Came in from out of town and wanted to listen to some good Jazz music. At first we were unsure about the neighborhood, but soon realized the area is being revitalized. Easily found street parking, and walked around the corner to the club. When you walk in, it is DARK and all you see is the band before your eyes adjust which was kind of cool. I have no idea what the name of the band was, but I LOVED the piano which you don't always get with Jazz, and of course the bass. Our sax player was multi-instrument as well. The place is just drinks and Jazz. The ambiance, was classic as well. We aren't drinkers at all, and they had a "mock-tail" menu of about 5 drinks for us. I loved the peach ginger. My mom and sister had the Virgin Mary. A little more worchestshire than I like, but I was happy trying one of everything. Very reasonably priced. We were starving though, and had hoped for appetizers, but after some though feel that it would have taken away from the club's atmosphere. We also enjoyed the band members coming into the audience to sit and talk with us during set breaks. The mirrors were a nice touch so we could see the piano player playing and facial expressions. Overall-would definitely go back. Such a beautiful way to spend the evening. Dressy casual to business casual dress is appropriate. We felt slightly underdressed in our jeans, but it seems everyone was in them.

Beautiful place to see live Jazz music, very swanky. Tim Whitmer was awesome!

Nice intimate jazz club. It's smaller than the Green Lady Lounge but has the same great music and similar drinks and crowd.

Located next to the Green Lady Lounge, I decided to pop over to check out the Black Dolphin. The place was semi-packed and I was able to find a seat close to the stage. Beautiful setup - this place is really decadent. Unfortunately there was one waitress for the entire place and I wasn't greeted until about 15 minutes into being there. The waitress kindly apologized but it wasn't her fault - the place is understaffed. This place needs at least two or three waitresses to serve their patrons. I ordered a drink, but after waiting for another 15 minutes and not getting my drink, I decided to leave (I did leave a nice tip.) This place is really pretty and I wish I got to listen to the music, but I didn't feel like waiting too long to be served.

A very great place for live jazz entertainment atmosphere was lovely and performers were outstanding and a great place to just relax and enjoy the Classy Fill of the Chicago ,New York ,New Orleans vibe wish they served some different Appetizers

Black Dolphin is a small but mighty little jazz club in the Crossroads district of KC. Tasty beverages , friendly staff and great music makes for a fun night. What I love about the Dolphin is that everything is about the music, you walk in next to the stage and the bar is at the back of the long rectangular club. All the seats are angled toward the stage, focused on the musicians. During set breaks they everybody just mingles. It is down to earth and simple. I am fan.

The bartender knew our name and really helped us make drink choices. Gave us time to talk but made sure promptly we were cared for

We had not been in awhile and loved the new setup! We did pay $5 per person on a Saturday night, which went to the band! Great time as always!

Nice laid back jazz spot. We practically had the place to ourselves on a Friday night around 10pm...The music reminded me of a live playing of elevator music which wasn't quite the jazz vibe I was looking for. However, it is still a nice spot & perfect for slow jazz to unwind after a stressful week.

Wonderful, vibrant jazz joint. Top notch staff and talented musicians. Impressed.

Slightly different atmosphere compared to their next door neighbor with a more open floor plan, mirrors on the wall to enhance the open feel and center stage. Alternatively, if you want the ambiance without the crowd, they do have a more intimate section behind the bar. They do change a $5 cover. But also have a well stocked bar for any and all mixed drink desires.

The green lady was a bit too packed and loud for my boyfriend and I on a Saturday night, so we hopped over here. We loved it so much we wished that we had started here in the first place!! It's much more intimate and laid-back, and the lighting is a bit less harsh than the green lady. The drink menu is the exact same as next door which we were very happy about. Music was excellent + service was great. We can't wait to come back next time we're in KC!!

The Black Dolphin is a jazz listening lounge in the heart of Downtown Kansas City which was designed for the afficionado of not just excellent music, but also fine atmosphere and strong, tasty craft cocktails. In terms of sheer lumens? This bar has lower lights than any other establishment in Kansas City, or frankly anywhere on the planet. The lighting and every detail were clearly designed and placed with intention and care. It gives the bar's vibe a coziness which is instantly welcoming and sophisticated without being pretentious. There are two colors: black and orange. All of the illumination is provided by tastefully located ambient overhead lamps and warm-temperature vintage star globes which are easier to just see than to describe. The whole feeling is that of a 1963 cocktail lounge right down to the vintage orange resin "Black Dolphin" sign itself which hangs above the Steinway. The Black Dolphin is the more subdued & subtle sister-club to the rowdier Green Lady Lounge across the alley. Just like The Green Lady, however, the musicianship at this joint is consistently top shelf just like the martinis, and once you set foot in The Black Dolphin, you'll realize you've never been in another bar quite like this before in your life.

We enjoyed the Black Dolphin. The jazz was good and the band was having a lot of fun with it. It has a nice atmosphere and is a fun space. We came closer to opening on a Friday night, and there weren't a ton of people, and it was an older crowd. As time went on, more people came, and it got decently busy. However, we were the youngest people by about 10 years, even at the end of our time there. The crowd was mostly 30s and up. There is a $5 cover charge here. The thing we liked about it a lot, though, is that it is set up to be more of a show. People whisper to each other, but for the most part, it is quiet, and everyone is watching and listening to the jazz band there. The booths and couches were also very comfortable and clean.

The jazz was amazing. Bartender so helpful. Such a large selection of liquor, everyone would be pleased. I am from KC and just heard about this place recently, will definitely be back! Also loved the live jazz music all night, incredible.

John is the best Bartender/owner/janitor or whatever in Kansas City. Came in after the Chiefs Parade and had a delicious Moscow Mule😁 Highly recommend this cozy jazz spot! I will be back soon ❤

This great little hole in the wall is larger than it might seem from the almost unidentifiable entrance. We went for a special evening with Max Haverfield & Friends. The cabaret style vocals were mixed with a little CW, with great backup by a string bass, wonderful piano, and percussion. Not to be missed is the wonderful cocktail service and steady attention from our server. I appreciated the diversity of the clientele and will definitely visit again.

Great drinks! Great music! Great time!

Hands down one of the best places in Kansas City to relax and listen to some amazing music. Can't say enough... If you've never been, you're missing out on some of the best Kansas City has to offer.

Classy chill ambiance, had a creamed mango mocktail that was really delish! Band was totally cool!

This was our first time in KC and the first place in the evening we went to check out. It didn't not let us down at all. The host at the the door was pleasant. The atmosphere was perfect for either a date or just to hang out with friends. They had more than enough options as far as cocktail to choose from as you enjoy the great music being played.

Music was so good, drinks were spot on and delicious! Nice, relaxing evening.

A very nice spot The bartender wasn't on point and lite on wait staff but if you wanna escape the heat and take in some live music.

1st time visitor to the Black Dolphin. Great venue with a wonderful vibe. Outstanding wait staff. Tim Whitmer Quartet was playing. The best jazz Quartet in Kansas City. Perfect combination of great jazz in the great setting.

Rather lame. Jazz was well above average...which is important..but the place had no vibe - no soul. Staff was also above average. Stayed until 11:30 on a Friday and the place never picked up. Fair prices, just no umph to the place. Perhaps we were there on an off night? Perhaps my NOLA expectations were too high?

Came here on New Years and watched Boogaloo 7 ring in 2018! I ha e been to Green Lady lounge and this is an extension with a dance floor. I met a friend and they started at Green Lady Lounge. He told me they transferred his bar tap right over to Black Dolphin when they moved. Great service, drinks, and atmosphere.