26 of the best jazz clubs in New York City
Everyone knows that New York jazz is some of the best in the world. In recent years, they, along with so many live music venues in the city, have hit a rough patch. We want to support them, but how do you choose where to go? We've rounded up the best jazz clubs New York has to offer, from Greenwich Village, Manhattan, to Gowanus, Brooklyn, playing hallowed venues, stylish newcomers, cutting-edge venues on the outskirts of the boroughs, down-to-earth venues, ideal date destinations and more. Let's learn about Top jazz clubs in New York City.
- 1. Birdland Jazz Club
- 2. Blue Note
- 3. Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
- 4. The Iridium
- 5. Dizzy's Club
- 6. Smalls Jazz Club
- 7. Village Vanguard
- 8. Ornithology Jazz Club
- 9. Bill's Place
- 10. The Jazz Gallery
- 11. Winnie's Jazz Bar
- 12. Nublu Classic
- 13. Minton's Playhouse
- 14. Mezzrow
- 15. Arthur's Tavern
- 16. Jazz at Kitano
- 17. ShapeShifter Lab
- 18. Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3
- 19. The Jazz Club at Aman New York
- 20. Tomi Jazz
- 21. ROOM 623 - HARLEM'S SPEAKEASY JAZZ CLUB
- 22. Zinc Bar
- 23. The Django
- 24. Cafe Erzulie
- 25. Terraza 7
- 26. Swing 46
1. Birdland Jazz Club
Historic venue with legendary past, premier jazz experience
Birdland, the landmark of downtown's jazz revival, takes its place among the neon lights of Times Square seriously. That means it's a haven for great jazz musicians (Joe Lovano, Kurt Elling) as well as performers like John Pizzarelli and Aaron Neville. The club is also notable for its roster of resident bands. On Sundays they belong to the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Corporate Events
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
2. Blue Note
Rich history as a premier jazz club since 1981, iconic New York experience
The Blue Note prides itself on being "the jazz capital of the world." True musical titans (Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner) rub shoulders with hot young talent (Brooklyn soul group Phony PPL), while the club's closely spaced tables have patrons rubbing up against each other. Weekend late night sets and Sunday brunches are the best budget bets.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
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3. Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
Historic venue with a cozy, upscale supper club atmosphere
The iconic Smoke Jazz Club on the Upper West Side at 2751 Broadway off 106th Street has undergone a transformation. Husband and wife co-owners Paul Stache and Molly Sparrow Johnson have taken over two adjacent storefronts (a decision made before the pandemic) to expand the jazz club, which now also houses an attached lounge. The instantly recognizable full-length bar that customers were used to stepping onto in the original version of the venue is now found in the new lounge. The extra space also allows for a larger stage.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Corporate Events
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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4. The Iridium
Unmatched views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline
Iridium draws high-end crowds with programming that's divided between household names and those known only to jazz connoisseurs. The sight lines and sound system are truly worth celebrating.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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5. Dizzy's Club
Panoramic views of Central Park and Midtown Manhattan
Lincoln Center's jazz section is several blocks from the main campus, atop the Time Warner Center. It includes three rooms: The Rose Theater is a medium-sized traditional space, but the crown jewels are the Allen Room and the smaller Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, with stages framed by huge windows overlooking Columbus Circle. The locations look like a Hollywood cinematographer's vision of a Manhattan jazz club. Some of the best players in the business grace the venue, including Wynton Marsalis, the famed artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
6. Smalls Jazz Club
Historic venue, legendary performers, memorable experience
For those looking for an authentic jazz club experience, rather than the kitschy supper club atmosphere prevalent at many other venues in the city, Smalls is a must-visit. The cozy basement space feels like a speakeasy, or more specifically, one of those old-time New York jazz spots that fans routinely obsess over. Best of all, the reserve is retro in tone, though not stubbornly so: you'll hear classic hardbop as well as more adventurous, contemporary-flavored approaches.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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7. Village Vanguard
Unique fusion of Japanese and American cultures under one roof
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
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8. Ornithology Jazz Club
Unique, culturally-rich experience; perfect for dates
Fitting right into Bushwick's creative neighborhood, Ornithology is a little hole-in-the-wall venue that hosts jazz shows, serves vegan food, and even has a rooftop in the summer. It's a cute little Brooklyn venue whose jazz acts vary in genre and fame. We suggest going to this place in the summer, when you can enjoy the saxophones on the roof, but it's really not a bad time to stop, enjoy a good meal, and listen to some songs. Check their calendar here.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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9. Bill's Place
Historic venue with a rich cultural background
For jazz fans, this is the ideal place. Make your reservation here and enjoy quality jazz music in a unique environment. Bill's Place is Harlem's only authentic speakeasy that has been around since the 1920s during the Prohibition era. Step back in time at this cozy little venue with live jazz music from famous artists like Bill Saxton, the Harlem Jazz King, who owns the venue. Listen to the relaxing melodies that will completely immerse you in the music. No alcohol is served, so you can bring your own drink. Enjoy great performances at an affordable price.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
10. The Jazz Gallery
A hidden gem offering memorable musical and culinary experiences
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Location
- Downtown Spots
11. Winnie's Jazz Bar
Historic jazz bar, exclusive celebrity guests, unique cocktail menu
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Late Night
12. Nublu Classic
Unique atmosphere, renowned musicians, diverse menu
First-timers to this remote Alphabet City outpost will have to ask the smokers outside if they've come to the right place—only a blue light marks the spot. Inside, the crowd settles in to offbeat jazz and avant-garde acts like owner Ilhan Ersahin's Wax Poetic. Excellent live Brazilian music and dancing are the attractions of Wednesday nights. A sister venue, Nublu 151, also offers live music just a few blocks away.
TOPICS
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
- Late Night
13. Minton's Playhouse
Historic venue, celebrity sightings, exceptional food and music
Minton's Playhouse in Harlem works in conjunction with The Cecil Steakhouse to offer a dinner and show combination like no other. The inside walls of the club are filled with photographs of jazz legends, and the unique design, lighting, atmosphere and music make it unbeatable. What we suggest is to go early to dinner and then enjoy a show, so there is no minimum drink requirement and you can enjoy yourself to the fullest! Keep an eye on their Instagram to see when new shows are announced.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
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14. Mezzrow
Historic Greenwich Village location
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
15. Arthur's Tavern
Long-standing NYC institution since 1937, known for its lively atmosphere and live jazz music
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
16. Jazz at Kitano
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Rooftop
17. ShapeShifter Lab
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
18. Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3
Three stages offering various artists, intimate setting, focused on providing high-quality sound and lighting
Based in Manhattan's Lower East Side since 2005, it has provided an early opportunity for many rising stars from all different genres, including jazz, to perform in New York City.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
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19. The Jazz Club at Aman New York
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- High-End
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20. Tomi Jazz
Elegant yet casual atmosphere, great cocktails, and authentic Japanese cuisine
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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21. ROOM 623 - HARLEM'S SPEAKEASY JAZZ CLUB
TOPICS
- Hidden Gems
- Affordable Nightlife
- American Cuisine
22. Zinc Bar
Unique speakeasy-style setting, popular Jazz brunch
Located in the same basement where Thelonious Monk was the house pianist, Billie Holiday sang and Frank Sinatra came to see her, Alex Kay and Kristina Kossi's Zinc Bar looks like a Bogie gin, with a stainless steel bar stocked with vintage drinks decanters and a classic champagne cooler, and it's always a good bet for jazz, Latin rhythms and African sounds.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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23. The Django
Underground location in The Roxy Hotel, adding to its exclusivity and charm.
The Django is located beneath the Roxy Hotel, and its Paris-inspired cave feel makes it one of our favorite places to see a show. The programming here is some of our favorites, including New York jazz artist Conrad Herwig, who hosts shows at 7:30 p.m and 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays until May 30. Playing Latin covers of Miles, Mingus, Hancock, Coltrane and more, the four-time Grammy-nominated artist is not to be missed! Check the complete calendar here.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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24. Cafe Erzulie
Extensive rum selection, weekly live music events
The audience is young, diverse and vibrantly involved in each show. Come the weekend, they transform into a nightclub with sports parties and DJs playing everything from Hip-Hop, R&B and Soul to Afrobeats and Dancehall. For jazz fans, arrive early on Wednesdays and Thursdays as seats and tables fill up for the first time. according to the order of arrival. You'll also be able to order delicious Haitian bites at each show! Approximate capacity: 150 (garden) 150 (indoor)
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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25. Terraza 7
Authentic Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, renowned live music venue, diverse cultural events, community hub, supports local artists
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
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26. Swing 46
Historic venue, famous performers, dance floor
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Happy Hours