Seemor
Meyhouse & Meyhouse Jazz ClubB+Worth Trying
640 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
· Turkish restaurant, Jazz club
· 4.6/5 Google (479 reviews)
Reservations
Refined Turkish meyhane dishes with standout mezes and bread, lively jazz room, premium pricing, and service that ranges from gracious to inconsistent.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Meyhouse & Meyhouse Jazz Club delivers exceptional food quality with expertly grilled seafood, outstanding mezes, and fresh-baked bread that justify its premium positioning. However, inconsistent execution—occasional bland fish or oversalted dishes—and service delays during peak hours prevent a higher grade. The beautiful interior and live jazz create special-occasion appeal, making it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants, though reservations are essential for optimal experience.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with polished wood, an open kitchen, and servers who often guide you through mezes and wine. Reviewers describe complimentary bread that is dangerously good and plates like eggplant-yogurt and octopus that sing with charcoal and olive oil. On music nights the adjacent jazz room adds a lively glow, though peak hours can stretch wait times and attention. Cooking leans meyhane classics elevated by premium sourcing rather than theatrics—think charcoal-grilled branzino, lamb chops with proper char, Ezine cheese with pistachio, and syrupy-satisfying künefe. It fits diners who appreciate ingredient clarity, careful grilling, and a leisurely parade of small plates; value feels best when you embrace the meze spread or the $95 tasting and let the kitchen steer. Families do fine here if they enjoy Mediterranean flavors: fresh bread, rice, grilled meats, and mild fish all help. There is no kids menu, but simple sides and the sweet-leaning desserts—profiterole, rice pudding, künefe—tend to win younger palates. For picky eaters, stick to the bread, rice, chicken, and branzino.
At a Glance
- Outstanding mezes, fresh-baked bread, and expertly grilled seafood and lamb
- Attractive space with live jazz and special-occasion feel
- Premium pricing with occasional portion-size debates and added fees
- Service can slow at peak times; clarify split charges or tasting rules
- Reservations strongly recommended on weekends
What Sets It Apart
- meyhane_traditions_with_premium_sourcing
- in-house_bread_service
- intimate_jazz_room
What People Love
- The warm, chewy bread with olive oil
- Silky eggplant-yogurt mezes with bright acidity
- Confident charcoal grilling on fish and lamb
- An elegant room that still feels lively
- Jazz performances that elevate the evening
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely high (mains $33-69; $95 tasting) and some find portions lean
- Service inconsistency on busy nights with slow drink/course pacing
- Reports of unclear or unexpected charges when splitting or ordering bar/tasting sets—confirm details first
- Vegetarian mains are limited; some found veg flavors muted
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$78-110 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with 2-3 mezes per couple (eggplant-yogurt, octopus, Ezine cheese)
- Share one grill main like branzino or lamb chops
- Save room for künefe or profiterole for a balanced finish
Perfect For
- Date night with shared mezes and a bottle of wine
- Business dinner to impress clients with refined Turkish flavors
- Celebrations where the jazz room adds atmosphere
- Seafood lovers seeking expertly grilled branzino or octopus
Location Insights
Area: Upscale, walkable downtown with tech professionals, Stanford crowd, and destination diners.
Safety: Generally safe, busy evenings, good lighting and foot traffic along Emerson/University corridors.
Nearby: Near University Ave shops, bars, and Stanford; popular for date nights and business dinners.
Downtown Palo AltoThe dining scene in Downtown Palo Alto is eclectic and upscale, featuring a blend of casual eateries, trendy cafes, and fine dining establishments. The area is known for its lively nightlife, including bars and live music venues, attracting a crowd interested in socializing and cultural experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:45–14:00, 17:00–21:30
Tuesday11:45–14:00, 17:00–21:30
Wednesday11:45–14:00, 17:00–21:30
Thursday11:45–14:00, 17:00–21:30
Friday11:45–14:00, 17:00–22:00
Saturday11:45–14:00, 17:00–22:00
Sunday11:45–14:00, 17:00–21:30
Available: Reservations
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