Shanghai Jazz Restaurant & Bar

Address:	24 Main St, Madison, NJ 07940, USA
Phone:	+1 973-822-2899
Site:	shanghaijazz.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	Closed 4:30–10PM 4:30–10PM 4:30–10PM 3:30–11:30PM 3:30–11:30PM 5–9PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 9

A Private User

Music and food come together well at this establishment. Eating here is worth anyones consideration. Reading this review from 4-27-10 really surprised me, for SHANGHAI is straight forward and not pretentious, especially for what they offer... good food and a great show. And to say the gentleman running the place, DAVE, is a shyster, well, Ive worked in New York, New Orleans and Pittsburgh, and have met my fair share of artists, promoters, club owners, restaurateurs and producers - all kinds, good and bad. DAVE is not a SHYSTER or an EASTERN PHONY, but is a sweet asian-american guy who procures one of the few decent jazz clubs in this North New Jersey region, and does so with both savvy and care for both his artists and the patrons food. No one should claim its a great food deal - really, anyone who knows music clubs, esp jazz ones, knows that you pay a bit more for most food items so they can afford to bring in better talent (people have to make a living, esp top artists). And some of us find this worth it, so to speak. At SHANGHAI, like one finds at many places, the bands are often internationally renowned and/or local/regional masters, so this is what one needs to think is their top priority in coming here. The food was consistent, fresh and tasty, just not CHINATOWN-quality stuff. No prob, cause for $15 worth of food (a head) you can eat a quality, well prepared product in an intimate setting. BTW, my wife had Grey Goose-Quantro-Pineapple cocktail that was MAGNIFIQUE - strong and flavorful, not watered down at all. Thumbs up for sure, and worth the trip just for the homemade dumplings.

A Private User

Overall I will go again, no doubt. Things I wish I had known. The seatings are like a cattle call at least the 8:30 seating on a Saturday night is. Everyone crows like in a corral with no information, wondering whats going on. As the hour progresses you get called into the dining room. Be prepared to sit next to strangers even closer then you would your own family. This basically means only small talk will occur, if any. I overheard as really, how could I not, that during the week it is much less crowded. This will be my tactic the next time I come. The food was really presented nicely and the taste was up there too. The music that evening was fantastic. I believe you can stay in the bar area and when I went it was a $15 per person minimum. Actually, the bar area has about three four tops and one two top. Those would be my pick if I were going again on a crowded night as they are separated and you have my idea of intimacy which is something personal and close not close with a bunch of strangers. There is a photo of the dining room and note, those people didnt come together as a group or even know each other. Lastly, the parking isnt exactly behind the building, not that we could find. Behind the building is a shopping area with parking but it isnt directly behind.

A Private User

My husband and I visited Shanghai Jazz Restaurant and Bar, 24 Main Street, Madison, NJ on 4/24/10 for some entertainment and drinks. What we received was a very REAL bar bill and VERY fake drinks. My Grey Goose Martini was drastically watered down. When I questioned the bartender, she told me that in her over 17 years of experience she uses more vermouth than others. Anyone who knows the taste of vermouth, too much of it is gross and it still tastes like vermouth, not water. The owner came over to my husband and I very defensive to indicate he runs a reputable club...a little guilty? This is the second time I visited this establishment and questioned its validity. Dont put up with not getting what you pay for. Its against the law to do what is happening at this establishment. Contact the ABC Commission to stop this Eastern Phony!!!

A Private User

I just saw a performance at the Shanghai Jazz Club with the Alex Wintz Jazz Trio (Alex is a Julliard trained jazz guitarist). The sound system is great - not too overbearing, and you can still have a good conversation with your guests. The staff is very friendly, especially the owner of the restaraunt. The food was decent, and there were some creative options on the menu, but I was unimpressed with lower level options like fried rice. My only complaint: the restaraunt is too small. It might have been because it was a Saturday night, but the restaraunt felt crowded and I had to squeeze through people to get from one end to the other. All around a great experience. Who knew you could find a jazz club in Madison, NJ.

Renata Archie

HORRIBLE Food..jamming jazz set...smh. My boyfriend ordered the most expensive item on the menu, the duck $36 bucks...omg it was tasteless, no salt, no anything, like they plucked it, boiled it and put it on the plate. I ordered the filet mignon shanghai jazz plate, tasted ok, came luke warm, was not filet mignon, just beef and snow peas. Still sitting here now, the music is awesome. As serious foodies, we cannot recommend you go to this place, you will be pissed. They are functioning on a formula, even the soy sauce was watered down. Its just not ok to get possessed by the Spirit of making money and no longer give any f**ks about the spirit of the food you serve.

Merry Mcdonald

We recently held our rehersal dinner in their private room. If I could Id give them ten stars. Martha helped us with the planning of the dinner & David oversaw the celebration. Your wont find better people to work with. We had seven vegetarians, one glutin-free person & one allergic to mango. Each dietary need was addresses without complaints. The servers were attentive but not annoying. They were fun, professional and on top of things. All of the food was freshly prepared & delicious. I cant pick my favorite dish as it was all good. You wont find a better place for a private party or dinner.

Hansel M.

I came here for a work dinner recently. Usually Im not a big fan of Chinese restaurants (this didnt change that much), but this place had a little something extra going for it. They have live lazz playing and it was damn good. Very intimate and welcoming atmosphere. The service is spot on and the owners are always walking around making sure all the tables are taken care of. The crowd is usually a mix of locals and corporate dinners. Where it fell short for me was the food, no matter how good the jazz was, this is still a restaurant, I want to eat!

a babbittman

Great concept of tasty Asian dishes complimented with wonderful varieties of straight up live Jazz music. Shanghai Jazz should be on your must-visit list... tucked away in the heart of downtown Madison, NJ. Kim and I have been going there for years and shame on me for making this my first review. The owners, Dave and Martha are always engaging and attentive to everyone before, during, and after the set. We went to see Freddy Cole this evening and as usual, thoroughly enjoyed our experience.

Margret Schaefer

Highly recommended!! Ive been a regular here for years. The jazz is top notch and we always have great conversations with the musicians between sets. I even take my school jazz band here once a year: the kids and their parents love it, and Martha and David are wonderful hosts! The food: spectacular! Our favorites include the hot and sour soup, the soft shell crab, the duck, and the tofu with seasonal veggies. This is not your typical Chinese food! Every dish is prepared perfectly :)