From the trendy clubs at Meatpacking District to the various dive bars across East Village, there’s no shortage of exciting nightlife for you to hit up in Manhattan. But if you’re someone whose definition of nightlife is more like snazzy jazz bars than heart-thumping disco beats, don’t worry! You certainly won’t be disappointed by the plethora of jazz bars in Manhattan. Also known as the jazz capital of the world, New York City boasts a plethora of unique and exciting jazz venues, including those once frequented by legends like Duke Ellington. It’s not known as the City that Never Sleeps without good reason – and the impeccable jazz tunes and perfectly poured drinks at these famed Manhattan jazz bars are certainly one of them. If you’re looking for the best jazz bars in Manhattan to groove the night away, you’ve come to the right place.
1. Village Vanguard
In a city renowned for its jazz venues, Village Vanguard has made a name for itself as the most established. With a history that spans more than 80 years - it first opened its doors in 1935 - this venue is practically synonymous with jazz. It has certainly seen its fair share of noteworthy performers, including Johnny Coltrane and Miles Davis. Located in a dark, intimate basement, its decor has not been changed for decades. Going down the steps into its main space is literally like taking a step back in time, which is made all the more noticeable with its strict no-phone policy.
Village Vanguard
Address: 178 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014, United States
Website: Village Vanguard
Opening hours: 7.30pm - 12am (daily)
2. Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
It’s a feast for the belly and music to your ears at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club. Enjoy a hearty dinner (prepared by acclaimed chef Patricia Williams) to the tunes of soulful, live jazz music. The intimate setting, combined with the pristine acoustics, ensures that this jazz club is one of the best in the city. Do note that the venue only seats just over 50 patrons at any one time, so be sure to make a reservation before heading down.
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
Address: 2751 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, United States
Website: Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5pm - 3am; Sun: 4pm - 3am
3. Blue Note
With venues all over the world - from Tokyo to Slovakia - Blue Note Jazz Club is definitely one of the most esteemed and renowned in the genre. So, visiting the first-ever Blue Note venue in Manhattan is certainly a must for all jazz lovers! Featuring a crisp sound system, an intimate space, and soulful American-style comfort food, you’re bound to have a wonderful night filled with good food and even better music.
Blue Note
Address: 131 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Website: Blue Note Jazz Club
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6pm - 12am; Fri: 6pm - 2am; Sat: 10am - 2am; Sun: 10am - 12am
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4. Jazz Standard
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Posted by Jazz Standard on Monday, 20 May 2019
True to its name, Jazz Standard is indeed a bar that all jazz lovers know and frequent in Manhattan. As one of the most established bars in the city, they often showcase the best jazz musicians in their lineup. Good news for budding jazz aficionados: the club allows minors to enter, and even has a dedicated Jazz for Kids event (where young jazz musicians take to the stage) on Sundays. BBQ lovers are in for a treat as well - food served here is prepared by Blue Smoke, which specializes in tantalizing Southern-style food.
Jazz Standard
Address: 116 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016, United States
Website: Jazz Standard
Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 11.30am - 10pm; Tue - Thu: 11.30am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11.30am - 12am
5. Birdland
With its roots dating back to 1949, Birdland is also one of the oldest and most influential jazz clubs in New York, once featuring legends like Bud Powell, Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk. Even its regular patrons were famous - Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe were said to frequent the club during its heyday! Conveniently located on Theater District, there’s no better way to end a Broadway show than to head here for some quality live music. The club comprises of two levels - the main performance stage and a cozier, cabaret-style theater downstairs. Don’t forget to book tickets online before your performance, as popular shows might sell out fast.
Birdland
Address: 315 W 44th St Suite 5402, New York, NY 10036, United States
Website: Birdland
Opening hours: Sat - Mon & Wed - Thu: 5pm - 1am; Tue: 5.30pm - 1am; Fri: 4.30pm - 1am
6. Iridium
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Posted by The Iridium on Saturday, 19 October 2019
Another of New York’s best jazz bars, The Iridium was also the home of the innovative jazz guitarist Les Paul, who performed here weekly for almost 15 years until his passing in 2009. Besides jazz, the venue also boasts a rotating lineup of live rock, blues and even pop acts - musicians like Steve Miller and even The Rolling Stones have even graced the stage here! The Iridium prides itself on its state-of-the-art sound system; in fact, it’s one of the only live concert venues that actually doubles as a recording space in the city. Be sure to head down so you can experience its exquisite acoustics for yourself!
The Iridium
Address: 1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, United States
Website: The Iridium
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7pm - 10pm; Sun: 7pm - 10.30pm
7. Fat Cat
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Posted by Fat Cat Music on Thursday, 28 August 2014
Playing pool in a jazz bar would be sacrilegious at most jazz venues, but not here at Fat Cat! An innovative dive bar with live bands, pool, ping pong, shuffleboard and even board games, there’s no shortage of activities you can enjoy. In fact, it’s even been hailed as the best pool hall in NYC! Do note that there’s a cover charge, but it’s well worth it considering the myriad of fun you’re bound to have in this cozy yet lively space.
Fat Cat
Address: 75 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014, United States
Website: Fat Cat
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 2pm - 4am; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 4am
8. Swing 46 Jazz and Supper Club
What is your favorite part about coming to Swing 46?
Posted by Swing 46 Jazz And Supper Club on Sunday, 16 June 2019
NYC certainly loves putting a fun twist on your typical jazz experience - jive to live jazz at Swing 46, a jazz club that also offers swing dancing lessons! Have two left feet? Don’t worry; the dance floor is in the middle of the dining area, so you’ll still have a blast watching the happy couples tearing up the dance floor. It certainly makes for a memorable night out, especially if you’re with a date.
Swing 46 Jazz and Supper Club
Address: 349 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
Website: Swing 46 Jazz and Supper Club
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 11.30pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 1am
9. Smalls
Smalls Jazz Club is a cozy, unpretentious basement venue that accommodates around 70 guests. Don’t be let down by its tiny space, however - it offers you the chance to get close to the live band, adding a touch of intimacy to the performance. The venue often features up and coming jazz musicians, so you might even have the chance to listen to the next Duke Ellington live. If you’re looking for a taste of the local jazz scene in New York, Smalls is the place to be.
Smalls Jazz Club
Address: 183 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014, United States
Website: Smalls Jazz Club
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7.30pm - 4am; Sat: 4pm - 4am; Sun: 1pm - 4am
10. Jazz at Kitano
Posted by Jazz at Kitano on Monday, 18 April 2016
If you’re a food connoisseur first and jazz lover second, then you’re in for a delightful evening at Kitano. The restaurant serves modern American cuisines with a bar that offers an extensive menu from rare malt whiskeys to sake. Early birds will also be glad to know that their live performances are also available during Sunday brunches. It’s certainly a good way to start your weekend morning!
Jazz at Kitano
Address: 66 Park Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States
Website: Jazz at Kitano
Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 7am - 11.45pm; Fri: 7am - 11pm
The jazz capital
From world-renowned venues to gourmet restaurants-cum-jazz clubs, a night at these jazz bars in Manhattan is bound to make a jazz lover out of anyone. Head on over to these venues and experience for yourself how New York City has earned its title as the jazz capital of the world!
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