The Dark Room

Went for the Rocky Maverick show 10/16 and it was my first time on this side of the venue. I walked in and the guy who greeted me looked at the digital ticket, then led to my seat. I just love the ambiance and the lighting makes it so much more intimate. I didn't eat food, but definitely ordered a couple of whiskey mules that were strong and delicious! Shout out to Louis(the bartender) for his professionalism, but still able to mingle with partrons and bartend properly! Bathrooms were super clean, but inconveniently on the lower level lolbvs. I gotta say Rocky Maverick and his band left us with an experience to last a lifetime and I look forward to attending more shows.

The waiters are very nice, outgoing and fast. The food was bigger than I expected (which was perfect). There is a free jazz jam every Wednesday with many talented jazz musicians. Anyone can join! And it's all ages. Although I would not come with a young one with ear protection, music can get very loud. I recommend the mayonnaise. :)

Ordered nachos not that good. The beef was microwaved. By the time it got to the table the meat started to look burnt & old looking. The bar was a joke. Only Craft beers & cocktails were from a can. No real alcohol on the bar. Overall yes I will visit again because of the band & atmosphere. As far as food & drinks. No way.

The atmosphere and ambiance is lovely. The service and the food was great. The musical act was amazing. I’m not sure who they use to do payments but my card would not go through. A card I’ve had for 10 years that has just used 2 days prior to take my daughter shopping. I kept checking my balance thinking some fraudulent activity happened but my account was fine and there was more than enough to cover it. I would recommend using cash just in case.

The experience was great even walking through the door! My party & I were all greeted with jokes and smiles. The staff are really attentive and welcoming. The show (Mookie Tolliver) was EVERYTHING! He brought the house down. We drank amaretto sours and they had great flavor. I have to say the hint of orange really brought the drink to life. The MC said we would get an experience and he held true to his word. Between Mookie, the band, the other singers, the service, atmosphere and many other things I can go on about, this will definitely become a more visited place for me.

This is an exciting venue. There's actually four venues in the building of The Grandel! When you come to The Dark Room you are in the middle of it all. As The Grandel lobby space was transformed into the venue bar & The Dark Room jazz club. 1. There is a photography based art gallery. The artwork is featured in the lobby & bar area - The display is part of the monthly gallery tours in midtown. 2. A cabaret stage with front row banquette & chair seating surround the stage, which is used for the jazz performances of Kranzberg Resident Artists & scheduled programs. See an employee for a table after a play or anytime. - Since the pandemic this dining area now only has dining for planned events & currently is not a daily operational restaurant. 3. The Grandel Theatre which seats over 600 since the newest renovation is a gorgeous space & a gem of a performing space for all arts & gatherings. 4. A ballroom, The Grand Hall, for VIP events! *** Accessibility!*** There are audio aids for patrons in the box office (Immediate Left of the main entrance (north steps), seek a manager to check them out. *** Wheelchair access entrance / avoiding steps is available via the West Ramp Entrance. Access the West Side of the building via the alley (south side of the building) & accessible parking or drop-off on the west side of the building. (The main entrance of the building from 1884 is the north side of the building and has many steps so drop-off is a good option for guests). NOTE: The west door is heavy/ sometimes has suction but it is always unlocked when the venue is open & should open by pulling. Calling The Darkroom & making a reservation with an accessibility note or reserving an accessible seat for the Grandel Theatre should help staff prepare for the arrival of guests using this entrance. Also calling the front desk if having any difficulty with the West Ramp Door. - When I worked here I could usually just pull the West Ramp Door open without turning the handle. I acknowledge some days it would feel heavy & had suction which is not easy for visitors to navigate. This is important info when planning a visit. This is a historic building from the 1880s so the renovation & continued use is very remarkable. I hope you have fun!