We went to a show at The Sound Room last night (Angela LaFlamme -- an extraordinary performance!) and it was a wonderful experience. The doors opened at 6:30 and we ordered our food and found a table. The menu was small, but everything we had was delicious and reasonably priced. My husband and I both ordered the pork carnitas, which were incredibly tender and very tasty, my brother-in-law had the Chile rellenos and we shared some top-notch French fries. My Sangria was great, too! It's a warm and intimate venue, with a friendly vibe, and our friend who was performing that night said that musicians love the venue! A+ read more

Came here for trivia night and it was so much fun! The owners are really sweet and kind, and make you feel welcomed. The space is pretty big and is great for events. Their prices are extremely affordable, and if you pay cash there's a cash discount! I love it! Looking forward to more events here! read more

Great small music venue. Good variety of music. Wonderful food too. I found all of the staff to be helpful and friendly and knowledgeable.

After our Valentine's Day dinner date, my new boyfriend brought me to The Sound Room to enjoy live jazz music. I've never heard of this place and wasn't aware it was in Oakland. The front serves as a small cafe, and the backroom is the performance room. It's a small, intimate venue, and we watched Oakland-based soul & jazz singer Lilan Kane perform. It was a very enjoyable performance, and the acoustics were lovely. The staff were also very friendly and accommodating. A sweet, romantic spot to enjoy an evening out. Thanks Sound Room! read more

See all

A Hidden Gem in the City! I didn't know what to expect when I showed up to The Sound Room on a Friday night. I had bought tickets to see a friend's show, and only just learned that the venue has been in this location for a few years now -- not brand new, but a great discovery for me! Doors opened at 6:30, and we were warmly greeted by a lovely woman (possibly the owner). She was chatting with guests about the dinner options while I checked out the menu. I ordered the Mushroom "Scallops" with coconut rice and green veggies -- super flavorful, fresh, and priced just right. I also had a glass of white wine that paired perfectly. After ordering, I headed to the back where a friendly staff member checked tickets and walked me to my assigned seat. The seating is well-organized with table numbers and labeled chairs (A, B, C, etc.). Very smooth process and excellent service all around. By around 7:30 or 8, the show began -- but honestly, even before that, I was already impressed. The ambiance is intimate and beautiful, the sound system is top-notch, and the lighting really sets the mood. Plenty of space to move around comfortably, even when it's full. If you're looking for a chill night with live music, delicious food, and a cozy vibe -- this is your spot. I'll definitely be coming back for another show soon! read more

See all

Enjoyed the show I saw there, and the food was good. Service is minimal, and the line for food and beverages will be long. They have several NA beer options, so that's nice. Ambiance was friendly, and a mix of people on dates or with friends, which was nice. Will definitely go back. read more

I've been going to the Sound Room to hear great Jazz for years. This is the second Sound Room and it's a much enlarged but still cozy space. And that's what I like about it - it's stayed intimate. I like sitting in the back on the high bar tables, but even there you can see the eyes of the musicians and the spit exploding out of the saxophones. This sound room serves pretty good dinner plates, tapas, yummy desserts, and a variety of beverages. Very convenient to get there a little early and have dinner. They serve throughout the performance - very smoothly I would add. And quickly pick up finished plates, forks., etc A few weeks ago I heard the Jazz Mafia concert commemorating the birthday of Cannonball Adderley, a great jazz musician, and quintet I was privileged to hear in the 1970s a few times. "Mercy, Mercy" is an all-time classic of mine. The Jazz Mafia is a young innovative, jazz network, and I recommend them highly. Unfortunately they innovated a bit too much on this classic and for me, it was two different and almost unrecognizable. Some signature phrases in the original were barely recognizable. But I hasten that's me. An older couple I shared the table with who had never heard of Cannonball, but loves Jazz, enjoyed the entire concert thoroughly. 3 things to note: sometimes you can reserve a seat when you buy ticket online,. Other times it's open seating. You can also also buy tickets at the door the day of performance. Street parking is relatively easy, within a blocks walk at most. Sound Room is located in a reasonably "safer" part of Oakland. A huge Sprouts Supermarket is directly across the street.. Oakland Kaiser is a few blocks north. But this is Oakland and the concerts start at 7 PM. The Cannonball concert started at a a rare 4 PM on Sunday. It ended a little after dark. I have handicap license plates and they were stolen. I guess DP plates can be sold for a premium because basically they give you easy ticket free parking most anywhere. It cost me a few hours of running around with my painful limited mobility plus $400 to replace them. So unfortunately, unless a friend drives over with a regular license plate, I won't be returning soon. The good news is that there was no bipping along the quiet street. The windshield repair garages did not get a windfall business the next day. read more

Our show, featuring Jules Leyhe, started at 7:30 so we were there are 6:30 to have dinner, a glass of wine and to get a good seat/table. Everything was perfect, the service, the close proximity to the band, the acoustics, etc. The owner spoke briefly about the history of The Sound Room, and their goals. I never want to go to a stadium again to hear wonderful music. read more

I always enjoy going to an event at the Sound Room. There isn't a bad seat in the house, and the food is delicious and changes seasonally. Last night, I had the roasted garlic chicken with smoked Dijon cream sauce and apple celery salad. It came with two sides... an autumn rice pilaf (butternut squash, carrot and currants) and a kale and Swiss chard sauté. It was delicious and healthy. I also enjoyed sangria and the basque cheesecake. And the music!! It was a Latin Jazz band called The Saul Sierra Quartet and they had two special guests, a guitarist and amazing vocalist Arwen Lawrence. She not only sang but danced flamenco and played guitar. The pianist also played the trombone. It was an incredible show!! Lastly, the staff were super friendly and professional. My sangria was waiting for me before I had even paid for it. My food came quickly (in about 10 minutes) and was hot. (I hate lukewarm food.) Overall, it was a wonderful evening. read more

I wish everyone from Oakland knew how incredible this venue is for live music. The food and wine is great too... and oh my, the cheescake is divine. read more

Went here for Story Slam night and had a great time. There's a nice welcoming community here. It seems to be ran by a woman and her family. I didn't order food but my friend enjoyed a chicken dish that she really liked and it was a large portion, full dinner available for this show. Also good wine and beer selection. Looking forward to going back next month. read more

Would be a lot more comfortable if I could feel some air circulating. Only air movement right now is the continuous coughing by the #3 person at this 4-top where we reserved two seats. If you're not comfortable with the idea of sharing a very small table with someone who coughs continually (never covering her mouth), then you might consider taking all four seats. (Or making other plans.) Air system started blowing, quietly bringing cool air into into the room in during the final song of a two hour show. That was a relief after nearly two hours of stage lights and maybe 100 warm bodies. Excellent talent. Good food and drink. read more

The Sound Room - Music Venues Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Wow! Talk about a hidden gem. I have attended two of Jules Leyhe and the Family Jules Blues Blowout shows. And I have been completely blown away both times. I plan to keep attending these as long as they host them. Picture an intimate venue, with world class blues musicians on stage, just jamming their hearts out and having a good time doing it. They mix in some songs of different genres, and it's just really a raucous good time for folks who truly appreciate great blues and musicianship. It's a non profit, hosted by people passionate about music. They offer a nice variety of food and drink. One of my new favorite venues! read more

Great vibe, incredible music, and good people. Check out the music scene and support the local folks bringing their dream to life.

My first time at The Sound Room. I went for my birthday as I LOVE jazz and live bands. I loved the vibe here. Everyone came to listen to good music. But seemed like most of the people there were regulars and for the most part knew each other. This is a non-profit organization supporting local bay area artists. However, the audience was not very diverse. As a Black American, I couldn't help but notice there were fewer than 10 Black people in the room, including the singer (we actually counted about 8). We arrived just at 7:30 pm when the show started, so we didn't try the food. But there was a separate area near the entrance where you could order and pick up your food and beverages and bring to your table. We ordered a bottle of rose that was pretty good, and reasonably priced. There was no table service, which was fine considering what you got with the cover charge, which was 3 hours of live performance. We had the pleasure of listening to Chloe Jean who was phenomenal. If all the artists are of her caliber, I'll definitely go back again and again. If you don't mind this place not being very diverse, I highly recommend. read more

See all

A quintessential Bay Area experience. Incredible atmosphere, great acoustics; awesome performances.

Great music, great ambiance, good food and a distinctive esprit d'corps that will enchant all real jazz fans.

Great venue for a cozy night out on the town. We listened to a delightful Jazz quartet. Also there snacks and drinks we lovely. The owner/hosts were warm and friendly and fun to speak with. Definitely recommend this place. read more

I have only been to the old venue, so I'm looking forward to seeing the new one. They really pay attention to details whether it be to the food & drink being served, or to the artist. Very intimate small venue. I liked the size of this venue, so we'll see how it compares to the new one. If I had my preference I would always choose small. read more

See all

The Sound Room is my favorite place to play in the Bay Area. Karen and Robert have created a space where art can flourish and joy is boundless. The place is just the right size to create excitement but with the intimacy I love. The audience is always engaged and encouraging. I don't think I've ever been more comfortable onstage. We played there just last night and I'm still walking on air. If you want to experience great music in a conducive environment then here it is! GarthWebber~ read more

What a treat to hear great jazz in Uptown Oakland. Saw the Jazz Mafia this past Friday night and had a fantastic night. Good food and drink, great vibes, and amazing music. read more

This is an excellent live music venue, great ambiance, friendly staff, great food and drinks.

*Awesome hostess - she knows her people well *Great crowd - kids are welcomed *Never a bad seat in the house *Fresh yummy food *When the show is over, everyone goes home *Of course, the music is off the chain! read more

A jewel of an intimate, reasonably-priced venue for jazz and other underexposed music genres. There are no bad seats in the house, and a limited but tasty menu is available for those who want to dine while listening. The Sound Room is a labor of love and a local cultural treasure. By all means, check them out! read more

The food is great, the atmosphere is cool and the shows are awesome! The service is fast and friendly. All seats in the house are great. We go a couple times a month! read more

Intimate setting, good acoustics, snacks were good. Parking was fairly easy to find in close proximity.

Good sound system, friendly ambience, talented performers! Owners were hospitable. My drink was well prepared and they had an interesting menu of food. read more

Great spot for live music. the space is intimate and the acoustics are fantastic. The staff are very kind too.

This is a great place to hear live music! It's roomy and comfortable with individual tables and chairs. The sound is excellent and the owners are friendly. There is a great assortment of drinks - alcoholic and alcohol-free along with snacks. It was an enjoyable experience overall. read more

The Sound Room disappointed my 1st time at the new spot by turning my table for 2 into a table for 4 because the artist invited 2 guests and I guess my table was the only place they could seat these guest of the performer. The owner Karen, an appropriate name for sure, claimed she had no choice. I said their is always a choice. She offered to refund my $$ for the tickets and I said no since I had already purchased food and drinks. The refund wasn't the issue, the issue was selling me a table for two and adding unknown/unwanted people because the performer wanted it. Then before the show started, they moved us to a table for 2 in the back by the bathroom door. They should have moved the people at my table since I paid for it and they didn't... Won't be returning Karen.... P.S the one star is for the food. It was very good. read more

Intimate vibe with good acoustics and friendly staff. I highly recommend the Sound Room! read more

The Sound Room - Kelly Park BIG Band with Bill Mentz - Music Venues Near Me - Oakland, California

The food was amazing! The ambiance was fabulous. It's a very welcoming community. The concert was excellent. It's very intimate and small, which is wonderful, because you really get to see the musicians close up making their magic! read more

Super great little venue that hosts many local artists. It's small and intimate with folding chairs and stools and small coffee tables laid out, so get there early to snag a good spot with prime viewing of the stage. Food and beverages are also served and at reasonable prices ~$8 for a plate of two vegetarian tacos, $14 for empanadas. All were flavorful and conveniently delivered to your seat. I fully enjoyed having dinner while watching a local jazz group perform. Definitely a great weekend night out with my brother! read more

Sound Room has been the secret place that Oaklanders have kept for a long time. Karen and Robert the power couple with a passion for Jazz and blues created this non profit organization over 20 years ago at the their home and they have been supportive of this cause for years. You always feel welcome at this place and know you walk out of it feeling better about the world we live in. First Fridays of the month, Jason Cole has a great line up of comedians and no single show is like the other. I recently celebrated my 53rd birthday at this venue and my friends had tons of fun. At one point In the middle of the show I turned around to my guests and saw more than a hand full of them laughing in tears! I couldn't imagine a better way to treat my friends. Highly recommended. read more

See all

Such a nice spot! Came here with some friends for a Brazilian samba performance. I was initially worried that the vibe would be pretentious (as some Jazz spots can be) but there was nothing but friendliness. It sounds like this space is much larger than their previous location. I really liked their brick lined semi-developed interior style. I will probably be going to more of their events. read more

The Sound Room - a group of people on stage - Music Venues Near Me - Oakland, California

The Sound Room is the hidden gem of a great Jazz club in Oakland. Richard & Karen, the mom & pop owners of the Sound Room have poured their hearts, souls, money, passion and sincere dedication to provide a home for top performing jazz, blues, soul & Brazilian artist with occasional comedy mixed in. Richard & Karen make sure the musicians get paid as Richard & Karen are many times unpaid volunteers whom have put the Sound Room together at a hefty expense to them to provide great music for you. Richard is an architect and the sound system and room acoustics are the best! They have recently rebuild the grand piano for optimal action and tone. Many wonderful artist and have graced my body, mind & soul from the Sound Room and have left me singing. Bravo Sound Room! Well Worth It!! read more

What a wonderful venue to see some live music! The Sound Room is an intimate experience to see wonderful, local performers play all types of live music. The owners are passionate about the quality of music they bring in. You can feel the love and hospitality the moment you walk in. The room is fairly small so the sound of the music is clear, bold and loud. They offer wine, beer and even some good food. This is a wonderful place for a date night & to sit back, relax and enjoy the musicians play great music. read more

Great venue and staff. Got a chance to catch a stellar jazz quintet there and grab a drink.

I love the sound room!!! Intimate venue with perfect sound system and customer focused employees/volunteers. Thier main focus is to keep jazz alive. While I have ventured out to occasionally see a jazz show...my personal preference is for the Blues and Big Band shows!!! Always fantastic treat...homey venue with great staff. Ok...during this pandemic with "no live venues" open...why am I writing this review now? Besides the good food, good music, nice crowd of people that usually make this a go to favorite...it's because the gentleman that works the front door was so generous to find me and my partner seats to a show I really wanted to see. I had driven over the bridge without tix and space was tight...also known as sold out. I will never forget his generosity and kindness...we had a great evening and a great show. Now fast forward to this time of financial difficulty...and they have again stepped up. Now they are offering live stream shows. I continueto be impressed and appreciative of their dedication to the art of music. Now they are requesting donations to keep the fire going. Please consider donating to the great mom & pop style venue...and may the music continue. https://www.gofundme.com/f/Keep-Jazz-Alive-at-the-Sound-Room?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet Warm appreciation, Sharine read more

Would not recommend! When I entered the establishment I was greeted with a very aggressive "Can I help you?! Can I help you??" As opposed to the folks that walked in right before me and nothing was said to them. Can't speak on the experience of the music or anything else because as a person of color this instantly turned me away. I won't ever go back. read more