Chris' Jazz Cafe

History

Chris’ Jazz Cafe at 1421 Sansom Street opened in 1989 and calls itself the longest continuously operating jazz club in Philadelphia. The club’s site says it has hosted the Count Basie Orchestra, Pat Martino, Joey DeFrancesco, and Kevin Eubanks, and that it presents about 400 shows a year. Chef and owner Mark DeNinno took over as sole proprietor in April 2004, knocked out walls for a dedicated stage, removed the pool tables and pinball machines, and built a Southern-influenced menu around the music. DownBeat has listed it among notable jazz rooms, and the club marked 35 years in 2024.