Red Cat Jazz Cafe, Houston

At the door the price was $20 for the tables in front of the band or $10 to sit at the bar 15 feet back. The band was good but the different prices made people turn away at the door. We sat at the bar but were ordered to sit at the tables later because they were empty and the band won't play for empty tables. also took too long to even get a drink seated at the bar.

$12 valet partking, $20 cover, the service once inside should match... $8+ drink prices and food that is blander than what is served at the 'Ole folks' home! The artist that play there are really good and worth hearing. But the venue needs some twicking. It seems that this spot has not decided on a primary goal! Play up the artist and drop that pitiful food. Or simply go to 5 well done appetizzers and let the rest go. Nothing about the food is exciting. Move towards better priced drinks and drop the food you don't need it. Spend your efforts on round bistro tables that will allow you to seat more people in a more comfortable way. And do what I think was the real intent... focus on the music! The extras are killing the goal of bringing great jazz to your spot! Tried four times, if not for the company of good friends and a central location for all, one shot would have ended it for me. won't be back until I hear something's changed.

Music was good but eat before you get there and keep it simple with the drinks. It was a $20 cover the night we went and the service is horrible so if you can order two drinks at a time because if you order one, you will definitely get thirsty. Oh and they didn't have pineapple juice on a Friday night! So no fruity drinks. The wait staff are children from the local university as well as the bartenders. There were only two behind the bar...two...and only 3 waitresses. The food is Sysco branded and it came out cold. The owner doesn't care as long as the place is packed. My friend tried to get his attention and he just walked on by. This place sux rocks!

The atmosphere is great and the entertainment for the evening (Dean James) was awesome. The food however was terrible. For my birthday last week some friends and I decided to gather for a little entertainment and a late dinner. We were not greeted at the door but when we asked was there a cover before walking in the greeter informed us that at 8pm there would be a $10 cover when she glanced at her watch she said oh that'll be $10 each, it was 8:01pm according to my blackberry. Back to the food, we ordered the Catfish Ponchatrain which the menu described as covered with shrimp, crawfish and crabmeat in an alfredo sauce. When the entree arrived there were no shrimp, crawfish or crabmeat and the sauce was a roux. The waitress apologized, spoke with the chef and returned with a cup of what we were sure that they were serving as gumbo, I'm from Louisiana I know roux when I'm served it. Overall we had a good time but the next time we'll have dinner before heading there for the entertainment. Happy Birthday to me!

This is the epitome of what a Jazz cafe should be. The music and the food were wonderful. The setting was real nice. I was visiting Houston on a business trip and Red Cat was recommended, I am glad that I took that recommendation. It was all that I could imagine and more. I wish we had a cafe like that in Georgia. It's been a year since I have visited but I think of it often. I also recommended it to friends who were visiting Houston this week. Can't wait to hear what they think of it.

The entertainment is off the chain. I love the casual laid back atmosphere, and best of all you can actually make reservations! Everytime I have out of town guests, I always take them there, and without exception we always have a great time.

I love the Red Cat, and always try to get there when I'm in Houston. Great atmosphere and wonderful jazz with LOTS of talent. A great place to relax with friends and enjoy the city. I've been to lots of New York clubs and this place tops them all. Those who want to eat in 20 minutes and leave (some of the other reviews) should go to Denny's and leave the good seats for the rest of us!

From the staff to the entertainment I had the best night out in a long time the live band was great, and the food there was excellent. I am definately going back.

I always love to get away to the red cat,It relaxes me to where i forget about all of my problems for a moment.Its a place where people like myself can enjoy.

When you cross the doorsill and see the fantastic setup and decor, you are sure that you will have a great time.........Well, on Visit 1: It took 25 minutes for the 'bubbling spinach dip with toasted pita chips' to show up as a cold dip with tortilla chips, explained off as "we are waiting for our new menus". The music is great so you go again. Visit 2: We waited for over one hour for service, that equals two (2) sets and still NO SERVICE. The music was hitting, but it couldn't carry the weight of the lack of concern for the patrons. I won't go back for a third dissapointment.