Cafe 290
(404) 256-3942
290 Hilderbrand Dr NE
Atlanta,
GA
30328
33.923
-84.3778
What People Are Saying About Cafe 290
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
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.
User Reviews
izlez07
July 05, 2009
Only 2 waitresses for the entire restaurant who kept messing up the orders. definitely need more staff. Overall ok experience with great music
read full review
KWLDIII
June 08, 2009
IT NOT BEBOP JAZZ, BUT I DIG THE SOUNDS. IT HAD THE R&B TEXTURE WITH A TASTE OF SOUL. THE GROUP THAT NIGHT WAS RICH AND TRUE TO THE VERY END. THEY PLAYED AS A UNIT, AND EACH ARTIST HAD SPACE TO TRAVEL WITHIN THE MUSIC, YET THEIR SOUND WAS TIGHT! THE CLUB SETTING IS MORE OF A JOOK JOINT, A HOLE IN THE WALL, OR A CHICKEN SHACK WITH A TOUCH OF CLASS! REMEMBER, THE SMALLER THE ROOM, THE BIGGER THE PARTY. THESE ARTISTS ARE PLAYING WITH EMOTIONS. YOU WILL ENJOY YOUR ENCOUNTER AT CAFE 290 IF YOU GET THERE EARLY.
read full review
Xine
May 24, 2009
While many Atlanta natives might think the food is expensive, by NYC standards the food actually is great and priced accordingly. But you don't come for the food or the ambience, you come for the music. The professional musicians who perform here are outstanding. It's like 'Village Vanguard' or 'Smalls' in the West Village w/o the outrageous cover. Granted this might be b/c right next to the bar/live music there's the sports bar, pool table, foosball table, and a big screen t.v. If you come with friends who want to chill, the sports bar/ game room is great. If you want more of laid-back or robust night of jazz, go to sit down area. It's a 'Fat Cat' w/ Blue Note quality music and service!
read full reviewThe Details on Cafe 290
When to Go:
The famously packed all-star jazz jams on Sundays.
The Extras:
Nominated for Best Place to Hear Jazz for its diverse crowd, unpretentious atmosphere and first-rate jazz on the weekends.
Category:
Restaurants, Nightclubs, Bars & Clubs, Bars & Pubs
Payment Methods:
American Express, Cash, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard
