BLU Jazz+

An easy, no-​doubt, slam-​dunk 5 star review. A swanky, classy, sophisticated underground establishment that has been impeccably detailed and decorated to the highest standards of later-​evening musical entertainment venues. Dimly lit, moody, with an ambience that says «hello, night on the town in the big city,» you’ll need to pinch yourself several times to remind yourself that you’re in humble ol’ Akron.
All tables are good tables at Blu as far as being able to see the stage is concerned, as one previous reviewer pointed out. Find a seat, plop down, and enjoy the show; regardless of who is playing, you’re in for a good evening. The venue carries the sound well off of the stage, but the music never quite feels too loud as to prevent you from having a conversation, should you wish.
The bar area alone might be Akron’s best place to enjoy a hand-​made adult beverage. Sip a Sazerac as you soak in the sounds of jazz piano and thank your lucky stars the weekend has arrived.
The food menu is brought to you by the Three Point upstairs, and features several fun choices. Poutine, Shrimp and Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes, Potstickers — lots of stuff that fits into the «comfort food revival» category popular in today’s forward-​thinking casual dining restaurants. If Blu is your second (or third) stop of the evening crawl, what better way to slow the rate of alcohol absorption into your bloodstream?
A food purist will find room to nitpick: the poutine uses gouda cheese instead of cheese curds (just ain’t the same), and although the shrimp and grits impresses with its perfectly-​cooked jumbo prawns that jut high out of the dish, it loses some points for its lukewarm, hardened grits that need to be reheated with more liquid and perhaps more butter and cheese. In the end, though, you’re not really there to eat, right?

We love this jewel in downtown Akron. Great drinks. Excellent food from3Point. The music is terrific. You feel like you are in NYC or Chicago. We’ve been here at least 10x. Never had a bad experience. Where else can you listen to amazing talent in a cool atmosphere in NEO?

Came here with a few friends last night after a wine tasting at Uncorked. We all had drinks and food, and everyone was super impressed. I had a slow gin fizz, and split the creole pizza with my boyfriend. The gin fizz was spot on, and the pizza. Holy. Cow. The pizza was amazing. This place is such a gem, and I’m so glad to have something like this in Akron!

Akron is very lucky to have such a cool jazz venue! Finally. I’ve been to jazz clubs from NYC to LA and Blu rates w the best. Great talent, atmosphere, food & drink. Make a plan to check it out!

went to Blue Jays had a great time the entertainment was great the service was wonderful the people were very nice the atmosphere was just very energetic romantic you’re so comfortable I would advise anyone to go the food was good even though I came from the restaurant upstairs its limited would like to see more black entertainers there tomorrow lady blues singers but it’s a fun time I advise everyone to go

Great spot to hang with some friends and hear great music. They get some great musicians and bands that come through and the food is excellent.

We have been here several times and the music has been outstanding! The food and service was good as well. This is a great addition to Akron.

The music and atmosphere was great but my waitress made my experience a bad one. We asked her if there was anything else we could order off the menu to eat she said no. However other customers ordered things that weren’t on the menu. I will come back but I pray I don’t have the same waitress.

This was my first time going to BLU Jazz+, and I’m so happy I went!
Was a little confused at first how the seating worked. Didn’t know if we needed to get drinks at the bar and then sit, or if someone would just come to our table. We took our chances and sat down and had service pretty quickly.
I ordered the «Blu Line» drink and it was fantastic. $ 9 seems a little pricey, but the it was a bigger martini glass.
Didn’t get to stay too long and order any more drinks or check out the food menu, but even with this I highly suggest going to check it out! Perfect place for a date night or a hangout with some friends to listen to some fantastic jazz.

Moved from NYC and lucked out in finding this new jazz joint! Space very large, lots of seating and up at the bar as well. Dimly lit, classy, romantic loungey atmosphere. Saw a jazz trio and really enjoyed it. Solid cocktail assortment as well as a whole page list of beers. Had one app and the food was also on point! Service very good. I left there super relaxed and looking for another show to come back to. So glad this venue is in Akron!

What a great place! This kind of entertainment has just been waiting for a place to happen in Akron, and this one is perfect. I’ve been there twice and can’t wait to go back. Great music, good food, reasonable prices, and a nice mix of people in the audience. Clientele ranged from early 30s on up both nights I went. I liked the ethnic diversity in the audience, too. Everyone was cool, and they were there for the music.
If someone had told me we were in a jazz club in NYC or Chicago, I’d have believed it. This is one of the coolest things that’s happened in Akron in a long time. If you like good jazz, give it a try. You might want to go early… after being open only a short time, Blu is getting quite popular– Last night’s Latin Jazz show was packed!

Wonderful new venue — not a bad seat in the house! Specialty drinks, while on the sweet side, were innovative and interesting.
Of course, all the food is from 3 Point, which is a plus for me. That’s another review I need to write, because 3 Point doesn’t get the credit it deserves!
Tickets were very affordable — only $ 8! And we were able to load them to an app on our phones, so no messing with paper tickets! Very easy to purchase through the website!
Long and short of it, this is a hidden gem! Check it out!

What a great new space in Akron. Has that cool blues/​jazz feel like old New Orleans. Went there opening weekend and you would have thought it had been around for years. Great menu and specialty drinks. Heard some great jazz and had the famous fish tacos and crab cakes. Wow! Staff was top notch. Prices are great as well. Great date night or couples evening out place. Get tickets in advance as the shows sell out.

Great atmosphere, music, drinks and food! Love what they’ve done to this new space in downtown Akron. You can buy tickets in advance for any of the upcoming shows on their website.

New upscale jazz club with a nostalgic feel and modern amenities. Photos of jazz greats line the walls and there’s not a bad seat in the house. Amazing local talent will blow you away! Do yourself a favor and try the fish tacos!