On a typical Friday night at Jazzbones a visitor can venture upstairs, lounge on a plush couch with a view of the bay, listen to live piano playing, and eat sushi while sipping martinis.

This sort of luxury may be why Jazzbones, a restaurant, sushi bar and nightclub, fell into six categories for The Best of Whidbey popularity contest.

“It’s a classy joint,” manager Lisa Price said.

The restaurant was voted one of the top three best places to dance, play pool, have a romantic dinner and eat seafood. It was also lauded for its “best bartender” and is listed as one of the best all-around dining establishments.

“The owner really wanted this versatility for Whidbey. A space that was different from everything else and an all-in-one entertainment place,” Price said.

The downstairs is made up of four open sections. The main dining room to the left as one enters can seat about 80 people and features marble table-tops. To the right, there’s a sushi station where seasoned chefs Kai Kim and Jin Lee make use of fresh, Pacific Northwest fish.

Having previously worked as a sushi chef in Seattle, Lacey, Portland and New York, Lee said he’s savvy enough to come up with sushi recommendations based on a customer’s taste preferences.

“Each place is different. In Oak Harbor, most people like sushi a little more spicy and I noticed in Tacoma, they like it more salty. Our menu has a different style for everyone,” Lee said.

Near the back end of Jazzbones is a club area with murals designed by Tacoma artist Teddy Haggarty. Speakers line the floor, ceiling and walls, and as Price described them, “they’re very high tech.” Bands, quartets and soloists, even those not associated with jazz and blues genres, perform each weekend. If people decide to take a break from the concert, a pool table is just to the right of the stage. Pool is free on Monday and Tuesday.

“Even if you’re in the club area, we can bring you food. You can order from anywhere in the restaurant,” Price said.

Upstairs is the martini lounge, with a wide bar space specifically designed to match the decor of the room. It’s an area for those who like to be discrete when going out on weekends and a place to relax, Price said. Two pianists rotate shifts on weekends. The lounge is available for private parties and catering is offered.

“The owner opened similar restaurants to this in Seattle and Tacoma. He thought it would be successful here because of the diversity of the population. It’s great to work here,” Price said.