It's Wally's. Expect the Bartender to yell ID ask you walk in. It's a small venue usually with a loud band so they are accustomed to this. There are a lot of college students that try to sneak in. Music is great, you go to Wally's for MUSIC!!! Understand that! It's an old school jazz cafe. You don't go here for service. Also you are in Roxbury. The problem with the negative reviews is gentrification.... These people come here and... yeah don't know what's going on. I grew up in Boston . read more

Big fan of Wally's! There aren't many places like this in Boston... I wish there were more. It's a relatively small venue, so I'd recommend getting there on the earlier side, especially if you want a seat. I've been there before when they've literally had one guy running the whole show - bouncer and bartender all in one. I'm not sure if they even serve food, definitely more of a drinks place. I just sipped on a cider and enjoyed the music. Happily would come back again! read more

Wally's Cafe - Cider - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Great place with amazing jazz music. The servers are friendly and the vibes are high. The drinks are on the pricier side but it's worth it to experience the music. Wallys is VERY small with limited table and bar seating. If you get there at a popular time you will most likely be standing for a while. read more

Wally's Cafe - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Wally's is the oldest jazz club in Boston & it is quite the staple! The have live music every single night of the year and feature some of the BEST talent in the city. There's never a cover charge, but there is a one drink purchase minimum. Mixed drinks/cocktails can be a bit pricey, but for the entertainment you're getting, I'd say it's pretty worth it. It's also a pretty small (but cozy & intimate) setting, so if you show up later in the evening, there may only be standing room. Most recently, I went on a Thursday night, and turns out every Thursday they have a Latin Jazz band starting at 9:30/10pm! It was SO fun and people were dancing and just having a great time. Highly recommend Wally's!! read more

I came here recently with a friend. It was a Thursday, and we showed up in the middle of the first set, which featured a group of students who were getting down on the keyboard, guitar, and bass. It was a nice relaxing, energy. We decided to visit another nearby establishment to grab a bite and came back to Wally's, by which time the second set was going and it was a time! It was Latin jazz, and they were both singing and playing their hearts out. Folks were up dancing and it was really fun! I will say that Wally's is not somewhere that I would come to get a cocktail. It's hard to describe what my old fashioned tasted like, but it was not particularly pleasant, and the wine selections aren't anything that I'd want to return to. BUT that is really my only ding as the fact that Wally's has no cover and is super laid back makes it feel open to everyone. There were all sorts of people there, from people who looked to be about college age to people that have probably been on the Boston music scene for decades. Wally's is intentionally an intimate, neighborhood location that isn't trying to be some of the more upscale jazz bars that charge entry fees and the like. And I appreciate that! If you're looking for a good toe-tappin' time--or maybe to get up and dance, depending on who is playing--Wally's is a great choice! read more

I have never felt this unsafe and humiliated as a solo female customer at a venue before. I'm a 37-year-old female musician currently attending Berklee Summer Program, and this was my first time visiting Wally's, to attend a Berklee Jam Session. As soon as I opened the door, before I had even stepped inside, the bartender shouted "ID!" from across the room while making a hand gesture. I politely said I would have appreciated being asked in a more respectful way, and his response was: "Get out, I don't need the attitude." I have never been asked to leave a venue before, especially for politely expressing that I found the way I was addressed disrespectful. After reading other reviews, I noticed that I'm not the only customer complaining about this bartender's behavior. read more

A classically cramped, dim little venue. If you wait long enough, a chair will open along the wall--but beware, the waiter will make sure each person orders a drink! An $18 one at that. Not the worst pricing considering there's no cover and it's jazz in Boston... great for a date night or catch up with friends. Dress is unfortunately casual but matches the unfussy environment. Go local! read more

See all

Boston's oldest & longest running jazz club. They are open 365 days a year, & HAVE JAM SESSIONS EVERY SINGLE NIGHT nuff said. This place is a national landmark ! read more

From the first drink I ordered I was instructed to pay the end by the bartender. None of the drinks had a price on the menu. Ordered an old fashioned and it was served with Fireball as the whiskey and cost $18. Jack Daniel's on the rocks? $18 jack Daniel's honey on the rocks? $18. Total scam. Not to mention this place was near empty with the only guests being obnoxious and loud "regulars". Avoid this armpit of a bar at all costs. Shame the bar ruins these young musicians chance at success by operating so poorly. 0/10 read more

incredibly disrespectful when the person behind the bar was cranky and was on top of us to get a drink immediately as we weren't sure of what to get initially. Additionally, the menus did not have a price on them so as he pressured us into getting a drink immediately, he charged us $18 for a small gin and tonic if the bartender wasn't there. It would be an OK establishment unfortunately I could not handle the disrespect and left immediately after my drink. read more

Service could improve. For two proseccos it was 18 dollars each. No prices on the menu. Bartender turning people away just to spite them. If you decide to go, you'll see. Act like a local and ask for prices before hand read more

Amazing jazz sounds of young talented musicians from the local area. We loved the chill vibe and unassuming atmosphere, but had no idea that arriving right before 10pm was late and would be met with a standing room only crowd. By 10:15/10:30pm, a first wave of patrons started leaving and we were able to snag two seats and stayed for about an hour more. We're visiting from out of town and will be back again when we visit. We also loved the history of the place. Wally was a Caribbean immigrant from Barbados who purchased his place in the 1940s and had the first integrated music venue in New England, all before the CRM. Quite a pioneer with a vision for possibilities. His family still owns the place. Nice! read more

See all

Doesn't look like much from the outside, but this quaint little Jazz club was a nice spot to go to on a Thursday night with a friend of mine. We enjoyed the music the band played and had some drinks to unwind. The bartender bartended and the bouncer bounced. Wally's was a cool spot and I'll definitely go again. read more

Wally's Cafe - Behind the bar featuring a cool gift given to Wally's above the drinks - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Worst decision ever. The service was incredibly rude, definitely was overcharged for bad drinks. Like previous reviews mention, it felt targeted based on not being regulars. Music was sub-par, ambiance felt like shit. Would never recommend this place. read more

Overall: I've never been to a jazz bar but this is THE SPOT. The line at 1030 was out the door and we had to go one in one out. You can kinda hear the music from outside but once you're in you're in a complete trance almost. The jazz just lulls you into a wonderland that reminds me of that scene from ratatouille when Remy ate the cheese and the colors started popping everywhere for him. That's the experience. The drinks are pretty good being a one man show. Wally's Drink is really sweet for those who don't like it too sweet but it's blended ice cold and a syrupy texture. Would recommend if you got the sweet tooth. read more

The website hasn't been updated in over a year. I brought my teenage son there and it's a one hour drive for us We arrived at 5 pm on Saturday which is the time that was posted on the website. They were closed. Returned at 7:30 pm but weren't allowed in because they are an over 21 club and my son is only 15. It doesn't say this anywhere in their website. I would never go back...the place was a complete dive from what I could see. It was mostly empty on a Saturday night.... There was only about 5-6 people seated inside the entire place. read more

Can you give zero stars? The jazz music was sub par and the drinks even worse. There were two bartenders who were unfriendly, one was down right rude and when my husband asked him a question he said "who are you". They force you to order drinks, which was OUTRAGEOUS CHARGED for the quality. $18 well drinks. Go to another bar, with air buds and listen to better music with better bartenders. read more

Unclear hours and even though we called to confirm they are open that night, we showed up to locked doors.

The owner makes you pay just to sit down and watch if not he kicks you out. and the drinks are not even good

when my sister and my girlfriend went we were stopped at the door told no room need tow id. while we are waiting young chick walks right in and he does ask her anything. we are older. they only want young girls they can hi on over there. disrespectful. stay away from this tiny shit box. read more

Wally's is almost literally a hole in the wall but it's perfect for what they do. There is street parking somewhere. I took an Uber there. They check your ID at the door so be ready and don't get offended. There is seating at the bar and self seating at the tables. There are about 5 tables so not a lot of places to sit and don't be surprised if some random folks sit down at your table. Jazz music started around 8:30. The band played for a couple of hours. It was a very laid back vibe. No idea if they have food but the drinks were solid and getting a drink was easy. Would I go back? I plan to every time I visit the bean (Boston). read more

Reported to be the first Black-Owned jazz club in all of New England! Awesome music, drink strength will vary on bartender and time. Hours strongly vary. No food, but New York Pizza is next door. Packed beyond belief for good reason: it's a historic family owned club that Boston should support! Probably not wheelchair accessible. For the best experience, arrive a half hour before set time, secure a good bar or table seat well in advance, and tip your musicians! Some of the best jazz in New England. read more

Wally's Cafe - Packed night in full swing - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

Historic landmark and great music! You better order drinks if you're there, that's how everyone is getting paid and it keeps this joint open. Soda with lemon was my drink of choice and with the live jazz show it was worth my $7. read more

See all

The bartender Frank was polite but charged me $17 for one captain Morgan and coke. Make sure you ask for the price before you pay.

The food was quite delicious!! I thought the lobster roll was going to be hot but it was still good. The amount of lobster in the roll was comparable with the price. The staff was nice,and the bathroom was clean. I would definitely recommend. read more

See all

This reminded me of The Green Mill here in Chicago! Very loud, but talented AF musicians, and one couldn't tell they were not 'professionals' but hey what do I know? And it's free, whereas most jazz bars have a cover. I guess security does not become too much of an issue here. We came Saturday at 10pm or so, and within 15 min some ladies offered us a seat. It gets CRAZY crowded in there, but seats came and went; I hope someone is watching the capacity and fire codes. The drinks were good, not too overpriced. We did have a rather over-friendly/talkative guy sit near us. He wasn't crude but spoke with an accent and asked us questions while we wanted to hear the music. He offered me a drink, probably just because he was sitting near us, but I refused. He left at some point but that was a little off-putting. At the paid bars, sometimes strangers sit together but respect the space and musicians. I'd go next time I was there, maybe with more of a group. read more

Wally's Cafe - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

The music was pretty decent. It's local college kids studying music. The service was a bit annoying. I was only ever offered one drink and he demanded that I pay immediately instead of starting a tab. The drink itself was somewhat pricy for the quality. There was no food as far as I could tell. There was a guy that didn't have ID and the bartender was extremely rude to him. If you just want a quick drink with some music, it's okay. Myself, I made reservations elsewhere while I waited to be offered a second drink. read more

The gentleman bartender was very rude. Overcharged us $36 for only two drinks. A basic shot of whiskey and a margarita. We weren't at the Ritz, this is a cozy neighborhood cafe/jazz venue. We felt ripped off. We asked a guy with a nice looking martini how much he paid, $10. So obviously we were targeted. read more

Awesome place with live music and a great vibe. The bartender "K" is an amazing person and has given me faith in humanity again. If you meet her, tell her Thank you again from the girl in Arkansas who lost her purse. Tip her well. She deserves everything she gets! read more

Fantastic place to affordably see aspiring and professional jazz music. The house band is impressive. If you are looking for a Jazz club this is the best spot in Boston! Quite small and gets packed at times. the staff is very friendly and bar is good. read more

Awesome place with great talent but I felt hounded for money I sat down and ordered my drink but was billed immediately after getting it not sure if they do tabs read more

Tiny jazz bar. It is a shotgun room with a bar with tall barstools down one wall and a bench along another. Cozied up to the bench are 5 small tables that four can squeeze into. The place was packed on a Friday night around 9. Newcomers shared tables with the existing customers or stood in the isles. A band of an alto and tenor sax with a drummer and electric piano. They jammed non stop with the sax players switching out and sometimes going duet. read more

Wally's Cafe - Front of the bar - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

I love this place came for years pre covid. Supported online gigs during covid. Loved here from Illinois recently, and planned a birthday trip to the city around Monday night blues night. Never opened! Do not advertise 365 a year. I was crushed and not sure I'd travel in again. Why say that and. Not open? read more

It's funny looking back how I came to find this hidden gem simply from talking to someone on a train, but has now become a bar I recommend to anyone that loves the ambiance of live music! This place definitely should be one of the top things someone visits while in Boston because there's nothing quite like it. It's the cozy feeling of sitting down at a table in a small cramped bar with the locals talking to one another as you all simultaneously experience various styles of music together. It's absolutely beautiful and surreal. They have live music present every day and it's a nice bonus that they love having student musicians perform there! The lady working the counter was very friendly and made an amazing Wally's Paradise drink. For anyone into sweet blended drinks, I'd highly recommend! read more

This is from Wally's website today. Well, today I showed up at 7:05pm to locked doors. So much for 365 days a year, 3 bands a day. read more

Wally's Cafe - This is from Wally's website today. Well, today I showed up at 7:05pm to locked doors. So much for 365 days a year, 3 bands a day. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

22 y/o trans woman, they rejected my id because it doesnt look like me, duh, asked to see photo of my passport and still didnt let me in after showing. visiting from out of town and disappointed. music seemed good read more

The music was cool but DAMN this place is so expensive it's a VIOLATION. $17 for a well drink! I asked the bartender for water and he handed me two bottles that turned out to be $10 each! $37 for a well drink and two waters...y'all, that is not okay. Thats airport and stadium prices. Go for the music, but skip the drinks. read more

Great music and drinks. Came on a Monday night (during a nor'easter) and they had live music (blues & funk) and a packed crowd. A true testament to how cool of an environment this truly is. read more

Wally's Cafe - Beer list - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

Great music and vibe! It's a cozy place to get engrossed in music. Highly recommend checking it out.

How unfortunate. I have waited many years to stop by this location and sample, what I have heard, was a great venue. How disappointed I was when trying to enter the establishment this past Saturday late afternoon (5:45, everywhere stated the opening time for your club is 5 PM) I was systematically talked down-to by a very rude and mean man at the door accusing me of trying to break his door. This is how you treat a potential customer? A couple coming in to experience this famous venue....no thanks. I will stick to the great clubs like the Blue Note in NYC. you sir, should be ashamed of yourself...you disrespected me, but mostly, you disrespected your establishment. read more