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For great live music minus the hassle of expensive tickets, crowded concert venues, and the headache of trying to escape once the show is over.
Brianna Perry - Staff Writer
New York City is home to some of the greatest music venues in the world like Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall, but it also has a bustling nightlife scene that proves a well-known venue is not the only place where you can enjoy great live music. Whether you like to boogie down to country music or sip on fancy wine while jazz plays in the background, there’s no shortage of amazing bars and restaurants in NYC that offer great live music.
Here are 16 of the best places to cheers with friends, have a romantic dinner date, or play some games all while being swept away by the sounds of some really great music.
Head to Fine & Rare, a Midtown supper club from the creator of the world famous Flatiron Room, for an evening of spectacular live jazz. Dig into American classic dishes such as Lobster Ravioli and vegan Gnocchi with Mushroom Ragu, sip on delicious cocktails and rare spirits, and allow the sounds of sophisticated jazz to sweep you off your feet.
Calendar: View their music schedule here.
Where: 9 E 37th St.
When: Sunday-Wednesday5p.,. – 12a.m., Thursday-Saturday 5p.m. – 2a.m.
WILD BIRDS is a bar and live music venue that gives a platform to groove-based artists from around the world (think: music that makes you dance and sway). Head over on any given day to be surprised with live Afrobeat, Cumbia, Rocksteady, Balkan brass, Chicha, Soul, Funk, or various Jazz music.
Calendar: View their music schedule here.
Where: 951 Dean St.
When: Monday-Friday 5p.m. – 1a.m., Saturday-Sunday 5p.m. – 4a.m.
The Last Word is a dimly lit, intimate bar in Astoria offering tons of plates great for sharing such as oysters, empanadas, and charcuterie boards. Every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday they showcase local live artists playing genres such as Latin music and Jazz.
Calendar: View their music schedule here.
Where: 31-30 Ditmars Blvd.
When: Tuesday-Thursday 5p.m. – 1a.m., Friday-Saturday 5p.m. – 2a.m., Sunday 5p.m. – 1a.m.
Located in the historic landmark building the Clock Tower, Charlies Bar & Kitchen is a rustic spot that serves New American classics with Latin and Southern influences. Listen to music from the 69th Street Band playing the sounds of funk, soul, and R&B, Deborah Newallo at her funky Saturday brunches, legendary rock guitarist Keith Gamble, and more!
Calendar: View their music schedule here.
Where: 112 Lincoln Ave.
When: Tuesday-Thursday 4p.m. – 10p.m., Friday 4p.m. – 11p.m., Saturday 12p.m. – 11p.m., Sunday 12p.m. – 9p.m.
Tomi Jazz is a Japanese jazz bar that will make you feel like you’ve completely transported out of NYC. Their daily live music typically starts around 6p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays they charge a $10 cover. They have tasty dishes to dig into, and you must order some sake with your meal!
Calendar: View their music schedule here.
Where: 239 E 53rd St.
When: Sunday-Thursday 5p.m. – 1a.m., Friday-Saturday 5p.m. – 3a.m.
Skinny Dennis, a self-proclaimed “honky tonk bar” in the heart of Williamsburg, is the place to go if you’re looking to have some good drinks and listen to live country music. Grab your cowboy boots and head on down 7 nights a week for good music and cheap drinks.
Calendar: View their music schedule here.
Where: 152 Metropolitan Ave.
When: Monday-Sunday 12p.m. – 4a.m.
The Wolfhound is a neighborhood Irish bar in Astoria that serves a great selection of rotating craft beers. Their calendar is always filled with live music, from solo acoustic acts and authentic Irish music to tribute bands. And on the first Friday of every month they host live band karaoke. Check their calendar here.
Calendar: View their music schedule here.
Where: 38-14 30th Ave.
When: Monday-Wednesday 3p.m. – 3:50a.m., Thursday 1p.m. – 3:50a.m., Friday 3p.m. – 3:50a.m., Saturday-Sunday 12p.m. – 3:50a.m.
Cherry On Top brings in a lot of great live music like jazz saxophone and string quartets. They have a large rooftop with picnic tables, perfect for warmer weather, and a selection of delicious funky wine to sip on. You can also munch on some tasty, small bites.
Calendar: View their music schedule here.
Where: 379 Suydam St #3B
When: Monday-Friday 5p.m. – 12a.m., Saturday 2p.m. – 1.am., Sunday 2p.m. – 11p.m.
The Flatiron Room has been recognized as a world famous destination for whiskey enthusiasts, jazz lovers, and foodies, and it’s no surprise why. Their relaxing atmosphere is the perfect spot to enjoy intimate jazz and blues and their menu definitely does not disappoint.
Calendar: View their music schedule here.
Where: 37 W 26th St.
When: Sunday-Monday 5p.m. – 12a.m., Tuesday-Saturday 5p.m. – 2a.m.
Formerly known as Fat Cat, Cellar Dog pairs together great live jazz alongside billiards, ping pong, checkers and chess, and more. This is a great spot to hangout and enjoy live music without being in an uptight, stuffy atmosphere.
Calendar: View their music schedule here.
Where: 75 Christopher St.
When: Wednesday-Sunday 4p.m. – 2a.m.
Baby’s All Right is constantly showcasing indie bands throughout the week and they have a great menu, like their frozen cocktail the “Pink Baby,” a tasty grapefruit drink, or their espresso martinis. They also do brunch on the weekends, including a bottomless one!
Calendar: View their music schedule here.
Where: 146 Broadway
When: Monday-Thursday 6p.m. – 2a.m., Friday 6p.m. – 4a.m., Saturday 11a.m. – 4p.m. & 6p.m. – 4 a.m., Sunday 11a.m. – 4p.m. & 6p.m. – 2 a.m.
For a somewhat pricey but overall super romantic, cozy night at a bar, Apotheke is perfect. Their music lineup includes a ton of great pairings, such as their jazz and burlesque night on Wednesdays.
Calendar: View their music schedule here.
Where: 9 Doyers St.
When: Tuesday-Saturday 6:30p.m. – 2a.m.
Nestled in the sub cellar of the Walker Hotel Tribeca, Saint Tuesday offers live music every evening from 9:30 p.m. through midnight. The music ranges from gypsy jazz to Brazilian choro, and the drinks are too good to pass up, like the Mexican Firing Squad, made with Tequila, fresh lime, grenadine angostura bitters, and club soda.
Calendar: View their music schedule here.
Where: 24 Cortlandt Alley
When: Monday-Sunday 6p.m. – 2a.m.
Terraza 7 hosts a huge range of performances almost every night, starting at 7:00 p.m., from flamenco and blues and jazz to salsa and rock. No matter your genre preference there’s something for you, and their drinks are tasty too, like their Tierra Prometida, made with Tequila, pomegranate, mint, and lime.
Calendar: View their music schedule here.
Where: 40-19 Gleane St.
When: Monday-Sunday 4p.m. – 4a.m.
If you love show tunes, Marie’s Crisis Café is the place for you. It’s impossible to head to this acoustic sing-along show tunes piano bar without singing along at the top of your lungs, and they have a pretty good drink menu to go along with it.
Calendar: View their music schedule here.
Where: 59 Grove St.
When: Monday-Sunday 4p.m. – 4a.m.
Transport yourself to the 1950s and 1960s at speakeasy-inspired bar Foxtail located inside the Arlo Hotel. As you enjoy sips from sharable punch bowls, complete with a serving spoon and crystal glasses, listen to live music performances with a variety of pianists, jazz, and swing bands.
Calendar: View their music schedule here.
Where: 231 Hudson St.
When: Tuesday-Saturday 6p.m. – 2a.m.