07/17/08

Great music, but food and svc blues!

by Bikerblues

If you go for the music, you won't be disappointed. The layout is a bit awkward, but intimate, and the sound is excellent. Most seats have at least a partial view of the stage. The best seats are reserved for diners, the bar patrons are pushed to the back. If you want a good seat, get there early as the place fills up fast.

The food, however, is mixed at best. I had the buttermilk batter fried chicken. The coating was wonderful although the chicken itself was a bit overcooked. The collards greens were traditional and good, the mashed potatoes flavorless. My companion ordered the baby back ribs served with rice and beans. The ribs were so-so, nothing special. The rice and beans were very disappointing, overcooked and bland. "I've had better at Applebee's", he told me. Ouch.

The biggest let down was the lack of professionalism in the operation. When I called earlier in the day, the very polite girl who answered said that the band would start at 9:30, and it would be $10 cover at the door. (same as listed on their website) If we made a rezzie and had dinner, tho, she said we would not have to pay the cover. Wanting to try the food, I made a rez for 9.

On arrival, the gruff doorman told me the cover was $12. (red flag #1) When told we had a rezzie, he directed us to the hostess, who sat us quickly. The band was already well into their 1st song at 9 (red flag #2) When all was said and done and the bill arrived, we found a $24 "covercharge" added to the check. (that's 3!) When I asked my waiter about this, he immediately apologized and said the manager would take care of it. The manager explained it was their normal practice but very quickly agreed to take the entire amount off when I brought up the issue about the website listing a lower rate than the bill. While walking out, I overheard two other patrons arguing their bill with staff. Lame at best, downright shady at worst.

My advice? Skip the food, enjoy the music, and check your bill!

• Pros: great decor, attentive waiter, killer band "Janiva Magness"
• Cons: food average at best, funny business with the bill

09/03/06

THE BEST CATCHFISH AND SOUTHREN ICE TEA SWEETEN OR UNSWEETEN AND BEST JAZZ&BLUES MUSIC IN THE REGION

by mckay58

They make the best dish I know of in the the the greater Hartford area if not the east

region they are able to capture the taste of southern cooking mixed chicgo flavor of

foods live smooth jazz&blues music the music is off the scale as far as been the

best around if there where combonations of music restaurant atmosphere with a

person touch on service make a great place to being your date to impress them on

what great style you have chosen for food, music and dancing.

05/12/05

Its about the music stupid

by jsnowden324

The food, New orleans style with southern barbecue, is much improved lately. Straitforward scene with the best blues bands around, and even some that aren't around. This place is fun and enaging - not for business suits or romantic evenings (unlees you're a hippie)