The 18 Best Live Music Bars in New York City
Live Music Bars in New York City are a must-visit for music enthusiasts. These venues showcase a diverse range of talents, from up-and-coming artists to legendary musicians. With a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, Live Music Bars in New York City offer an unforgettable experience, combining great music with delicious drinks and fantastic company. Whether you're a local or a tourist, these bars are an essential part of the city's cultural scene.
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1. The Red Lion
Historic Greenwich Village bar with a speakeasy atmosphere and live music
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The Red Lion is an excellent venue for live music, known for its remarkable atmosphere and high-quality bands. The bar offers a great selection of music every day, making it a popular local favorite. The venue's charm lies in its vibrant energy and excellent performers, attracting a diverse crowd to enjoy the music.
Visitors to the Red Lion can expect to enjoy a fantastic lineup of bands, day in and day out. What's more, the bar offers reasonably priced drinks, making it an affordable and entertaining night out. With its lively atmosphere and top-notch music, the Red Lion is a must-visit destination for music lovers.
The Red Lion is an excellent venue for live music, known for its remarkable atmosphere and high-quality bands. The bar offers a great selection of music every day, making it a popular local favorite. The venue's charm lies in its vibrant energy and excellent performers, attracting a diverse crowd to enjoy the music.
Visitors to the Red Lion can expect to enjoy a fantastic lineup of bands, day in and day out. What's more, the bar offers reasonably priced drinks, making it an affordable and entertaining night out. With its lively atmosphere and top-notch music, the Red Lion is a must-visit destination for music lovers.
2. The Bitter End
New York's last remaining classic nautical outfitter
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The Bitter End, located in New York's West Village, is a well-known landmark that has been a favorite spot for live music since the 1980s. It is highly regarded for its excellent atmosphere, outstanding performances, superior sound system, and accommodating staff. Visitors often express their delight in the venue's ability to deliver a memorable and enjoyable experience, making it a must-visit destination for music enthusiasts.
During a visit to The Bitter End, one can expect to enjoy quality live music, cold beer, and a great time. The venue is known to employ friendly and helpful staff, adding to the overall positive experience of patrons. It's recommended to check the schedule of performances to discover upcoming artists, as there may be hidden gems to discover. Despite it being a weekday, the venue may not be crowded, providing a more intimate setting to enjoy the music.
The Bitter End, located in New York's West Village, is a well-known landmark that has been a favorite spot for live music since the 1980s. It is highly regarded for its excellent atmosphere, outstanding performances, superior sound system, and accommodating staff. Visitors often express their delight in the venue's ability to deliver a memorable and enjoyable experience, making it a must-visit destination for music enthusiasts.
During a visit to The Bitter End, one can expect to enjoy quality live music, cold beer, and a great time. The venue is known to employ friendly and helpful staff, adding to the overall positive experience of patrons. It's recommended to check the schedule of performances to discover upcoming artists, as there may be hidden gems to discover. Despite it being a weekday, the venue may not be crowded, providing a more intimate setting to enjoy the music.
3. Terra Blues
A hidden gem for blues aficionados
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The best live music venue in the city is a place where you can enjoy excellent whiskey and knowledgeable bartenders who offer great recommendations. Scott's spot is the perfect place to be to enjoy an amazing music set.
One of the top live music bars in New York, this venue boasts a fantastic atmosphere and music that never fails to impress. Its lively ambiance and top-notch tunes make it a must-visit for music lovers.
The best live music venue in the city is a place where you can enjoy excellent whiskey and knowledgeable bartenders who offer great recommendations. Scott's spot is the perfect place to be to enjoy an amazing music set.
One of the top live music bars in New York, this venue boasts a fantastic atmosphere and music that never fails to impress. Its lively ambiance and top-notch tunes make it a must-visit for music lovers.
4. The Bowery Electric
Intimate concerts in a unique atmosphere
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This location offers a fun and enjoyable atmosphere, with staff such as bouncers and bartenders who are friendly and welcoming. During a visit on a Saturday night, the venue was energetic but not overly crowded, making for a pleasant experience.
As a great destination for live music, this place boasts a top-quality sound system and an electric atmosphere, creating an ideal environment for a night out with friends.
This location offers a fun and enjoyable atmosphere, with staff such as bouncers and bartenders who are friendly and welcoming. During a visit on a Saturday night, the venue was energetic but not overly crowded, making for a pleasant experience.
As a great destination for live music, this place boasts a top-quality sound system and an electric atmosphere, creating an ideal environment for a night out with friends.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Happy Hours
- Vegetarian Options
5. Rockwood Music Hall
A prominent venue for emerging musicians and artists
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Tucked away on Allen Street, this cozy venue hosts nightly performances by singer-songwriters and bands. It boasts an impressive range of beer, which is not commonly found in many live music venues. With its small size, the venue creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for enjoying local and new musicians.
The music at this venue is always excellent, featuring a variety of local and emerging artists. The crowd is welcoming and unpretentious, adding to the intimacy and enjoyment of the music experience. Overall, it is an excellent place to discover new music and enjoy a great beer.
Tucked away on Allen Street, this cozy venue hosts nightly performances by singer-songwriters and bands. It boasts an impressive range of beer, which is not commonly found in many live music venues. With its small size, the venue creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for enjoying local and new musicians.
The music at this venue is always excellent, featuring a variety of local and emerging artists. The crowd is welcoming and unpretentious, adding to the intimacy and enjoyment of the music experience. Overall, it is an excellent place to discover new music and enjoy a great beer.
6. Groove
Features a vintage guitar room and offers instrument rentals and repairs
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Groove, located in New York City, is a lively venue that offers a cozy atmosphere for dinner, drinks, and live music. Visitors can enjoy a range of genres including funk, soul, and R&B, with nightly concerts featuring some of the city's top musicians. These concerts are free of charge, making Groove an attractive destination for music lovers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Groove has adjusted its hours and operations to ensure the safety of its patrons. Takeout and delivery options are now available. According to reviews, Groove has long been a beloved spot in the West Village, known for its funky music and intimate setting. With 348 reviews, it has received high praise from visitors.
Groove, located in New York City, is a lively venue that offers a cozy atmosphere for dinner, drinks, and live music. Visitors can enjoy a range of genres including funk, soul, and R&B, with nightly concerts featuring some of the city's top musicians. These concerts are free of charge, making Groove an attractive destination for music lovers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Groove has adjusted its hours and operations to ensure the safety of its patrons. Takeout and delivery options are now available. According to reviews, Groove has long been a beloved spot in the West Village, known for its funky music and intimate setting. With 348 reviews, it has received high praise from visitors.
7. Mezzrow
A historic jazz club with a rich cultural heritage
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Mezzrow, a jazz bar located in West Village, is owned by the same people as Smalls, a well-known fixture in the jazz world. Mezzrow differs in that it offers a more sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for listening to top-notch jazz musicians. The bar has a 1940s authenticity that is not contrived, making it a unique spot to experience live jazz.
Mezzrow, with a capacity of 55 people, is an intimate venue that provides an unforgettable musical experience. The talented musicians who perform here create exceptional performances, making it a must-visit for jazz lovers. Although the vertical design of the space can make it difficult to see the stage from some seats, making reservations and arriving early can ensure a front-row view.
Mezzrow, a jazz bar located in West Village, is owned by the same people as Smalls, a well-known fixture in the jazz world. Mezzrow differs in that it offers a more sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for listening to top-notch jazz musicians. The bar has a 1940s authenticity that is not contrived, making it a unique spot to experience live jazz.
Mezzrow, with a capacity of 55 people, is an intimate venue that provides an unforgettable musical experience. The talented musicians who perform here create exceptional performances, making it a must-visit for jazz lovers. Although the vertical design of the space can make it difficult to see the stage from some seats, making reservations and arriving early can ensure a front-row view.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
8. Cafe Wha?
Historic Greenwich Village location with a bohemian vibe
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Cafe Wha? in NYC is a must-visit destination for music lovers. The house band is incredibly talented and performs a wide range of genres, making for a varied and entertaining experience. The atmosphere is always buzzing with energy, as the engaged crowd adds to the overall positive vibe.
At Cafe Wha?, visitors are treated to lively and engaging live music performances. The skilled house band delights audiences with their versatility and mastery of different musical styles, creating a unique and enjoyable ambiance. This gem of a bar in NYC is a top choice for anyone seeking a memorable night out filled with great music and a vibrant crowd.
Cafe Wha? in NYC is a must-visit destination for music lovers. The house band is incredibly talented and performs a wide range of genres, making for a varied and entertaining experience. The atmosphere is always buzzing with energy, as the engaged crowd adds to the overall positive vibe.
At Cafe Wha?, visitors are treated to lively and engaging live music performances. The skilled house band delights audiences with their versatility and mastery of different musical styles, creating a unique and enjoyable ambiance. This gem of a bar in NYC is a top choice for anyone seeking a memorable night out filled with great music and a vibrant crowd.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
9. Birdland Jazz Club
A historic jazz club that has hosted many famous musicians
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Birdland Jazz Club is a famous establishment that offers a break from crowded tourist areas and a chance to enjoy excellent music. It is highly recommended to secure tickets in advance as popular shows can sell out. The unique jazz club is a must-visit in NYC, boasting a welcoming atmosphere for jazz lovers. Upon my visit, I booked tickets a day prior and arrived 30 minutes early, discovering the club almost at full capacity and some patrons still waiting outside.
To ensure a spot at Birdland Jazz Club, it is crucial to obtain tickets ahead of time due to its popularity. The intimate environment and exceptional music make it a standout venue in NYC. During my experience, I noticed that arriving early is also beneficial, as the club fills up quickly and there may be a line of jazz enthusiasts waiting to enter.
Birdland Jazz Club is a famous establishment that offers a break from crowded tourist areas and a chance to enjoy excellent music. It is highly recommended to secure tickets in advance as popular shows can sell out. The unique jazz club is a must-visit in NYC, boasting a welcoming atmosphere for jazz lovers. Upon my visit, I booked tickets a day prior and arrived 30 minutes early, discovering the club almost at full capacity and some patrons still waiting outside.
To ensure a spot at Birdland Jazz Club, it is crucial to obtain tickets ahead of time due to its popularity. The intimate environment and exceptional music make it a standout venue in NYC. During my experience, I noticed that arriving early is also beneficial, as the club fills up quickly and there may be a line of jazz enthusiasts waiting to enter.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Corporate Events
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
10. The Iridium
Ideal location for exploring NYC with easy access to popular attractions and public transportation
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Iridium, located in the center of bustling Times Square, provides a tranquil retreat from the tourist-filled area surrounding it. This jazz club is known for offering some of the best blues, jazz, jazz rock, and fusion music in New York. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing evening of great music, accompanied by a few beers and reasonably priced food.
The Iridium is a cozy venue that only seats around 160 people, making it an intimate setting for live music. The staff is friendly and creates a fun atmosphere for customers. As a table service style venue, guests can enjoy their food and drinks while taking in the live performances.
Iridium, located in the center of bustling Times Square, provides a tranquil retreat from the tourist-filled area surrounding it. This jazz club is known for offering some of the best blues, jazz, jazz rock, and fusion music in New York. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing evening of great music, accompanied by a few beers and reasonably priced food.
The Iridium is a cozy venue that only seats around 160 people, making it an intimate setting for live music. The staff is friendly and creates a fun atmosphere for customers. As a table service style venue, guests can enjoy their food and drinks while taking in the live performances.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
11. Nublu Classic
Live music venue with a focus on jazz and world music
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The music at the venue is highly regarded, with a diverse range of genres such as bossa nova and disco. A projector shows music videos, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere. The venue is particularly known for showcasing offbeat jazz and avant-garde acts, including Wax Poetic, led by owner Ilhan Ersahin.
The crowd enjoys the live Brazilian music and dancing on Wednesday nights. The interior of the venue sets a cozy mood, with guests settling in for the excellent musical performances. In particular, the offbeat jazz and avant-garde acts are a hit among patrons. The lively atmosphere, combined with the high-quality music, makes for an enjoyable experience.
The music at the venue is highly regarded, with a diverse range of genres such as bossa nova and disco. A projector shows music videos, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere. The venue is particularly known for showcasing offbeat jazz and avant-garde acts, including Wax Poetic, led by owner Ilhan Ersahin.
The crowd enjoys the live Brazilian music and dancing on Wednesday nights. The interior of the venue sets a cozy mood, with guests settling in for the excellent musical performances. In particular, the offbeat jazz and avant-garde acts are a hit among patrons. The lively atmosphere, combined with the high-quality music, makes for an enjoyable experience.
TOPICS
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
- Late Night
12. Winnie's Jazz Bar
Intimate jazz club in the heart of New York City.
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Winnie's Jazz Bar is a great spot to enjoy a drink and listen to live jazz music. The intimate setting, with seating for around 30-40 people, can fill up quickly and become crowded, but it creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for experiencing the jazz duo that plays there.
The night at Winnie's Jazz Bar started out busy, with a fantastic jazz duo playing to an enthusiastic crowd. After their set, guests were invited to head upstairs to the rooftop, which offers a stunning setting to enjoy some cocktails. The hosts and servers were exceptional, adding to the overall positive experience. Winnie's Jazz Bar is a must-see destination for anyone visiting NYC.
Winnie's Jazz Bar is a great spot to enjoy a drink and listen to live jazz music. The intimate setting, with seating for around 30-40 people, can fill up quickly and become crowded, but it creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for experiencing the jazz duo that plays there.
The night at Winnie's Jazz Bar started out busy, with a fantastic jazz duo playing to an enthusiastic crowd. After their set, guests were invited to head upstairs to the rooftop, which offers a stunning setting to enjoy some cocktails. The hosts and servers were exceptional, adding to the overall positive experience. Winnie's Jazz Bar is a must-see destination for anyone visiting NYC.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Late Night
13. Arlene's Grocery
Historic venue with a speakeasy vibe and a rich history in the New York music scene
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Arlene's Grocery is a standout venue known for its energetic atmosphere and impressive music offerings. Located in New York City, this venue manages to create a unique and cozy ambiance for its patrons. In addition to its fantastic music, Arlene's Grocery also boasts a well-stocked bar with a variety of beer options, providing a quieter space for those looking to socialize. The music area of the venue is particularly noteworthy, with a lively vibe that showcases up-and-coming acts from around the country.
Visitors to Arlene's Grocery have expressed their satisfaction with the venue, with an impressive average rating of 4.29 out of 5 from 478 reviews. A sampling of the 152 feedbacks reveals a consistent pattern of positivity, with many praising the quality of the music, the friendly and inviting atmosphere, and the excellent selection of beers. It's clear that Arlene's Grocery has established itself as a must-visit destination for music lovers and beer enthusiasts alike.
Arlene's Grocery is a standout venue known for its energetic atmosphere and impressive music offerings. Located in New York City, this venue manages to create a unique and cozy ambiance for its patrons. In addition to its fantastic music, Arlene's Grocery also boasts a well-stocked bar with a variety of beer options, providing a quieter space for those looking to socialize. The music area of the venue is particularly noteworthy, with a lively vibe that showcases up-and-coming acts from around the country.
Visitors to Arlene's Grocery have expressed their satisfaction with the venue, with an impressive average rating of 4.29 out of 5 from 478 reviews. A sampling of the 152 feedbacks reveals a consistent pattern of positivity, with many praising the quality of the music, the friendly and inviting atmosphere, and the excellent selection of beers. It's clear that Arlene's Grocery has established itself as a must-visit destination for music lovers and beer enthusiasts alike.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
14. The Mercury Lounge
Historic venue that has hosted famous musicians like Coldplay, John Mayer and The Strokes
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The Mercury Lounge in New York City's Lower East Side is a popular venue for live music, but it has its share of problems. Unfortunately, the venue is known for its unacceptable treatment of customers, particularly at the hands of the bouncers. These staff members have been reported to be rude, sexist, and abusive, to the point where patrons may be ejected without cause or warning. This behavior creates a hostile environment, which is particularly concerning for women.
Despite the venue's reputation for showcasing great live music acts, the unprofessional and aggressive behavior of the bouncers casts a shadow over the overall experience. It is a shame that such an intimate and unique concert venue is marred by the poor treatment of its patrons. If you do decide to visit the Mercury Lounge, be aware of the potential for mistreatment and consider whether the risk is worth the reward of seeing live music in such a small and special venue.
The Mercury Lounge in New York City's Lower East Side is a popular venue for live music, but it has its share of problems. Unfortunately, the venue is known for its unacceptable treatment of customers, particularly at the hands of the bouncers. These staff members have been reported to be rude, sexist, and abusive, to the point where patrons may be ejected without cause or warning. This behavior creates a hostile environment, which is particularly concerning for women.
Despite the venue's reputation for showcasing great live music acts, the unprofessional and aggressive behavior of the bouncers casts a shadow over the overall experience. It is a shame that such an intimate and unique concert venue is marred by the poor treatment of its patrons. If you do decide to visit the Mercury Lounge, be aware of the potential for mistreatment and consider whether the risk is worth the reward of seeing live music in such a small and special venue.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Affordable Nightlife
15. LPR
Pet-friendly policy with additional deposit
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The Lindsey Stirling concert attended on a Thursday evening took place in a suitable space, not overly crowded, with a sound system that was a clear highlight of the venue. The overall experience was enjoyable, and the individual plans to return if there are future events.
The Lindsey Stirling concert attended on a Thursday evening took place in a suitable space, not overly crowded, with a sound system that was a clear highlight of the venue. The overall experience was enjoyable, and the individual plans to return if there are future events.
16. Bar Nine
A hidden gem in the heart of NYC that offers a unique and enjoyable bar experience.
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Bar Nine, located in Hell's Kitchen, is a popular spot known for its lively atmosphere and talent piano players. Although I typically don't enjoy live music in bars, I found the performances there to be exceptional. The sing-along songs were upbeat and enjoyable, yet not overpowering.
In addition to the great live music, Bar Nine also offers delicious drinks and food. The talented piano players and live music performances create an unforgettable experience, making it a must-visit destination in Hell's Kitchen. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by my experience and highly recommend Bar Nine for a fun night out.
Bar Nine, located in Hell's Kitchen, is a popular spot known for its lively atmosphere and talent piano players. Although I typically don't enjoy live music in bars, I found the performances there to be exceptional. The sing-along songs were upbeat and enjoyable, yet not overpowering.
In addition to the great live music, Bar Nine also offers delicious drinks and food. The talented piano players and live music performances create an unforgettable experience, making it a must-visit destination in Hell's Kitchen. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by my experience and highly recommend Bar Nine for a fun night out.
TOPICS
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
17. Arthur's Tavern
A classic New York tavern with a rich history and a loyal following
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Arthur's Tavern is a must-visit live music bar in NYC for jazz and blues fans. Its intimate atmosphere and talented musicians create an unforgettable experience. The bar has been a staple in Greenwich Village since 1937, making it one of the oldest live music venues in the city.
The friendly staff and excellent jazz performances are standout features of Arthur's Tavern. The bar's commitment to showcasing talent and creating a welcoming environment has earned it a loyal following. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Arthur's Tavern is the perfect place to spend an evening enjoying great music in a comfortable setting.
Arthur's Tavern is a must-visit live music bar in NYC for jazz and blues fans. Its intimate atmosphere and talented musicians create an unforgettable experience. The bar has been a staple in Greenwich Village since 1937, making it one of the oldest live music venues in the city.
The friendly staff and excellent jazz performances are standout features of Arthur's Tavern. The bar's commitment to showcasing talent and creating a welcoming environment has earned it a loyal following. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Arthur's Tavern is the perfect place to spend an evening enjoying great music in a comfortable setting.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
18. Soul in the Horn
