Let me start this review by saying that I have never dined here. This review is based on my experience with booking this place for a private event. Contacted Mr. Robinson via email to discuss using this facility for a private event. He emailed me back suggesting that we set up a meeting to discuss my event. He and I met, and I gave him a rundown of what I was planning to do. He seemed very interested in my idea and ended our meeting with him promising to email me the next day with his decision. The next day came and went and I never heard anything from him. After a week, I sent him a followup email, because I know we all get busy, especially if you are a business owner. Unfortunately, I have yet to hear from Mr. Robinson and its been over 2 weeks now. Its funny how things work out though...I follow Cafe 4212 on Twitter and I am a member of their Facebook group. I've been getting tweets and Facebook messages about upcoming events at Cafe 4212 since my initial meeting with them, but no one has the common courtesy to email me or at least followup on the meeting we had. Surely this cant be the proper way to operate a successful business? As far as private events go, this is not a place I would suggest considering. Take your business somewhere else. read more

Brunch was mediocre...no waffles, no pancakes, no omelettes, no pastries, no fruit. They finally brought out some burnt french toast. The chicken and fish was good but we had to wait for more fish to come out. Soul food was just okay. Food was lukewarm. Supposed to be a buffet, but the servers dish out your food. The best part was the live performer...he was fantastic. I was not happy about the $25 charge. Won't be back. read more

OMG!!! What talent! Great service! Great music! Great food! We will definitely be back

Horrible service and I even talked to the manager... her attitude was horrible and she wasn't professional at all. I came for the advertised menu on the website...they barely even had anything on the menu let alone anything that was on the website. The server didn't know the menu and had to go see if they had it with every thing that we wanted to order. This was not jazz... more of a live band and they weren't that great. I wouldn't step foot in this place again. I urge you to stay away also. HORRIBLE SERVICE! read more

We bought a dinner for 4 through Groupon. There were 2 waiters working the whole place, unfortunately, we had the one that decided to do more talking than working (and not talking to the guests at all). The meal consisted of a tiny salad (from a bag) and chicken marsala. We didn't even stay for dessert. The meal was not worth what we paid for at all. It couldn't have cost them more than $10 to make (and that's being generous). I don't know how much more butter could have gone into the mashed potatoes. On top of that, I love Jazz music. This music was so loud, that you couldn't even hear yourself talk. If I was at a club, that would be one thing, but being at a restaurant where you're trying to enjoy a meal with good company, is another. read more

Maybe I came too early, I stopped here on accident.... Waiting for a friend to go somewhere else... Bar had no change for another occupant so i figured I would pick up a beer to help out while i wait... 5$ for a michelob! I questioned the price as I work industry and consult with venues that open and instead of an actual answer I was met with sarcasm... When I asked about the menu it was explained to me that there is no "set" menu because it is a cafe... This baffled me as the reasoning just didnt make sense... The gentleman who was telling me about the place was sincere which is why I wont shoot it down yet. However my server was downright rude. When I explained that I worked in fine dining, she put it off as if i were being snobby, when in reality I was justifying my concern for the price of a domestic beer, when even in my area the prices were lower. Whats more is out of discomfort of conversation from the bar I quickly finished my drink and went outside to prevent further escalation in conversation... Stood outside to wait for a friend, and noted an on-duty hpd officer arrived amd stood outside as I was on a phone conversation... 10 minutes later he left and who i assume to be managers came out talking about suspicious activity.. I wasnt prevy to the conversation, however if I was the suspicious person, then honestly I am baffled as I was in work attire (dress shirt, tie, vest). I saw they do tango on Thursdays though, great idea as I dont think we have enough venues in houston that engage ppl in such a manner. However, based on this experience and high pricing i will be heading over to AXELRAD instead in the future! I support black business and it B list but more variety. There are plenty of good wines that cost under 10$ a bottle from distributors that sell, i would have gladly paid 7$ for a decent glass of wine over a 5 $ beer. I also suggest making a set app menu since there is a kitchen... This will simplify ordering and bring a sense of consistency... While I wont be visiting again, I see potential! read more

This place was amazing I went alone on a Monday night. (I'm here on business from Cali). It was Jazz jam night and good lord these guys were phenomenal . Everything from the music, the atmosphere to the bathrooms (always important) were great. The patio out back was beautiful and so was the man selling the cigars. The chicken strips were the bomb. Loved the vibe, love the music, loved it all!! read more

I am very upset from my 1st visit to this location on 5/17/19. I walked in with a friend and was not greeted and proceeded to seat ourselves. We made it outside to the bar area and asked if would could order a bottle of wine for the table and was told that someone would check on it. We waited about 20 minutes then our hostess arrived and we asked again for a bottle of wine for the table and was told he wasn't sure if that is something they do and he would go and ask. While waiting another 15 minutes we decided to go back in and go to the bar and request a bottle of wine in ice and 2 glasses. We were then told that we couldn't order a bottle. We pushed back on this answer and asked the cashier to speak with her manager about and then was told that the bottle would cost $35 and that we would have to wait for it to chill. I said ok an gave my cc only to be overcharge $48.72 for the $35 bottle of wine. After looking at my bill I went back in to the cashier and asked why I was charge so much and she told me it was a mistake. I asked to speak with the manager and he took about 15 minutes to come from the back and stated he was sorry and the the charges would be voided and refunded back to my cc and processed that same night on Friday 5/17/19. However it is Wednesday 5/22/19 and the charges are still on my cc. read more

My Wife and I went on a Living Social deal on Saturday night . First and most important the music was off the charts, incredible band and sax player. The only complaint is the service was very slow,Great place to listen to great jazz music and sit and have a drink. The atmosphere is great and very clean place. read more

I've heard about Cafe 4212 on several occasions and finally decided 2 give it a try on Saturday night hoping for some live jazx, food and drinks. I arrived about 10 and there was no one present, accept the dj, a few staff and one guy sitting at the bar. Im assuming Saturday isny the right night to go.. Kind of disappointing.. read more

I'm not sure of where to start with this review. I know...parking around here is a beast. Cross your fingers and hope you don't get towed while visiting. Let's move on to the the entrance. I was pleasantly greeted by some old playas outside the door...cool. We walked in and paid the dancing hostess. Walking in can be a little intimidating as you don't know if you should sit or stand. There was a small dance floor as soon as you walk in. Ordering drinks was not too difficult as the patrons were nice enough to let my boyfriend squeeze in. We moved on back towards the patio which was the highlight for me. There is a cigar bar back there along with plenty of comfy seating. We didn't order any food, but our drinks were ok and the DJ did a good job. We didn't stay very long, but it was a cool drop in spot on date night. read more

i was very impressed with this place. It is a little small ~ call ahead for seating/reservations if you don't do well with mingling (I prefer to move about) and it definitely gets crowded ...but it has a charming back patio that is wonderfully decorated and you are transformed to another place and time. Its gorgeous! Like being at someone's wonderfully decorated home...the interior is cute, more like a cozy bar...but definitely a fun place and the bartender made a killer martini! Great music...energetic and fun, fun, fun! read more

I visited Cafe 4212 for Sunday Brunch with family and friends for the first time. I dont even know where to start. It must say its a nice small spot on Almeda. The service was horrible. The waitress we had was nice and attentive overall but one of the ladies that was serving the food had a bad attitude. I had to ask her several times what was in the pots but she would just frown. As far as the food. Some of the food is served in crockpots which is ok if you have them on the keep the food warm. I tried the collard greens, yams, corn and chicken wings. The greens and yams had absolutely no seasoning and all of my food was cold. Later on they brought out fresh macaroni, chicken and fish and it was good. The gumbo was not good at all but it was from the bottom of the pot. Several people in our party complained about the food. I was completely disappointed and not to mention they tried to overcharge when my husband tried to pay. My family and I wont be returning. It was definitely not worth $25 per person for what we experienced. read more

Come here for the music... And ambiance. Not for the food... The food is good but nothing to write home about... But the lie music and dancing make up for it and more... What a find... Amazing spot for good entertainment. On a Saturday early afternoon, the music was blasting and the dance floor packed! Thought I was in Lafayette in bayou somewhere! read more

The pictures on the website make this place look great and spacious. Well, I guest when it's "staged" anything looks great. The space is small. The dance floor is at the front door meaning you have to gauge when you can pass because they will knock you over without thinking twice. The service is horrible and the head lady has a bad attitude....... read more

Im from Cali so i dont get to experience places like this often, and i loved it! The music was good, just a little loud. My drink was delicious and the venue was never crowded. A great little visit. read more

Came on a Thursday night around 1015 in the summer. The music and food was great! The place was packed. Our food took a legit hour. The wait/cook staff seemed like they could really use some extra help. read more

I went again to Fist Friday and the air conditioner was out. The ladies bathroom was so hot that your hair style fell down. The drinks are still over priced at happy hour. It went from five dollars in a nice glass into a shot glass and only what they pick no signature drinks. I really was trying to give this place another chance but I am done. I will find a newer establishment to enjoy. Ooh and the staff keeps changing from one month to the next. read more

It was a nice vibe, good seating, parking was poor and dimly lite the wait staff was mediocre and the bartender was friendly but lacked sanitation standards. He sampled my drink with a separate straw and it was kind of weird. I didn't want the drink after. It didn't seem like a big deal to him. The food was also mediocre nothing spectacular if anything it was over priced for the amount of food. Overall the experience was fair. I'm not sure if I will return. Maybe on the nights for live music because the Dj on this particular night played house techno; not my flavor. But again it's a big maybe if I will ever return. read more

The food was not bad, staff was nice! However I overheard who appeared to be management say. "see what everybody need so they can get the hell up and get the hell out!" Right in the dinning area. Trying to make room for new guests is understandable but that was rude. read more

Went here for Monday Nite Jazz Jam. It was sensational in every way. Food, jazz, atmosphere, service were all perfect. I had the blackened fish and my companion had the chicken tenders. The portions were large, the food was very nicely prepared. To be honest, since we were in a jazz café I wasn't expecting the food to be as good as it was. TR was a great host and made sure everyone was comfortable. He came around and spoke with everyone. I cannot adequately describe how good the music was. I've heard a lot of jazz groups on a lot of nights, but this was sensational. I cannot wait to go back. read more

Nice urban scene....I'm impressed with the selection of DJ's for House and Hip-Hop music.....drinks are good! I like the vibe....highly recommended! read more

The live music is great! The owner and staff are friendly and personable. I love their laid back atmosphere and their gumbo is remarkable!

I visited this Café/Lounge for the first time this weekend. I must say I was VERY impressed. It has a small time community atmosphere with great music and even greater food. I am prepping for a fitness competition so my choices on the menu are not expansive but the head chef catered to my needs!! He baked a chicken breast to my specifications and it tasted AWESOME! I will definitely be back for lunch as well as the nightlife! The only downside is the parking but what do you expect when you are in the heart of midtown? Amazing staff, great food, and the band was outstanding! Try it for yourself you will not be disappointed! read more

Ok the pics that are posted are old. This place could be extremely nice but it's a little run down. Service was null. The staff approached "regulars" who were. Sitting around us on three separate occasions and totally ignored us. Older crowd and nice vibe. The "regulars" enjoyed their free catfish nuggets and chicken wings. Not for me. read more

I ran across this place online. The Facebook add stated that they would be having a $100 karaoke contest. I figured it must be a good place to go and show off my show tune skills! I was wrong! The place resembled a bar more than a cafe. The contest stated it would be starting at 9pm. I arrived around 10pm and the place was empty. About 10 people were scattered about the room and nobody was singing. The DJ played RnB and rap, but I never saw anyone get up to karaoke. It looked a little rundown, and the lighting on the bar accentuated all the dust on the walls and bottles. I felt very out of place. I paid $16 for 2 drinks, and got ready to zip out! Righty before I ran out, a gentleman by the name of Dana stopped me. He welcomed me and thanked me for coming. He took me and my bf aside and gave us a full run through of their weekly happenings. He also showed us the back patio which I think was the best part of the whole bar. The outdoor patio was huge!! Thanks to Dana for being so welcoming and open to us! I'm not sure why the bar was so empty on a Friday night. According to Dana we arrived late. Maybe this is more of a daytime shindig. My three stars go to Dana and the bartender who was also very accommodating! More than likely, I will not be visiting soon. Parking was horrible...I had to walk about 3 blocks and hope to not get towed. read more

I went 3 weeks ago. I actually kinda liked the place. The staff was very friendly, the drinks were strong but I probably won't go back because the music was way too loud. I couldn't get comfortable or relax or hear anybody at my table. This place may work as a cafe but certainly not conducive to chillin' and listing to jazz/blues read more

Ran out of buffet food and the music was way too loud

Good energy here. Great food and the best way to enjoy your Sunday !!!!!! The owner is a nice guy and the entertainment truly makes it an enjoyable environment to be in. Come here you won't be disappointed. read more

Very nice establishment. We went when there was a live band who were great. There wasn't much of a food selection but the food that I ordered (Chicken tenders) were good. There is a cover charge after 8 pm. read more

Staff was friendly and helpful. The Sunday buffet wasn't good and at $24+ that was disappointing. Music was ridiculously LOUD! So loud I would not return. read more

Came on a Monday. Good crowd, good drummer and about 1/2 of the crowd was watching the band while I was there. A+ perfect chill, low key music spot read more

My husband and I spent last evening at Cafe Jazz 4212 using a Living Social certificate for a 3-course meal and live entertainment. The most important part of the evening, the jazz group, was fantastic. A bit on the loud side, but extremely talented guys. For the second set, two very talented women joined the group for vocals. The patio is fantastic - very well thought out planning for the space available. You can enjoy the music very nicely from the patio. The wait staff was very attentive and professional, especially given the tight quarters and insanely close table settings. That's it on the positives. The food was sad and pathetic. I could have drank half a dozen margaritas, and passed a sobriety test. I had two, and a good case of acid indigestion. If you are going just for the music, definitely put Cafe Jazz 4212 on your calendar. read more

I've been here a few times and I always have a good time despite the poor management. Their bartender couldn't make a cosmopolitan martini. Also they are known for running out of alcohol. Last night (Super Bowl weekend) I was with a large group and before midnight they ran out of Titos Vodka, Myers Rum, Woodford Resrve and several others. Just ran out. I heard other people saying that this place does that all the time. The DJ was really good. They have a big patio, but not enough heater on the patio when it's chilly. Lastly, there was only one woman's bathroom stall operable. Enough said. Decent venue, but seems poorly managed. read more

Great food. Went here for a Toastmasters demo meeting. Buffet lunch was ribs, shrimp and chicken kebabs, and veggies. Excellent group and excellent restaurant. read more

The new management charges 10 at 7..Seats are reserved in which the parties dont get there till 9 and 10 ..so youu have all these empty seats and people standing. .The DJ he is so rude and have a problem if you request a song he always have a smart comeback ..not my fault he doesnt have the latest hits read more

Went to this location w/ great anticipation to enjoy Brunch and great conversations! Disappointed to the utmost! Service is atrocious...ordered but never received the ordered! Waited over 45 minutes and never got out food! WILL NOT BE GOING BACK! Poor management! Waste of time! read more

Went to this place with a friend, this last past Friday night after work. It was about $5 to get in and it was packed! Grown and sexy crowd, everyone looked to be 35+ so that was awesome to see! The drinks were flowing and the music was playing but I did not get a chance to taste the food or drinks at all. However, we did walk around the place to the back patio and it was AMAZING! I loved the twinkle lights and patio furniture and it offers the option to get away from the madness, if you feel the need to chat it up on a more personal level. There is a bar outside as well, but make note that this is where most of the smokers are. So, if you are sensitive or do not like smoking, stay away from the patio area. Unfortunately, we were headed to another joint and stopped to check it out and then head out, so I did not get a chance to get the full experience. Needless to say, I will be back, ready to eat and drink! read more

I am the guy that got the wrong drinks that Corey mentioned in his review. We purchased the LivingSocial coupon for sixty dollars and were informed that we needed to pay an additional $10.00 dollars as a redemption fee. The attendant told us the fee was listed on the second page but when i looked on the second page, i didnt see the fee in the fine print. Upon finding our friends, it took about an hour to get a server to ask us if we wanted a drink, even water. After getting our own water, we got a server who took our order, 2 Hurricanes and brought back 2 drinks with Gin. After informing them of the mistake, they replaced the drinks and all was good. On the subsequent drink order, we got fruit punch instead of another Hurricane. When we notified that we got the wrong order again, we watched the server take those drinks and give them to a couple at another table. It was not funny at all. Finally, the food was one (1) star at best as I noticed some mashed potatoes and some roasted potatoes. My friend didn't get any potatoes at all. So finally for dessert, it was so pitiful, we passed on dessert because I could get something better at home. We noticed several couples that "walked" their checks because the wait staff was so inattentive. We paid for our drinks and left the establishment. The band was wonderful and was worth the trip. All other aspects of this adventure was terrible. The service was by far the worst I have ever experienced. I could have stayed at home, paid myself and not ignored myself more than we were this evening. read more

the music and the 60cent wings was great. BUT the 6 dollar U call it ! is what Happy Hour is all about. and the way the wind was blowing in my Wife's hair on the patio while they smoked hookah and I cigar and cognac its the best patio in town, this place was designed for successful people, they say its owned by one of Houston's most successful Lawyers, make sure you phone is charged...you'll love the art read more