An intimate and cool little joint to see live music where you'll always find an eclectic mix of people and music genres. This is a true gem in this area that's right near the water and inside it's just bursting with energy. I wish they had an open store front to blow the party out onto the street to allow more movement, but that is more a city planning and container law issue, so they get the five star rating.
There were a few people there who were much too serious and seemed to want everyone to sit still and be perfectly silent. I hoped for more dancing. I am happy to report those types aren't the norm here, but they may want to avoid all places where others might socialize.
You must try this place and for those complaining about a cover... you've gotta be kidding! Where else can you be so close to live music with such local talent? One note (pun intended): This is a cash only venue.
Took our parents on Saturday (the weekend after Thanksgiving). They are in their late 70's and figured they'd love this place. It is an older crowd usually. Cheap cover for only $10. I know the price varies based on the day of the week from $3-$15. Still $10 to me is dirt cheap for a great band. We were surprised they closed early (to us anyway). Band went from 8:00 - 10:00. My guess is the city has something to do with the closing time. Martinez is like a ghost town at night, but it has so much charm. We've been coming here off and on for a few years and have always had a good time. Armando and his son are quck and always finds a place for you to sit. We have come in the past when it was so packed you had to stand outside. They serve beer, wine and soft drinks. Check out the type of bands on-line to see if the music is something you like. Classy crowd, very little dancing since it is a small place. We hope they stay here for a long time. Great place, for the right type of people. Small, intimate venue is wonderful. I've tried various wines each time I go, for some reason, never a fan of their wine selection.
Review Source:One of the best music clubs in the East Bay, very eclectic mix of quality performers of varying genres, and an intimate setting where you get right up close with the folks on the stage. Â Great sound system, and not too loud. Â For blues/bluegrass/jazz jammers who want to strut their chops, this place cannot be beat, nothing near by comes close to it to give players a chance on the stage. Â Friendly/casual folks who come there regularly, make it very attractive as well. Â I don't like to use this adjective often, but when it comes to Armando's, one of the best descriptors is that it is definitely "Unique". Â I love to go back again and again and get my live music "fix".....
Review Source:Roy, glad you close at 10 pm so no one has to deal with angry drunks. Thanks for sending them home so they can write on Yelp. Roy is quite good to everyone, and if he is not it is because his mature attention is completely necessitated somewhere else. He's got a good group around him, too. Nod to El Cotton. Armando Olmeda was his grandfather, and I know Roy and his son aim to recreate what worked in the Martinez's historical past. Roy is radically inclusive and, moreover, living proof that all those consultants' blight reports were inaccurate. Business can thrive in Martinez. Thank you, Roy. You're a short glass of water. And rootbeer, when you're wearing courdoroy. P.S. this is a GREAT place to have a birthday if you've got musical friends.
Review Source:Let me preface this with the music deserves 5 stars!!
$15.00 cover? Who actually do you think you are? I want to call you an angry man whose name might be Roy. I only think this by what Katherine D. wrote on her review.
Roy, you really need to try and be a little nicer to people. I would hate for you to get an even worse reputation!
It could be argued that Armando's is the gem of the Martinez social scene. A small an intimate venue, that houses absolutely stellar musicians, many of which are local touring groups.
The funky decor, vibrantly painted seats, walls, and pillars are all an expression of the real charm that the owner, Roy Jeans, adds to the venue. It is a local favorite amongst lifelong musicians, and a true find for those who have never been.
The cover is usually cheap, and the music is always good. If you are looking for a unique evening out, Armando's is the spot.
I am from Martinez originally and have traveled extensively (across the U.S. and outside the country too) to see live music, and no other spot quit feels like home the way Armando's does. I know every time I go, I will be surrounded by good people, that genuinely love community, music, and life! Do yourself a favor, try something new, and venture out to the quaint town of Martinez, for a real dose of hometown, homespun flavor!
The owner Roy was rude and unfriendly! Â It was my first time at Armando's and since I was a former Martinez (Bar & Grill) business owner I wanted to congratulate him on his success. Â I was shocked by his rude behavior... Â Roy walked away from me mid-sentence and obviously had no desire to hear my congratulatory message.
The music was AMAZING... Â Too bad the owner is such a Jerk! Â I won't go back...
Roy Jeans, owner, is very approachable and friendly. He knows outstanding bands. Â Friday night was his birthday. He was honored by extraordinary musicians. The house was full, but very comfortable with an amiable crowd. It was a glowing tribute to a remarkable man. Let's keep packing the place. Armando's forever!
Review Source:A friend took me there one night and I was hooked! There's no other place in the bay area you can see music that good-for a $10 cover and no attitude. The sound is pretty damned good for such a small place and there are plenty of seats.
Check it out. Places like this need our business especially in this economy or they'll disappear . Then the alternative will be  some uber-hip place in Uptown where you get to pay $8 for a beer
The City of Martinez is blessed with an eclectic and talented artistic community and Armando's is the showcase to much of it. Funky, intimate and comfortable enough that a single woman (like me) can while away a Sunday afternoon in the company of friends.
If you're a live and local music fan, Armando's needs to be on your radar!
When I am in Berkeley or Oakland promoting shows like Lucero at Armando's, yes I said Lucero, most people don't even know where Martinez is! Well, if you haven't seen a show at this venue it is worth the drive out... I always tell the folks out there if I can drive to Berkeley all the time then they can drive to Martinez! You can't get a more intimate music experience with the ambiance and sound of Armando's anywhere in the Bay Area....You have to check it out!
Review Source:My little brother's best friend (aka my little brother) plays and sings here and it is a great venue. Â They have plenty of seating, but the coolest part is a little section of stadium style old movie seats. Â I remember the wine and beer to be pretty cheap and it is never crazy packed. Â You can always get a drink and they make you feel like you're watching people perform in their living room. Â Another added bonus was they let you bring food in. Â I think I had beef jerky...so I don't know their position on 3 course meals, but they seem pretty legit, I bet they'd be cool with it.
Review Source:Armandos is one of those places that you go to and think "how does this place stay undiscovered?" it's an intimate setting with the musicians. A lot of blues. All of the chairs are recycled and painted ecclectic patterns. Simple bar, with a little wine and a little beer. A great place to relax and listen to great music.
Review Source:Friend had been telling me about this place for a while, so on MONDAY we went to their Jazz Jam. We were about the only paying customers there, the rest were the musicians (based on my observation). The place is a work of eccentric creativity by the owner--funky chairs painted (and sold, I'm told) by the owner, photos, posters and other oddities which all make for a unique ambience---espcially considering its in Martinez. On this night the cover: was $3. Beer and wine only. The music quality was definitely worth three bucks and I've found a friendly new haunt.
Review Source:Great little funky venue to see a very wide variety of  musical acts. Blues, Jazz, Folk. A few nights a week they have an open mike night as well. Wine and Beer is served with a pretty decent beer selection. Bottles only no Draught, and I suspect the wine list is less than wonderful but hey..beats having a parched throat.
Usually no problem getting a seat, but with some bands (i.e. The Very Bad Boys) y'all make sure to get there an hour before the show to get a good table. Great vibes, and there are 2 or 3 decent restaurants within walking distance so you only have to park once.
Really friendly and comfortable place. Â Seems to be known only to local musicians who congregate there and take turns playing their music onstage. Â Photos and quotations of Bob Dylan are on the walls to set the tone of a folk music venue. Â I went on a Thursday night which is an open mic night.
Review Source:
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