking lot...Awesome band!!!

Vatu Onida

The music was amazing and the people there were very friendly but the owner was a total pos. I asked him if he had the wifi password and he replies so shruggishly "of course i do" then I ask what it is and as he's writing it down he says "don't go watching bad sites on it." in a very condescending tone. He is rude and obnoxious and sad that a black person would treat a fellow black person with such disdain. Moreso, he seemed respectful to the other customers. The music was great though. If i didn't have to deal with the owner it'd be a definite 5 star.

Ted Lee

Dive jazz bar love it

Elad Schor

Hole in the wall bar that stretches into a town house. Jazz band is blasting at the end. Very fun authentic place.

Nicola Magaletti

Small place but very cool with live music to get on the stage, very close to the musicians. You must go there for a couple of drinks after dinner.

C Fins

Best jazz club!

Chris Rucinski

The jazz here is amazing! Yeah it's a small venue, but all that means is that every seat is a good seat.

Dale Crawford

Good music. Great people watching

Brian Arrigo

Five stars for the music, which never disappoints. The space is a bit cramped, but you can bring in your own food. But hey, you're going here for music. And it's always good. So go for that.

Kun W

I have only been there once recently and I absolutely love it. They have live jazz that starts around 9 to 10 pm and some students playing music before that. The place is just the right size, it feels like you are in someone's living room. There is a tiny floor if you want to groove to the live music. The beer is also decently cheap and they have a large selection. Definitely will become a regular hangout spot for me.

Emil Inoa

Latin thursdays are awesome. Live music, mainly salsa, great ambience.

Evan Zigmond

The jazz is great. Venue is small so get there early. If you're under 21 you have to sit by the exit, and you get last priority on seating so you're not allowed to stand. You will also be asked to leave at 9pm Overall good experience but better if you're 21

Joud C

The music and sound quality is out of this world. That’s definitely a 5-star. However the bar service is extremely slow. They only make money off of drinks which is great but it’s frustrating to have to wait by the bar for 15 minutes, bothering people sitting there while you wait for the bartender to finally decide to get your order. I went on a Sunday so maybe there is less staff then. Apart from that small hiccup this place is a true gem

Danielle Yanke

Great local spot for jazz, was able to see lots of talented student musicians playing some sets. Got here around 8:30 on a Thurs night and was able to grab a table and stay there while the 9:30/10pm band started and the small venue really started to fill up. Great history, cheap drinks, good cool jazz. What's not to love.

Andrew Cameron

Cool, divey bar with great live music and good prices. Only problem is that it's so small that it gets PACKED to the hilt on weekends. But hey, I guess it's packed because it's a great place.

Diego Rodríguez Renovales

The best bar in Boston! Live jazz music from great performers. The place has been around for a while and although it is very small it has a big history behind it. If you like jazz, show up early and talk to the barman about the place. He will recommend you the upcoming performers and you will learn a lot from Boston, jazz and the neighborhood. Very interesting people. The performers are great. The place is so small it gets very crowded, so make sure you get a seat and enjoy the show. Strong drinks and great service. Totally recommended if you like jazz.

ana t2568

Loved the band that was on last night ! Great environment! Good vibes !

Garth Tempel

Musics great, but the bar service sucks. My friends drink was knocked over by someone that hit the table. Seconds later after ordering I told the bartender, and she said it wasnt her fault and refused to refill it. Anything for a buck at that bar.

Brendan D. O'Brien

Chill, smooth, jazz + drinks. Great authentic spot with live jazz.

Alex Isakov

Authentic shotgun bar jazz club. A classic!

Gary McDonald

Need more bartenders, takes too long to get a drink.

Tatiana Olaru

If you're going here for jazz you'll love it. Drinks are mediocre. Thursday's Latin Jazz Salsa is my favorite.

Familiar Stranger

This is HANDS DOWN the best bar in Boston! live band and good service equals a great experience. It was packed but not too hot and the music is better than what you listen to on the radio. I highly recommend going Thursday nights everybody knows that's the best night for bars.

Vince Rappa

Simply the best Jazz bar. Possibly the best bar in Boston. Worth visiting if you’re in Boston for a night.

Rochelle Olaleye

I checked this place out a few years ago, thinking about swinging by again. Great music, easy everything

Philipp Effenberger

cozy mini jazz club, nearly not visible from the outside. great music, but a bit of a slow service.

Linda Puetz

Lot's o' noise. Laughter chatter and live jazz!

Dawn Roskelley

Super cozy and casual- dive bar with amazing music. A great place to soak in ambiance and jazz. Feels very authentic and honest.

Omar The Great

Best jazz club in USA

Sneha Nandakumar

This tiny hidden little gem is just amazing. Recommended for all Jazz fans looking for a night of live music!

Althena Gaines

Good vibes and very affordable drinks. Good music selection

Darren Hopkins

A critical piece of the music fabric of Boston. Tuesday nights are consistently incredible.

Mobizwiz Careers

This place is super small BUT it's DOPE! And so worth it. The talent from the artists that play and sing is so worth it. Just get there early and hang. The drinks are nice and the crowd is always diverse!! There's no wonder why it's been in business for forever! It's amazing! Thanks for keeping true jazz alive!

Daniel Gerow

Great little hole in the wall bar with lots of soul. Amazing music and atmosphere. Come early, it fills up fast

Lisa Desmarais

Cool spot, GREAT MUSIC and local entertainment, bar drinks and service prevent a 5 star rating.

Ross Carson

A true Boston landmark. No cover charge. Wally's Tuesday Funk (WTF) 'till 2 AM!

Anabel Cabral

Is small cozy and bohemian place. Live music 365 days a year

Mateo ACOSTA GARCIA

Such a disappointing experience ! While waiting for the music to start at our table we were told by the waitress we had to stand up because we were not "actively drinking". She was very unfriendly and threatened to call the security because we did not want to order yet so we decided not to stay without getting to enjoy the music.

Gaby Cotter

The best play to listen and dance Latin music in Back Bay area

Meghann Dooley

Best music venue! Kind of a hole in the wall type place but the music cant be beat. Go in any night of the week and you will listen to the most amazing jazzy/bluesy type music you will ever hear. I have never been disappointed going g there and always make a point to go there at least one night when I am in the city. I moved out of Boston recently and havent found anything close to it since.

J Li

Best place for free loud jazzy funk and competent mixed drinks. Tiny place, be prepared to stand. Has not changed since 27+ years when I lived in Boston.

Amanda Hoover

I’d give this place five stars if I was only rating the artist. I’ve been here twice, the first time was amazing the second time they had some waitress who was extremely rude and pushy as soon as I got in the door. Apparently you cannot go to this place and just enjoy the music, you have to buy something. Had she not been so distasteful I probably would have. Check your staff.

Timothy Veglas

Unreal music, alright prices, and good company

Ravinder Singh

Gem of a place in Boston.. Best place to hang out and excellent live music..

Kirk Aleman

Cool Vibe, with reasonable drink prices. Came here to hang with a couple friends after work and I have to admit with the jazz playing in the background it really created a nice environment. Didn't know what to expect but I liked the place.

shawanna goffigan

Nice jazz bands, a little hole in the wall.

John Neuhoff

Fantastic music. Friendly staff.

CLAYTON Johnson

Was a nice crowd a different type of vibe was in the place the DJ was better then these DJs in Boston that I heard in a long time

Jeri Cinnamon

The music is great. If you come early, you can get a table and listen. As the night goes on, it fills up really fast and you can hardly push through the crowd. If you want to sober up at the end of the night, they will charge you $5 for a bottle of water, which is bonkers. If you can, bring a bottle in your bag. (Note: This isn't a reflection on the bar, but ladies should definitely use the buddy system leaving at night. It can feel a little sketchy waiting for an uber outside, so it's a good idea to stay in eyeshot of the bouncer.)

Rod Hoffman

Somebody called it a 'no frills' jazz club and that's exactly right. Great talent, no fuss and Paul the bartender/doorkeeper is a great guy. No cover!

Gail Swifty

THE place for live motown

Geraldo Hodge

Went to school nearby, yet never been. Truly impressed!!! Awesome vibes!! Great music!!! Loved it!!!

Tyneshia Marie

Cool spot kind of expensive but good music

Timothy Long

(After reading my original review, I realize I was unnecessarily heavy handed with the rating I gave. In my opinion Wally's is a great establishment and I will continue to go there) Quality of music is always great. However, the band is almost always late to perform at the posted 9:30 pm time on Thursday Latin jazz nights and they don't always adhere to the Latin jazz format. It is very frustrating when you patronize Wally's on Thursday expecting to hear Latin jazz/salsa music and you get something entirely different.

Archana Sondhi

Great place with awesome music.

Raghavendra G

It is very small place to hangout and have a drink. Scpecialty of this places is historic and very old and first of his kind in that area. Here you have live music played. It is very good and lively place to hangout. It will very couzy place and famous in this area. As per information given by my friends. Every day new musicians will play music. When we are visited, some Asians playing really good music with voilen and keyboard with drums.

Nicholas Rabchenuk

Fantastic jewel in the city.

Ruben Colon

Wally’s Never disappoints. Small venue for jazz music lovers to have a Drink.

Empress 6573

I have great time whenever I visit very interesting crowd of people and great live jazz

Michael Cardillo

Great bar with live jazz. There are not enough places like this in the world!!!

Michael Gimm

Great idea and place! World benefit from drum Shield to better manage Sound

Natalie Hinds

Awsome place

Dave Cunningham

Nice nook, pretty great music the night we went. We were lucky to get seats though.

Mikolaj Kegler

Outstanding little cozy dive bar with nightly live shows and all of the absolutely free of charge. The atmosphere is on point with some classic jazz tunes playing at all times (before the live shows start or finish), the selection of drinks is on point and prices are definitely friendly for your wallet. The live shows themselves are absolutely mad. The moment I went there the first night I couldn't resist to go back again every other night that I have spent in Boston. It a must for any enthusiast of live music!

Kimberly Chan-Fee

Packed but still worth going to if you're in the area! Good drinks, good music, and good crowd!

Brian Fox

Fantastic jazz club that I wish existed in other cities. There needs to be more places like this where the young and older can connect. The atmosphere is unmatched. Get there early so you get a seat. Although on some nights the dance floor is where to be.

haha no

cozy! the music was absolutely fantastic

blaquebuttafly18

Perfect place to hear talented musician erase away your stresses. Small venue with limited seats but the vibe is on point!! Enjoy!!

James Graydon

A very casual, music-focused venue for local jazz performers. The bar is a little underwhelming, the decor is a little sparse, and the night I was there, there was standing-room only. However, this place clearly thrives on bringing in good music and does so with no cover. I'll keep coming back for the music; it's a great way to experience the talent in the local community.

Samer Nour Eddine

Easily one of the best spots for live music in Boston. Top notch musicians and great atmosphere

Arun Prasad

It is truly amazing what Wally's showcases in terms of music talent. An easy place with talented and serious jazz performers. You will not realize the time passing.

Interdimensional Rainbow

Amazing music by berklee students!

Venessa Lacroix

I come here for the eggs

Beverly Wilson

#livemusic Get there early if you want a seat. Music is good - great to hear young talent. Not too loud.

Kel Green

Tiny place but awesome music.