We went here on a Monday night when the house band played, led by John Blondell, who played bass. The band was a jazz quintet and they were excellent. Two things stood out for me: 1) Blondell's chops on bass were more than just the average bassist. After the show I introduced myself to Blondell and asked if he was a studio musician to which he replied "yes". Blondell is also proficient on trombone. 2) The trumpeter was an elderly gentleman named Dr. Jim Hart. Hart was dressed to the nines, spry, engaging, and a very good vocalist as well, not to mention the chops on his horn were very good.
My wife and I are not drinkers so we had soft drinks. Food is not served here although they allow food to be brought in. We went to Cooper's Old Time Barbeque and had dinner while the band played.
I highly recommend the Elephant Room!
Elephant Room is my favorite jazz bar in Austin. I have been there like 7 times in the last year. Great ambience, drinks and live music performance.
Great place to catch some jazz. First come, first served. No reservations so come early to get a table.
Sound mixing could have been a bit better as it was a little soft in the middle section.
Laura Degelau (Laura Degelau REALTOR)
+5
Great basement jazz club. We arrived at 8 and the place was empty, by 9pm it was packed, just in time for the music to begin. Live music till 1am. Recommend
An amazing live music venue where the music is the main attraction. Limited seating with one out one in between sets, which keeps the atmosphere intimate and not crowded. There's actually a 'no standing' room policy. There's no food service, but we were allowed to bring in food purchased from a nearby food truck. We bought a bottle of wine and had an amazing time. Got to chat with musicians between sets. And did I mention 'no cover' on Sunday! So be sure to tip the musicians for their art!!!
The Elephant Room maintains its reputation of having a rock solid lineup of Jazz artists, wonderful night. I'd preferred if I wasn't pressured to keep buying drinks by the waiters who didn't seem to really enjoy working there.
Great music, great atmosphere! Bands play from 6 pm - 1 am Mon-Fri, 9 pm - 1 am Sat, and 8pm to midnight on Sun. Finding seating isn't too hard on work nights (Sun-Thu), but Fri and Sat, you'll either want to make a reservation or get there by 8:00 to get a table, otherwise you may have to wait in line outside for a few minutes.
Parking-wise, you'll probably have to walk a few blocks, since this place is in the heart of downtown off 3rd and Congress, so finding parking right next to it can be tricky!
In Austin downtown heart, a really very cool place to enjoying the best Jazz music.
The best Austin musicians play here!
If you arrive before 8pm it’s free admission! After that a little fee admission! It’s one the of cheapest places do see good live music in Austin. On the weekends they have a lot o all star musicians!
Come to the Austin Jazz Basement!
Great little gem, live jazz band every night, no cover charge (we went on a Sunday?)
Didn’t get food, not sure if there’s any. Standard drinks. You also don’t need to get a drink you can just sit and enjoy music.
Found it to be quite overcrowded/ potentially overbooked on a weeknight. Drinks were good and so was the service. Atmosphere made me feel like I was at an old jazz bar, I loved it. Just wish it wasn't so cramped.
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