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Savanna Jazz
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Jazz & Blues Nightlife Jazz & Blues Restaurants American (New) Jazz & Blues, American (New) [Edit]
2937 Mission St(between 25th St & 26th St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 285-3369
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
123 reviews for Savanna Jazz
Review Highlights
"I felt very comfortable with the crowd at Cat's Corner."
(in 6 reviews)
"The live music was en point."
(in 13 reviews)
"...sign up for some swing dancing lessons here and be back..."
(in 6 reviews)
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123 reviews in English
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Review from David A.
San Francisco, CA
12/23/2011
Savanna Jazz is a wonderful night spot. Its only $8 to get into a cool, friendly, musical, not too loud, swinging place to listen, eat, drink, and hear some great jazz, romantic ballads, and warm latin grooves.
This is a multicultural friendly place. People can sit in with the band on some nights. A great spot for singers.
Best fries and veggie burger in town, plus many other goodies. -
Review from McCracken C.
San Francisco, CA
12/30/2011
I came to join a friend who was taking lessons from the pianist. The band was vocals, keys, and bass guitar. Nice dark jazz atmosphere, sometimey staff, but great music. Note: There was a $5 cover charge.
I did not have food, just a hot toddy (shocked to find it on the menu) because it was cold and rainy outside. My pals had white and red wines.
Overall this place needs lotsa work if it wants to stay open! I can see the potential and plan to return for open mic nights. -
Review from Mike V.
1/17/2012 5 Check-ins Here
By far my favorite place to come swing dancing. The bar is always open (already affordable but they often give you a deal on your first and often second drinks anyway), fairly decent sized dance floor, great live bands, and great pros to show you new moves you never even knew existed. Plus on Wednesdays they have classes for various skill levels which are very well attended and look pretty evenly split between leaders and followers (also a range of ages and skill levels). Definitely no need to be shy, although the bar is right by the dance floor and liquid courage is ALWAYS on tap.
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Review from Matt L.
Daly City, CA
1/21/2012
Love the old-school atmosphere & vibe; staff is courteous, music is killer!
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Review from Madeline D.
San Francisco, CA
11/7/2011
If I could give zero stars I would....
We arrived on Sunday night for dinner and Jazz. Showtime was listed as 7:30, and these kind of things tend to start on time. Just to be sure, we called beforehand to make a rez and no one mentioned that the band would be late.
We arrived at 7:40 to no band playing, but a $5 cover (even though we were eating). The cover, we were told, was specifically for the band. We found the place EMPTY, as in, we were the only ones there besides staff. We sat down, the place was silent. The band was setting up gear, and a lot of the tables were reserved "for a tour".
Service was horrible even though we were the only patrons. As we dined in silence at this Jazz club, we asked the waitress what was going on and she told me they were having technical difficulties and would start "soon". She took the hint and at least put some music on the stereo. She ignored us for the rest of the meal and filled water glasses at the empty tables. When I tried to order something additional, she ignored us so much that we flagged down a kitchen worker, who was so nasty to us I actually felt unsafe. Our additional order was then delivered to the bar by the kitchen staff, where it sat while our waitress did other things; I went and got the food from the bar myself.
Through all of this we did not hear a lick of band play other than some tuning up. It was obvious that they were waiting for a large tour bus to arrive before they played. How douchey to collect a cover charge at the door from paying diners, only to not even play. We demanded (and received) our cover back, and stiffed the waitress for a tip. We should have refused to pay our bill at all.
We wound up walking to the Royal Cuckoo down the street for drinks and jazz organ/vocals. Much better experience. -
Review from Andrew M.
San Francisco, CA
5/18/2011
The bar service, drink prices, and staff are the downfall of this place. Wish I owned it b/c I'd clean house, and make this the best live music spot in the Mission. The talent is hit or miss, however, I can appreciate anything live and entertaining. I need to give this place another try and order their cheapest beer from the bar, b/c you'll go thirsty waiting for your server.
If my mind serves me last time I was there I asked my server what bourbon they offer and she didn't know, went and asked the bartender, and then said "Jameson". Hmmmmmmm, Ireland ain't Kentucky. -
Review from Michael D.
Alameda, CA
10/24/2011
I came for dinner with a friend at 6:30PM and was practically kicked out right after being seated, before they even took our order. Had to settle for sitting at the bar. Even though the place was empty. I don't understand it. Very bizarre.
There was no music and they still wanted a $5 cover charge.
The owners are greedy, mean-spirited and the staff is incompetent. -
Review from monica c.
3/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
If I had come here expecting cheap drinks, swanky digs, and amazing food, I'm sure I would have been pretty disappointed.
As long as you're here for the music and to have fun, I see no reason why you'd be let down. I also came during SF jazz fest when they had an entire night of amazing music (from traditional to African to bluesy) for $10. It was a steal. I mean seriously, they had a dude playing the Balafon. Where else can you find that?
I doubt I'd ever come to eat with so many delicious (and cheap!) options nearby. But I would definitely consider coming back for the music. -
Review from Denise S.
11/11/2010
Savanna Jazz is a really great jazz club to spend our evening at.
The decor is great because it is dim and cozy. They have a full bar and serve dinner, however, I didn't know they served food and didn't order anything. I was strictly there for the jazz and booze. I must say that the drinks were very pricey, especially for a vodka tonic and the seating is also limited and kind of tight.
But overall I had a really great time taking in the music and the atmosphere. They have great, old pictures covering the walls. I really like the atmosphere and the interesting mix of people and music. Savanna Jazz is a nice little surprise right in the mission. -
Review from Geralyn Y.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
A hidden gem in the outer inner mission.
My co-worker performed with his band here a couple of weeks ago. It's a very intimate setting, which always makes for a good show.
Didn't order any food, but the drinks were pretty expensive.
It's a beautiful thing that places like Savanna Jazz exist so music lovers like myself can enjoy pure pure music performed by artists in a place where you practically feel like they're interacting with you and just you. I like that. -
Review from Athena S.
1/10/2011
Nice random find...
Cheap cover makes up for overpriced martinis, sweet local jazz in the mission, OH Ya! The vibe was like a scene from an old movie before my time but with a more diverse audience. The old school decor and booths, very chill place, pics of musicians wrap the walls & my fave Mr Satchmo himself is glorified 60x40 frame near the door. What a wonderful world!
The elderly doorman kept inviting us back and I found his sincerity very charming.Listed in: This SF Native speaks...so…, BRAVO!
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Review from Michal K.
Berkeley, CA
5/11/2011
Lucky for Savanna Jazz, there's no negative-star review.
I came here as a dancer during the Wednesday night line (Cat's Corner). I paid $10 to dance and see a live band. A tip jar for the band was passed around several times and someone mentioned they don't get paid, so I don't understand where the cover goes. Especially when...
...they overcharge for drinks and REFUSE to give you tap water or even an empty glass to fill in the bathroom. They charge $2 for wasteful plastic water bottles for the sake of making money, when Wednesday nights are specifically for swing dancers who get thirsty hopping around. If you come for the lesson you can get a glass and they have water jugs out, but after a while those disappear and if your glass gets bussed, you cannot drink tap water anymore. SF has amazing tap water and seeing how it's a basic human right, I find it to be the epitome of capitalism and consumerism to forcefully charge for water.
The most important point I want to make is how disgusting the owner is. The waitress there was extremely rude and wouldn't give me water, and after arguing with the bartender for a glass or mug or whatever (the water thing really gets to me), he finally handed me a little mug. 20 minutes later, the owner came out from the back, leaned down to my seat and said in a threatening voice:
"Let's make this clear. If I EVER see you take a mug without permission from behind my bar, I will never let you in here again. Do you understand me?"
I tried explaining that the bartender gave it to me, but he called me a liar. Regardless of taking it or not, which I didn't, threatening a customer like that (I seriously felt violent vibes coming from him) is the opposite of how a business should treat its patrons. Needless to say, I'm never going back there. And unless you want to pay for a plastic-bottled human right and get threatened for questioning authority, I wouldn't recommend you do either. -
Review from Eric A.
St Paul, MN
6/2/2011
Second time at Savannah Jazz to enjoy the swing dancing with Cat's Corner with Nathan Dias. I'm from out of town, but I'll definitely be back! I went several places swing dancing during my week and a half here in SF, and I think Savannah Jazz with Cat's Corner was the best. If I lived in town, I'd definitely sign up for some swing dancing lessons here and be back every Wednesday! Beginners are very welcome here, and I got lots of great dances. I'll be back next year! See you then!
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Review from Eric L.
San Francisco, CA
12/9/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Beer on tap is $6. A friend ordered a lemon drop and it arrived with salt on the rim. The food didn't look terribly appetizing.
But hey, you don't go there to eat or drink do you? No, you go on Wednesday to swing dance and listen to the band. $5 for live music is a bargain; folks are friendly; the booths are comfy; and folks can dance. The dance floor is a bit small, but I had a good time. -
Review from Ninja H.
7/7/2010
Had a great time here a few months ago for Cat's Corner Wedensdays. Though I couldn't remember any of my instruction from my Swing class so failed pretty miserably when my partner tried to dance with me LOL
It's pretty intimidating here to begin with...everyone knows what they are doing!! And not at all in a pretentious way. I could sit at the bar and watch in awe all night. Which is doable since the drinks are on the light side.
The live band that night was incredible, but unfortunately, someone announced her move to another country that night and brought the mood down for a minute =( ...until...hold on!! that means they will be having a send off party before the departure!! WOOHOO!!! =D
LOL I don't even know who this person is...
I could do without the cover and the weak drinks, but would definitely go back again to enjoy the atmosphere, live music, and dancing!! -
Review from Stephen D.
San Bruno, CA
5/3/2010 4 photos
This is a nice little jazz club nestled in the heart of the mission.
What's cool about this place is that there's something for everyone to enjoy.
For those looking for a more classy experience, they have live jazz music, portraits of famous jazz musicians complete with biographies lining the walls, fine scotch, and beef bourguignon.
Those who take a more casual approach to the place will appreciate the flat screen TV's, cool looking bar, and delicious hamburgers.
The bar has a nice ambiance to it:
http://static1.px.yelp...
mmm... and they have good Irish Coffee.
If you're looking for a night out with an eclectic group of jazz lovers, this is a great place to go to satisfy everyone. -
Review from Nobu K.
San Francisco, CA
12/6/2006
I like Jazz.
I have met local Jazz players before.
( I can not play anything, I only listen. )
So, I have heard that inside story about this place from those Musicians.
They told me the owner of Savanna treat Musicians bad!
That doesn't sound good.
Not good.
They are great players.
How do you feel about this?
Should I still go there?
I do like to support local Jazz musicians.
I really do.
But,
I don't know.
I have to find some other way to support them.
I am very sorry but I won't go back there again.Listed in: Ugly as Fxxx
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Review from Sarah K.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2008
I looooooooooooove this place.
An overload of character and old school charm wrapped in a lovely warm atmosphere. The drinks are a smidge pricey but they're strong and cover is only $5. I think the food is alright but then again, I don't go there for the food.
The jazz here is incredible ... they also have swing dancing later on and I don't get to bust out my advanced swing dance skills (yes, its true) in too many places ... um, and the only men that know how to dance this way are old enough to call me a grandchild. that's right, who knows how to charm 80 year old men?! I know how to charm the 80 year old men!
Anyhow, if you're looking for something different with a little flair and a little character ... try Savanna. If you're remotely disappointed, you're probably a socially-challenged idiot ... so move back in with your parents cause there's just no hope for you. kidding ... i kid. -
Review from Miho G.
Palo Alto, CA
9/11/2010
We just stopped by today. Got there at 11:25 pm, was asked for $5 cover for each of us. We paid up and bf sat down at a seat. The place was super empty. Band was playing - and I went to restroom. I came out of restroom and the band was packing.
BF apparently told me they close at 11:30.. so thats a note to everyone else :) don't go too late!
ANyway the bartender got us the cover back..nice of him. We'll have to try again another time. I give 3 stars - cuz they were nice but didn't tell us they were closing when we entered..was kind of odd!
Either way we'll go back again... so please wait for my next review :) -
Review from H C.
Bay Area
9/20/2007
I LOVED LOVED LOVED the music here. I was surprised to see empty tables on the rare occasion that I looked around the room. Otherwise, I was toe-tapping to the live jazz or chatting with my companions.
The food was tasty - and one of my generous companions footed the bill. Yowzers! We sampled the Swingin' Nachos and Assiette Savanna as appetizers. I ordered the Couscous Savanna with braised chicken - a very generous portion of couscous.
I definitely thought the drinks were expensive ($9 for the specialty drinks). However, we weren't required to order the two drink minimum (all of us just ordered one each). My Bahama Mojito was super strong, even though I said light on the rum. What would regular be??
I highly recommend going on Thursday nights to hear the Savanna Jazz Trio. They are wonderfully talented and smokin' hot (their music). Parking was a breeze and I didn't mind the $5 cover once I heard the music inside ($5+ would have been my tip to the musicians anyway). -
Review from Cathy K.
12/10/2009 1 photo
If you like swing dancing to live music, this is the place to be on *Wednesday* nights ~ also known as Cat's Corner:
http://www.catscorners.../
Back during the Great Depression, swing dancing was a healthy outlet for many to escape their worries, enjoy great music, and be social. I'm glad it lives on today.
Catrine & Nathan have been booking great bands for their Wednesday night gig. They also offer lessons before the main dance. No partner required.
***
Savanna Jazz is a world in its own. It harkens another time, with record covers of jazz's greats on the wall, a bit of neon, a long bar, some booths + tables, a smooooth dance floor, and intimate stage. They have live music 5-nights a week (closed Mondays + Tuesdays) and also serve food. See their website for details.Listed in: I Love Dancing
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Review from Cameo E.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2006
Definitely don't go here for the food. The atmosphere leaves something to be desired. But the jazz is great (which I guess is really what it's all about in a jazz club).
Picture this- a little old Japanese lady gets on stage (with a band comprised of older black gentlemen who look straight out of Harlem in the day) and starts speaking English very softly with a thick accent. I'm trying to envision how she'll sound when she sings. And since this is my first time at the joint, I don't know what level of performance I should expect. I take a deep breath, hoping that the dry piece of chicken breast I just scarfed down and the cheap wine (there's a two drink minimum) are worth the trouble. Next thing I know, she's belting out "What a Wonderful World" and it's beautiful. Can't say how often she's there, but it was memorable. -
Review from Randy F.
1/19/2008 1 photo
Went here on the recommendation of a friend and for a casual gathering we were having with a few others.
At first, when he told me where he wanted to go, I wasn't sure he got the address right. 25th and Mission?? There's a jazz club there?? Amidst all the taquerias???
Sure enough, there it was and it was a nice find. Parking was easy for a Friday night (I parked a few cars away from the entrance) and the cover charge was a reasonable $5.
Once inside, we found both a casual atmosphere and wonderful live jazz (which I know little about) in the background. We had largely got together to catch up and with the backdrop of jazz music were still able to hold great conversations without yelling like at a dance club and without (hopefully) disturbing the other patrons who were solely there to enjoy the music.
All in all, I enjoyed the feel and I agree with other Yelpers that it was both less crowded and formal than Yoshi's in Oakland. We ended up hanging out and enjoying the music for over 4 hours (joint closes at 2 am) and never felt rushed by the staff, who made the rounds regularly for drink orders, or the musicians who occasionally interacted with the audience but largely just played great music as people mingled with each other.
Drinks (mainly rum specials) were priced at $9 and there was a decent variety. A bit pricey, but standard fare for SF. Didn't get a chance to try the food, but the fact it's a restaurant means those under 21 (ie: kids and family) are also welcome every night. The musicians stressed this a few times and gave a few tips on the enjoyment of music and jazz as beneficial to one's "aesthetic appreciation of life." Hard to argue with and perhaps worthwhile to remember the next time you're in the Mission. -
Review from Karla F.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2009
This is my Spot!
Vicky and Pascal (the owners) are amazing and I adore them both! They have real day jobs. Vicky trains International Baccalaureate teachers and Pasqual is a professor at USF or UCSF (I can't remember which one). They are smart! I love smart people! They work hard to maintain a stellar level of customer service at Savanna Jazz and it shows!
I stopped by there on New Year's Day (late evening) and it was packed with French tourists. Pascal greeted them in English and then proceeded to conduct the rest of the evening in French! I thought that was the coolest and so did they!
I haven't eaten there yet! Remember I am trying to get the Beyonce thing on this year. But, the drinks are WONDERFUL! Pricey? Yes! But, "wonderful" nonetheless and worth every penny! The bartenders are sweet, considerate and pay attention to your order. I only have the highest praises for them!
The booths are great. But, hard to get. If you are like me, and you like a cozy booth; call ahead and reserve one.
Geez...I love this place! -
Review from Jessa B.
San Francisco, CA
11/12/2006
Savanna Jazz is an oasis.
When I don't have the energy to put up with the Mission/Valencia scene I know I can count on Savanna Jazz for a mellow, comfortable night out.
Now, I'm not gonna lie...I don't "get" most jazz. It's the truth...I am not proud of this fact. But, I have an honest-to-goodness appreciation for the talent and passion of the musicians. It's just so great to see people doing what they absolutely LOVE to do...I feel the same way when I go to watch the dancing at strip clubs.
A great soul-house DJ mixed some magic on the tables later in the evening and the serious dancers took to the floor. A free-style challenge ensued, making for great entertainment. Just watching these amazing guys move made me feel like I'd gone to the gym.
With the moves, the mood, and the music, it was a wonderful place to be for the night! -
Review from sara d.
San Francisco, CA
9/23/2008
oh the angst... 1 star or 5? and finally the pathetic compromise of *3*...
Because when I read the reviews of Savanna's I can relate. to all of them.
I have been coming here since the week it opened.
I remember when there was no cover charge
I have done dance classes with Cat and Nathan and the great band that often plays for them.
I have danced in a lover's arms when the dance floor really was a postage stamp and gotten way too intimate in the dark shadowy booths listening to hot jazz.
I have eaten tasty satisfying food that was too spicy for my palate but i ate it anyway because it just was too good to stop.
I have worried that it was too cool a place, too great a deal to survive. and been thrilled when it did, when the dance floor grew and the decor sharpened up just the right amount.
but....
I have also been shocked at the door by grumpy guys telling me there was a cover charge when i have stopped for a drink at 6... 3 hours before any music was going begin.
Almost fallen off my bar stool when I discovered that not only were the fruity cocktails a pricey 9 bucks, but so was the shot of Baileys I had been sipping.
Grumbled when I ordered something and it never came, or came so late I didn't want it any more.
Sucked it up when the bartender was clueless and uncharming.
so maybe its a 'deal with it' deal... if it was seamless maybe it would be less wonderful on its wonderful nights. Maybe it has to have the weird bad vibe moments to have the euphoric life should always be this good times.
I don't know, but I keep going back. not as often as i want to cause even though compared to other live music venues i know its a deal its just too much for a casual drop in for a set and a drink...
but still... dancing, tucked under his chin, swaying against him while liquid music slides around me...
to delish to pass on completely. -
Review from Carmen H.
Daly City, CA
4/16/2007
What a great Saturday evening I had here! My friend, jazz piano player, Shota Osabe, called and let me know he was doing a gig for Japanese jazz singer, Ayako Hosokawa. I arrived early and got a
table right up front, before the show began and I stayed until the
last note was played. It sure beat the 13 hour flight to Tokyo I took
once to hear Shota when he was accompanying Sony Holland at
the NY Bar at the Park Hyatt in Shinjuku - and the drive from Daly City
to the Mission left me feeling no jet lag at all!
I had one of the best martinis of my life ( of course, it was almost pure
Gray Goose so how can one mess that up! ) and the Assiette Savanna
appetizer plate was tasty - with Pascal's Delice, a puff pastry stuffed with a spicy beef-herb filling, chicken wings in a sweet & spicy Savanna sauce, and plantains with a tropical salsa. Oh, yes, I must confess I had dessert - the Old Rum and Island brown sugar bananas flambee - reminded me of Bananas Foster at Brennan's in New Orleans - with no ice cream, though....I could have ordered some but, by that time, I was feeling guilty.
Nice place for jazz...I'd go back, especially any time Shota is playing the piano! And Ayako Hosokawa is wonderful, too - don't pass up a chance to see that combo if you're a fan of the great jazz standards! -
Review from Ashley s.
South San Francisco, CA
7/9/2009 1 photo
There aren't many places that offer live music, let alone live JAZZ music in the city anymore. The live music was en point! Great 3 man jazz band sang some covers, but mostly original hits.
I was pleasantly surprised by Savanna Jazz. I went on a Thursday night, and it was comfortably crowded. Bar service was great, food was delicious. I tried the Savanna Chicken Wings which are served with a sweet BBQ sauce and plantains. It was mouthwatering!! The drinks were tasty, I would recommend the signature caramel apple-tini, and the wait staff was friendly and attentive.
The only thing I didn't like was that we had to pay a $5 cover even though we had reservations. I can see this place getting really crowded with the right band playing, so don't let some of the other reviews discourage you from trying this place. -
Review from Linh N.
San Jose, CA
2/7/2008
So I'm sure most people hear that "hole-in-the-wall" places are the best places to go to right? Well Savanna's Jazz Club certainly keeps that phrase true.
Get ready to cozy up because this venue is small. They have a few booths lining the walls and tables in the middle facing a tiny stage. But all of that doesn't even matter when they start playing the jazz. It was only a $5 cover for really great music. We went on a night when Ayako Hirokama, a jazz vocalist, was performing. She was such a cute lady with a strong amazing voice.
The food was decent. The menu looked like a fusion of different cultures, definitely very interesting. I would recommend to wine and dine elsewhere before coming here. -
Review from Gadiel M.
San Francisco, CA
10/22/2008
The outdoor seating in front of Savanna Jazz was empty which I attributed to the less than friendly weather. Savanna Jazz's doors open at 6:30pm but it was a little after 7 when I strolled in. Upon arriving a nice, older gentleman asked me for the $5 cover charge which caught me a little off guard given that it was so early in the evening. Nonetheless, I dutifully paid for my ticket knowing that the proceeds would go to the musicians performing that evening.
Upon entering I was immediately impressed with Savanna Jazz's great ambiance and surprised by its emptiness. The dark walls were lined with portraits and album covers of Jazz greats--projecting a sense of honor and reverence to their talent and their craft. The long elegant bar with blue pendant lights radiated a soft illumination that reminded me of old New Orleans. Walking along the bar, the room opened up to booth seating and a dance floor, which also contained a handful of tables. In the back corner, a small stage hosted a piano, a set of drums and a space in between for the bassist. Though only established in November 2003, Savanna Jazz had the feel and character of an old San Francisco landmark.
For more check out http://www.missiononmi... -
Review from Catherine H.
Philadelphia, PA
7/2/2010
This is for Wed night this week.
The facilities aren't *great*, but at least nobody stole my stuff while I was dancing.
Good crowd of experienced dancers - had a blast!
Great jazz singer in the group that was performing. -
Review from Rebecca A.
San Francisco, CA
7/25/2009
No doubt, savanna jazz has great music and a great atmosphere. Drinks are good (although they should be, since they are appropriately over-priced at $9) and the booths are comfy.
However (yep, there is a however), after my third time at savanna jazz last night I was forced to come to the conclusion that the food is only "ok". Last night I was particularly disappointed by the "safari platter" that I ordered- the rice was sticky and tasteless, the salad was a disappointing lettuce mix and the shrimp were good- but no better than the frozen shrimp I can eat at home. Our appetizer platter had a better show, but it did have some misses- particularly the plantains. The desert (a fruit rum tart) was a also flop- it reminded me of a frozen cheesecake from safeway.
Even though my boyfriend's burger was super tasty, the lack of consistency on the menu forces me to give S.Jazz only 3 stars, rather than the 4 or 5 it deserves. -
Review from Katie B.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2011
Great ambiance, awesome food! I shared some wings, "beef turnovers", and fried plantains with my man. It was awesome! The musicians were chill too(:
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Review from Bob I.
Vallejo, CA
8/13/2008
Your Review:
We got there at 7pm on a Wednesday and had to pay a $5.00 cover charge each to get in to have dinner because at 930pm a band was playing. Uh ok....this is a first. For two and one half hours we sat virtually in the middle of the dance floor at a table that the waitress seemed to have forgotten about, while 3 succesive dance "classes" without music were conducted around us. Two teachers bleating into microphones, people stomping, and no music. The food tasted like it was made the day before and microwaved....absolutely disgusting. 9 buck cocktails to top it off. 930pm the band started and they were WONDERFUL. Lesson learned, eat elsewhere and come here at 930pm...avoid the crappy food and the dance classes. At 930 cover charge is $10. -
Review from Caitlin M.
Oakland, CA
9/21/2008
Really, this was a 3.5, but I'm holding back a little. Here's why.
The jazz itself was FANTASTIC. Six of us went here after sundry other activities, and the band playing on the third Saturday night of each month was really wonderful. The girl singing had a really, really stunning voice, and just ridiculous control over it. Five stars for the jazz.
Service was a little fuddled and slow. We didn't get food, just drinks (I mean, we got there at 11) but our server was super confused by the boyf ordering Tanqueray and tonic. He finally just got well gin because she was so confused. It took ages for a waitress to come over each time a new person arrived, and people sat with empty glasses for upwards of a half hour at a time.
My red wine was pretty standard table wine, but was $7 a glass, and I think it's one of the cheaper things on the drink menu. Specialty cocktails which aren't particularly special-looking cost $9. That's closer to downtown prices, Savanna Jazz--not Mission prices. Dear Savanna Jazz, we're skinny and wear all black because we can't afford to eat or wash our clothes often. Don't charge us more than $7 for a cocktail.
I'll probably go back for a good show, because $5 for live music is totally reasonable. But I'll definitely look for whatever's a little more reasonably priced on the drinks menu next time, and hope the waitress understands what I'm asking for. -
Review from Samantha S.
Berkeley, CA
11/9/2008
The live jazz: Wonderful! The bands and vocalists rotate, and there's swing every Wednesday and jam sessions every Sunday and Thursday. Not all musicians that play here are to-die-for amazing, but most are pretty good.
The ambiance: Perfect. Simultaneously intimate, fun, lively, romantic, friendly, warm, and 100% supportive (especially the community of musicians).
The food: Hit or miss, in my experience. Usually I just come for the jazz, the wine, and a little conversation. I hear the desserts are pretty good, however, and the golden fries make for a nice, casual side dish.
The service: Generally friendly. They won't come by and check on you very consistently unless you're with a larger party, but it's not difficult to call someone over, and I've never had an unpleasant experience.
Drinks: Many are very fairly priced, and some are a little pricier. To be fair, I've only had wine here, but I've heard mixed reviews from friends based on their drinks at the bar.
The cover charge: Very reasonable (usually $5, if any). Just make sure your friends are aware!
Verdict: I always have a great time, whether it's an intimate date night or a fun night out with friends. Don't think of this as a "bar" (there are certainly better options in the Mission), but as an experience! (Ugh, how cheesy can I get...) -
Review from zell c.
San Francisco, CA
3/18/2006
Great jazz music! I'm no expert in jazz, but I had a good time, found it entertaining and found a new appreciation for jazz music. Everyone else there except for my friends seemed old enough to be my mother or father, but it was all good. No cover charge, but a 2-drink minimum is required (will cost you about $12).
Who would've thought a place like this existed in the Mission amidst all the taquerias and dive bars? I'd most likely come back again. -
Review from Jimmie L.
San Francisco, CA
2/13/2008
So, visiting on a Thursday night may not have been the best choice. The guy at the door was not the friendliest chap on earth and was difficult to understand.
Given the service was absolutely dreadful (the girl was sweet but was the only one working) the food was absolutely delicious. Three of us went and sampled at least 5 different plates and a dessert; not one disappointed.
The music: although the group was "nice", I wouldn't exactly call it jazz. It was more like what you would hear in a lounge at the local Marriott. Very smooth, but not what i expected. Nonetheless, we stayed for dinner and left right after instead of staying a few hours to listen to the music.
2 stars for service, 3 stars for music, 4 stars for ambiance, and 5 stars for the food. My compliments to the chef (and the line cook, of course!)
I'll give it another shot on a Friday or Saturday night. -
Review from Eric C.
La Canada Flintridge, CA
5/19/2009
Great place to come after a nice meal. Its pretty low key and and unpretentious. It's in the mission and has just the right vibe whether you're coming from foreign cinema or la taqueria. Great drinks and raw jazz. I couldn't tell you about the food, but i prolly wouldnt come here for a meal. There is a cheap cover of like 5 bucks and the drinks are average price. The bartenders make some very creative, delicious drinks. You should ask them what they can make. (Humpty fizz - I have come back just for that drink).
best place to be relaxed and interact with the musicians. (way better than yoshis imo) -
Review from Veggie J.
San Francisco, CA
11/14/2006
I love this place. For me, ambiance is important and Savanna Jazz just oozes a mellow mood that I adore on a weeknight. The decor, the lighting, the photos on the walls... It's a great place to hang out in a comfortable setting and hear good music.
I haven't tried the food, but the service at the bar has always been prompt. And they stock mango juice! How cool is that? Also, when I leave late, the doorman has me point out my car, which is usually close by since parking is no problem. He then watches me walk to my car from the venue to make sure I "get safely on my way." I appreciate that kinda thing.
