When people think of Philly and music, images of 50's Doo-Wop and 1970's soul usually come to mind. But Philly just doesn't get enough respect for the amount of jazz/blues options in the city. We've got Chris' Jazz Cafe, Warmdaddy's, Alex's Jazz Underground (formerly JJ's Grotto),  Zanzibar Blue, Society Hill Hotel & Restaurant, the 23rd Street Cafe, Thursday Evening Jazz at Rembrandt's, the Sunday Morning Jazz Brunch at the Manayunk Brewing Company,  occasional jazz acts at Van M's, The Mellon Jazz Festival every June and of course, Ortlieb's Jazz Haus.  

The current incarnation of Ortlieb's Jazz Haus has been around since 1987. It's original function, over a hundred years ago, was as the adjunct brewery tavern for the massive Ortlieb's brewery complex.  

From the outside, Ortlieb's looks a little intimidating. As you can see from the photo below (to the right), Ortlieb's neighbor is the old Ortlieb's brewery, or what's left of it after time ripped it a new one.  The entrance to the place looks like the entrance to a shed, but don't be misled. What lies beyond the entrance vestibule is a really nice looking  "Jazz Haus" that hosts some incredible jazz music.

On the inside, the lights are turned down low and there is dark wood paneling all around. This place has great first-date ambiance. Ortlieb's is a long, narrow room with a bar at the front, a stage in the middle and tables/chairs scattered around in the rear dining area.

On the Friday night that I visited, the dining area was packed. It was a $5 cover and there were seats at the bar. The people in the dining room obviously got there early and were dug-in for a serious night of jazz music. Up on the stage was Jimmy Oliver (tenor sax) with the Mickey Roker Quartet. When they returned from their break and took to the stage again, their rhythmic improvisations beckoned patrons in off the streets like a mellow siren calling all sailors ashore. These jazz fans didn't seem to mind that they were standing directly in the aisle  - these people were captivated. 

The crowd can't be pigeonholed into a certain age or walk of life. The patrons ranged from 20somethings on up to 60somethings - khaki pants to blue jeans.       

If you're a big fan of jazz and you haven't been to Ortlieb's, you have to experience it firsthand. The exterior pictures don't do it justice. Please don't let the neighborhood scare ya too much. The secret is that there is a small strip mall directly across the street (3rd Street) with a  parking lot that you can use. Once you're inside, you'll soon be forgetting about all of your worries and trying to figure out how such a cool place could have been here in our backyard all along.  

Ortlieb's Next Door Neighbor.

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