Minton's Playhouse

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1. SG

   SergeG

   New York Area

   3 reviews

   1.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on March 21, 2020

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   Just to say we couldn't go to New York because of President Trump's decision to suspend all flights from Europe ... and Milton's Playhouse did not even react when I asked to postpone our reservation. Very kind of them.
   

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2. JR

   JirinaR

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 14, 2020

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   Stop asking how it was when all the events are canceled!!!! Update your for the pandemic. This review is reflecting badly on this establishment because your program is not up to date. Please delete this review after you - Open Table - have taken notice!!!
   

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3. LK

   LeventK

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 8, 2020

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   I am not going to that place anymore. I was so disappointed.
   

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4. BM

   BarbaraM

   New York Area

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 24, 2020

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Minton's offers a "something for everybody" menu. Check it out online. Excellent meal; superb entertainment!
   

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5. MS

   MichaelS

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 23, 2020

   overall5food5service4ambience5

   Great place and good people. The atmosphere was fantastic and it was a perfect place to celebrate my 27th Anniversary . The food was great and the music was very good as well. It made my wife happy so that's good enough for me.
   

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6. GG

   GlossGal

   New York Area

   44 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   44 reviews

   Dined on February 22, 2020

   overall3food3service3ambience5

   Full disclosure: I attended a jazz performance at Minton's and did not order food. I reserved a ticket only for me, and stated that I was there by myself when I arrived (doing so to facilitate appropriate seating). After nearly 30 minutes of being ignored by all the wait staff (though the busser was great with water), I asked a waiter if he knew why no one had taken my order. He kindly offered and we were off to the races. Opportunities abound here. Every glass on the table, as well as the ones served to me, was dirty. (And I quietly and appropriately pointed out the worst offender here to a waiter.) The kitchen needs a sturdier (read: soundblocking) door so activity there - which is expected and appropriate - cannot be heard in the dining room, particularly when musicians are performing. Minton's is a culturally and historically significant place, and while the things I experienced do not change that, they reflect poorly on an establishment that is acoustically a terrific performance venue that is also a restaurant and bar.
   

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7. RB

   RupertB

   New York Area

   5 reviews

   4.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on February 21, 2020

   overall4food3service3ambience4

   Took my wife hear, Will definitely go again. Great atmosphere and great live jazz. Drinks and food were on the pricey side, but the noise level and musicians made it worth it.
   

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8. S

   Sherih

   Chicago

   3 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on February 16, 2020

   overall4food4service5ambience4

   Nice atmosphere! Food was good as was the music ! Did the bottomless champagne brunch - totally worth it !
   

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9. JP

   JamesP

   New York Area

   11 reviews

   2.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on February 15, 2020

   overall2food4service1ambience3

   Show was to start at 11pm. It didn’t start until 12am. Didn’t eat until 1am. Kitchen was great; food was awesome. Venue is mis managed
   

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10. TH

    TyroneH

    Philadelphia

    14 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    The did not honor the reservation even though we had already purchased tickets. They over booked on Valentine’s Day then turned us away at the door. We weren’t able to get dinner because it was 10pm and most other places were closing. This was very disappointing.
    

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11. b

    boom2x

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Valentine’s Day 9:30 reservation. Place is jam packed - at least 150-175 people in that room AND THEY HAD 2 WAITERS for the whole place. ordered food around 10pm, got sent the wrong dish at midnight and then walked out. DO NOT GO THERE.
    

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12. P

    Pickyeater

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    This was our third trip to Minton's, and each previous experience was fantastic. However, we arrived for our 9:00pm reservation, on Valentine's day, only to find the dining room completely packed. Patrons from the earlier show, where still dining and food was still being served. The area near the hostess stand and restroom, became crammed with people with 9:00PM reservations, yet by 9:30, there were still no tables available, and more people began to arrive. It soon became clear, the staff were only going to try and seat people who had purchased tickets. People who made reservations using Open Table, would only be seated AFTER ticket holders. My wife is a huge jazz fan, and was very disappointed. Fortunately, I was able to make reservations and arrange transportation to another jazz club. Minton's appeared severely under staffed and the young ladies at the font of the house, were overwhelmed. I would never attempt to go there on any holiday. Also it is pointless to use Open Table, if those who have gone directly through venue, get preferential treatment.
    

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13. A

    Alexis

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall2food4service1ambience4

    Went for Valentine's day and it was a dreadful experience. There were three shows scheduled for the evening and we had reservations for the second show however the first show ran over schedule meaning we weren't seated until almost 1h after we were scheduled to have dinner. Many patrons did not get dinner that night despite having paid for their tickets - there were even people from the first show at 730 who were still waiting for their meals after 10pm. No reimbursements were offered, no apologies offered and some who had paid for their tickets did not even get a chance to either see the performance or have dinner. Overall poor showing for Minton's Playhouse and a ruined night for many.
    

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14. SH

    ShelbyH

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall1food4service1ambience1

    The entire experience was horrendous from start to finish. The restaurant was clearly overbooked which resulted in waiting an hour in line for a table, with a reservation, and a three hour wait for our food. The operation of the entire night was so awful and overpriced. They charged you 25 per person to even sit down at a table...with $25 a drink at the bar. Finally received my food and my steak was still frozen inside. I really wanted to love this place...I really really did, but I wouldn’t recommend to my worst enemy.
    

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15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Berlin

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall1food3service2ambience3

    They completely overbooked the place on Valentine. Music was great but food took over one hour and a half between starter and main course (after three times insisting to the waiter they could bring it) and my wife’s meat was cold. The worst of all: The guests for the second music set waited in the back, they had the door open and we felt like sitting outside in the chilly wind. Staff excused many times (of course it was not their fault but the managers who wanted to make as much money instead of making people happy on Valentine’s Day), but evening was done. We can only say thank you for the fantastic music. In the end they gave us 20% discount, actually we did not come there to have discount but enjoy music and good food in a traditional place. Yesterday it was not possible, how does their president say: ‚So sad...‘
    

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16. EL

    ELABW

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall3food2service1ambience5

    Unfortunately, my dinner was on the busiest holiday, Valentines Day. They were overbooked and understaffed. We were luck to sit at the worst table near the door because it was close to the poor manager who ran laps about the place trying to do her best. I had the lamb over cooked and poorly plated. We normally go to Cecils which is wonderful and I believe they share the kitchen so something was definitely off that night. The music was good but hard to enjoy from our seat. I would still recommend. My experience may have been a result of a bad night. Don't go on Valentine's Day the other 364 days might be ok.
    

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17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great overall experience! Food & cocktails were excellent. We went on a less busier evening and the customer service & attentiveness was exceptional It’s always a good experience when we go to Mintons!
    

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18. DB

    DavidB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2020

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Really enjoyed my experience. I will definitely recommend going there for an evening out.
    

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19. KW

    KimW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 9, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We enjoyed the performance. The food is good and the ambiance is fantastic. The service is excellent and the staff is courteous and friendly. We had a wonderful experience and will be back again.
    

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20. ZD

    ZoeD

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 26, 2020

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    This is my second time coming to Minton's. My first experience was during dinner and it was wonderful. I decided to come back and experience Brunch for my boyfriends 40th birthday. The food tasted great (although I wish the Crab cakes came with more than one cake) and it came out quickly. We had some cocktails GET THE CECIL that gave us the perfect Sunday buzz. The service was attentive and quick. THE BAND was the highlight, light AfroCuban vibes not too overwhelming, not to mention they sang to my guy. Overall it was emptier than I expected (probably due to weather) but we had a lovely time and will definitely be returning. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
    

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21. MM

    MichaelM

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Minton's Playhouse did not disappoint. From start to finish this was an amazing experience. Will tell all my friends about it.
    

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22. K

    Kiaya

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Service was great! Wish the Jazz performance could’ve went a little longer as it was very enjoyable. Food was flavorful without being overly salty or drowned with sauce. The Lamb Dibi has BIG portions and cooked very appropriately. Vegetarian options were appreciated and delicious as well. Will definitely go back again and not just for a special occasion.
    

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23. AS

    AngelicaS

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 5, 2020

    overall4food5service3ambience4

    My husband and I have been to Minton’s multiple times before but we were disappointed with our last visit. It wasn’t horrible but there are so many options of where to go for good jazz in the city, I just think we’d get a better bang for our buck somewhere else. The bartender at the bar was rude to us because the bottle of wine we wanted to buy was unavailable and we wanted to try different wines and were unsatisfied with their other choices. I guess that was too much for him to handle. Not sure why. This is all after we paid $50 as a couple to get in, and we’re about to spend another $70+ in wine, and $150+ in food. For us, that’s a pretty generous date night and we expect good service. The music was great and our waiter was very very pleasant. But he seemed busy, and for some reason there was a table near us where everyone was bending over backwards for. It seemed like they were more of a priority for everyone in the place, including people serving water, management, and even the waiter a little bit. I’m not we will be back and I may recommend to friends but I will also be giving them fair warnings based on my recent experience.
    

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24. MA

    MadelynA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We went to Minton's Playhouse for New Year's Eve and could not have been happier with the experience. The ambiance was perfect and romantic in this historic setting; the food was delicious and cooked to perfection; the service was first-rate from the minute we arrived until the end of the evening; and the music was fabulous. It was a truly enjoyable and memorable evening with every detail carefully planned out and delivered by a smiling staff.
    

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25. CB

    ChristineB

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I will be here again next year same time for seating with others to enjoy the NYE!
    

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26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2019

    overall3food3service5ambience3

    Unfortunately, the restaurant offered only one live music set, which ended before our reservation. I appreciated the staff keeping the restaurant open for us but we were unable to experience the full ambiance of the restaurant and the live music. Also I didn’t receive my Open Table reward points for dining at the restaurant.
    

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27. S

    Sky0214

    Atlanta Metro

    52 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on December 22, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a lovely time. The food was amazing and the musicians were excellent. Great experience
    

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28. GD

    GwenD

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2019

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    The band was wonderful and the food was good
    

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29. F

    Foodie

    New York Area

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2019

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    A lively fun place where the music warms the crowd!!
    

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30. n

    natasha23

    New Orleans

    20 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2019

    overall3food2service3ambience5

    This place has so much character and charm. It's a shame the food is so average and the drinks so ridiculously expensive. The music was great and it still makes a fun night out. But they really need to improve the food.
    

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31. QJ

    QuallisJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    My first time at Milton and it was the most amazing place. The staff was friendly and professional a great experience.
    

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32. AL

    AllanL

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything about Minton's was super. The food was terrific, the service was top-notch and the music -- of course -- was incomparable. It made for an unforgettable time, good for all ages, and in a great location that can allow you to spend a good amount of time in the neighborhood. Highly recommended and we'll be going back for sure!
    

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33. DN

    DNYC2

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2019

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Minton's is a wonderful jazz venue and restaurant. My wife and I have been huge fans of Minton's and regular customers since we moved to the neighborhood about 5 1/2 years ago. The food is terrific; the service is excellent; and the music and atmosphere are outstanding. I do have one complaint, however, about our experience on Saturday night (7:30 pm show). Before the band went on, the MC gave a five-minute stand-up comedy routine that, in my opinion, fell flat and was mildly offensive. I understand that we live in difficult and charged political times, and sometimes political humor can help all of us work through difficult issues. But this particular MC was not funny (in my view) and engaged in unfortunate generalizations. For example, it is absolutely true that excessive force by the police is a serious problem, but the MC said flatly, without any nuance, that the NYPD "beats up black people." I also understand that gentrification is a difficult issue that can have real human consequences. But the MC made unfunny, derogatory comments about hearing certain children's songs in the neighborhood and said that they "sound like gentrification" (or something to that effect). I am noting all this because, when addressing controversial political issues, even in a comedy routine, I think it is important to do so with care. Lots of NYPD officers (which is a diverse force) work hard each day to keep our community safe. There are, unfortunately, bad cops, but we should not paint *all* cops with the same broad brush. Also, NYC is an expensive, diverse city, and people of all backgrounds come to Harlem looking for a good place to live. So while it is important to appreciate that rising housing costs can have an adverse effect on many people, it is also important to make *everyone* feel welcome in all corners of the city, including at Minton's. I hope the MC rethinks these issues before engaging in stereotypes in the future.
    

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34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Exclusive

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2019

    overall4food2service4ambience5

    Minton’s is a phenomenal venue. We went for Sunday brunch and loved the jazz show. My food looked great, but it did come out cold. The performances more than made up for the lackluster dining experience.
    

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35. BM

    BarbaraM

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2019

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    Enjoyed my evening at Minton's. There was a delay before we were seated but other than that everything was fine. I would definitely recommend the venue and plan to go back. Alex Blake was excellent. Loved Kelly Green.
    

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36. G

    carolG

    New York Area

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2019

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    What could be better than great music and great food in a lovely setting.
    

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37. A

    Arvind

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We love this place. True American experience. Want a private Jazz concert in an open restaurant? This is the place. Food from Cecil’s steakhouse is simply amazing. My wife’s rack of lamb, my Bronzini and my daughter’s Pasta were each some of the best dishes we have enjoyed in New York. Cocktaiks are the best. Wine list is a little limited. Go for the cocktails. And yes, the Flan for desert, wow. Well, I am a flan fan, so you can discount my opinion on that.
    

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2019

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    I recently discovered Minton’s Playhouse while searching for a jazz/dining venue in Harlem, and what a find! It us fast becoming my favorite place for jazz, drinks, dining! Always a great experience...from the music to service and ambiance! Our first time there we had great seats front and center. However, this past Saturday we were side-lined, due to 2 huge groups. No fault of the restaurant, but sitting on the side limits your ability to have a free flowing inclusive conversation and connection with all members of your group. Hoping our next visit will not disappoint with poor seating!
    

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39. S

    Sharon

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The evening was a wonderful experience. The music was really good, the food presentation was beautiful and the taste matched the presentation. Our waite service was on top of things, and extremely pleasant. The drinks were also very good . Overall, it was a great experience and we plan to return soon
    

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2019

    overall5food3service4ambience5

    Julius the best player ever!
    

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