Gertrude’s Jazz Bar

Gertrude's Jazz Bar – Swing by for Live Music, Dancing, and Drinks Galore in Kailua-Kona
Local Expert's Rating:
4 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Whenever you’re in the mood to listen to live music and dance the night away, come to Gertrude’s Jazz Bar. Set in the beautiful downtown Kailua-Kona area, this swanky bar brings talented local acts to its stage five nights a week. Then, they elevate the experience with tasty drinks and tapas of all kinds.

- The HawaiianIslands.com Local Expert Team

Do you want to listen to amazing live music while dancing your heart out? If so, plan a visit to Gertrude’s Jazz Bar in downtown Kailua-Kona. A true local favorite, this swanky dive goes all out in bringing the most talented local musicians to their main stage. As they play for the crowds, you can dance the night away while enjoying drinks and tapas in between. Friendly conversation flows all throughout the bar as well, easily transforming this venue into your home away from home.

The experience starts as you walk through the doors into their charming dining space. With its bold accent walls, exquisite artwork, and soft mood lighting, the retro styling never fails to impress at first glance. The amazing view of Kailua Bay through the picture windows is always a delight as well, serving as a reminder that you’re dining in paradise.

You’re welcome to grab one of the bar stools along the window, but many people gravitate to the tables along the front of the stage. From there, you can get up and dance as the mood strikes, and then quickly return to your table to enjoy refreshments while resting your feet. Local musicians usually play three-hour sets, starting at 7pm. So, you’ll have plenty of chances to dance your heart out if you stick around for the entire show.

No matter where you land, you’ll get to enjoy quality service all throughout your visit. The team makes it their mission to greet every last patron like an old friend. Then, they provide their full support through your visit to ensure you have the absolute best time. 

Their top offerings include:

Turquoise Melody
As their signature drink, the Turquoise Melody promises to light up your tastebuds with its sweet and sour flavors. They start this drink with Ocean vodka and fresh cold-pressed pineapple juice. After that, it gets hit with fresh lemon juice plus their housemade ginger cordial and blue spirulina.

The Honeycreeper
For a warm, spicy kick in every sip, you cannot go wrong with The Honeycreeper. This drink begins with dark rum elevated by an infusion of local vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. After that, they add pineapple-infused Italian bitter, cold-pressed pineapple juice, and fresh lime. Right at the end, Big Island honey jumps into the mix to bring all the flavors together.

Cha Cha Chorizo Mac & Cheese
Whenever you’re in the moody for spicy, cheesy goodness on the double, get the Cha Cha Chorizo Mac & Cheese. This dish starts with the creation of their double cream sauce featuring aged gouda and asiago. After that, they boil their noodles until perfectly al dente, and then put them in the sauce with sauteed chorizo.

That’s A’More Meatballs
If comfort food is calling your name, treat yourself to a taste of the That’s A’More Meatballs. Since it revolves around Greg’s Grandma Piazza’s family recipe, all you get to know is that the meatballs have veal, pork, and beef inside. Get them all on their own or served over a bed of Fettuccini noodles.

For the full jazz bar experience, plan to cap off your night with a taste of their decadent desserts. Much like the rest of their offerings, their sweet treats promise to tantalize your tastebuds through every last bite. Their sweet and salty Chocolate Covered Bacon is always a hit, often resulting in it selling out well before close. If that’s the case during your visit, don’t worry, the S’mores Dessert Crepe is just as good.

Insider Tips:
-On Thursdays, they hold their Latin Night event with Latin jazz music and a special menu to match.
-Love to play for the crowds? Bring your instrument to their open mic nights held nearly every Wednesday.
-For happy hour specials, come by between 5 pm and 6:30 pm.
-Planning a special event? Ask about using their venue for your wedding, birthday celebrations, and everything in between.