The Side Door

Great venue! You have access to many amazing musicians here, since so many famous jazz bands travel through Old Lyme on their way from NY to Boston.
Last night we heard Etienne Charles and his sextet. The music was fabulous.
Don’t expect dinner– if you want to eat at the Old Lyme Inn prior to the concert that’s the way to go. Drinks are good and not too expensive; dessert and coffee from the Inn available and yummy. Watch the schedule for your favorite jazz virtuosos– sooner or later they will arrive at the Side Door!

A full on jazz club in the middle of Old Lyme? Yes please! This place is amazing! My girlfriend took me here for a surprise birthday weekend, and it was perfect. The SideDoor Jazz Club is actually attached to the Old Lyme Inn where we stayed for the night. We also had an amazing dinner at the inn before the show. It was great to not have to leave the building at all the whole night.
As far as the show went, we saw the Donald Harrison Quartet… and they were amazing! The musicianship was incredible, and the club was the real deal. Every seat is really good as the club capacity is about 75 people. The acoustics were phenomenal, and the way the club setup lends itself perfectly to a jazz performance. They have a full bar, great service, and everyone was so welcoming and accomodating. The owner of the Inn and club even came over and sat with us at the end of the night to talk. He was a jazz enthusiast who has a passion for the music, and it shows. And, he seemed like a really happy and nice guy to boot!
Overall, this place is incredible and I’d highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates music, not just jazz.

A great place to hear live music. They have great Jazz and one of the best places to hang in Old Lyme.