The Balcony Club

Beat Street Poetry the DAMP movement is alive… support your local poets… The event was so uplifting…

This is a cool place. I enjoyed my first visit here last week. I heard a funk cover band playing and I was sold lol. The staff is attentive and friendly. The atmosphere was friendly and fun. Had a nice conversation and met some cool cats. Drinks didn’t break the bank. Nice view of Dallas from up top. Will definitely be back! 4 stars!

A Dallas treasure, because of the jazz. Nowhere else like it in town. Go for the music. The drinks are fine, but it’s the jazz that’s hot.

Wonderful band! Great time had by all! Will be seeing them again!!!

This place is hidden gem. I found it here in Unilocal and read many good things about it, so I decided to go. It is really great jazz club! The artists are talented and the quality of music is very high. The venue is intimate; they have a good bar and nice drinks.

So I went last night because of all the reviews. I arrived at 9:15 and left at 2:00 (only because I was enjoying catching up with a friend). The place remained fairly empty the entire time. The band was ok, nothing like the reviews I read. The place is super small. The staff and the drinks are excellent. I wasn’t impressed over all, but I’m glad I tried something new.

This is one of those hidden gems that you can’t believe that everyone doesn’t already know about… but then you’re secretly glad, because you love the feel of a little place that belongs to only those few that truly love that out of the way place… where jazz sweeps over you so intimately… whispers in your ear, and takes over you like a slow unexpected kiss in a dark corner.

Such a great night full of Jazz & the friendliest people we’ve met in months. If you haven’t been you have to go! This an older scene with people just wanting to have a good time and dance to good music. I didnt know anyone there but random people were talking to us throughout the night like we were long lost friends. I loved it!
The music was amazing — definitely a ‘relaxing-​be-​yourself-​and-​dance-​like-​noones-​watching vibe’.
I only had 2 problems with this place.
1. Space. I mean when I say it was crowded I mean it. There was no where to sit or stand — everywhere I felt like I was in the way until later in the night when a couple let us have their booth as they were leaving. (Thank you by the way!)
2. Bar Service. There were two bartenders — forgive me I don’t remember their names! But a younger one with long blonde hair and a older one with short red hair. The older one would be still making one drink while the younger one was on her 4^th or 5^th. She was helping the ENTIRE bar while the other one was focusing on one corner — I felt so bad for her! Since it was basically one person serving the entire bar it took about 15 minutes to get a glass of wine… Not a fan. (A girl needs her wine!)
Overall, if they could expand the seating or make it a little more practical and get a more efficient bartender I would increase the rating. I will be returning but with these things in mind — possibly get there early for a better experience.

The Mahogany band we heard Friday night at the balcony club is truly excellent. The soft, intimate atmosphere perfect for live jazz. The bar is excellent and the service friendly and prompt. I have two criticisms: the first is that there is no food menu. I was not aware of that before I went – so eat before you drop in! Second: the club is up a flight of outdoor concrete stairs. I did not see any handicapped accessible entrance. If they have one it is not well marked. I wish I could take my mother to hear some jazz here but the lack of the entrance will hinder that. Also, the bathrooms are a bit scary, but that can be overlooked since the music is top notch.

Great drinks, great jazz bands, great people watching. Love the mixed crowd. Jazz bands every night. Only negative is that it is cramped with not much space to dance. Def a great place for a low key no club noise kind of night.

My wife and I wanted to listen to some music and stumbled upon this place on Unilocal.When we got there on a Sunday night, it was smaller than expected and almost empty. We were a little worried but we decided to give it the time it took for us to finish one drink. The band had just started playing when we got our drink and they were good entertainment. Before we knew it, he place was almost full and the crowd was loving the music. A great mix of bar regulars and people looking for a fun night out. Also a wide range of ages. Only one bartender to serve the whole place (about 45 people) but she did a pretty good job of keeping everyone happy. We stayed for about an hour and a half and had 2 drinks each. It was a good time. I wouldn’t spend my whole night there, but it made a good pit stop. Other than the tight space, my only other complaint are the drink prices. The drinks are made for regulars (strong), so that’s nice. But I’d rather not pay $ 8 for a captain and coke for my wife, who doesn’t even want her drink that strong.

Saw such positive reviews, so my girl and I checked it out. Absolutely love it there. Yeah, it’s small, dark and kinda cramped, but the music was great. EVERYONE seems to be having a great time. Band would be playing, and ppl would spontaneously start dancing. Not to sound too smooshy, but it was the feeling of a warm familiar blanket wrapped around us. Bartender’s aren’t stingy with the drinks, and the wait staff were johnny on the spot. I am looking forward to my next visit. Want an intimate, but fun place? Go here!

I had to satisfy my jazz craving for the night. I went out on a Wednesday night and there was a good band playing some tunes. What I loved most about this venue was that the overall atmosphere of this place, or at least when I went, was really friendly. You can’t find that at too many places. It was genuinely friendly and not put on.
There is jazz playing every night supposedly from 5pm until 2am? The bartenders Ashley and Amanda were great. They made some good recommendations as to what I wanted. I wanted a red wine and I was hesitant to get the house wine because a lot of places offer cheap nasty (with that bad after taste in your mouth — if you know what I mean) and it was actually really really GOOD! They were friendly and talked to you all night. The guys playing were friendly as well and they came up and talked to you.
My overall experience was great. I left around 11 something. The parking wasn’t bad. The venue is small but perfect for the setting. I would love to come back again and have a splendid time.
I had one girl ask me to dance with her and I thought it was funny and sweet… I was surprised on how well some of the girls talked to random strangers but maybe because they could have been drunk? haha. It was a great experience.

I love this place! I live in Lakewood and come there to listen to jazz. On Mondays is a jam session for singers and musicians, I come and participate. The atmosphere is friendly.
This is not the place to eat, it is for drinks and good time with good people.

Local dive with decent drinks and great music.
During a recent trip to Dallas I did a Google search for live music venues. The Balcony Club was one of the first places to come up. The reviews looked decent so I checked it out.
Upon arrival I honestly wasn’t too sure about the place but it ended up winning me over in the end. The interior is dated, smelly and suspect but the locals/​employees were warm & welcoming. We walked in and sat near the back. There was a jazz band, Jonathan Fisher Trio, finishing up their first set when we arrived. The bartender never came to take our order so we went to the bar. I ordered a margarita which was a little too tart. It gave me a nice buzz though so I left happy.
The music was highly enjoyable… the younger keyboardist (there were two) was especially killer. He was kickin’ ass and taking names.
The music more than made up for the sketchy looking venue. The surrounding area seemed to be decent too. It was crowded so get there early because the establishment is small.

Awesome venue! Super talent tonight! Get food before you come but drinks are plentiful and the atmosphere is classic.

I didn’t know what to expect walking up the stairs (as I didn’t read previous reviews because my husband chose this place). I walked in and it was very small and oddly shaped, but I immediately felt a good vibe. The jazz band was on point and I loved how the regulars interacted with each other. Customer service was great as well, even without ordering drinks. We went on a late Sunday night and there weren’t many people.

Wow !!! I felt like a visitor at a «Old School» Southern Baptist church. The regulars genuinely welcomed me. The owner personally asked me how I was doing at least twice. I’ve NEVER experienced such genuine hospitality at ANY establishment I’ve ever patronized. I’ll definitely return.

Wow. What a place.
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OK, based on the reviews here, I was expecting something a bit different, but this place is still awesome and has a «charm» all of it’s own.
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The Balcony Club is a small bar located above an old movie theater. They have a small cover charge on weekends, and it’s worth it. Small bands or groups will play here, and it’s a tiny place, really. Long and slim. Tiny stage. Teeny tiny area where people will actually dance.
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The drinks are awesome. The people watching is awesomer.
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It’s an older crowd here, which I actually like. I am sick of numerous sneering annoying 20-​somethings all trying to hit on the same girl. They are all trying to out-​snob each other by acting what they think of is «cool». But not here — it’s an older crowd — we were the youngest people here. It was GREAT. Saw a couple bands do their thing. Saw a lot of freaks of nature walking around. One pale tall lady wearing a peach pantsuit — another guy who looked like ZZ Top’s grandfather but still grooving to the beat. It was GREAT.
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So, it’s not some exclusive private club to see and be seen at. It’s a comfortable bar for the older set where they can let loose and have fun. I really enjoyed it!
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After going here, we went out for dinner in Greenville. And it was there I saw many of the annoying young kids in bars trying to hit on all the women. It’s just so pitiful to watch. Give me an older crowd where no one is trying to «out-​cool» each other but instead be themsevles and happy for it.

this is for real for real a hole in the wall spot.
i came here Saturday night celebrating Willis’ birthday weekend. I arrived early (per Willis’ advisement)…no cover and no line.
when I got upstairs and got indoors… I was amazed at how small the place was and OMG how packed it was as well. I went straight to the bar… because me & crowds are not good friends LOL… the bartender was very friendly once i finally got up to the bar to order (whiskey & coke $ 6)…reasonable prices. i decided to attempt to make my way to the back of the club… wrong! i had to go up a little set of steps and just kind of look out over the club. the music was decent that was playing when i got there. Willis finally got in and the main band we came to listen to hit the stage. now i’m feeling the music and the vibe… but the crowd is still growing LAWD!
i stayed for a few songs and called it a night. i would like to come back here and maybe early enough to get a table. overall the music was good… drinks were good… just too small of a space to have that many people there.

what can i say
i love this area and the vibe

Authentic live music venue in Lakewood. If you are looking for quality local artists playing live at a legendary Dallas venue you need to stop by. Casual bar drinks only.

So glad I forced myself to do something «different» on the weekend. As a Jazz lover you would think I was in the know about this little gem of a spot. Shame on me! It was Saturday night I checked their website for the schedule a Blues/​Jazz artist with great reviews & a following was playing. Really? right up my alley! Here’s the real deal:
Parking — Awful, but I think because of the theatre next door & restaurant crowd. Afterall it was a Saturday night.
Cover charge — $ 5…What? For all this talent & ambiance under one roof. Win-​win!
Club — Tight fit, getting a drink was outright painful. In the sense I almost died of thirst waiting but when I finally got it, it almost fell outta my hands as I shoved my way through the crowd in search of a seat, stool, lap or anything to sit on. I guess this is the charm of this spot.
Crowd — Loved the eclectic crowd! Couples, older folks, college kids, girlfriends, & every nationality. All with one passion: Good music. I hate I was solo because it would have been great to share this with someone. The whole vibe was awesome.
Music — Live music at its finest. Texas Slim was rockin’ & Andrea did her thing!
All in all it was the best Saturday night I’ve had in a while. I forgot Dallas was cool. Thanks Balcony Club for reminding me — i’ll be back soon!

I like what you’ve done with the place! Nothing to change the feel, but some nice improvements. The band has been moved back towards the middle, along the wall, as opposed to the front. They added a round booth at the front door and changed the other front booths so that they are one sided and built for two (or three) and all facing the band. Makes the bar area much more comfortable and the back is not so dark and creepy. The service here is always good and the drinks are no nonsense. The crowd is a nice mix of over 30.
The best part is the music. Happy hour band ends at 9. Next band is on about 30 minutes later. And they’re fun to listen to. We always run into a friend or two here.

This is one of the things that makes the Lakewood neighborhood of Dallas so cool. The Balcony Club is one of the oldest places in Dallas to listen to live jazz 7 nights a week. Since the club was remodeled, it seems to have revived itself. The Balcony Club is one of those cozy places where you can find some of the best drinks in town. My dates have always complimented the Chocolate Martini & White Russians.
The music is a mix of all kinds of jazz from night to night. The size of this place makes it easy for you to fall in love with each artist. Cozy is a word that most people use too often, but you won’t know cozy until you’re here tapping your foot with the drummer. There isn’t any food here, but you won’t be thinking about eating. you will get up, grab your date and dance. I’ve heard everything from swing time jazz to rag time, easy listening and even more modern blues/​jazz. You just never know who is going to have a jam session on stage.
The only downside to the Balcony is the club is on the second floor. Which means you go up the stairs, but at the end of your evening you’re almost falling down them.
One of the best parts of this place is the people watching on the weekends. You never know who you will see here.
Parking usually isn’t a problem, because most of the area restaurants are closed by the time you get there. If there is a popular event at the Lakewood Theater, you might have to walk a little extra, but it’s worth it.

Golden Girls find a way into my Unilocal reviews from time to time. This is one of those times.
I went on a Saturday night– arriving around 9:30 when the first band was playing the last few songs of their set. Dorothy and Rose were shaking it on the dance floor, among a thick crowd of groupies. The crowd sang along to the cover songs with joy and enthusiasm.
Sophia was at the bar doing shots and heckling the bartender. The bartenders were young and sassy.
And Blanche, well she was in the back… nevermind.
I had a plain ol’ gin and tonic, but saw some pretty martinis moving through the space. The balcony club is laid out almost like a train car, which booths facing just one direction, and big windows overlooking the Mi Cocina patio downstairs.
The first band ended, and the groupies packed up. Dedicated groupies. I got the scoop that this band plays most Thursday and Saturday nights. Popular for sure!
Things cleared out a bit during the intermission. The second band set up– again covers but more of a jazzy approach. Smooth songs from Van Morrison and The Commodores filled the club. The audience demographic shifted, some blue hairs left, and some perky highschool cheerleader ponytails came in. Bizarre mix of people– but it’s something for everyone.
This place is a destination for people watching. Grab a cocktail and soak it all up.

Another East Dallas Jewel! Another night out with close friends and fellow Unilocalers!
Not sure if I could classify this as a dive, or a high-​rise.
One thing for certain is the place is an oasis of fun and drunken debauchery!
Drinks are strong, and the amazing live bands will leave you wanting more.
The bar staff pours a heavy drink with a smile, and even tolerates your wobbly drunkenness. Not that I ever get drunk.
Live video feeds around the bar, let you see the action on stage from anywhere. Even from the actual Balcony.
I can’t begin to tell you how important a stop here is. Try it, I think you will like it.
The crowd can range from 21 to 81. That alone should tell you how awesome this Lakewood staple is!
If you are looking for something different, this place shouldn’t be missed.
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Cute little club with eargasmic live jazz music. The place is upstairs only, with the Arcade bar below. On a Friday night this place with hopping, with hip, emptynesters in the adorable neighborhood of Lakewood. We were definitely the youngest people in the club on this particular evening, but we didn’t care. Our waitress was very attentive and continued to bring us wine and water throughout the evening. Prices on wine were extremely reasonable (4 glasses for $ 24), which I wasn’t expecting since we blindly ordered some wine that the waitress recommended.
I was very impressed with this tiny venue. The band we saw was amazing and they played all night long, mesmerizing the audience with tunes that fit the age group present and also the «old souls» such as ourselves. Perfect spot for a chill, laid back evening with a «mature» crowd and a place where you don’t want to be bothered by hipsters, douchebags, and sloppy drunks. I’ll definitely be back.

I’ve been to the Balcony club once and will definitely return again in the future. I’m a big fan of live jazz and they have this every night beginning at 9:30. They actually have live music prior to this time but the genre varies. The night I went there was a $ 5 cover charge.
I was impressed with the service and the quality of the drinks. That said, I’m not a fancy drinker; it always vodka on the rocks with a splash of cranberry (and I do mean a splash). Lots of bartenders mess up the splash but not at Balcony Club. In addition to having a bartender who understands what a ‘splash’ is, the wait staff was friendly and attentive; not overly attentive but just right.
The ambiance was perfect for listening to live jazz. The lighting was perfect; just enough light to see the room. From where I sat, the volume of the music was just right. I was able to conduct a conversation without shouting. The crowd was mature (some might call them older) and conducted themselves accordingly. During my visit I met the owner and he indicated there will be a few changes coming in the next month or so as they make some minor adjustments to the layout.
If you’re looking for a great spot to chillax and listen to great live jazz while sipping a cocktail, the Balcony Club is the place to be. It will definitely be in my rotation of live jazz spots to visit.