07/29/09

Excellent Jazz Club Ruined by Cigarette Smoke

by meowlody

Smoke wafts around the bar and ruins the performance area. For people who have allergies, asthma or who are undergoing chemotherapy, a place with cigarette smoke is out of the question.

I would go to Churchill Grounds every Tuesday and Saturday night if not for the smoke. I love jazz, but I have to go to NYC to enjoy it smoke free.

• Pros: Excellent music and drinks... THE BEST!
• Cons: Cannot breathe there

12/12/08

NICE

by MKD01

Very nice , food was not enough, staff was good. smoking is bad., but i would go back. I love the music and I alway love the cocktails. I would recommend

• Pros: Music
• Cons: smoke

08/09/08

Outstanding jazz and atmosphere

by mike3889

My wife and I visited this place for the first time on a Friday night and we were blown away by the quality of music and the romantic atmosphere and overall value of the place. Service was very good. Drink prices were reasonable (4.50 to 5 for premium draft beer). The reasonably priced food was very good too. We had already eaten a light dinner prior to the first set (which began at 9:30pm) so we had the spinach and artichoke dip and a huge piece of carrot cake with coffee. Next time we will probably just have dinner here.

• Pros: Romantic atmosphere, great music, reasonabe prices, good value
• Cons: a little smoke wafts in from the bar area but it wasn't too bad

12/30/06

Not highly close to what was recommended

by danet4

For my birthday my husband took me to Churchhill Grounds. My husband is a planner and researches everything. So as to his research for best jazz bars in Atlanta...Churchill Grounds was highly recommended by City search.

The musical/instrumental version of jazz in Churchill Grounds on Dec. 29 was terrible. No rhythum, no flow and not appealling to listen to. Many customers left the bar making unfriendly comments towards the performance of the saxophone player.

Another disappointment was the availability to the wine list provided. The server returned to our table 3 time to tell us the the wine was not available.

My final thoughts is to , "Churchill Grounds" ; "if you promotes high standards of music and availablitiy on th menu.....you should also consider more research and follow up on the qaulity that the establishments portrays to the customers.

• Pros: The ambience might be suitable to first date or for some romance
• Cons: The lack of good music and drinks is a thumps down.

06/06/06

Mixed Reviews for a Date, Awesome Music Value

by mt1

Maybe not for a first date, as you can't really (and shouldn't really) do much talking in the Whisper Room (performance side of Churchill). But then if you were at a movie, it would be similar. If you and your date are a little further down the road, it can be very nice and romantic. This place made me look really good in the eyes of my date.

The music is first-rate and the cover charges are sometimes absurdly low considering the talent. Pretty good single malt scotch selection.

My one complaint:

I just wish they'd spend a few bucks to upgrade the door so that it closes by itself. In winter, people often don't see the "Please close door behind you" sign, leaving the whole place with a cold draft. And it's often the other customers who inform the newcomers, rather than the bartender.

• Pros: MUSIC, Music value!, classy
• Cons: the front door

08/29/05

Great experience

by eli250

I visited once and the jazz was excellent, with an atmosphere that felt a lot like we were stepping back in time. It was an intimate setting and one where you could hear the music quite well. I wouldn't reccomend it for a first date though, as you can't really talk too much while your there.

• Pros: music, atmosphere

12/11/04

overated

by ebrantl

This place is cramped and stuffy. There was a guy telling us to go and across the street to get money to get in. We get back; there was no one in the bar to listen to jazz and the attendant made us wait. For what I still don't know.

• Cons: , people, enviornment

11/11/04

Premier jazz club offers a break from the melee of Midtown.

by Brian Suber

The Scene
Atlanta's true jazz fans listen intently to the music at this sophisticated, cozy club that's steps from the Fox Theatre. The elegant space makes a nice setting for dates and upscale evenings out. Couples and small groups of jazz-ophiles huddle around the small tables and linger at the blond-wood bar with cigars, coffees, wine and cocktails. But all attention is focused on the musicians playing on an intimate stage in the front corner.

The Draw
Churchill Grounds' patrons bring a genuine appreciation for jazz to the table, and the club reciprocates by booking top-rate talent: Greg Osby, Russell Gunn and Nat's brother, Freddie Cole have all graced the stage. Most of the traveling musicians perform on the weekends, but Monday's Afro Sounds and Thursday's Latin Jazz are other good nights to go. The club also pairs well with an evening at the Fox--stop by for a post-show slice of chocolate Midnight cake.

01/06/04

WOW!

by savvyediva

Go here with that "special" someone and watch the magic appear!!

• Pros: atomosphere, romantic, good music

11/11/03

Great date spot...

by jbaillis

Now that they have made the performance room "no smoking", this is a great place for a drink and some smooth jazz after dinner with that special someone!