The Jazz Club at Schwartz's Point

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  My daughter suprised me with a trip to this fantastic "hole in the wall" and yes, it is in a rough neighborhood.  There were three of us and parked nearby so we felt comfortable.  
  We were greeted by Alex who took great care of us all night long, continually checking to see that our drinks were full and stayed that way.  
  We had a small buffett of pizza, salads and the like.
  The interior was small and intimate and the music is truly the star of the show, as it should be.  The jazz was hot and at the one set break, a musician even came over and welcomed us back.  
  Please don't let the outside intimidate you-GO, enjoy!

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  Posted on 08.08.12 Kimberly P.

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  My review is solely based on location because my boyfriend and I never went inside. In fact, we did not even get out of the cab after the cabbie told us "white people ain't safe here" and that it would be best to go somewhere else. He then went on to say people are regularly shot around this particular area. Because yes, this place is in the ghetto. Let's be clear that I'm perfectly at home in big cities in the US and internationally, and all that comes with them, but when the black cabbie tells us it's not safe and HE doesn't even want to be there, I'm inclined to take his advice.
  
  On the flip side, we ended up going to the Blue Wisp which was very enjoyable and in a better part of town..

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  Posted on 12.28.11 Whitney S.

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  The only true jazz club in Cincinnati it is nestled in a somewhat shady part of town so pay attention to Jeffrey M.'s review and park where he says!  
  
  If you've never been to a real jazz club be prepared; you are will NOT be permitted to talk during sets and sets can be long - I've sat in on sets lasting 90 min. if the groove goes hot (meaning the musicians continue to improvise off of each other).   I've never been on a night with food but the drinks are good and cheap.  Again, check out jeffrey m.'s review because he lays out the logistics.
  
  Really, this is a bar you visit to hear MUSIC; not socialize, yammer with your friends or seen and be seen.  You will be shushed if you talk during sets.  I love the music that goes down on Tuesday nights and weekend evenings...my hope is that the Point can make a go of it as a legitimate business but that is going to take some of the OTR contingency giving him business and frequenting his bar.  This is surely one of Cincinnati's unknown awesome dives and rivals the jazz clubs of NOLA that I've visited.

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  Posted on 11.15.10 Juliane S.

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  Without question, "the point" is the hippest place in town. Originally an underground jazz-joint, the point went legit after being busted for operating without a liquor license. Located within a landmark building at the base of Vine Street, the point is definitely one of those places that you shouldn't judge by its cover. The neighborhood and building facade have seen better days, but upon entering this gem, one finds an oasis of coolness. Great jazz or big band music is featured on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. You feel right at home as soon as you enter and the drinks are made like you'd pour them yourself at home. Ed Moss lives above the club with his wife and plays the piano. His wife tends bar and lays out a KILLER buffet of homemade cooking every Tuesday night and some weekends too. I was very pleased with the food and to think it's only an extra $5 (on top of the $5 cover), it's the best deal in town! Hours are 9-12 on Friday and Saturday, 830-12 on Tuesday. Typically the cover is $5 and drink prices very fair for the pour and quality.
  
  Cab it or park on Vine, just North of the side door entrance (illuminated with green lights when open). Neighborhood to the South and West is a bit sketchy, unless crack and cheap whores is your thing. I've never had any problems with my car parked on Vine, as there's alot of vehicular traffic and few people hanging out on this stretch of Vine.

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  Posted on 04.05.10 jeffrey m.

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  this place is the real deal. think speakeasy jazz club throw back.
  
  my girlfriend surprised me with a visit to this joint while i was visiting cincinnati.
  
  from the outside, the building looks vacant. as in... long time vacant.
  
  then you walk up to the door and "jazz club" is spray painted on it... almost as if it's graffitti.
  
  open up, and walk in and you receive a warm greeting from the owners. who introduce themselves and seat you to your liking.
  
  we had a coupla drinks and listened to live jazz.
  
  it was almost as if watching a show in someone living room.
  
  the host and hostess are rockin' old musicians/music lovers.
  
  and the vibe inside is one of a kind.
  
  i hear they serve some killer homemade grub. will definately check out next time am in town.

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  Posted on 01.31.10 Nik N.

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  I went here for the first time friday night.  We got there just in time for the last set, which were were only charged $5 for.  Unfortunately it was not very crowded.  I think we were the only table... which was a shame.  They set lasted about 45-60min.  which seems a little long imo.  I'd rather have more shorter sets...  especially when talking during the set is strictly forbidden - which is a nice rule, but I can't drink and be quiet for an hour w/o getting sleepy.  I had a knob creek on the rocks $7 but it was def. a double - I didn't need a second one.  The staff and performers were great.  Super nice, super laid back.  I felt like we were at someone's house.  It was like going back in time...  The walls were decorated with old rugs.  The tables were mostly cool little triangles. The only reason I didn't give the review 5 stars is the location.  While it was cool to be hanging out in a part of the city where I've never dared to set foot, I did not feel totally safe.  Now if you park right out front - you don't have much to worry about.  But if it's a busy night and you end up around the corner - anything is possible.  Also there is no sign.  If you go look for the door between the green lights.  Yeah, that's it.  No, really.  I can't wait to get down there on a tuesday night for the full orchestra.  Highly recommended.  Just be careful where you park.

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  Posted on 02.08.09 Chad H.

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