by Alvaro Trybus on I really don't want to write this review - I've been to Yoshi's a few times and have generally had a nice time. But my last visit was way sub-par, especially for a place that promises a top-notch experience like Yoshi's. Summary is: a dinner with sloppy inattentive service and a show with seriously flawed sound. Not a good combo. We booked a table for 6 at 6:30, planning for the 8 PM Zoe Keating show. We were seated promptly and given our menus. Our drink orders were taken right away. About 30 minutes later (seriously), our drinks had yet to materialize, and nobody had come by to take our dinner order. We were chatting away with our friends with menus in front of us, but unable to catch the eye of any server. Finally, our drinks arrived - somehow a bottle of wine had become a glass? - and were able to order our food. The dishes came out somewhat haphazardly, and the last one finally arrived at 7:50. I'll give kudos to the kitchen, the food was delicious. In the end, we were anxious about paying our bill and getting into the show, and felt unnecessarily rushed. All of this was annoying, but wouldn't in itself be enough to prompt a 2-star review. The show is what pushed me to kvetch here. Zoe Keating's solo cello performance was all I'd hoped it would be. I've been entranced by Zoe's music for a while, and this was my first opportunity to see her live, and to introduce my friends to her music. As expected, the music was hauntingly beautiful, and Zoe herself was captivating. Unfortunately, this was marred by a consistent harsh buzzing on low-end frequencies. One of the reasons I love cello so much is the deep, rich timbre of the lower notes, but I found myself cringing every time she went there. I don't know what the source of the buzz was, but it sounded as if it could have been a blown speaker. I presume that a sound check was done before the show, but it surely didn't sound like it. At one point, about 2 pieces in, my wife complained to the door staff, who informed her that "it was being taken care of on stage." In fact, there was someone who went up to talk to Zoe and fiddle with some cables at the same time, but the sound did not improve. The right thing to do would have been to pause the show and take the time to get it sorted out. As it was, there was no acknowledgment at any time that the sound quality was substandard. One of the reasons we pay a premium to see shows at Yoshi's is the attention to detail, especially sonic detail. To have what could have been such an amazing evening of music spoiled by the sound system seems inconsistent with Yoshi's reputation. I've sent several emails to the general manager of Yoshi's and received replies saying that he'd look into it and get back to me, but over 2 weeks later, I've haven't heard a thing. I'm feeling sour and blown off and at this point and pretty down on the place. It's a bummer, because Yoshi's has the potential to be a great venue and they have very creative programming, but if they can't stand behind their sound system, what's the point?
by Daniel D. on Its really just a room. A small room. With dark lighting. Doesn't get much of a crowd. Drinks aren't cheap or special. Water is only bottled and is $5. F that.
by Maurice Stam on Came to Eve on Friday night. Easily got in and there was no cover for anyone in our group. As soon as you walk in, there is plenty of seating - long couch that wraps around the entire length of the wall. Has cute little wood/ tree trunk tables to set your drinks on. We ordered mostly from the bar and I'd say service was great. I didnt have to wait long for a drink! There was a DJ with dancing and more seating against another wall. Bathrooms were clean and no lines! I will be back!
