About the Van Dyke
The Van Dyke Lounge was opened in 1947 by Harlem refugee Marvin Friedman, who
lured the finest names in jazz to its stage. Past patrons still recall
some of these performances—by Earl Hines, Teddy Wilson, Roy Eldridge,
Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Brubeck, Mose Allison, Marian McPartland,
Coleman Hawkins, Hank Jones and Thelonious Monk.
The Van Dyke Restaurant is considered one of the top “listening rooms” in the
United States. Performers often say it’s like playing in a studio, and
jazz legend Elvin Jones called it “The best sound I’ve ever heard in
my life.”
With a corner on the local jazz beat, The Van Dyke Schenectady expanded its
musical offerings to pop, folk and rock performers. Herbie Mann, Chick
Corea and Maynard Ferguson have shared the stage with Cyrus Chestnut,
John Pizzarelli and Richie Havens.
The Van Dyke restaurant and Lounge has undergone improvements to restore the look and feel
of its glory days, while enhancing its listening and dining
environments. Architectural details have been restored, private dining
and meeting spaces created, and a resident microbrewery creates
several of the bar’s finest brews, piped straight to the taps.
One thing hasn’t changed at this historic restaurant and music venue.
Guests will still find a vibe that is uniquely The Van Dyck Restaurant.
