Cafe 290
Atlanta, GA 30328-3906
Phone: (404) 256-3942
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- Boylston Drive NE
- Hours:
- Sat 6pm-3am, Sun-Fri 5pm-2am
Editorial Review for Cafe 290 – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
One half run-down sports bar with billiards and a battered foosball table, one half dingy jazz lounge with some of the best live acts in town: Cafe 290 opened in 1981, and the decor looks like it hasn't been touched since. For the steadfast crowd that frequents this wood-paneled shanty, that's its appeal: unpretentious, friendly, and totally focused on providing top-notch music.
The Draw
The crowd is racially diverse and most have hit 30 or 40. You'll find lots of couples and very few pickup lines. With live jazz 365 days a year, you never know what you'll get. It could be a man with a drum machine, could be Peabo Bryson (yes, he's played here before). The seafood- and steak-heavy menu is impressive for a jazz club/sports bar, but it's not five-star. The real virtue is the free-pouring bar.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
The ExtrasNominated for Best Place to Hear Jazz for its diverse crowd, unpretentious atmosphere and first-rate jazz on the weekends.
When to GoThe famously packed all-star jazz jams on Sundays.
User Reviews for Cafe 290
06/14/2008 Posted by addingtm
I went to Cafe 290 looking for some decent food and some good jazz. I had read other reviews on here and thought I would try it. Here is the lowdown. Hostess: Pleasant Bartenders: Unattentive, playing around, not recognzing you. It took me 15 minutes to get recognized that I was even there before I got a drink. Food: Very limited unless you want to pay for very high priced steaks and pasta dishes. I got a Fried Chicken Salad that cost me 14.00. Not only that, it took 45 minutes to get it without anyone explaining what the hold up was. Also it was slow this time of night. Music: It was R&B night. Not Jazz. It was ok, if I was in the mood for R&B, but I wasnt. I also was told it would start at 8 but didnt start until 9. Clientele: I dont know where other reviews felt like there was a good mix but I felt like I was out of place. I left after only being there for 1hr and 1/2. Would I recommend this to others? Well, eat before you go. Make sure you are clear what kind of music you are looking to hear and it's ok. I might go back another time, not ruling it out completely.
Pros: Not too crowded
Cons: High priced food, music isnt jazz, inattentive waitresses and bartenders, long wait for food
05/15/2008 Posted by dmac303030
If you want to hear live jazz,have a good meal,and enjoy meeting good people of atlanta,here is your spot. I first went to Cafe 290 in 1997 and had a great meal,enjoyed the ambiance and had a chance to sit in with the live jazz ensamble which are there on sundays. I play the saxophone and Gary and team are great,if you can sing or play a musical instrument this is your spot.
Pros: Great jazz,nice ambiance,and the best cheesecake.
Cons: Parking is limited on Sundays
Users Who Viewed Cafe 290 Also Viewed
Churchill Grounds
660 Peachtree St
Atlanta, GA 30308
La Rumba
6317 Roswell Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30328
