Black Dolphin

I normally have a great time when I come to see music here, but this last time we went, the service was really sporadic and seemingly very distracted. The place was packed. We put our drink orders in immediately, and our waitress never came back to check on us. I flagged down another waitress who became irate and started giving all kinds of excuses as to why an hour was an acceptable wait time for 3 cocktails. Not to be. We got those drinks. Understandably, the house did not get a tip because they didn't deserve one, but I did tip the band because they were very good and shouldn't have to miss out due to the incompetence of the venue.

Only a $5 cover to enjoy great drinks and an awesome band. Perfect date night.

This place is very cool. For lovers of live music, jazz, and great cocktails. We got there early and the music was already going. The vibe is dark, cozy, a little mysterious, and overall very cool. The service was good and the drinks were even better. Highly recommend for a nice date night (if you already know your date). Not a great place to chat if you are trying to get to know someone. This is a quiet, relaxed, soak in the music kind of place.

The Black Dolphin is a jazz listening lounge in the heart of Downtown Kansas City which was designed for the afficionado of not just excellent music, but also fine atmosphere and strong, tasty craft cocktails. In terms of sheer lumens? This bar has lower lights than any other establishment in Kansas City, or frankly anywhere on the planet. The lighting and every detail were clearly designed and placed with intention and care. It gives the bar's vibe a coziness which is instantly welcoming and sophisticated without being pretentious. There are two colors: black and orange. All of the illumination is provided by tastefully located ambient overhead lamps and warm-temperature vintage star globes which are easier to just see than to describe. The whole feeling is that of a 1963 cocktail lounge right down to the vintage orange resin "Black Dolphin" sign itself which hangs above the Steinway. The Black Dolphin is the more subdued & subtle sister-club to the rowdier Green Lady Lounge across the alley. Just like The Green Lady, however, the musicianship at this joint is consistently top shelf just like the martinis, and once you set foot in The Black Dolphin, you'll realize you've never been in another bar quite like this before in your life.

We enjoyed the Black Dolphin. The jazz was good and the band was having a lot of fun with it. It has a nice atmosphere and is a fun space. We came closer to opening on a Friday night, and there weren't a ton of people, and it was an older crowd. As time went on, more people came, and it got decently busy. However, we were the youngest people by about 10 years, even at the end of our time there. The crowd was mostly 30s and up. There is a $5 cover charge here. The thing we liked about it a lot, though, is that it is set up to be more of a show. People whisper to each other, but for the most part, it is quiet, and everyone is watching and listening to the jazz band there. The booths and couches were also very comfortable and clean.

This great little hole in the wall is larger than it might seem from the almost unidentifiable entrance. We went for a special evening with Max Haverfield & Friends. The cabaret style vocals were mixed with a little CW, with great backup by a string bass, wonderful piano, and percussion. Not to be missed is the wonderful cocktail service and steady attention from our server. I appreciated the diversity of the clientele and will definitely visit again.

John is the best Bartender/owner/janitor or whatever in Kansas City. Came in after the Chiefs Parade and had a delicious Moscow Mule😁 Highly recommend this cozy jazz spot! I will be back soon ❤