Nestled in the heart of the city, Aretha’s Jazz Cafe is more than just a place to enjoy soulful jazz tunes. It is a culinary destination where music and food harmonize beautifully. The menu reflects this philosophy by offering dishes that are rich, soulful, and inspired by a blend of Southern comfort and contemporary American cuisine.
Whether you’re visiting for a casual brunch, a lively dinner, or just to sip on a handcrafted cocktail while enjoying live performances, Aretha’s Jazz Cafe provides a menu designed to complement every moment.
The carefully curated selections emphasize fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a touch of nostalgic charm.
“Food, like jazz, is all about improvisation and soul. At Aretha’s, every dish sings with flavor.”
Starters & Small Plates
The starters at Aretha’s Jazz Cafe set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. Designed for sharing or enjoying solo, these small plates showcase regional influences with a modern twist.
Perfect for pairing with one of the cafe’s signature cocktails.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Fried Green Tomatoes | Crispy battered green tomatoes served with a tangy remoulade sauce. | $9.95 |
| Jambalaya Arancini | Golden fried risotto balls stuffed with spicy jambalaya and melted cheese. | $11.50 |
| Smoked Gouda & Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms | Large mushroom caps filled with smoked gouda, crispy bacon, and herbs. | $10.75 |
| Cajun Spiced Shrimp Skewers | Grilled shrimp brushed with a smoky Cajun glaze, served with lemon aioli. | $13.25 |
| Spinach & Artichoke Dip | Warm and creamy dip served with toasted pita and vegetable crudités. | $8.95 |
Salads & Soups
Freshness and balance define Aretha’s salad and soup offerings. Each dish is created to complement the jazz vibes with vibrant colors, textures, and flavors.
Seasonal ingredients ensure the menu changes with the rhythms of nature.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Jazz House Salad | Mixed greens, candied pecans, dried cranberries, goat cheese, and house vinaigrette. | $9.50 |
| Blackened Chicken Caesar | Romaine lettuce with blackened chicken, parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing. | $13.00 |
| Beet & Burrata Salad | Roasted beets, creamy burrata, arugula, and balsamic reduction. | $12.75 |
| Creole Chicken & Sausage Gumbo | Rich and hearty gumbo with chicken, sausage, okra, and served with rice. | $11.25 |
| Roasted Tomato Bisque | Silky roasted tomato soup finished with fresh basil and a dollop of cream. | $8.00 |
Main Courses
The main courses at Aretha’s Jazz Cafe are a celebration of comfort and sophistication. From land to sea, the dishes are crafted to satisfy hearty appetites and adventurous palates alike.
Each entrée is paired with side dishes that enhance the main flavors without overwhelming them.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Blackened Catfish | Fresh catfish fillet dusted with Cajun spices, pan-seared and served with dirty rice. | $18.50 |
| Slow Braised Beef Short Ribs | Fall-off-the-bone short ribs in a red wine reduction, served with garlic mashed potatoes. | $24.00 |
| Vegetarian Jambalaya | A vibrant medley of rice, peppers, tomatoes, and seasonal vegetables with bold Creole spices. | $16.75 |
| Grilled Chicken & Andouille Sausage | Marinated chicken breast with andouille sausage, served over creamy polenta. | $19.25 |
| Pan-Seared Duck Breast | Duck breast with a cherry glaze, accompanied by roasted root vegetables and wild rice. | $26.50 |
Sandwiches & Burgers
For a more casual dining experience, Aretha’s offers a selection of sandwiches and burgers that pack a punch in flavor. All sandwiches come with a choice of seasoned fries, sweet potato fries, or a small side salad.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Aretha Classic Burger | Juicy Angus beef patty with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and house sauce on a brioche bun. | $14.50 |
| Blackened Fish Po’ Boy | Crispy blackened fish, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and remoulade on a hoagie roll. | $15.75 |
| Grilled Portobello Sandwich | Marinated portobello mushroom with roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and pesto aioli. | $13.00 |
| Pulled Pork Sliders (3 pcs) | Slow-cooked pulled pork with house-made BBQ sauce and coleslaw on mini buns. | $12.50 |
| Fried Chicken Sandwich | Crispy fried chicken breast with spicy mayo, pickles, and slaw on a toasted bun. | $14.00 |
Sides
Complement your meal with one of Aretha’s thoughtfully prepared sides. These dishes are crafted to balance the main flavors and add a satisfying variety to your plate.
| Side | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Seasoned Fries | Crispy golden fries seasoned with house spices. | $4.50 |
| Sweet Potato Fries | Sweet and crispy fries served with a honey mustard dip. | $5.00 |
| Collard Greens | Slow-cooked collard greens with smoked turkey and spices. | $5.50 |
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic. | $5.00 |
| Dirty Rice | Rice cooked with spices, herbs, and bits of sausage. | $5.25 |
Desserts
No soulful meal is complete without a sweet ending. At Aretha’s Jazz Cafe, desserts are inspired by traditional Southern favorites with refined presentation and flavors.
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Pecan Pie | Rich pecan pie with a flaky crust, served with vanilla ice cream. | $7.50 |
| Beignets | Light and airy French-style doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar. | $6.75 |
| Chocolate Bourbon Bread Pudding | Warm bread pudding infused with bourbon and dark chocolate sauce. | $8.25 |
| Seasonal Fruit Crisp | Oven-baked fruit crisp topped with a crunchy oat topping and served with cream. | $7.00 |
| Key Lime Tart | Tart and tangy key lime filling with a graham cracker crust. | $7.25 |
Beverages & Cocktails
Aretha’s Jazz Cafe offers an impressive selection of beverages designed to complement their food menu and the ambiance of live jazz music. From classic cocktails to specialty house creations, there is something for every mood and time of day.
Coffee & Teas
- House Brewed Coffee – Freshly roasted beans brewed to perfection.
- Espresso – Rich and bold shot of espresso.
- Cappuccino – Espresso with steamed milk and foam.
- Herbal Teas – Selection of chamomile, peppermint, and green tea.
- Sweetened Iced Tea – Classic Southern-style iced tea with lemon.
Signature Cocktails
| Cocktail | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Soulful Swing | Vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of ginger beer. | $12.00 |
| Aretha’s Old Fashioned | Bourbon, bitters, sugar cube, and orange twist. | $13.50 |
| Blue Note Martini | Gin, blue curaçao, fresh lime juice, and a touch of elderflower. | $14.00 |
| Creole Mule | Spiced rum, lime juice, and ginger beer with a hint of cayenne. | $12.50 |
| Jazzberry Mojito | White rum, muddled berries, mint, lime, and club soda. | $13.00 |
Wines & Beers
The wine list features a curated selection of reds, whites, and sparkling options from both domestic and international vineyards. Beer lovers can choose from local craft brews, seasonal selections, and classic favorites.
- Red Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir
- White Wines: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling
- Sparkling: Prosecco, Champagne
- Beers: Local IPA, Lager, Stout, Seasonal Craft Brews
Brunch Specials
Aretha’s Jazz Cafe is renowned for its lively weekend brunch, featuring soulful dishes served from late morning to mid-afternoon. These specials combine Southern comfort with fresh, seasonal ingredients, designed to fuel your day with flavor and rhythm.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Jazz Benedict | Poached eggs atop blackened sausage patties, served on English muffins with hollandaise. | $15.00 |
| Sweet Potato Pancakes | Fluffy pancakes infused with sweet potato, served with maple syrup and cinnamon butter. | $12.50 |
| Shrimp & Grits | Classic Lowcountry dish with sautéed shrimp, cheesy grits, and Cajun sauce. | $18.75 |
| Veggie Omelette | Three-egg omelette with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese. | $13.00 |
| French Toast with Berry Compote | Thick cut brioche dipped in cinnamon batter and topped with fresh berries and whipped cream. | $13.75 |
Experience the perfect blend of soulful music and soulful food at Aretha’s Jazz Cafe. Every dish tells a story, every sip inspires a melody.
The menu at Aretha’s Jazz Cafe is thoughtfully designed to be as dynamic and inviting as the jazz music that fills the air. From appetizers that awaken the palate to desserts that soothe the soul, each dish is a tribute to tradition, creativity, and the joy of good company.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, the menu offers a variety of options to suit every taste and occasion. The kitchen uses locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, ensuring freshness and sustainability.
To fully enjoy your experience, consider pairing your meal with one of the cafe’s handcrafted cocktails or a glass of wine from their carefully curated selection. The staff is always happy to offer recommendations tailored to your preferences.
Aretha’s Jazz Cafe invites you to savor every bite and every note. Come for the food, stay for the music, and leave with memories that linger like a timeless jazz standard.
