Summertime Jazz Cafe / Lounge

For those in Illinois seeking an experience that truly transports them to the heart of Japan, Summertime Jazz Cafe / Lounge in Mt. Prospect offers an unparalleled combination of authentic Japanese dining and lively private room karaoke. This unique establishment is a hidden gem in a suburban strip mall, lauded by patrons as "genuine authentic Japanese" and "as authentic as you can get in the USA."

More than just a restaurant, Summertime Jazz Cafe / Lounge is a cultural hub where you can savor exquisitely prepared Japanese dishes, explore an extensive selection of Japanese beverages, and unleash your inner pop star in private karaoke rooms. It's a fantastic destination for friends, families, and anyone looking for a truly memorable and immersive Japanese experience right here in Illinois.

Summertime Jazz Cafe / Lounge is conveniently located at 1132 Elmhurst Rd, Mt Prospect, IL 60056, USA. Its location within a suburban strip mall in Mt. Prospect makes it easily accessible for residents across Illinois, particularly those in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago.

The strip mall setting provides ample parking, ensuring a hassle-free visit for those driving. Elmhurst Road (also known as Route 83 in some stretches) is a well-trafficked road, connecting various communities and offering straightforward navigation. While specific public transportation details for this exact address would require checking local Pace bus routes, the area is generally well-served for local transit. The seemingly understated exterior belies the vibrant and authentic experience found within, making it a delightful discovery for locals looking for a genuine taste of Japan without venturing into downtown Chicago.

Summertime Jazz Cafe / Lounge offers a diverse range of services designed to provide a comprehensive and authentic Japanese entertainment and dining experience.

• Authentic Japanese Dining: The restaurant provides an extensive menu of genuine Japanese dishes, often going beyond typical sushi offerings. Popular categories include:
  • Appetizers: Such as Edamame, Karaage (soy sauce marinated fried chicken), Fried Gyoza (pork dumplings), Renkon Chips (fried lotus roots), Dried Kawahagi (dried filefish), Kurobuta Sausage (Berkshire sausage), Deep Fried Oyster, and Spicy Ground Beef Lettuce Wrap.
  • Entrees & Rice Bowls (Donburi): Including Karaage (served with rice, miso soup, salad), Chicken Teriyaki, Chicken Katsu (breaded fried chicken thigh), Guy Don (broiled beef and onion over rice), Chicken Katsu Don, Ma-Po Don (spicy tofu and ground pork), and Japanese Style Chicken Curry.
  • Small Plates (Izakaya Style): A variety of smaller dishes perfect for sharing or sampling, encompassing various meats, seafood, and vegetables.
  • Fresh Seafood: Customers rave about the freshness of items like scallops, tuna, octopus, and squid.
  • Sushi & Sashimi: While not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews as their main focus, a genuine Japanese restaurant of this caliber would typically offer a selection of fresh sushi and sashimi.
• Private Karaoke Rooms: A major highlight of the venue, offering private rooms perfect for groups.
  • Authentic Karaoke Experience: The karaoke is described as "authentic" with "Japanese with English translations," providing a genuine experience.
  • Comfortable Rooms: Rooms are equipped with their own AC units, a thoughtful touch for prolonged singing sessions, as noted by a reviewer.
  • Flexible Booking: Rooms are available for hourly rentals (e.g., $35 for a private room for an unspecified duration, or specific Groupon deals like for 1 or 3 hours for up to 10 people, including soft drinks).
• Extensive Drink Menu: A wide selection of Japanese and other beverages, including:
  • Hot Sake: Praised by customers for its quality.
  • Japanese Whiskey & Plum Wine: Offering a taste of authentic Japanese spirits.
  • Beer: To complement the food and entertainment.
• Attentive Service: The staff is consistently described as "quick and attentive," enhancing the overall customer experience.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant offers both lunch and dinner hours, typically Monday-Saturday from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM for lunch, and 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM (or later on weekends) for dinner, with bar closing around 10 PM and late-night food menu available.

Summertime Jazz Cafe / Lounge truly distinguishes itself in the Illinois Japanese dining scene through a remarkable blend of authenticity, quality, and unique entertainment. These are some of its standout features:

• "Genuine Authentic Japanese Experience": This is the most consistent and powerful highlight from customer reviews. Patrons, especially those who frequently visit Japan and speak Japanese, attest to its high level of authenticity, making it a rare find in the USA.
• Exceptional Food Quality: Customers uniformly praise the food as "very good," "amazing and FRESH." Specific call-outs include "delicious" tofu and the freshness of seafood like "scallops, tuna, octopus, squid, chicken." The Karaage is a popular item.
• Authentic Karaoke with Private Rooms: The private karaoke rooms are a huge draw, offering an immersive experience with "Japanese with English translations" songs. The comfort (e.g., individual AC units) and ability to have "fantastic time" with "lousy singing" contribute to its appeal.
• Extensive and Authentic Japanese Beverage Selection: The availability and quality of "Hot Saki," "Japanese whiskey," and "Plum Wine" are highly appreciated, enhancing the authentic izakaya feel.
• Quick and Attentive Service: Despite ordering "a lot of food," customers note that "Service was quick and attentive," ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
• "Hidden Gem": Many consider it a "hidden gem" – an unexpected, high-quality establishment found in a suburban strip mall, making its discovery even more rewarding for locals.
• Overall "Fantastic Time": The combination of good food, drinks, and entertainment consistently leads to customers having a "fantastic time" and highly recommending the place.

While explicit, broad-scale promotions for Summertime Jazz Cafe / Lounge aren't detailed, the nature of their services, particularly karaoke, often comes with built-in value or occasional deals. For Illinois locals, it's always advisable to check directly with the venue for the most current information.

Potential promotions or special offers might include:

• Karaoke Room Packages: As seen on platforms like Groupon, they occasionally offer deals for their private karaoke rooms, such as bundles for a certain number of hours (e.g., 1 or 3 hours) for a group of up to 10 people, often including soft drinks. These deals might be limited to specific days (e.g., Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday).
• Lunch Specials: Many Japanese restaurants offer lunch specials. While specific details aren't provided, it's worth inquiring about any set menus or discounted meals during their lunch hours.
• Happy Hour: Given its lounge aspect and impressive drink selection, they might have happy hour pricing on drinks or appetizers during specific times.
• Seasonal Dishes and Weekly Specials: Their website mentions, "Not on the menu? Visit us to explore exclusive seasonal dishes and weekly specials available only in the restaurant!" This suggests a dynamic menu with ongoing culinary promotions.
• Group Deals: For larger parties utilizing both dining and karaoke, they might offer custom packages.

Checking their official website, social media, or calling them directly would be the best way to inquire about any current promotions, especially for karaoke room bookings.

For those in Illinois ready to experience the authentic Japanese dining and exciting karaoke at Summertime Jazz Cafe / Lounge in Mt. Prospect, here’s how you can connect:

Address: 1132 Elmhurst Rd, Mt Prospect, IL 60056, USA

Phone: (847) 258-3414

Email: summertimejazzcafe@gmail.com

You can also visit their official website for more information on their menu, karaoke bookings, and operating hours: summertimejapaneserestaurant.com or summertime-lounge.square.site.

For residents across Illinois, particularly those in Mt. Prospect and the surrounding Chicagoland suburbs, Summertime Jazz Cafe / Lounge offers a truly unique and enriching Japanese cultural experience that goes far beyond a typical restaurant. Its undisputed authenticity, vouched for by patrons who speak Japanese and frequent the country, makes it an invaluable local asset for anyone seeking genuine Japanese flavors and entertainment.

Locals will find immense value in the combination of incredibly fresh and delicious Japanese cuisine—from flavorful tofu and fresh seafood to hearty entrees—and the exhilarating fun of private room karaoke. The attentive service, extensive selection of Japanese beverages (including sake and whiskey), and comfortable atmosphere make it an ideal spot for various occasions, from a casual dinner to a lively group gathering. This "hidden gem" in a suburban strip mall provides a slice of Japan that is both accessible and deeply satisfying, solidifying its position as a highly recommended and cherished establishment for the Illinois community.

Summertime Jazz Cafe / Lounge

1132 Elmhurst Rd, Mt Prospect, IL 60056, USA