Dinner and a show — it’s a classic combo that elevates an evening out. Whether you’re in the mood for smooth jazz, comedy, or a full-fledged dinner theater experience, some restaurants offer not just great food but also fantastic live entertainment. These venues turn an ordinary night out into an unforgettable experience, where the meal is only part of the fun. If you’re looking to dine and be entertained, here’s a guide to the best restaurants with live entertainment that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you entertained all night long.
1. The Blue Note: Jazz and Dinner in Style
Best For: Classic jazz, live music, and sophisticated dining.
Why It’s Perfect for a Night Out: If you’re a fan of smooth jazz and world-class performances, The Blue Note is a must-visit. Located in the heart of the city, this iconic venue offers nightly performances from renowned jazz artists, along with a menu of upscale American and global dishes. The intimate setting makes it the perfect spot for a romantic date, a night with friends, or a special celebration.
Must-Try: The Seared Tuna or Roast Duck Breast are popular choices, and their wine list is extensive, with plenty of options to pair with your meal. For dessert, the Chocolate Lava Cake is a perfect indulgence after a night of music.
Why Go: For a night of sophistication, delicious food, and exceptional live jazz, The Blue Note is the ultimate destination. The energy of the performers combined with the intimate, chic atmosphere guarantees an unforgettable night out.
2. The Comedy Cellar: Laughter and Late-Night Eats
Best For: Stand-up comedy, casual bites, and a fun, lively atmosphere.
Why It’s Perfect for a Night Out: Looking for a night of laughter? The Comedy Cellar offers a perfect mix of delicious food and top-tier comedy. With a legendary roster of comedians (many of whom test out new material here), it’s one of the best spots for comedy lovers. The food menu is casual, offering crowd-pleasing favorites like burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches, so you can grab a bite while enjoying the laughs.
Must-Try: The Cheeseburger and Caesar Salad are simple but satisfying, and their Fried Mozzarella Sticks are a crowd favorite. Pair your meal with one of their signature cocktails for the perfect evening out.
Why Go: For those who love a good laugh with their dinner, The Comedy Cellar is the place to be. It’s intimate, entertaining, and a great way to spend an evening with friends.
3. The Magic Castle: Dinner and Magic at Its Best
Best For: A one-of-a-kind dinner theater experience with magicians and illusions.
Why It’s Perfect for a Night Out: The Magic Castle is a legendary dinner club where magic meets fine dining. Located in a stunning historic mansion, this exclusive venue offers a unique blend of elegant dining and mind-blowing magic performances. Guests enjoy world-class illusions, sleight-of-hand tricks, and close-up magic in intimate settings, all while indulging in a delicious meal.
Must-Try: The Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail are excellent choices, and the wine list offers plenty of options to complement your meal. Save room for the Magic Castle Dessert Platter, which offers a variety of treats to round out your evening.
Why Go: For a night of wonder, intrigue, and fine dining, The Magic Castle offers an extraordinary experience that combines delicious food with close-up magic performances that will leave you in awe.
4. House of Blues: Live Music and Southern Comfort Food
Best For: Live music performances across genres, Southern comfort food.
Why It’s Perfect for a Night Out: The House of Blues offers a fantastic combination of live music and delicious Southern-inspired comfort food. With live shows featuring everything from blues to rock, soul, and pop, there’s something for everyone. The vibrant atmosphere is perfect for a night out with friends or a fun date, and the menu is packed with flavorful, hearty dishes like jambalaya, fried chicken, and gumbo.
Must-Try: The Chicken & Waffles or the Cajun Jambalaya are fan favorites, and the Gumbo is a must-try for fans of Creole cuisine. Pair it with a signature cocktail like the Hurricane for an added kick.
Why Go: For an energetic night out with live music and flavorful food, House of Blues is an ideal spot. The live performances create a lively vibe, making it an exciting destination for music lovers and foodies alike.
5. The Olive Garden: Italian Dining with Live Piano Music
Best For: Italian cuisine and live piano performances.
Why It’s Perfect for a Night Out: While most people think of The Olive Garden as a family-friendly chain, some locations offer live piano music to set the perfect mood for a relaxed and romantic evening. Whether you’re enjoying a classic Fettucine Alfredo or diving into a hearty bowl of Lasagna, the addition of live music creates an inviting, pleasant atmosphere for diners of all ages.
Must-Try: The Tuscany Steak or Shrimp Scampi are classic favorites, and the Tiramisu is the perfect end to any Italian meal. Don’t forget to sip on a glass of Chianti to complete your experience.
Why Go: The Olive Garden provides a cozy, intimate setting with live piano music, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy Italian comfort food while being serenaded with soothing melodies.
6. B.B. King’s Blues Club: Live Music, Southern BBQ, and Soul Food
Best For: Blues music, Southern BBQ, and soul food.
Why It’s Perfect for a Night Out: For a fun night out with fantastic food and even better music, B.B. King’s Blues Club delivers the goods. This legendary venue offers live blues performances that perfectly complement their menu of Southern BBQ and soul food classics. Whether you’re in the mood for smoked ribs or a hearty portion of Fried Catfish, the food pairs perfectly with the live tunes.
Must-Try: The BBQ Ribs or the Fried Chicken Plate are both outstanding choices, and you can’t go wrong with the Mac ‘n’ Cheese as a side. Don’t forget to try their Peach Cobbler for dessert.
Why Go: For a lively atmosphere, great music, and soul-satisfying food, B.B. King’s Blues Club is a go-to destination. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy some Southern comfort food while soaking up live blues music.
7. The Piano Bar: Drinks, Dinner, and Live Piano Performances
Best For: Romantic dinners, live piano performances, and classic cocktails.
Why It’s Perfect for a Night Out: If you’re looking for a more refined but still fun dining experience, The Piano Bar offers a sophisticated atmosphere with live piano music. The intimate setting makes it perfect for a date night or a small gathering of friends, where you can enjoy fine dining, expertly crafted cocktails, and the soft sounds of live piano music.
Must-Try: The Filet Mignon or Seared Scallops are excellent choices, and their Cucumber Martini is a refreshing and unique drink option.
Why Go: If you want an elegant dining experience with the added bonus of live piano music, The Piano Bar offers the perfect blend of sophistication and entertainment.
8. The Cat’s Meow: Karaoke and Dinner in One
Best For: Karaoke fun, casual dining, and drinks.
Why It’s Perfect for a Night Out: For those who enjoy singing their heart out with a side of dinner and drinks, The Cat’s Meow offers karaoke alongside a menu of tasty comfort food. The fun, energetic vibe makes it a great place to go with a group of friends looking for a night of laughs, music, and food.
Must-Try: The BBQ Ribs or Sliders are great choices for sharing with a group, and pair them with a refreshing cocktail like the Margarita or Rum Punch.
Why Go: If you’re looking for a fun and interactive night out with food, drinks, and karaoke, The Cat’s Meow is the place to go for an unforgettable evening of singing and dining.
Where Dinner Meets Entertainment
When dinner and entertainment come together, it creates a magical experience. Whether you’re enjoying live jazz at a sophisticated venue, laughing at a comedy show, or soaking up the energy of a blues band, these restaurants offer the best of both worlds: great food and live performances that will make your night out unforgettable. So, next time you’re looking for more than just a meal, check out one of these restaurants and enjoy a night of delicious food and entertainment rolled into one.