Not worth it. Rude people and endless waiting for an order. These people live on another planet thinking they are the only bar in lax vicinity. Good luck! read more

Stumbled upon this place when staying near LAX. One of the best hidden secrets in the city. Solid atmospheres, cocktails, and music. Didn't try the snacks but they looked good. Nice to see a place stand out from the usual scenes in LA. read more

I was the only person in the bar and the bartender wanted to know if I wanted to cash out or start a tab as he handed me my drink. I was sitting at the bar and there were 6 total seats at the bar so it seemed a little rude, like he was assuming I would bail on paying for my drink. I guess this is how L.A. is and I'm just not used to that in a spot that holds less than 50 people. There was also no attempt to make any kind of small talk. Not even a "How's your day been?" or a genuine smile. He seemed like he didn't want to serve me because I interrupted something he was doing upon arrival. My vodka martini was well mixed, though and I appreciated the real, quality olive in it. Drink alone was a 4.5 Star drink. read more

Sam First Bar - Vodka Martini, slightly dirty. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

A very small intimate club across from LAX. Excellent sounding room. They tell the audience to be quiet before the performance. The staff was friendly, speaking with the bouncer afterward, I commented how I liked how they tell the audience to be quiet, he said. I do not tell them to be quiet twice, they are removed. Yeah!!! What a novel concept, going out to see and hear music and actually doing so and not chit chatting about crap during the performance. I will be back. read more

I am genuinely jealous this place isn't near me. Had a flight out of LAX cancelled and needed to find a place to relax and stumbled upon Sam First. Jazz? Cocktails? Accoutrements? I was in. Mark the bartender made me one of the best martinis I've ever had, served me a charcuterie plate the size of Texas, and was beyond kind and generous. I'd live here every day if given the option. read more

Sam First Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Cozy place, awesome music. I spend around 1 hours here, but the place is good to release stress. Great environment for a nice conversation. read more

Sam First Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I'm not sure what I was expecting, it was a Thursday evening when I went (alone) to check it out. It was a nice walk from my hotel, saw great reviews on Yelp and decided to try it. This would be a great place to take a date if you wanted to have a drink and talk without the added pressure of being in a hotel bar. There were nice places to sit, it was relatively quite and the lighting was warmly faint. The staff was friendly, I sat at the bar. There wasn't anything particularly going on. I don't remember seeing a TV or even any music playing, it was nicely upscale. There was a smallish crowd, people keeping to themselves pretty much. Paid $31 for two drinks (with tip). Drinks were just CC and Coke; even for a fancy bar at the entrance of LAX, I thought price was high. Would I go back again? This would be great if you were in a small group, staying at a local hotel that didn't have its own bar. If the situation came up again that I was alone for a night at LAX, I'd likely try and find a rooftop bar and watch the planes come in. read more

My husband and I had the best experience here last Saturday evening. My office is mere steps from this beautifully designed space where live music and quality cocktails meet. The musicians were stellar and the staff was down-to-earth and provided excellent service. I cannot believe this was our first visit but it definitely will not be our last. read more

Sam First Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Fantastic lounge bar with amazing music! Very comfortable with great drinks and friendly bar staff. It's a little tough to find, but there's parking behind the bar off Vicksburg. Definitely the best jazz club on the Westside. read more

This unique bar was suggested to us as our hotel does not have their liquor license just yet. But boy am I glad they didn't have their liquor license because this place makes me feel not cool enough to be here but yet welcoming. The bartenders were great! Mark (sp) was friendly and a heavy hand. What more can you ask for. The decor is very trendy and the music is very chill. It helped create an atmosphere where strangers become friends. I highly suggest a visit! read more

Sam First Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Finally a Super cool jazz bar on the west side. Great music ! Great drinks ! Friendly staffs. Can't wait to go back. read more

Sam First is an intimate jazz club with a good bar and a good calendar of some very talented musicians. Tucked away in a commercial building near LAX, it's a hidden gem and will give you lots of "in the know" credit when you bring people. Few clubs to see great jazz around the city - this one is worth it. read more

Amazing Jazz Performance & nice bar! I stopped by after dinner and walked in... it's so worth it... and will definately come back again... the drink is good as well~ read more

Sam First Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The bartenders really care about the drinks that they are serving. This isn't a bar that just pushes out jack and cokes, though I'm sure they could if you asked. It's sophisticated. All the ingredients are fresh. read more

Great little Jazz Bar with world class entertainment in the heart of the LAX hotel district. If you are staying over night by LAX this is a must visit Club. No cover and delicious drinks and a great, friendly eclectic crowd. read more

This is a great little 60's decor bar that nobody seems to know about. The service is good and the drinks are terrific. On the weekends they have live music. read more

Sam First Bar - Great little hidden bar. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

On Friday night my workmates ( a rag tag experimental theater company on our way home from New Zealand) and I were stranded at LAX when our flight to NYC was canceled due to inclement weather in the east. Our brilliant tour shaman and bar whisperer Mo found Sam First and after naps at the hotel (thank you Qantas) we set off. What we found was an oasis of great music, wonderful drinks, fabulous snacks and Melissa, the gorgeous person who looked after us all wrapped up in a cool sleek design. Get the patê read more

Sam First Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The jazz was sick. World class. Marlon Martinez' band, Marlonious. The bartender turned me on to an amazing Anejo I've never had. To see this amazing calibre of jazz in such a small, intimate venue that seats, what, 50 people at best? Too much. read more

Killer bar with a classy feel, amazing liquor selection and live jazz that makes for one heck of an evening.

When we arrived as first timers looking forward to a nice time, we were told by door man we could sit in the patio not inside because it was jazz night. However we were not invited in nor offered to pay a cover which we would have done. Even more confusing was the band was playing but there was no one inside or in the patio. We went to eat at the Sheraton next door. One hour or so later we passed by Sam and it was closed. Only the bartender could be seen cleaning up. It was only 10:30 pm very confusing. read more

a very unassuming intimate spot with a fantastic bar and well crafted cocktails. frequent jazz sets throughout the week with live recordings. the spot is so inconspicuous but worth the trip over to LAX. if you like live jazz this is a spot definitely worth checking out ! read more

Sam First Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

This place is such a hidden gem. We watched the Josh Nelson Trio here last night and had such a wonderful time. Who would have thought that such a great place would be in this random location near the airport. Will definitely be back. read more

Stopped by on a whim. Great place, interesting design, live music. Would definitely stop in again. Good Old Fashioned!

I don't want the world to know just how much I love this place. I don't want it to get crowded with hipsters and hollywood types. Right now it is PERFECT! I love the music, the price, the drinks, the people, and the decor. I told my boyfriend IF I ever go missing....I'm at SAM FIRST BAR read more

Sam's Last. I've given this place its final chance. First the good - lovely decor, decent lighting and the art is really cool. The bathrooms are clean and some of the staff are nice, and they know how to make a cocktail. Sadly they ruin it by too often disrespecting their customers. The last time I was in, our group had spent probably $300-$400 on drinks when they came and told us we'd have to pay $20 to remain as there was a jazz band coming on and also to stop talking. Fine, so we left. Now imagine how differently this request could have been handled. Another time when I pointed out the bar was covered in ants, the guy looked at me like I was insane. I wasn't even worried about them, just making him aware. It's rarely that busy yet service is glacial. Last Friday a group of us popped in for some post work drinks - despite there being maybe 4 small groups seated around the place, most already with drinks, the dude was having a conniption on the phone demanding the missing barman get there immediately as they were swamped. He then moved to our group (4, soon to be 9) and said "my barman's not here - you'll have to wait." We hadn't even picked up a drinks menu - Just such an unfriendly greeting. He then sort of stood there, trying to work out what to do. I looked around - nobody appeared to be waiting for a drink. He turned to a dude with half a pint - are you okay there? Um, yeah he is. He looked back to us - like we were being demanding (again, I was perusing wine choices.) More strange choices of sentences - I thought, nah. And left. read more

Expertly crafted cocktails. Jazz isn't bad either. This is an excellent date night spot!

Great! But just to update the info, shows are $20 and drinks are $13. They don't answer the phones, but the venue is cute and the performances are excellent. read more

My favorite Old Fashioned is Served right here. I've come here for live shows as well . Love the environment and the love for quality cocktails and music. read more

I first came across Sam First when I went looking for music from the Peter Erskine Quartet. There is a great live stream. This week, I was at a conference in LA, and staying, it must have been, at least 5 blocks from the club. So, just to be able to walk to a jazz club was an indescribable luxury. I went last night and saw the Art Baden Trio, featuring Bob Sheppard, although, truth be told, short of Guy Lombardo, I would have gone to see anyone. The music was pretty amazing. Art Braden is a young, compelling player who likes to play outside The club itself is a very welcoming place-small with a great sound. The main thing I wanted to say is that the pictures I had seen before had been a little antiseptic--very brightly lit. The actual place feels very intimate--the way a jazz club should feel. They have a quiet policy during performances, very welcome for serious listeners and serious musicians. read more

This may be my favorite new live music venue in Los Angeles. The sound is fantastic, the lineups are inspiring and the staff is so friendly and clearly loves the music as much as the audience. Definitely worth the visit! read more

I don't leave reviews often but this place was really great. I was expecting something stuffy since it's near hotel row but it was intimate with live music and good beer food and snacks. Left feeling totally taken care of and had a great time despite our visit being short. read more

This beautiful classy club features top jazz musicians. Some have cut their CD's at the club and many of the performers have devoted followers. Excellent drinks. Beautiful decor as well as photography! read more

Awesome little jazz bar tucked away. Great service and bartender. Band was excellent

We were in Sam's First Tuesday night 3/22 to listen to the Herbie Hancock Institute jazz band. There was a "full house" and by that I mean FULL!! What we quickly noticed was that there was only one server, but wait, then we noticed that same server was also the bartender AND kitchen staff preparing all the appetizers. That employee was Pedro. How Pedro EVER MANAGED to keep all the drink orders straight, keep new drinks coming AND prepare/deliver the appetizer plates we will never know. Granted it's been a longgggg time since either my wife or I worked in food service, we continue to eat out often and seldom will you see a server with more than six tables, not to mention an entire club!!! While the music was fantastic, the atmosphere of the evening could have easily been ruined waiting for service and drinks. This was FAR FROM the case!! Being a former business executive and marveled by Pedro's work ethic I asked him if it was his establishment. He replied it was not and continued on with his business. I/we were amazed how efficient he worked and several of us concluded that seldom is such hard work noticed and in today's world, about the only ones willing to put in that effort, are the owners. Major kudos to both Pedro and the management team to find someone like him!! read more

What a wonderful surprise!!! I was not expecting such an elegant jazz club with amazing real top quality jazz!!! The band was led by George Garzone and Peter Erskine who happen to be jazz legends!!! The staff was friendly, efficient, and super helpful in dealing with two sold out shows! Dave Robaire made sure we had wonderful seats and really made the evening special! The sound system of the club was spectacular as well. What a top notch venue!!! read more

I appreciate a Jazz club in Los Angeles. Especially one that has some of the best players in world. However, seating arrangement is horrible with extremely uncomfortable seats. Sam First please fix menu on website. I ordered a beer listed as 8 dollars on website and was charged 11. Way too much for a 12 ounce beer. Please use some common sense with pricing and seating. I hate to write bad review on Yelp but there was no way to contact Sam First via web. Perhaps leave contact info. Though I hope club will stick around but I do not see it happening. read more

Really solid jazz performances on the weekends. The drinks are made by very skilled bartenders, definitely the best manhattans and tom collins near LAX. Great spot for locals, excellent night for travelers going through LAX. read more

Flying out of LAX and have an extra hour or two? This place is so cool and chill, and right at the edge of the airport. Great happy hour, great bartenders, and a smooth vibe. Also close to the airport hotels, so leave that boring hotel bar and check out Sam First! Cheers! read more

Went last night with a friend and was delighted to find this new, hidden gem. Low key vibe, the decor is GORGEOUS, and the drinks were delicious. Outdoor patio? Yes. PLENTY of seating? Yes. Live jazz music on Saturdays/Sunday's? Yes and I will be back for it. Had a Gibson - they pickle their own onions and this martini lover was pleasantly surprised at the recommendation! read more

Fantastic place to listen to great jazz. There's always a cover but you can be guaranteed you'll have a great listening experience. The room is beautiful, drinks were good. I've not eaten there yet but next time read more