FAQ
Is there always music? Is it always jazz? What if I just don’t “get” jazz?
Nocturne is open for service weekly, Tuesday through Saturday and there is live music on our stage each night we are open. Typically, sets run from 7:00pm to 8:30pm and 9pm to 10:30pm. Fridays and Saturdays feature free late night sets from 11:00pm to 12:30pm. Occasionally we feature national artists, special menu events, private parties, and holidays that can change our standard set times, so it’s always best to check our live music calendar when making your reservations.
One will always hear live jazz at Nocturne. The styles of jazz performed range from hard-bop and cool jazz to avant-garde, bebop and even vintage depending on the artist. One night you might hear exciting new and original works, and the next you might enjoy one of Denver's finest singers exploring the Great American Songbook; part of our mission in bringing Nocturne to life was the desire to make the great American art from of jazz accessible by presenting it alongside perfectly made craft cocktails, innovative plates and welcoming hospitality.
If you aren’t yet a jazz lover or you just don’t get it, that’s ok! Come enjoy a cocktail or a unique bottle of wine alongside or award winning food and you just might leave a new fan of the music with a little more appreciation for the magic that is live jazz.
Do you allow children?
When we designed Nocturne, we envisioned what it meant to have a great night out, and thus our space and hospitality is for adults 21 and older. We recalled our parents and grandparents getting dressed up to go to a nice dinner and a show - the kids stayed home so that they could enjoy a night of elegance, respite, and enjoyment. Many of our guests tell us that we are their date night spot; their go-to place when they opt to get a sitter or treat themselves to a night on the town. Other children (though not your children, we’re sure) can sometimes be a distraction to that experience. The music is loud at times, the environment and ambiance adult, and the food while delicious, is decidedly not kid-friendly.
On the other hand… we also have fond memories of our parents sneaking us into venues before we were of age so that we could experience jazz as it was meant to be heard -- live, on stage, and often in a dimly lit bar. If your child between the age of 14 and 21 is accompanied by you as parent or guardian and you have table reservation we try to accommodate such a situation. We certainly want young people to be exposed to the jazz artform, but want to be sure we are doing so responsibly, and without distraction to our other guests. We do not allow access to guests under the age of 14 for any reason.
Is there a dress code?
Officially, we don’t allow cut-offs, tank tops, jerseys, inappropriate costumes, or clothing with profanity and/or offensive images. Shirts and shoes are required per health regulations.
Unofficially, we suggest that you dress more toward the upscale side of casual. Sure, we’re still in Colorado and jeans are always welcome, but if you are looking for an excuse to get gussied up, you won’t be out of place here
Is there a cover charge?
We don’t charge at the door. Instead, an artist fee is added to your check at the end of the evening. We think it’s more convenient for you to support the musicians on our stage at the end of your evening than having to worry about who has cash as you come through the door.
We also feel strongly that our musicians deserve to be paid fairly. Whether it’s a quiet night or standing room only, the musicians are giving you their time and and incredible talent and deserve to know in advance what they can count on us to pay them for their craft. The artist fee is an opportunity to collect a small fee to ensure that we can continue to fairly support local artists, national artists, and organizations in our community.
Can you accommodate allergies, dietary restrictions, and/or aversions?
Yes. Please let your server know if you have any allergies or strong aversions. Our menu is adventurous and we would love for you to put your trust in our talented kitchen staff as you enjoy each dish as the chef created it. However, if it’s possible for us to modify a dish to accommodate you, we will. Please note that we have small kitchen and are unable to avoid all potential cross-contamination, especially for gluten. There are always vegetarian dishes on the menu and many of them are available as vegan dishes with a small modification, just ask your server.
How do I recommend a band/artist for you to consider in your lineup?
We are fortunate to have a world class jazz scene in Denver with so many great musicians to partner with and feature in our stage. If you have a favorite band or player that we haven’t hosted yet, we encourage you to submit examples of their work and contact information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that we can consider them for future dates.
How do I make a reservation for my party that is bigger than 8 people?
For parties of 9-15 people, we have limited times available and require pre-selected dining options. We are happy to work with you to ensure your party has the best possible experience. Please contact us at
303.295.3333 or
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your requested date and party size and we will follow up with more details. For larger events, see our private events link.
Do I need a ticket to see the music?
On most nights, your reservation is all that you need. The artist fee for the music will be added to your bill at the end of the evening. Occasionally, we host national artists or special events that require an advance ticket. If you are unable to get a reservation at
www.nocturnejazz.com/reservations, then please contact us or check the calendar for a ticket link. Special nights such as New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day are ticketed events.
Do I have to leave after the first set?
Much like a standard restaurant we offer dinner reservations nightly. Due to higher demand on Friday and Saturday nights, our reservation times are designed to fit around early and late seatings. Early seating reservations are typically available at 6:00, 6:15, and 6:30 (with music on stage some nights as early as 6:30pm). Late seating reservations are typically available from 8:45-9:30 (with music on stage happening from 9:00-10:30pm).
If you make reservations early in the evening, we may have additional guests with reservations for your table later that night. If your meal is complete and you would like to continue your evening with us, we would be delighted to try and accommodate your party in the bar area for nightcaps. Likewise, if you are arriving later in the evening, we might need a few extra minutes to get your table ready for you depending on the guests who were seated before you. We appreciate your patience in these instances. We always do our best to honor your reservation time and kindly ask that you let us know if you are running late or need to cancel.
While some of our bar seats and smaller cocktail tables are reservable, we also hold a number of those seats aside for walk-in guests on a first come, first serve basis. Bar and cocktail table seating offers equally great views of the stage as the rest of the room.
Are there tables that are quiet or away from the music if I’m just there for the food and drink?
Our dining room and bar seats were all designed with the intention that guests would be focused on the stage and music. There is not a separate room away from the music and we encourage you to enjoy the live entertainment while you enjoy our great food and drink.
Please let us know in your reservation requests if you prefer to be further away from the stage and we will try to accommodate you.
What's up with parking?
The RiNo Arts District is bustling lately, which means that parking can be tricky on some nights. Street parking on 27th street is not metered but has a 2-hour limit before 10:00pm. Other streets such as Walnut and 28th do not have time limits. There is also a lot located on Larimer Street just behind our building. Prices range from $5 to $15 depending on special events and Rockies games. Taxi, Uber, or Lyft are also great options and typically under $10 for fares from most locations within Denver's downtown area.
Is there a minimum charge required if I’m just there for the music?
The artist fee that supports the musicians is applicable regardless of how much you are spending. If you aren’t intending to enjoy our food and drink while enjoying the music, please consider other guests that may need a seat at the bar or a table in order to enjoy all that we have to offer. We love that you are joining us to support musicians and we don’t want to have to implement a minimum requirement for food and beverage. Help us to continue to do what we love to do by grabbing a bite to eat or a drink while you are here.
We accept all major credit cards.
