Charlie O's Bar & Grill

This review is for 04/08/2011. I have been in the San Fernando Valley for most of my life and my friend who has been in the Valley for less than a year recommends me a place that is so close to my home. How can I miss this place in my own city?! Thanks to my friend, I found a great jazz place called, Charlie O's.

My friend and I arrived to Charlie O's around 8pm. There is a valet service, but not for Charlie O's. You can park on the lot or have valet Service for $3.50. So, we decided to park on the street instead and save the change for the drinks and food.

We walked in through the back entrance and it became a total new world. I have never been to a jazz-type bar. It was like I went through some sort of portal. I left Van Nuys and all of a sudden I entered jazz country in less than a second. I swear this was Star Trek when you go through the Holodeck.

We sat at the counter and were greeted by our bartender, Matt. Matt is something else. I never knew guys like him were in the area. I really got to visit the South and see what I have been missing most of my life. You got an authentic jazz band and you got a bartender that seems to be from one of the bottles or from a movie.

We ordered Fried Zucchini which came with ranch. It was pretty hot and delicious. I don't have prices since we were celebrating. We had a bunch of drink from Cranberry Vodka to a Sidecar. Everything else in the world didn't matter any more. I just had fun watching and listening to the band perform. It was awesome to talk to other patrons and listen to their stories too. For my friend, it felt like home.

Place is amazing and I will be back here. I might have to take up jazz again like I did when I was little. Now, that I am an adult, its time to appreciate jazz and places like this a little more. This review is dedicated to my friend and to the great future in store.

The Yelp Universe. Where are you traveling today?

SO LEGIT.

There's nothing more I can say here that hasn't already been said - great jazz, good mix of people, chill ambiance, no cover. Stepping inside you can tell this place has been around for a while and has that vintage, comfortable, easy feel. Really beautiful stained wood walls and plush carpet - everything is easy on the eyes.

Everyone was really diggin the jazz - big smiles on my and the crowd's faces and enthusiastic, appreciative applause, lots of head nodding and laughter - from conversation and from the ridiculous skills the players busted out during their solos. The quartet we saw here makes it look so EASY. Like walking.

Bill between two people for two beers and two bottles of water - $37.00 (tip is already included).

Enjoy :)

On August 31, 2011...Charlie O's closed its doors and dimmed its lights for good. I didn't think I would be so devastated by a small jazz venue but it really made me sad.

It made me think I should have gone more just to say I was there. I still have my Charlie O's coaster which I will treasure for as long as it survives in my office.

I have sweet memories of singing with Jack Sheldon...of singing/clapping/shouting with Justo Almario...just chilling listening to Plas Johnson...of fighting back tears when moved by a John Heard solo (on his bass)...of holding my wife's hand while listening to a ballad. This was my 'joint'!

All these things are now just nostalgia and sweet memories. Oh how I wish they would come back...bigger and better...but alas, no plans to reopen from what I hear.

Thank you Jo-Ann and Charlie for bring such great music to the SF Valley! For keeping it Straight Ahead! And for allowing us to be a part of jazz history...Charlie O's will be sorely and mournfully missed. Dig?

For an up close and personal jazz listening experience, not many bars can compete with Charlie O's. The quintet this night was almost bumping up against the bar in this cozy place. And none of that Kenny G faux-jazz here. These old timers were putting it down and riffing with the best of them. My date and I eventually moved to the other end of the bar for conversation's sake, but the jazz groove was an excellent soundtrack to a lovely night.

Now as mentioned, there is no cover, so it's made up on pricey food and drinks. We only had fries to munch on ($6) while we sipped our drinks. Maker's & h2o ($9), Jack & diet coke for her ($9) and Patron shots ($13). The drinks were strong and the bartender was attentive and always made sure our glasses didn't get empty.

Live music every night, a vintage well worn bar and a nice staff, I look forward to checking out Charlie's again.

"Skoobidee doobee bee bop do wop bim bam bippity cha-dap dap bah....yeaaaaah."

Right. That was my feeble and sheepish attempt at being a scat cat. I'm no Cab Calloway, that much is certain. Sometimes life just makes these decisions for you, and you play with the hand it deals you. Like, for example, when the CD playing in your car stereo decides to make their own remixes because the disc is all scratched up; you have no choice in the matter. Or, perhaps you go to Target because you realize that you need a new pack of white undershirts, only to get there and find out they're sold out in your size. These are the kinds of moments I have no say in the matter. But when I want to steer the direction of my immediate future and assure myself of a good time, I go to Charlie O's.

I often get jealous that I was never around during certain times in history. Jazz music, in its heyday, was saturating the smokey clubs of Harlem. It wasn't uncommon to hear the likes of Cab Calloway scatting -- or noodling, as some would say -- undecipherable words, that would get you swaying your head and snapping your fingers. Jazz music, in its instrumental form, had the ability to transport you into an ethereal plane of existence.

There's probably not much I wouldn't give to hear Charlie "Bird" Parker, John Coltrane, Dave Brubek, Thelonious Monk, and Charles Mingus all playing live before me. And, even though Stan Getz -- and his earlier bossa nova style of playing, that I liked -- probably wouldn't fit that earlier equation, I would love to see him too. Sadly, my chance to see them all has come and gone with each of their passing, but their spirits live on at Charlie O's.

Upon entering, it doesn't look much. You walk right into a long narrow layout, that runs parallel to the bar itself, until you get to the small stage area. From their you have a point-blank view of the magic. They have different performers on any given night, but you will typically find a pianist, stand-up bass player, percussionist, and someone playing one of the wind instruments, like a saxaphone or trombone. While I like Medeski, Martin, & Wood, you won't get any of that "avante groove" sound here. You get consumate musicians who know what jazz is all about, playing it because they love it and, most importantly, feel it.

I was never around to hear jazz music at its purest, most viral state, but anytime I want that fix even a junkie can't get, I come to Charlie O's. I'm even convinced that the waitress and bartender I saw working the last night I was there, both work at Charlie O's because listening to the music makes their job that much more enjoyable. And to that testament, I don't remember how much the drinks were, how many I had, nor exactly what I had other than one whiskey neat. All I remember was the music. Like an excited little kid, I even went to shake hands and talk to the quintent for about 5 minutes after their set was done for the evening.

Of all of my favorite nights out-and-about drinking, this bar has hit the charts and quickly risen to the top. (Yelp doesn't have a six-star option, does it?)

This place is just god awful for a number of reasons. First off it's a total dump. All the tables and chairs are something that was ordered out of the Montgomery Ward Winter Catalog circa 1977. But to be fair, it does match well with the wood paneling. And not to mention that on that wood paneling you'll find different paintings of jazz greats...for sale...with noticeable price tags on them. In short the general décor and feel of this establishment is on par with your typical garage sale.

I'd be happy to let all of it slide because after all, it's not about the appearance but what's on the inside which brings us to the music and the staff.

I was meeting some friends there and arrived early. I sat at the bar, opened a tab and ordered a couple drinks. The kid bartender seemed friendly and prompt and very accommodating. When my friends arrived we decided to sit at a table which was literally 5 steps away from the bar. Once we sat down a decrepit, bitchy cranky waitress that probably was old enough to have witnessed The Crucifixion, came up to our table. I informed her that I had a tab open at the bar and would like to order a round for my friends.

This irritated her more than her soggy Depends undergarments and she informed me that I would have to close my tab at the bar and open another with her. I politely asked if it could just be switched over since every other place I've ever frequented has been able to perform this rudimentary type of customer service.

This pissed of this dinosaur more so than the asteroid that was responsible for eradicating the rest of her species. I was immediately scorned for requesting such an audacious request and told that "No, you may not do that, have some courtesy". So apparently the whole courtesy principal at this place is the customers going out of their way to appease the geriatrics that have been working there since before the earth cooled.

I went ahead and did what I was ordered to do. When I got my bill for my drinks from the kid bartender I tipped him 10 bucks. He didn't bother to mention that this place enforces a 15% gratuity on all bills. So I ended up giving this asshole an extra 10 bucks on the already $7.50 I was being coerced into paying. But I didn't realize this until I sat back down at my table and saw a little paper sign that said you're tipping whether our service sucks or not.

And it was because of this that our waitress had carte blanche to be an even crankier and uninviting host during our time there. At one point, because I was still waiting on her to come and utilize the tab I opened specifically for her on her authority, I had to go back to the bar and ask for a drink.

Don't even get me started about the band. They played all of 15 minutes and then talked to the few patrons up front until around 12 am and then the bar closed. Are you kidding me? I thought jazz musicians were more durable and hardcore than any rockstar could ever be. Yet these seniors apparently had to get back to the rest home in time for warm milk. It was disheartening.

So really, my experience here was tantamount to getting kicked in the balls by my own mother. The drink prices are outrageous and totally unjustified due to the clubs locale, service, entertainment, ambiance and strict tipping policy that enable apathy towards the very people that are paying the staff's wages. If you want good jazz, a nice setting and friendly service, try Sapzio at Ventura and Willis. Charlie O's will ruin your night and charge you out the ass in doing so.

Take a sip of your wine, close your eyes and listen to the soothing cascade of music.

Take the time to enjoy the company and conversations... Let your eyes linger through the various bottles of liquor by the bar.

Did you see the penis shaped tequila bottle?

Say what?

Yeah, there is a penis shaped tequila bottle... I wouldn't have even noticed it until my date pointed it out. *raises eyebrow*

We were laughing about it and the bartender overhears us and says, "Yeah, that tequila bottle gets everyone talking".

Uh, yeah buddy it's in the shape of a pen 15, a dilly dong, a wiener...

After a few wines I get buzzed... So buzzed I said, " I think I am ready to dance on the bar". And then I think DANGER DANGER! I need to make sure I don't trip and land on the... bottle".

That would have been embarassing.

All of the bottles have little stickers with the prices on them... I don't know if it makes it easier for the bartender or the patron... Probably both.

*shrug*

On Friday the tables were only open for parties of 3 or more, ordering of food is a must. Most of the tables have a view of the stage. From the bar you can only stare at what is the most brazen display of manhood I have ever witnessed. It was all just hanging out there...

They have LOTS of different kinds of alcohol... Really, it's one of the most stacked bar I have seen. The music is lovely. The crowd is diverse.

So if you are into cheap thrills enjoy the music, stare at the bottle and have a few chuckles.

Charlie O's is a diamond in the rough - physically, being a comfy lounge in the middle of run-down Van Nuys, and figuratively, housing awesome live jazz music in the midst of the insult-to-music played on pop radio.

I took my fun jazz-loving parents and BF here midweek - this was the perfect thing to enjoy with them! We had such a great time listening to The David Eastlee Quartet... He played the guitar, Andy Langham tickled the ivories (and rocked them too!), John Belzaguy was on bass, and Ramon Bonda was on drums. They all were great, but Andy Langham really impressed me, and John Belzaguy rocked a bunch of solos on a bass! After the first set Eastlee came out to thank us for coming out - what a class act! He gave us FOUR free CDs of his music (but my dad tipped him at least)!

The experience and music was by far five stars... Let's talk about the logistics of the place now. The waitress (on a Wednesday) was a mean ol' coot who hounded everyone to buy more than they'd like. I was expecting to spend on drinks, of course, because there is no cover at Charlie O's. This lady though - she has got the death stare down pat! She really good at making you feel terrible too. (Her poor husband!) I understand customers need to buy drinks, but you can be nice about it! What a concept! Maybe they should implement a two drink minimum like some other clubs, so she doesn't have to be so mean. I went back on a Monday, however, and there was a younger waitress, who was nice, polite, and not pushy! Wonderful! Hopefully when you go, you get the nice lady... Otherwise just be strong and don't let that lady crack you! Stick to the beverage consumption you planned on when you walked in, or you'll be like me and not feel so great the next day because some old lady made you do it!

Parking is pretty easy. They have valet, but it's not necessary when there is tons of street parking on the street in front and down the side.

Charlie O's is the finest Jazz joint in Los Angeles, bar none. There are nicer clubs and some great "listening spaces," but if you want to go to a friendly local bar that plays straight-up swing, big-band, bop, and cool jazz, then look no further, you are home. Charlie O's is the place to go if you are really into the music--night in, night out, you will not hear better.

As for the food, it helps to pick the right items. I have always had very good luck with the baseball sirloin and the center cut pork chops--both were excellent. I would recommend steering clear of the fried stuff and sticking to what's on the grill, it costs a bit more, but I think it is a real step above some of the lower-end items.

Same goes for the drinks, if you want a top-shelf martini, you're going to pay for it, but the Miller Lite is still reasonable off the tap if you lack the means. The wine list could use some work, in my opinion, but the liquor selection is top-notch.

Now about the prices, keep in mind that the band has to get paid. Nothing's free, ladies and gentlemen, and if you want to hear top-notch music, you can either pay at the door or you can pay at the bar and through the kitchen, but either way, the band must be properly remunerated (and they should get paid, and paid well, those aren't teenage rock 'n roll bands up there, folks, but some of the finest musicians in the country, show some respect for their decades of hard work and buy another round for everyone at the table). I know, I know, I'm a working class guy myself, and I've had some tabs at Charlie's that have put the bite on my paycheck, but I can't say I've ever had a bad time, or that the money wasn't well spent.

The bar and wait-staff have always been nothing but warm, friendly and considerate, the owners are a tad reserved, but so what, they've put together 31 days of great Jazz each month. If I may offer a couple of complaints: the unsightly acoustic ceiling has to go, and the uninspired lighting needs a real makeover; lighting can make a real difference in the way a room feels, and Charlie O's could do a lot better without too much investment.

But go to hear the music, the house rhythm section of Roy McCurdy and John Heard (get well, John) is alone worth the cost of a few drinks. On a good night, you'll find out why Jazz is far from dead. See you there.

Now, when I die, bury me in my straight-leg britches,
Put on a box-back coat and a stetson hat,
Put a twenty-dollar gold piece on my watch chain,
So you can let all the boys know I died standing pat.

An' give me six crap shooting pall bearers,
Let a chorus girl sing me a song.
Put a red hot jazz band at the top of my head
So we can raise Hallelujah as we go along.

Folks, now that you have heard my story,
Say, Matt, hand me another shot of that booze;
If anyone should ask you,
Tell 'em I've got those St. James Infirmary blues.

THE place in LA to listen to live jazz. Without question.
Better than the baked p
Better than spazio's
BTW, I'm a band director with an award winning jazz band.....perhaps that gives me clout?

enjoy-

BTW, the owners are jerks, the service is poor, and the food is over priced crap. What do you expect? Who comes here for anything BUT MUSIC! The rating given applies only for the quality of music.

No covers except $20 on mondays for big band sets (16peice)