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| - I had to think of some options for a jazz club, and while there are quite a few places to go in this great city, La Maison is a bit of an institution and it was also convenient at the time for where I was staying.
The place as you probably know from reading, has a mandatory coat check, cover.. etc...
I did not have any of the food, but settled in at a much later time to hear some music and just have a drink and take it in easy for the late night. The vibe here is classic, huge amounts of wood, chandeliers, green naugahyde booths with brass rivets, giving a great feel. Much eye candy in ambience. The waitresses wear flapper style feathers from their hair, and the place feels classy, but it also looks like that even with the cover they don't really enforce a dresscode either.
I am a big cocktail fan, and the options here listed are some of the basics, with a list of martinis that range to basic standards to has beens (apple and chocolate I am looking at you). My wife went for an Americano, props for having this on the menu and I asked for a Brandy Alexander which unfortunately was made with milk and not cream like it should, but this is disclosed on the menu. It was also served on ice which in my opinion is a big no no.
I get the impression they are not big on the cocktails here, this is not a cocktail nerds paradise by any stretch. Drink service is also a little slow, but nothing horrid, but a floor manager dressed impecably would often come out with what appeared to be warmed home made chips with salt and black pepper to our table and others.
Still the place is a bit pricey to see some music, and you are paying for the atmosphere. I liked this place but certainly didn't fall in love with it. It also has decent acoustics. But if it's in your area it's worth checking out, it is an institution no question.
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