Wally's Cafe

A rare gem for jazz and blues fans, Wally's Café was founded in 1947 and is the oldest continuously operating family-owned jazz club in America. Patrons may get to see nostalgic stars like Branford Marsalis or Roy Hargrove dropping by, but the place is internationally renowned for its steady stream of heated performances by local bands and their myriad guests. Wally's diverse crowd attracts...

Posted on December 02, 2015. Brought to you by fodors.

Local jazz institution offers free live music nightly in upbeat, cramped environs.

Average Rating

80

The Scene
Joseph L. Walcott founded this hideaway club in 1947 (across the street from its current location), and set the standard for the club's dedication to music by hiring bands 365...

Posted by by Contributor at Citysearch on September 07, 2006. Brought to you by Citysearch.

Only jazz joint in the area

Average Rating

100

This place is exactly like what any other jazz club that I have been to in NYC -- small, dark, and well-worn. It doesn't have much space and is quite narrow, making it difficult to move anywhere once you are inside. But the fact that you have live jazz more than makes up for it! The only other place in...

Posted by Mbotaish on December 20, 2013. Brought to you by tripadvisor.

A Jewel in a Jewel

Average Rating

100

Last night I went to Wally's and was entranced by Big Ben Hillman and his group. The energy level took over the small club. The experience of really great "funk" in a close setting is not comparable to the stilted performances of the impersonal big concert halls. While you can, go
hear and see him at Wallys where he plays...

Posted by Carol B on August 19, 2013. Brought to you by tripadvisor.

A local favourite

Average Rating

80

Wally's is a special haunt for jazz musicians in Boston - it claims to have music 365 days of the year. Small but a nice atmosphere. There is obviously a strong loyalty, well deserved. The bartender is extremely supportive of the musicians and friendly to the clients. Weekend jam sessions are a great support to the nearby Berklee students.

Posted by graemerk on August 19, 2013. Brought to you by tripadvisor.

Real jazz

Average Rating

100

We had dinner reservations at a restaurant that had a scheduled jazz band. There was a mix-up and the band did not perform. So unfortunate on a Friday night of a holiday weekend. We were determined to get some jazz! I checked online and found Wally's right around the corner! A good time had by all!

Posted by RapunzelProductions on July 16, 2013. Brought to you by tripadvisor.

Oldest Jazz Joint in Boston

Average Rating

100

You can smell the history in the walls. The greats have all played here in their time, Earl Fatha Hines, B.B. King, Miles Davis and on and on. Back in the day when smoking was allowed in Boston(thank heavens it no longer is) the air was thick with smoke and the jazz was sweet and went on way past the...

Posted by mothermadrigal on June 27, 2013. Brought to you by tripadvisor.

Since 1947 the company has been providing Retail - Bar (drinking Places).

Posted on March 29, 2015. Brought to you by dandb.

Drinking places, nsk

Posted on November 17, 2014. Brought to you by hoovers.

Wally's – a great if somewhat dark jazz club – has been a favorite hangout in the Back Bay area since 1947. Live jazz performers warm up around 9pm each night, and both known acts and student talents perform regularly. The price is right too, since there's no cover charge, and beer prices seem as if they haven't increased a lot since Wally's inception. Decor is quite basic, but that's as it...

Posted on May 11, 2010. Brought to you by 10best.