Sandaga 813

I had a great time at this spot. Music was nice live band keeps the vibe smooth and tasteful. Food was good some of the best in Dallas come check them out you won’t regret the visit!!!

I love this place and am so glad it was recommended. I’ve gone on a Sunday night to hear live music and on a Friday to hear the DJ spin. Both occasions were epic. The crowd is the perfect mix and no one is on any sort of stuck up behavior. The drinks and reasonably priced and the barbecue hits the spot as well. I will definitely be turning into a regular.

Very nice spot to be on Tuesday night. Never experienced an atmosphere like this but I can truly say I will be coming back!!!
On Tuesday the live band usually come around 9:30 p.m. so make sure you get there at a reasonable time since there is scarce seating. The drinks are pretty cheap and strong as well which drew me to this place originally (plus the live jazz band obviously).
The BBQ is delicious as well… Shout out to III Fellas BBQ since that was the best pork ribs I’ve had in a minute. Usually BBQ is served around 10:30 p.m. so make sure you keep your eyes open when you see tables being set up to serve food! (Also bbq accepts cash and card!!!)
To sum it all up, this is one of the great places to go on a Tuesday night. I went on a date and it was truely one of the greatest experiences I have witness since being in Dallas. If you want to go to a live Jazz & Blues spot, and Buttons not suiting you then I will make sure that you try Sandaga 813, at least on Tuesday!!!

On Friday evenings change from your work clothes to some chucks and your favorite stylish pair of jeans and come out to the «Fresh» at Sandaga 813 for good music, good people and good drinks. The crowd is normally a mix of educated, upwardly mobile, urban individuals united to the cause of supporting good DJ’s as they spin a mix of the latest and old school hip hop favorites.
Don’t forget to tip the beautiful woman at the door.

I love black men, and I love jazz.
I love Asian men too, and Indy music.
With so many flavors to sample, sometimes Dallas feels so disappointingly vanilla.
Sandaga 813 was a big surprise with their Tuesday Jazz night a house full of color swaying soulfully to an 11 piece traditional jazz band on a Tuesday night.
The place was packed the Tuesday before Christmas, with the happiest part me being a minority, and the coolest part being a respectful easy crowd that was just loving the Jazz. The sense of community and respect was high.
«Around 10pm they bring the barbecue out», my friend and veteran Tuesday night jazz attendee informed me.
We waited patiently on the patio as the tent was raised over the bar area as «Superfly» played projected onto the back wall.
A DJ played a more modern mix of jazz, hip hop and electronica beats.
Brisket, chicken, pulled pork, and ribs served with bread were $ 6. A huge baked potato with choice of protein, cheese and sour cream $ 10. The baked potato was probably enough for three people. My friends shared it. House sauce is provided in a squeeze tube.
«Are you here every Tuesday?» I slobbered.
«Yes after 10pm and Sunday’s too.» he answered.
Jazz night — $ 5 cover before 10pm, $ 10 after.
It was one of the sexiest nights out I’ve had in awhile.
Large outdoor patio.
Full bar, but nothing fancy, just the basics and decent prices. (Eggnog, $ 6 was prepared from a container, and stiff.)

Nice hole in the wall type of place that is never quiet or slow. I never found my friend nor the BBQ. People were overly friendly to the point of making you nervous. And everyone wanted to take chairs or sit at any table, occupied or not. Jimmy walked up and spoke but never introduced himself as the host. I understood their purpose to introduce us to new talent and that they only had the one night to do so but it was a bit much for me. The base crew and all the wind instruments were very talented.

Went here for my birthday last night and had the best time. The Found Band was amazing and looks like they’re the house band on Saturdays. I’ve been in DFW for three years now and have been looking everywhere for an amazing live r&b/jazz band with great vocals and this is the best I have heard. The staff was courteous and accommodating. Drinks were great, not watered down at all. This will DEFINITELY become a staple for me.
Über: zhxus

My boy Willis C met me at this cool and eclectic jazz joint on a Tuesday night while I was in town. At first I was kind of turned off by the $ 20 parking lot due to the State Fair (boys are taxing high!), but once I entered this joint, I knew I was home. Drinks were reasonable priced and get the job done too. There’s a stage inside with jazz singers performing and outside there is a patio area with dj’s spinning. Everybody was extremely nice and friendly with me which made for a good time. Looking for a cool jazz bar in the Big D, look no further because I’ve found it for you! Thanks Willis for putting me down on this place and I will for sure return next time I’m in town! Sign me up!

Me and some friends hung out on a Friday night and had a great time. Both DJ’s were nothing short of awesome and the patio area was chill and laid back, for the cigar smokers.

Stumbled across Sandaga after a play at the South Dallas Cultural Arts Center. We had such a great time.
After grabbing some dinner nearby, we wandered around until we saw this place. The bouncer was outside and told us they we should stop in. We had never been there before so he told us what to expect and was just an all around nice, helpful guy. Oddly enough, that’s what convinced us to go in. We paid a $ 10 cover charge, and while I typically hate paying covers but I would definitely say that this was worth it. After grabbing a drink at the bar, I awkwardly tried to find a place to go until I found a cozy little spot nestled between a 60-​year old dance machine and a column. The patio out back is a nice touch– fire pits, BBQ on the grill, quieter space to have conversation.
We were there on a hip hop night, but I’m told they have great live jazz and soul. Hoping to get back there soon to check it out.
BONUS: If you can find a gentleman named «Bald Head» pushing a stroller filled with cleaning supplies, he will detail your car for $ 10. He cleaned me up real nice!

Cool get away nice crowd & good music. Got some growing to do but the vibe was good and DJ’s had the right mix. Inside outside choice add a good change up. I B back

Home sweet home. Great music, gray atmosphere, and the staff hands down takes care of you. Drinks are at great prices and strong.

Absolutely the BEST LIVE MUSIC!!! Get here early or on time for Tuesdays live Jazz by sooooooo many superb musicians MY GOODNESS!!! Musicians are the 1^st star. They are World Class Wonderful! Great with the tunes and very approachable. 2^nd star is for the people that run the place. From the front door man to the sound man, all provide great service. Mr. Houston is supreme at greeting every single guest and hosting the awesome show. 3^rd Star is for the atmosphere it is relaxing, comfortable, nice for lone individuals or groups. 4^th star for bar staff and Triple D BBQ. I will try food next time bc it smelled delish. 5^th star for other guests who were all so friendly. Easy to find. Casual dress to Dressed to the eights is cool. Lol but you could probably do nines too. $ 5 to park & $ 5 cover, More than worth it. Just an excellent experience! Did I mention I loved it!!!

Came here for a hair event «cutting party». Cool little venu. Music was great. They had a stage! Fun times

When in need of jazz on a Tuesday, come here. I’ve quickly adapted this into my weekly repertuar, and for my «Out-​of-​Towner Tour.» Everyone becomes an instant fan.
Atmosphere: ⁸⁄₁₀
The lay out makes it a bit cramped, but this increases the intimacy. But I do wish they could knock down the wall between the main room and the bar.
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Music: ¹⁰⁄₁₀
You can count on Dallas’ best falling through. Or a surprise guest from out of town merely blessing us with their talents.
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Bar: ⁸⁄₁₀
Standard bar with standard options at good prices.
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Host/​Service: ¹⁰⁄₁₀
Jimmy Houston is the MC and host. One of a kind, and super nice.
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Comparative: ¹⁰⁄₁₀
Nothing beats it. I’m thankful to have something this tight on a Tuesday.
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Overall Personal Opinion: ¹⁰⁄₁₀
I dig the jazz. I dig the location. I dig the people.
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Grade: 9.33 (A)

Live music/​open mic on Sundays. Come early and watch the game. BBQ and vendors in the back. Low $$ drinks! Bring your instrument if you’re an artist!

From Jazz and Hip-​Hop to R&B and House, Sandaga 813 is the place you want to be. With live music and groovy vibes, you’ll never know who will step into this joint. Recently, Hip-​Hop artist Common, blessed the stage and performed for the locals before his concert the next evening at another venue, the House of Blues. Additionally, this is the home of many Grammy award winner musicians.
Owner, Tim, welcomes a diverse audience to his humble place of business, with open arms and a warm heart; acknowledging and thanking everyone who walks in. Tim, has brought a piece of California to Texas, by opening Sandaga.
Being a California native myself, I have adopted this lounge and added it to my collection of «homes». As a music lover and a huge advocate for black owned businesses, along with supporting local, I highly recommend coming during one of the designated nights: Every Tuesday boogie down to the sweet sounds of live Jazz, Every Friday dance your heart out to the spins of dope DJ’s at The Fresh, and Every Sunday, bop your head, sway your bodies to Erykah Badu’s house band RC & The Gritz, alongside with Reggae vibes outside on the patio.
I have nothing but love for Sandaga 813 and for the newbies, I suggest going to feel for yourselves.
For more information on Sandaga 813, please visit their website for upcoming events, etc.
Dance and Drink at: 813 Exposition Ave. Dallas, TX 75 226
During: Business hours varies, please visit website for more details.
For Booking–
Chat: 972.415.7491
Write:

SHORT Version: Horrible Customer Service, a Bar with VERY FEW cocktails available and a bartender who didn’t know how much my drinks costed so I had to teach her math, a layout not feasible for truly enjoying live music unless you feel like standing OR sitting in the «VIP Booths».
I wont be back. ever.
LONG version:
so I decided to take a few great friends along with myself out for some live music and drinks and food while I was visiting Dallas and saw a flyer for a live music event all night.
we showed up at halftime of the Cowboys/​Giants game and were told at the door that the band would go on at the start of the 4^th Quarter which meant we wouldn’t have to pay that long. we paid a cover at the door and then paid a charge for a VIP seating area (one large couch divided by wooden planks to the far wall) so that we could get a good view of the band (and by good I mean still having to look past columns).
The band did not go on until 15 minutes after the game was over, and then only played for 18 minutes and then spent another 45 minutes off the stage. at this point we are PRETTY pissed because we certainly could have gone back to The Free Man where we had a much more enjoyable experience. I talk to the guy who took my money for the «VIP Seating» and asked him about a refund for the money we spent because at this point its been almost two hours and we have seen 18 minutes of the band playing. he stated that they don’t give refunds EVEN though, and I quote, he would be «pretty upset if this had happened to him» His rationalle was that since we were sitting in the area we still had to pay, regardless of the fact that the band was only on for 18 minutes and that «they are about to go back on now» for over 15 more minutes of our conversation.
on top of that the bartender attempted to overcharge me for the drinks I purchased and then when I called her on it, I quoted out to her the cost of each drink as she told me and THEN shes like «oh well thats your total»
not exactly a good experience, but Im sure they just don’t give a shit.

Came incidentally on annual Michael Jackson tribute night, with Badu’s house band (Sundays) (summer 2014). Had a great time. Band started a couple hours late, but once it started, it was hot. No food service, but Sandaga welcomes BYOF. In fact, the bartender even gave us some tips on where to grab some grub around the corner. Cool vibe. Small place. Nice patio. Arts, urban, hippy all in one. I hope to go back soon.

Best Jam session the Metroplex has to offer. Tuesdays were made for this. Casual viewing of live improv of local musician’s coming together filling the room with one of the coolest vibes to jumpstart your soul for the week! If you play you are encouraged to join in, so bring your gear
I highly recommend checking it out, if you are an avid jazz lover your night will be complete if you are new to the scene your life will change! This truly is an artistry of Jazz
Also my house fav DJ Miss «DJ NIGHT NURSE» hosts some of the Best Dance Sessions on the weekends… Recently listened to her beats while viewing a Live Art collab presented by the «Just Us League»
Sangada 813 is Legit!