The Mad Monkfish was designed with live performances in mind. At the front of the jazz room, overlooking Massachusetts Avenue, is a spacious stage; a beautiful, seven-foot Yamaha C6X grand piano resides on one end. On one side of the room is a series of banquettes where groups of five or six can relax and enjoy a meal and a show. More than a dozen tables with comfortable leather chairs occupy the center of the room. Toward the rear is an L-shaped bar with a sleek mirror-spangled quartz surface and colorful backlighting. The appearance is modern and meticulous, but it feels relaxed. Exposed brick adds a bit of vintage charm, while dark wood paneling fosters a home-like atmosphere.

Jazz performances are to be enjoyed by all music-loving diners. Jamme Chantler, the proprietor and Scott Goulding, the musical director, work hard to curate jazz that can be enjoyed by everyone, focusing on singers and lyrical pianists with their trios.