Dear fans of Jabba the Hutt, unfortunately this is not a temple for large slug-like sentient species – but it is rock and jazz in its purest form. Chaba’s Jazz Rock Cafe has spent the last few years in a deep slumber. Thanks to a new cooperation with the successful entrepreneur and rock singer David Sullivan (USA) and the owner, the charismatic actress Asmat Tkabladze, this will soon change again. Chaba’s in Tbilisi has been around since the late 90s and has survived many good and bad times – in this article we shed light on its rebirth and give you an honest impression of why Chaba’s Jazz Rock may soon be the best rock bar in Tbilisi again.
Chaba’s Jazz Rock Cafe
- Historically impressive location
- Excellent selection of brandy and whisky
- Price level: 3 out of 5 💸💸
- Overall rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Excellent Georgian cuisine
3 Vashlovani Street, Tbilisi (Vera district). Opening hours daily from 4 pm to 2 am.
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Historic rock temple with extraordinary flair
We hadn’t actually planned to publish a review. We visited the location just 2 weeks before this article was published. I spotted a wilting rose and found it sad how quiet and still it was, even though we found an extremely cool selection of drinks and really good chicken ojakhuri here. So I was all the more pleasantly surprised when I found out via social media that David Sullivan was now on board as captain at Chaba’s Jazz Rock Cafe – AND he’s steering the ship in the right direction!
When I wrote to David and recommended that he book Nino Datunashvily the coolest rock monster in Tbilisi, this had already happened. So the anticipation of visiting Chaba’s Jazz Rock Cafe again yesterday was all the greater. The new concept worked, the atmosphere and the audience were sensational. Beyond the many Generation Z kindergarten bars, an older and exuberant audience dominated here, which was somehow relaxing. Nino rocked the whole night and really everyone was positively impressed. Even the always grumpy but likeable cult DJ Malcom MX had good words and remembered that his last visit here were 9 years ago, but that he would be back soon.
The food and drink selection at Chaba's Jazz Rock Cafe
Many people wonder why the location is not called Chaba’s Jazz Rock Bar, but a cafe. First and foremost, the concept here is different from the typical Rock locations like Worlds End Bar, Bunker and Nomads in Tbilisi – in addition to rock and jazz, you can also eat well here and it’s not too dark. This works both during the day and at night, without having to bring your sunglasses. If we take a look at the Chaba’s Jazz Rock Cafe menu, we find fair prices for the outer city center of Tbilisi and predominantly Georgian cuisine with international exceptions.
We have digitized the most important parts of the Chaba’s Jazz Rock Cafe menu so you can take a look for yourself.
| Dish | Price (₾) | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Sulguni clay dish | 23.00 | Georgian |
| Eggplant with walnuts | 12.00 | Georgian |
| Mushroom clay dish | 22.00 | Georgian |
| Mushroom clay dish with cheese | 15.00 | Georgian |
| Stewed mushroom (clay dish) | 19.00 | Georgian |
| Khachapuri Imeruli (4 person) | 15.00 | Georgian (Imereti region) |
| Khachapuri Imeruli (6 person) | 21.00 | Georgian (Imereti region) |
| Khachapuri Megruli | 25.00 | Georgian (Samegrelo region) |
| Pizza 4 Season/margherita | 23.00 | Italian |
| Beef fried pork ribs | 41.00 | Georgian |
| Pork barbecue | 18.00 | Georgian |
| Chicken barbecue | 16.00 | Georgian |
| Ojakhuri (potato, onions, pork) | 24.00 | Georgian |
| Fried chicken (sauce – garlic, milk, sour cream) | 34.00 | Georgian |
| Tabaka (fried chicken with ajika) | 23.00 | Georgian |
| Xinkali (beef meat) | 12.00 | Georgian |
| Trout in pomegranate sauce | 24.00 | Georgian |
| Fried trout | 18.00 | Georgian |
| Crepe with chocolate and banana or fruits | 13.00 | French/International |
| Crepe Mexican | 13.00 | Mexican |
| Mchadi | 2.50 | Georgian |
| Georgian bread | 3.00 | Georgian |
| Homemade pie | 5.00 | Georgian |
| Chihirtma (chicken meat) | 13.00 | Georgian |
| Soup Kharcho (beef, walnuts) | 13.00 | Georgian |
| Soup Kharcho (chicken meat, rice) | 12.00 | Georgian |
| Beans in a clay pitcher | 11.00 | Georgian |
| Salad cucumber tomato (greens, blub onions) | 10.00 | Georgian |
| Salad cucumber tomato (greens, blub onions, walnut) | 12.00 | Georgian |
| Cheese assort (sulguni, smoked sulguni, imeruli) | 22.00 | Georgian |
A selection of drinks worthy of a rock bar!
Without exaggeration, alcoholics and all those who want to become one will find a paradise selection of spirits here that will get your liver vibrating. Monkey Shoulder, Johnny Walker Blue Label, Laphroaig Premium are just a few of the countless hand-picked brands. My recommendation, the pretty bottle labeled ChaCha (clear and aged in oak) is an extremely drinkable and high-quality refinement of the sacred grape juice in Georgia. I was also pleased to see Jose Cuervo Tequila here and not just the bloody awful Olmeca that is thrown at you in every Georgian bar.
You can also find the following here:
- Glenfiddich
- Bombay Sapphire Gin
- Grey Goose Vodka
- Hendrick’s Gin
- Beefeater Gin
Chaba’s Jazz Rock Cafe is currently undergoing some changes in terms of beer and wine – we will of course keep you up to date.
Our current conclusion and the outlook for Chaba's Jazz Rock Cafe
We firmly believe that David is bringing fresh blood into the old facades of this historically significant location. David Sullivan’s vision is to celebrate a house of music here. Artists will always be invited to perform live, and the aim is to bring people together to have fun at jam sessions. Among other things, they are working at lightning speed to establish a new sound system – so karaoke and even more elaborate events are only a matter of time. Personally, I’m happy that we have a grown-up venue with a rock theme here, if everything works out, I see the potential for Chaba’s to rise to old heights and soon celebrate success as one of the best rock bars in Tbilisi again, even though it’s actually a café, oopsy… We’ll keep an eye on the venue and provide you with regular updates!
Questions and answers about Chaba’s Jazz Rock Cafe
Chaba’s Jazz Rock Cafe opens its doors daily at 2:00 PM and welcomes guests until 2:00 AM. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and a unique atmosphere late into the night!
Absolutely! Chaba’s Jazz Rock Cafe offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, including the tasty eggplant with walnuts, the comforting mushroom clay dish and the classic khachapuri Imeruli. Check out the full menu for more delicious options.
Yes, the main floor of Chaba’s Jazz Rock Cafe is wheelchair accessible so that everyone can enjoy the lively atmosphere and live music.
Smoking is not allowed inside. However, there is a designated seating area outside for smokers.
Yes, Chaba’s Jazz Rock Cafe regularly hosts live music from talented artists. Check their website or social media channels for the current program.
Yes, the cafe offers options for private events. Contact them directly for more information and booking requests.
In walking distance Canudos, Stamba Hotel, Nair Nairi Restaurant and Nalis Pub are nearby.
