TLDR
Experience the magic of a vintage Tokyo jazz lounge in Midtown. Authentic Japanese comfort food meets live music in an intimate, nightlife-focused setting.
Instagram Posts References
The restaurant is recommended by Helen, a PGY-5 resident. The specific recommendation is to 'Get omurice'.
Tomi Jazz offers a Japanese, vintage, magical ambiance perfect for intimate jazz nights. It's a cozy and charming spot that provides a unique atmosphere for a relaxed evening.
This establishment is recommended as part of the GoCity New York Mini Guide for its jazz club atmosphere and Japanese food.
Details
Transporting guests to the heart of a Tokyo jazz lounge, this spot is celebrated for its immersive, vintage atmosphere [4]. While the venue is a beloved destination for live music and high-quality Japanese cuisine [1], [21], it has become famously difficult to access due to persistent, long wait times [14], [17]. Diners often suggest arriving well before opening or seeking alternative venues if the queues become too daunting [7], [14], [18].
Caveats
Be prepared for potentially very long wait times, as the venue does not accept reservations [14], [17], [19].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About TOMI JAZZ
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Any Musteat Restaurants In This General Vicinity
"Described as good, though potentially not worth the wait."
NeutralFrom post: Any Musteat Restaurants In This General Vicinity
"Mentioned as a recommended restaurant."
NeutralFrom post: Vinyl Bar Restaurant I Know This Was Asked Three
"Tomi Jazz is mentioned as being one block from Bar Orai. It's a walk-in only Japanese live jazz bar with a potentially long line, but it offers an excellent dinner menu."
PositiveFrom post: Tomi Jazz Bar Wait Still Crazy
"The user recalls that Tomi Jazz Bar did not have waits between 2016-2018 and wonders when it became so popular."
NeutralFrom post: Tomi Jazz Bar Wait Still Crazy
"The user suggests that Tomi Jazz Bar should start taking reservations to manage the wait times."
NeutralFrom post: Tomi Jazz Bar Wait Still Crazy
"The user lives near Tomi Jazz Bar and used to frequent it, but believes the wait is no longer worth it if it exceeds 15 minutes."
NegativeFrom post: Tomi Jazz Bar Wait Still Crazy
"The wait at Tomi Jazz Bar is a constant barrage of tourists. The best times are Sunday-Tuesday for the late show, but other venues are recommended as alternatives."
NegativeFrom post: Tomi Jazz Bar Wait Still Crazy
"The user is asking for recommendations for chill but viby places near Grand Central for casual work drinks, as they are concerned about the wait at Tomi Jazz Bar."
NeutralFrom post: Tomi Jazz Bar Wait Still Crazy
"The wait to get into Tomi Jazz Bar is still crazy and has been for the past few years. It's recommended to get there early at opening or go to a nearby bar."
NegativeFrom post: Tomi Jazz Bar Wait Still Crazy
"Even on a Tuesday, there was a 40-minute wait to get into Tomi Jazz Bar."
NegativeFrom post: Need A Cheap Christmas Dinner
"The original poster acknowledged that Tomi Jazz is closed but mentioned they have found an option for Christmas Day and will consider visiting Tomi Jazz on a future trip."
NeutralFrom post: Need A Cheap Christmas Dinner
"Tomi Jazz is noted to be closed from December 25th to January 3rd."
NegativeFrom post: Need A Cheap Christmas Dinner
"The commenter offered to get tickets for the original poster's family to Smalls and Mezzrow after they confirmed their arrival date, suggesting they focus on restaurants in the West Village."
PositiveFrom post: Need A Cheap Christmas Dinner
"The original poster decided to rearrange plans to potentially visit Tomi Jazz on the 24th, noting its menu is Asian-leaning, and seeking an alternative for Christmas Day."
NeutralFrom post: Need A Cheap Christmas Dinner
"The commenter offered tickets to Smalls and Mezzrow for Christmas shows after learning the original poster was arriving on 12/24, suggesting these as classic local jazz spots."
PositiveFrom post: Need A Cheap Christmas Dinner
"Tomi Jazz is suggested as a possible option for Christmas Eve, noting a $10 cover charge and first-come, first-served seating, which could be enjoyable for the original poster's daughter."
PositiveFrom post: Thoughts On Tomi Jazz Tell Me About Your
"Regarding seating at Tomi Jazz, if you arrive a little before 7pm or 8:30pm, you should be able to get a seat without issue."
NeutralFrom post: Thoughts On Tomi Jazz Tell Me About Your
"The commenter suggests visiting "No Work Allowed" instead, as it's next door with no line, better music, and a better vibe. They describe Tomi Jazz as very packed and not cozy or quaint, while "No Work Allowed" offers a more intimate feel, though it can still be loud due to the jazz."
NegativeFrom post: Where Is A Tough Dinner Res But Easy For Lunch
"Bar Tomiño is recommended as a great spot for a Spanish-style lunch."
PositiveFrom post: Best Take You To Another Time Or Place Restaurant
"Tomi Jazz previously offered an experience that felt like walking into a Tokyo jazz lounge."
Positive