Minton’s was the place where Bebop was born; the place, really, where the foundations of modern jazz were established. Founded in 1938 by the saxophonist Henry Minton (from whom the establishment took its name) Minton’s Playhouse became, over the next decade, the setting for a revolution in jazz. Virtually everyone who was anyone in the world of jazz made his or her way to Minton’s during this period. Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Charlie Christian and Kenny Clarke were regular performers there. In addition, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Johnny hodges, Ben Webster, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRea, Billy Eckstine, Erroll Garner, Gene Krupa, Miles Davis, Art Tatum, Bill Evans and Art Blakey, to name just some of the giants, all played at Minton’s.

Minton's sister venue, The Cecil Steakhouse is a modern steakhouse that has an ambiance and menu to please all senses.