NYC’s music scene is undoubtedly one of the best, thanks to the variations of genres you’ll find, the concerts that roll through our venues, and the intimate bars and clubs hosting local acts.
It’s no secret that NYC’s jazz scene is quite literally one of the best around, and even includes places Louis Armstrong and John Coltrane used to perform in. Perfect for a night of toe-tapping, or even an alternative date night idea, you can never go wrong with a little saxophone! These are our favorite jazz clubs in NYC for live music!
1. Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, Upper West Side
Originally opening in 1999, Smoke Jazz Club rose to fame as one of NYC’s most iconic spots, before getting set back the past few years due to the pandemic. Since they reopened back in 2022, they once again bring swanky vibes and classic and modern jazz to their expanded space.
They host jazz events Wednesday – Sunday at 7 pm and 9 pm, as well as additional sets on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 pm. They also opened up a SMOKE Sidewalk Lounge & Cafe which visitors can swing by to hear the music and eat/drink without having to buy a concert ticket.
Where: 2751 Broadway
🎷 Buy tickets to Smoke Jazz Club here
2. The Red Pavilion, Bushwick
Heading down to Brooklyn, The Red Pavilion is an Asian, neo-noir nightclub that frequently hosts fabulous jazz nights and cabaret on the edges of Bushwick. From themed evenings of contemporary jazz to naughty performances of drag and burlesque, it’s an absolute must for jazz and live performance lovers in NYC.
So, whether you’re a cabaret connoisseur or are yearning to try something new, keep the Red Pavilion in mind for your next night of some well-earned debauchery!
Where: 1241 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237.
3. Blue Note, Greenwich Village
Blue Note is known not only for their NYC venue, but also their international brand as one of the top jazz curators around. With other locations in Milan, Tokyo, and more, they bring in some of the hottest acts into intimately small ballroom for nights on end. In terms of the jazz itself, you can expect a variety of contemporary artists, who also tend to dip into hip-hop, soul, and funk.
Not only have legends like Sarah Vaughn, Lionel Hampton and John Scofield graced the stage, but Blue Note makes an explicit effort to also showcase Greenwich Village’s local musicians by giving them a chance to perform in one of the world’s finest venues.
Where: 131 W 3rd St
🎷 Buy tickets to Blue Note here
3. Ornithology Jazz Club, Bushwick
Fitting beautifully into the creative neighborhood that is Bushwick, Ornithology Jazz Club is a little whole in the wall spot that has live shows, serves vegan food, and even has a rooftop in the summer. It’s a cute little Brooklyn hangout whose jazz acts range in genre and fame. We suggest hitting this spot in the summer when you can enjoy saxophones on the roof, but there’s really no wrong time to stop in and have a good meal and hear some tunes.
Where: 6 Suydam St, Brooklyn
🎷 Buy tickets to Ornithology Jazz Club here
4. Zinc Bar, Greenwich Village
Legends like Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Thelonious Monk have touched the Zinc Bar stage, which has been one of NYC’s most legendary jazz spots since the 1940s. It’s inspired by a classic Bogie gin joint, complete with a zinc-top bar stocked with vintage decanters and a champagne chiller straight out of a classic movie.
Once the heavy red velvet curtains peel back, you’ll be greeted to lovely Latin jazz, African sounds, or Brazilian bands depending on the night. Every detail, down to the art-deco curated by the owners will have you feel like you’re stepping back in time.
Where: 82 W 3rd St
🎷 Buy tickets to Zinc Bar here
5. The Iridium, Midtown West
This intimate basement jazz club associated with Les Paul brings in top-of-the-line national & local jazz performers. The 180-person capacity venue attracts an upscale crowd that fits right in with their contemporary cuisine and extensive wine list (from their 450-bottle cellar). Not only is their atmosphere tight-knit and lovely, but their new and improved sound system is one of the best amongst other jazz clubs in NYC.
Where: 1650 Broadway
🎷 Buy tickets to The Iridium here
6. Birdland Jazz Club, Midtown West
Just steps away from Times Square is Birdland Jazz Club, a cozy nest of serenity amongst the bustling Midtown. It’s a great spot for a date night or a night out on vacation, especially if you can’t score tickets to a Broadway show on one of the neighboring streets.
Over the years, artists like Duke Ellington and more have made appearances, with many even having residencies. Nowadays if you want to stop by, we suggest snagging tickets early since it’s right smack dab in the middle of everything.
Where: 315 W 44th St #5402
🎷 Buy tickets to Birdland Jazz Club here
7. The Django, Tribeca
The Django is located under the Roxy Hotel, and it’s cave-like Paris-inspired feel makes this one of our favorite spots to catch a show. The programming here is some of our favorite, booking some of New York’s finest jazz artists seven nights a week with two sets per evening. Plus their vaulted ceilings, exposed brick walls, state-of-the-art Meyer Sound system, and intimate dining environment makes for a world-class experience.
Where: 2 6th Ave (Cellar under Roxy Hotel)
🎷 Buy tickets to The Django here
8. St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club, Williamsburg
St. Mazie is an intimate kickback that’s perfect to have casual sips and listen to good music. They have a great happy hour, an incredible oyster deal, and of course great music.
The live music portion of the place is upstairs, while a restaurant awaits downstairs. They have live music every single night so be sure to check out what’s on.
Where: 345 Grand St, Brooklyn
🎷 Buy tickets to St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club here
9. Terraza 7, Elmhurst
This live music venue and community center sources the best local jazz musicians, songwriters, folklorists, bold experimentalists, and others alike to “hangout” and exchange their knowledge and ideas to create beautiful music and art forms. Many performers at Terraza 7 tend to fall on the Latin jazz side, but you’ll see any sort of folk or blues on any given night. The crowd is always awesome and diverse plus their food and cocktail menu is superb.
Where: 40-19 Gleane St, Queens
🎷 Buy tickets to Terraza 7 here
10. Bill’s Place, Harlem
Harlem’s music scene is well documented and Bill’s Place sits among the best. On Fridays and Saturdays you can head here and listen to saxophonist Bill Saxton and the Harlem All Stars play classic jazz for hours on end. The best part? It’s BYOB! Bring in your own drinks and have fun while you listen to some authentic live jazz.
Where: 148 W 133rd St
🎷 Buy tickets to Bill’s Place here
11. Village Vanguard, Greenwich Village
The Village Vanguard has been around for over 80 years, cementing itself as one of the most iconic live music clubs in Greenwich Village. Famous names have come and go, and nowadays you’ll find a little bit of everything. What we always love though is going on a Monday night when you can watch the 16-piece Vanguard Jazz Orchestra be the star of the show.
Where: 178 7th Ave S
🎷 Buy tickets to Bill’s Place here
12. Smalls Jazz Club, Greenwich Village
If you’re a jazz fan to your core, you need to check out Smalls at least once. This jazz club is more of a hole-in-the-wall spot rather than a dinner/show combo, so everything feels authentic. Their programming includes nightly shows and occasional jam sessions, and you can even shop jazz records here on occasion! This is the closest “immersive” jazz experience you’ll find in NYC.
Where: 183 W 10th St
🎷 Buy tickets to Smalls Jazz Club here
13. Dizzy’s Club, Lincoln Square
Jazz at The Lincoln Center is one of NYC’s most notable jazz programs running, particularly at Dizzy’s Club…where trumpeter, and composer Wynton Marsalis is the artistic director of programming here. The intimate spot with only a capacity of 140 welcomes both rising and established jazz musicians daily.
We’re talking world class jazz as you take in panoramic views of Central Park…it can’t be beat. There’s a reason it’s deemed the “best jazz room in the City” by Tony Bennett.
Where: 10 Columbus Circle
🎷 Buy tickets to Dizzy’s Club here
14. Sony Hall, Theater District
This live music venue is located in the basement of The Paramount Hotel, just five minutes from Times Square.
Although it hosts live performances of all genres, on select dates, its stage transforms into a street-style bar to welcome The Jazz Room, a 60-minute show that celebrates some of the greatest names in jazz. From Louis Armstrong hits to Spencer Williams songs, jazz enthusiasts can relive their favorite melodies in one of the city’s most prolific centers.
Where: 235 West 46th St
🎷 Buy tickets to The Jazz Room here
15. The Jazz Gallery, NoMad
Founded in 1995 by Dale Fitzgerald, vocalist Lezlie Harrison, and renowned jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove, The Jazz Gallery is the place for up and coming jazz artists to be discovered. Open 4+ nights per week and 48 weeks per year, this venue presents more than 400 events to an annual audience of 17,000! You can find everything from 21st Century jazz to rising youngsters about to make their big splash.
Where: 1158 Broadway, 5th floor
