Shanghai Jazz Restaurant & Bar

Was wandering around Madison NJ on a date night with my wife. We noticed a cheesy looking plastic sign falling over inside the glass vestibule of a restaurant claiming that this place was voted in the top-100 of the best jazz clubs in the world. I laughed, and pointed it out to my wife who said, "Well, it sounds like something you'd like, so we can go check it out at least."

Well, I'm super glad we did. The restaurant had a very subdued elegant vibe which instantly put us at ease. The greeter/possibly owner let us wander around and see the menu after assuring us that yes, indeed it has been rated as one of the world's top-100 jazz clubs. Right here in Madison. My wife and I were very happy when the greeter/owners family came out and his maybe 3 year old son started running around and saying hello while the trio played.

And of course, the trio were superb! Extra applause for the pianist and bassist that evening. We loved the music and the intimate size of the restaurant.

All of the food was excellent as well - all of the full and rich flavors of your favorite Chinese take out place, yet miraculously none of the grease, corn syrup, and MSG. We ate everything and just loved it!

The greeter also let us, a couple, sit at a 6-top because it was near the fireplace which my wife found so cute and exciting to have inside a restaurant.

We will return!

Great venue for music. Intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Great service. Food is well presented and very creative. Some items are excellent but others just OK.

This place was a lot more casual and lacking in atmosphere than I expected. I had hoped to be transported back in time to glamorous 1940s Shanghai but the decor was just... cookie cutter. We could have been at any restaurant anywhere, not a jazz club that serves upscale Chinese food. Missed opportunity for a really cool ambiance. Service was ok. Cocktails are nice and strong, portions are good, menu is decent. Wish the food was spicier / less whitewashed, but good variety. The music was wonderful-- wish it could have gone on longer. Not sure if we will be back.

we had our company holiday party here and it was absolutely perfect!! Tom helped me plan the event, and he was easy to reach and helped with all my questions. everyone that works at Shanghai Jazz was incredibly accommodating and professional. the food was excellent, the atmosphere in the downstairs room was cozy, and the jazz music was a very cool element. I plan on going again for their full menu and to experience the jazz in the main dining room. :)

The BEST place to enjoy excellent jazz. Some of my favorites perform here. Thrilled that it is reasonably close to home base. The ambiance is relaxing and pleasant. Welcoming.
Not a fan of the food. Chinese at best is NOT a favorite and this is not the best.
Go for the music.