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Half Note Lounge
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Arts & Entertainment Jazz & Blues Nightlife Jazz & Blues American (New), Jazz & Blues [Edit]
4881 Glenn Dale RdBowie, MD 20720
(301) 809-6683
- Hours:
Tue-Wed 4 pm - 11 pm
Thu 4 pm - 12 am
Fri 4 pm - 1 am
Sat 5 pm - 1 am
Sun 11 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for Half Note Lounge
24 reviews in English
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Review from K S.
Washington, DC
1/29/2012
I like Half Note and really want it to succeed. I remember when it was Reggie's. The food has been great every time I've been. However, the last time we went there, the overall experience was not great. We had to wait almost TWO hours for a table. That wouldn't have been bad if they had TOLD US UP FRONT that it was a long wait. It was too crowded at the bar so we just stood there in front of it talking for over an hour and half. I'm not sure how long it was but just as I couldn't take standing and moving out of people's way any longer and was about to tell my boyfriend I wanted to leave and was starving, they finally called us over. Well....we had to SHARE a table with two others. They were also upset by the wait and we all just wanted to eat - forget being alone. It was two ladies so they felt bad that they had to join us on our 'date' but hey, like I said, by then we were all just starving.
Well, the food and music was good - we were really enjoying ourselves after an hour or so and hold up! The waitress came over and told us they needed our table for other patrons! We were all highly ticked off that after waiting soooo long to finally sit down, now they wanted to rush us out for the table! We didn't think so! We didn't move and we would have had words with the manager if the waitress had tried to make us leave. We stayed as long as we wanted and ended up having a good time but I'm skeptical about going back any time after 8PM if the wait will be that long again!
I sincerely hope some changes are made to accomodate more people or maybe they should stop letting people in for dinner after a certain number is reached. They could have at least TOLD us the wait was going to be over an hour and a half so we could have gone somewhere else. -
Review from April S.
1/26/2012
Ok....I read the reviews and I can say I've been to Half Note a couple of time because one of my friends is in a band that plays there often. I really want to give them a good review because they have so much potential. BUT facts are facts and the service isn't the best. The food is awesome though and the drink are good and strong. I personally think I may talk to management next time I go and tell them the deal because it is crazy. This would truly be my spot if service was better. It's close to my house, not too expensive, good music....yeah, old guys hit on me, but I rather an old guy hit on me versus some little kid saying, hey shawty!!!!
SO all in all, I like this place, but I think we need to voice our concerns to management so they can improve. -
Review from Kelly G.
9/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Stacey S. and I went to the Half Note Lounge. I do not care for this place as an evening venue. Men and women grind pelvises to a band doing covers of Alicia Keys' songs. Men roll up on women in the parking lot with that same tired line "Um scu me you murried?" __AND__ try to touch you at the same time. Yuck.
We arrived around 12:00 midnight. The band did 1 or 2 covers and started breaking things down.
After cleanup, they started setting up for the brunch. This $25.95 brunch could apparently be had for $2.00 off with the presentation of a church program.
I might go back for that. Otherwise, no pelvis grinding for me.Listed in: Boooooowie!
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Review from Elise P.
Hyattsville, MD
12/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
No stars! No hostess attention. That's forgivable because we quickly sashayed to the bar. We literally watched the bartender walk by like 10+ times just doing whatever. It had to be 15 minutes before she came over and spoke at a whisper. I don't know what she mumbled I just asked for their menu. Too expensive to never get served. The bar was stocked with a nice array of liquor but clearly if you were dying of thirst you would have been a skeleton on a barstool! I left. I gave up. So Half Note, get your game up! I like to eat, chill and get good vibe. Thanks to a few of your patrons, it had a teeny little friendly little vibe. Everything else was a zero. What a Shame...
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Review from LaToya P.
4/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
More like half-ass/half-decent :-(
...and since when does a Bloody Mary include Scotch AND Brandy!?
My first and last visit.Listed in: garbage!
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Review from Ebony B.
Silver Spring, MD
11/13/2011
Food was great and the drinks are strong. Limited seating and the wait staff was very friendly but not very attentive. Nice live band but the crowd is a bit older...45 and up.
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Review from Myesha C.
Washington, DC
11/1/2011
This place may have the potential to dominate in food and entertainment industry given its location...instead they FAILED on sooo many levels. A very good friend of mind decided on Half Note as the place to celebrate her last few nights as a single woman. With several guests in tow, we were denied appropriate accommodations. Once part of the party was seated, we were continually passed over by several of the wait staff. As the bride-to-be attempted to negotiate with managers, possible solutions, managers ultimately expressed that they were able to seat only part of the party with other members of the party scattered around the bar and/or throughout the restaurant. They were not regretful, apologetic or sincere in their decision. Once the decision was made on our part to leave and attempt to find an alternate place to celebrate despite the dampened mood from the series of let-downs, the designated "banker/money-collector" at the entrance initially wanted to deny the refund based on our Group size and entertainment fee. Let's be clear...upon arrival we were denied seating based on partial presence of the entire party;however, we met the criterion of having the minimal number required for seating. Secondly, we sat for beyond an hour without so much as a welcome from not one person on staff. The band, which was scheduled to start the set at the time of arrival, spent the entire time setting up. Las time I checked, I've never paid for or qualified listening to an other patrons of a lounge and watching a band set up equipment as an "entertainment fee". Overall Half Note bombed in a major way, I'll continue to take my chances in the city before I venture into the suburbs for the lounge scene, as they have quite a bit of tweaking to do.
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Review from Jen G.
Bowie, MD
7/23/2010
Nice spot. Good music. I feel like the crowd has definitely gotten older since it opened. I'd recommend it for the 40+. I feel like a baby when I walk in there.
I honestly love the venue but don't love the menu. The choices are limited and the food is pricey. -
Review from C. A.
Camp Springs, MD
11/3/2009
I've been to Half Note Lounge on several occasions during the week for karaoke and it was nice. I just visited again on 10/31/09 for my birthday weekend with an out of town friend and we had the time of our life.
The atmosphere was great, the food superb, the drinks were nice, the waitress we had was AWESOME and made our time there very relaxing as she went above and beyond to ensure we were taken care of. It doesn't have a dance floor, but we created our own in the "Private Room" where there are lounge chairs and sofas.
The band of the night was "Styles" and they were awesome and my girlfriend from Chi-town was really impressed as was I. I will be visiting again and looking forward to the next time.Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from Bee F.
Washington, DC
2/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Half Note?
It's more like Half A$$ Service
I wish I could give this place ZERO stars.
Please folks stop bringing 'lounges' to shopping centers acting high dollar with no daggon class. I went here with an open mind for a birthday party. Needless to say, the bar manager had the whack security guy TELL me to move from the bar because I was not with my designated party and not giving the bartender any patronage. After I attempted to plead my case that I had a tab at the bar, he said I couldn't sit there because I already told him I was with the birthday party. I asked top flight security to have the bar manager come over (Chris was his name). Well, Chris never came over. I was planning on having a great night with my family and friends with music and drinks. I moved, closed my tab, and left. I will NEVER return to this place again. Well, I saved a few hundred dollars and went the heck home. Half note will never receive a single dollar from me again. If anyone asks me about this place, I will not advise them to go to such a less than quality place.
Service: F-
Wine: C
Food: C
Overall experience: F for how they treat their customers -
Review from Tumani T.
Upper Marlboro, MD
11/29/2009
After visiting half note several times this year, I've always like the live entertainment and food, however the management sucks. One day they will realize that they would make more money if they weren't so greedy! Nice place, bad business. A small salad and a glass of wine for $40? And they charge a cover for eating patrons and women?
Half note management stop being so greedy and you will make more $$. I see why the management & wait staff changes so frequently and owner if you read this, having empty bottle services tables after a certain time is pretentious and is bad money sense when their are standing patrons that would like to eat and sit down.
Greed gets you no where, good hospitality gets you everywhere... i.e. expansion, more establishments and repeat satisfied customers. -
Review from David B.
Bowie, MD
6/26/2011
Not really my cup of tea. A bit pretentious and stuffy with a bunch of folks who, in their own minds are important. Definitely an old head spot.
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Review from SOS S.
Washington, DC
1/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
The service here SUCKS, not mention the raw chicken they served me!!! The DJ is 70 and they are playing my grandparents favorite hits.
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Review from stephanie g.
Beltsville, MD
1/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
Well, I evidently had a great experience at my recent visits to the Half Note. I ended up there for a birthday party on a Thursday night - and even though the service was spotty (the place was jumpin) - the food was good, the band (Bryan Mills and Secret Society) was HOTT and got our dance on, seems like the dance floor might be a new addition from everything else I've read.
Then, the very next Sunday - I was back for another birthday party..only this time it was brunch. I have to say, that the brunch food was better than dinner, and cheaper as well as it was an all you can eat buffet. I was blissfully happy to see crab legs, Parmesan crusted tilapia, wild rice, fried chicken, a dessert table and other real lunch goodies in addition to the traditional breakfast fare. This time our service was spot on. One waitress was completely devoted to our party (which was pretty large). Now the only thing that could have made that perfect would have been a small jazz band or something of that nature.
I'm diggin' the Half Note. Based on my couple of experiences.. I'd definitely try it again. -
Review from Nikki B.
Bowie, MD
2/24/2009 1 Check-in Here
This place is GREAT! It opened in the Novemeber/December 2008 time frame, a group of 7 of us went and I believe it was opening weekend becuase it was packed. When I walked in to the restaurant my jaws dropped becuase I couldnt believe how nicely the place was redesigned and decorated. Half Note is the same location as the old Reggies Sportz Cafe.
Decor: Half Note has a very contempoary, swanky vibe. I didnt feel like I was in Bowie anymore. I felt like I was either in Downtown DC or on vacation at a popular nigth spot!
Food: Since it was opening weekend the menu was semi limted but I'm sure it has expanded since then. Everything looked great. I had a sampling of everything since our group was so large. My favorites were the Jerk Chicken Wings, Catfish Fingers (these were so good, I orded my own plate in additon), Chicken Ceaser Salad, and Shrimp Cocktail was really fresh. The desserts looked great as well but didnt have room to try any of them.
Entertainment: To be honest I am not a Jazz fan but my firends were, so I was just going along b/c this was a new place to try. Well was I surprised. I dont remember the name of the band, but I believe its a band that will frequent the club a lot or the house band when they dont have special guests appeeraing. They were really good. They did a lot of covers which I liked.
Overall this is a great place to meet up with friends for drinks or have a nice dinner and appetizers. I believe Half Note will become a Bowie HotSpot!! I will defintely frequent this spot more often. -
Review from B S.
Upper Marlboro, MD
8/19/2009
This place is not worth your time. This spot must be cursed. When it was Reggies it was the nonservice and the good prices and not its the service good prices crazy!
I paid almost 20 for a patron magarita! They upcharged me on EVERYTHING and didn't seem to care. Of course people of 21 want liquor better than smirnoff or beefeater! They don't throw anything in or make you want to come back for more. I was there on a 1/2 wine night and it was empty. I think they get you in once and you don't go back becuase they have rapped you in the price!
I saw if you just need a drink, go next door to Graces. Or just go in the city, not that far. -
Review from T N.
Upper Marlboro, MD
8/30/2010
Management could definitely benefit from a few business management and customer service courses. I went to Half Note with two colleagues who were in the area on business travel. We were denied access to the restaurant because my male colleague was wearing a blazer, a white button-down collared shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers (not an athletic running shoe, but a casual sneaker....OH THE HORROR!). Heaven forbid they admit a casually dressed young professional into their establishment with sneakers on, which the manager described as being "too white." I guess other patrons would have noticed that the supposedly upscale, yet strip-mall based establishment actually let someone into such a fine dining venue with sneakers on. And might I add, other patrons donning less professional or less classy attire (i.e. tight denim shorts, tank tops, etc.) were admitted without issue.
Needless to say, I will never return. I have never been to a restaurant that turns patrons away simply because of their shoes. Nor have I ever dined in any "upscale" establishments (and I have dined at many) that needed a police officer at the door. This is a sign of poor customer service. If Half Note is attempting to deter a certain type of patron from entering it's doors, good luck.... any "thug" can slip on a pair of dress shoes.
On the company's website, there is no mention of a dress code. The restaurant's proprietor states "Our #1 priority is to provide the customer service experience you expect, one that is inviting and enjoyable, not contentious or confrontational, one that makes you feel like you deserve to feel when patronizing an establishment, one that makes you want to come again and again. We hope to give you an amazing experience at the Half Note Lounge." From my experience Half Note FAILS at the door! -
Review from Veronica W.
Washington, DC
10/8/2010
Great place for live music, classy crowd, the food is ok...not fabulous, but pretty good. Definitely a mature crowd, so unless you're looking for a sugar daddy, you may not see many others under 35-40. j/k =) It's a great place, everyone just wants to dance and have a good time.
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Review from Nyoka G.
Arnold, MD
10/13/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Good food but drinks are pricy
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Review from Corey F.
Washington, DC
12/27/2010
I went to the Half Note for dinner so I can't tell you anything about the band. However, I heard the band is great so I will definitely be going back to experience that. MD restaurants/lounges seem to always be located in centre areas connected to other businesses so it throws you off a bit from the parking lot because other businesses seem to be doing pretty good as well (i.e., barber shops, etc). HOwever, when you get inside the ambiance is great and when I went which was around 6:30pm, I was able to get seating immediately. Although they had soft music playing and drinking were flowing the place was not loud. It was actually kind of calm. The bar area is to the left and the dinner area is to the right so thats great to get some alone time if you are on a date. I think its a great place for a date. The drinks are high ($10 each for whatever it was I drunk) It was a large drink though so that was good. I did not finish the one I had....maybe if my intention was too get tipsy maybe but I was good. The band was setting up as I was leaving and they did not kill the mood as they set up so that was great. The staff was great as well. Make a reservation if possible, made everything flow smooth.
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Review from gina J.
Bowie, MD
6/30/2010
Have been to Half Note on 2 seperate occasions, both on a Friday Night. They normally have a live band thats pretty good for the $10.00 cover charge. Seating is a little limited, so plan on standing for most of the night. Did not try the food, but the drinks are average. The crowd is usually 35 and over, a good way to avoid the riff raff that goes down at other local clubs. Overall, a descent spot for a fun night out enjoying live music.
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Review from A O.
Laurel, MD
5/6/2011
I literally just got home from Half Note Lounge. Quite the eye opener!. It was the first time visiting this establishment for both my date and I. There was a $10.00 cover charge (cash only-I had to walk to an ATM across the expansive strip mall parking) We walk in through the door and find three hostesses immediately to our right do nothing but stand there looking at us. No "Hello", NOTHING. I actually had to ask for us to be seated. The wait was not long, but the shocker came when the hostesses told us that we would be seated at a table with ANOTHER couple! I have never heard of such a asinine thing.Understandably, the place was full since a popular jazz cover group was set to perform. But this place is in a strip mall.The owners need to deflate some of the loftiness they have and do away with the "private room" and add tables for diners. The food is great, but what good is that when people cannot sit to enjoy it? Leave the private rooms to bonafide clubs. At our shared table we had a dilemma; A friend decided to join us. Hostess tells us they will not add a seat to the table, and if we wanted another table, we would have to wait back at the bar, although our food was already ordered. When we told the hostess that we wanted to move to the outside seating area (designated smoking area), they told us that the other couple would lose the table because they cannot "seat only two people at one table". Anyway, we end up outside and the food is brought to us, including a tasty penne and shrimp dish I dont remember ordering. I dig in before realizing that this food was meant for the other couple we left behind at our shared table. Too late, I had two fork fulls of shrimp halfway down my gizzard before sending it back!
The only redeeming quality this place has is the band, They were really good.Half Note Lounge owners need to re-tool their customer service game plan. I observed a lot of things that could have been done better.
A.W.O -
Review from Maxfactor C.
Laurel, MD
9/4/2010
Several friends told be about Half Notes so I decided to try it out. It's in Bowie but by the time I got there i realize that its one block from my hairdresser!! How did I miss that?? Anyhoo, I went of a Friday and it was a nice crowd. I arrived around 730 so there was no cover charge. They have a private room that you can have dinner but its like long tables so if you want to sit alone then the tables out on the floor would be a better fit. However, we at in the private room, big screen tv to watch the football game and you can mingle with the folks nearby. The food was great! I had the special jerk salmon with spinach and i chose asparagus instead of rice. The presentation was great (salmon layered on the veggies..and covered in mango salsa). I love it!! Someone across from us had the fried shrimp and it looked and smelled great too! After eating, we moved back up to the bar where we could enjoy the crowd and the live band "secret society" The band was great! The drinks were good also..a little pricey but worth every penny! The crowd ranges from 30 and up and the dress is upscale so there is less riffraff :) Great place and I will be back!!!
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Review from Lori D.
Bowie, MD
8/4/2009
Basically Adrian G. got it right... I didn't get a chance to try the food because it was so busy. Place is way too small for the crowd they get. Music was good, drinks OK...
