Enjoy a Melodic Feast in New York City
If you are a music lover passionate about jazz’s smooth, soulful sounds, then New York City is the place for you. Known as the cradle of jazz music, the best jazz bars in NYC are offering a unique experience that caters to every taste.
The city has everything if you’re looking for historic institutions, underground hideouts, or swanky modern venues. In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the absolute best jazz bars in NYC, sure to delight even the most discerning jazz fans.
Birdland Jazz Club
The Birdland Jazz Club, named after the jazz legend Charlie “Bird” Parker, has a rich history from 1949. Nestled in the heart of Times Square, Birdland has significantly contributed to the jazz resurgence in Midtown.
The club has been home to an impressive lineup of jazz musicians, including Joe Lovano, Kurt Elling, and John Pizzarelli. The club’s band-in-residence roster is also worth noting, with Sundays belonging to the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra.
The club’s interior is as grand as its musical offerings – expect a sophisticated, dimly-lit space adorned with original jazz artwork and a stage that has hosted the crème de la crème of mainstream jazz talent.
With its neon lights and a vibrant atmosphere, Birdland takes its place seriously as a haven for jazz lovers.
Address: 315 W 44th St #5402, New York, NY 10036, United States | Website
Blue Note Jazz Club
The Blue Note Jazz Club is a household name in the world of jazz. Established in Greenwich Village in 1981, this club prides itself on being “the world’s jazz capital.”
The club has seen bona fide musical titans such as Chick Corea and McCoy Tyner grace its stage. But it’s not all about the old-timers – the Blue Note is also a platform for hot young talents like the Brooklyn soul act Phony PPL.
What sets the Blue Note apart is its intimate setup. The close-set tables give patrons an up-close experience of the live performances, making each performance a unique experience.
The club also offers late-night weekend sets and Sunday brunches, making it one of the best jazz clubs in NYC for those looking to jazz up their weekends.
Address: 131 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012, United States | Website
Village Vanguard
The Village Vanguard, operational for over 80 years, is among the oldest and most respected jazz clubs in New York.
This basement club’s stage – a small but mighty step-up – still hosts the crème de la crème of mainstream jazz talent. Some greats who have grooved in this hallowed hall include John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Bill Evans.
The club is known for its 16-piece Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Monday-night regular for over five decades. The Vanguard’s intimate setting and rich history make it a coveted destination for jazz lovers.
Address: 178 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014, United States | Website
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
The Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, nestled on the Upper West Side, is a little gem that brings in noteworthy musicians worldwide to play on an intimate red-curtained stage.
This jazz club is the perfect blend of music and dining, providing an old-timey dinner date experience that is hard to parallel.
The club features a candlelit dining room, noted acoustics, and classic American cuisine. Making a reservation is recommended if you want to eat dinner while catching a show.
However, you can also show up, sit at the bar, and enjoy the evening with the beautiful sounds of jazz in the background.
Address: 2751 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, United States | Website
Dizzy’s Club
As part of the jazz arm of the Lincoln Center, Dizzy’s Club offers a unique jazz experience. With stages framed by huge windows overlooking Columbus Circle, this jazz venue feels like a Hollywood cinematographer’s vision of a Manhattan jazz club.
Some of the best players in the business, like Wynton Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s famed artistic director, grace the spot, making it one of the best jazz clubs in NYC.
Address: 10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019, United States | Website
Mezzrow Jazz Club
Named after Milton ‘Mezz’ Mezzrow, a jazz clarinetist on the 1920s Chicago jazz scene, Mezzrow Jazz Club is a jazz haven that offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
This small bar has been around since the ’30s and features two shows a night. The club is known for its excellent acoustics and a full-size grand piano, ensuring that the jazz piano greats can perform in style.
Address: 163 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014, United States | Website
Smalls Jazz Club
Smalls Jazz Club, based in Greenwich Village, is an authentic jazz club experience. The cozy basement space feels like a speakeasy, precisely one of yore’s hole-in-the-wall NYC jazz haunts.
The booking skews retro, yet not stubbornly so: You’ll hear classic hardbop and more adventurous, contemporary-flavored approaches.
Address: 183 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014, United States | Website
Nublu Classic
Nublu Classic is a remote Alphabet City outpost that offers a unique experience for jazz lovers. This jazz club is known for its offbeat jazz and avant-garde acts. A sister venue, Nublu 151, also hosts live music just a few blocks away, offering a double dose of jazz for enthusiasts.
Address: 62 Avenue C, New York, NY 10009, United States | Website
Jazz Gallery
The Jazz Gallery is one of the city’s premier incubators for progressive jazz talent. This beloved haunt has relocated from its former Soho digs to a gallery-like space near the Flatiron Building.
The Jazz Gallery is open 4+ nights per week, presenting more than 400 events to an annual audience of 17,000.
Address: 1160 Broadway Fl 5, New York, NY 10001, United States | Website
Ibeam Brooklyn
Ibeam Brooklyn is a compact practice-pad-cum-venue run by trombonist Brian Drye. This is a go-to for Brooklyn’s avant-jazzers, offering a low-cost alternative to the city’s lavish jazz venues.
Doubling as a members-only rehearsal space, Drye’s tiny, cozy, art-adorned digs highlight the most progressive minds in the local scene.
Address: 168 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, United States | Website
Enjoy a Melodic Feast in New York City
In a city that never sleeps, the sound of jazz is a constant heartbeat, pumping life into the streets and alleyways of New York.
The best jazz bars in NYC offer a unique blend of history, culture, and musical genius. Whether you’re a die-hard jazz fan or a curious first-timer, NYC’s jazz scene offers a melodic feast for the senses.
So, the next time you’re in town, check out these venues for an unforgettable jazz experience.
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