Known best for its place in American history, key sites where the American Revolution took place, including Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Philadelphia offers a variety of day night sights and sounds to explore. With adorable Airbnb vacation rentals that’ll make you feel at home, alongside other unique accommodation options like themed hotels in the city, you’ll never run out of places to stay. However, the energy of the city really comes alive at night, leaving you no shortage of options of where to dine, drink and go on a musical adventure. The city is famed for its history of live music venues; promoting everything from slow soul tunes, to the beats of R&B and hiphop, and the melodies of jazz. It promises unforgettable shows in a city whose pulse never seems to stop. Read on to find our recommendations for the best jazz bars in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Bayou Lounge and Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Bayou Lounge and Bar is a great place to enjoy the jazz scene in west Philadelphia. It is eased behind the outdoor seating of an adjacent restaurant but the clear sign of the lounge stands out at the front door. Following a first-come, first-serve policy, the bar is decidedly a low-key, relaxed venue for premium cocktails and music.
Bayou is home to saxophonists, recording artists, instrumentalists, songwriters, and soul bands that perform live in the perched floor section of the bar. It is decorated with modern yet eclectic seats and tables, colorful geometric patterns on the walls, and light fixtures that further escalate the vibe of the space.
Bayou Lounge and Bar
Address: 5025 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 5pm - 11pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
2. Library Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Escape from the busy streets and walk into the intimate and sophisticated enclave inside The Rittenhouse Hotel—Library Bar. It is an exquisitely defined, 20-seater bar that serves a superlative array of craft cocktails, wine selections, and rare spirits. This gem in Philadelpiha’s Center City neighborhood allows guests to meet, banquet, and celebrate in a private and personal setting.
Live jazz performances are held during Friday and Saturday nights between 9:30pm and 12:30am to stimulate the quiet and serene energy of Library Bar.
Library Bar
Address: 210 West Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Website: Library Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 12:30pm
3. City Winery Philadelphia
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
From jazz music concerts to spacious venues and everything in between, City Winery Philadelphia is an upscale restaurant and private event space to indulge the senses. Some of the best musicians working in the jazz genre play and conduct concerts at this intimate music venue. All guests are welcome for indoor and outdoor dining and onsite winery so feel free to settle in for dinner and a show.
The establishment is committed to serving the best of both culinary and cultural experiences to wine and concert enthusiasts. Get ready to sip and groove at this winery and concert spot.
City Winery Philadelphia
Address: 990 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Website: City Winery Philadelphia
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 4pm - 9:30pm; Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
4. The Rite of Swing Jazz Café
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
LIVE NOW: Chris Oatts, alto sax at the ROS Jazz Café
Posted by Temple Performing Arts Center on Thursday, January 19, 2017
Rite of Swing Jazz Cafe is located in the halls of Temple Performing Arts Center at Temple University. Being a humble venue that’s waiting to go mainstream, it has been claimed by Tim Brey, a jazz pianist and a Temple University alumnus, as one of Philadelphia’s best-kept secrets in the jazz music scene. The cafe hosts various shows of different jazz artists on select Thursdays throughout the semester from 4:30 to 6:30pm.
Come and hear jazz from guest artists, and even faculty and students of Boyer College of Music and Dance for free, no tickets required.
The Rite of Swing Jazz Café
Address: Temple Performing Arts Center, 1837 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19122.
Website: The Rite of Swing Jazz Café
Opening hours: Thu: 4:30pm - 6:30pm (closed from Fri - Wed)
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the ci... Read more
Tours by Annie
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Vance Lehmkuhl
Tour operator and tour guide for American Vegan Center in historic Old City Philadelphia, administering walking tours focusing on Philadelphia's "veg history" - the vegans and vegetarians through history that started the US vegetarian and vegan movements in this city. Author of "Eating Vegan in Philly" (2016) and also "V for Veg: The Best of Philly's Vegan Food Column," a collection of my colum... Read more
Tours by Vance
5. Ortlieb's
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
TGIF… it’s been 463 days since we’ve been able to have a show on our stage. Tonight we welcome @seanydanger for a...
Posted by Ortlieb's on Friday, June 18, 2021
All manner of musicians playing in a nostalgic, elevated stage and providing background music to diverse guests is the appeal of Ortlieb’s. This Northern Liberties lounge is an entertainment venue where the dark wood beams and deluxe booths give a nod to Ortlieb’s heritage as a jazz-only place. Nowadays, it is a platform for funk and soul, jazz, hip-hop, and indie rock performers almost every night.
Head over to Ortlieb’s website to check out its event schedule and see what genre of music will impress within its walls tonight. Afterward, check out the Tex-Mex menu for some delightful bites and an assortment of liquor and signature cocktails.
Ortlieb's
Address: 847 N. Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Website: Ortlieb’s
Opening hours: Tue: 6pm - 2am; Wed - Thu: 6pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 6pm - 2am; Sun: 6pm - 12am (closed on Mon)
6. Chris' Jazz Cafe
Come relax at Chris’ Jazz Cafe, a space with a laid back atmosphere with great food offerings before, during, and after the performances. Choose a table in the front for a more intimate view of the band and music, enjoy the beats and vibrant ambience whilst enjoying your food and drinks of choice. With plenty of local brews to choose from and an excellent cocktail menu, you will not go thirsty on your evening out.
Chris' Jazz Cafe
Address: 1421 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Website: Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Opening hours: Sat: 6pm - 2am; Mon - Fri: 11am - 2am (closed on Sun)
7. Time Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Choose between the three rooms at Time Restaurant to suit all your whims and fancies; from the sophisticated whiskey bar offering a wide selection of high-end malts and mixes to the dining room serving up classic pub food and a relaxed atmosphere to the live music and dancing upstairs. Choose to move through the rooms as the evening progresses, enjoying the live music options which rotate daily. Take advantage of their happy hour as you sip your drink to the tunes of Time Restaurant’s jazz duos and trios.
Time Restaurant
Address: 1315 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Website: Time Restaurant
Opening hours: 5pm - 2am (daily)
8. South Jazz Kitchen
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
With weekly jazz events and multiple jazz series, there is always something happening at the South Jazz Kitchen. Combine jazz music with speciality Southern food, from friend chicken to the fish ensembles, the food’s authentic Southern flare will come shining through every order. If the weather is in your favour, check out their garden courtyard for a drink (we have heard the Bloody Mary’s present a good options) or perhaps enjoy a ticketed show for their Jazz Line-Up specials.
South Jazz Kitchen
Address: 600 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Website: South Jazz Kitchen
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 4pm onwards; Sun: 10:30am - 2:30pm, 4 onwards (closed on Mon)
9. Sassafras Bar
The warm light and wood-paneled setting sets an inviting atmosphere at Sassafras Bar. Stepping back in time to the Roaring 20s, the bar attracts old souls, looking for classic cocktails, delicious juicy tenderloin burgers, and soothing jazz music in Philadelphia. Crowds of all ages gather to listen to the smooth tunes and spend an evening with friends and family, the ideal weekend treat.
Sassafras Bar
Address: 48 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Website: Sassafras Bar
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11am - 2am; Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 2am
10. LaRose Jazz Club
The constant buzz of live music, a varied wine list and a series of weekly events that turn first time visitors of the spot into regulars, the LaRose Jazz Club is among the notable jazz clubs in Philadelphia. Check Monday nights with one of the Giants of Jazz, Tony Williams, and his special guests or discover fresh, local talent on Thursday nights getting people on to the dance floor.
LaRose Jazz Club
Address: 5531 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Website: LaRose Jazz Club
Opening hours: Mon, Thu - Sat: 5pm - 12am (closed on Tue - Wed & Sun)
11. Paris Bistro & Jazz Cafe
This French bistro, located in the lovely Chestnut Hill neighborhood is the perfect family-friendly environment, bringing together French bistro fare with weekend jazz and live music during the week. With a happy hour that runs during the week between 4pm to 6pm, sit outside on summer evenings and enjoy a glass of wine, paired with French classics that include meat options, mussels, fish, and an array of salads. Enjoy a craft cocktail as you buzz along to the musical choices of the evening.
Paris Bistro & Jazz Cafe
Address: 8235 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Website: Paris Bistro & Jazz Cafe
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11:30pm; Sun: 10:30am - 10pm
12. Bob & Barbara’s Lounge
Bob & Barbara’s Lounge has been serving up cold beers and live entertainment since 1969. A well established institution in the city, known best for its free live music options, the Lounge is a South Street staple for locals and city residents. Expect to get involved with the dancing every Friday and Saturday Night or show off your own vocal skills on Sunday karaoke nights.
Bob & Barbara’s Lounge
Address: 1509 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Website: Bob & Barbara’s Lounge
Opening hours: Sat - Mon: 3pm - 2am; Tue - Fri: 12pm - 2am
13. Relish
Three evening sets (8pm, 9:30pm, and 11pm) take place at this warm and inviting jazz cafe, with an intimate setting taking you back to the jazz clubs of the 1950s. Combining the hospitality that comes with a Southern kitchen, Relish guarantees a good time with its cuisine, drinks, and dancing. The weekend brunch serves up soul food and made-to-order stations and is popular with locals and visitors to the city alike.
Relish
Address: 7152 Ogontz Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19138
Website: Relish
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri: 5pm - 12am; Sat: 10:30am - 2:30pm, 4pm - 12am; Sun: 10:30am - 2:30pm, 4pm - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
14. Warmdaddy’s
From live blues and R&B sets to a classic jazz brunch on Sunday’s, Warmdaddy’s is a local go-to for a casual and inviting choice of where to spend your evening. As a Southern food specialist, the jambalaya and short ribs are renowned, while the drinks are always cold and the music always ongoing. We recommend checking this place out when you’re in Philly for your Sunday brunch or evening out.
Warmdaddy’s
Address: 1400 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Website: Warmdaddy’s
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 11pm; Fri: 5pm - 12am; Sat: 1pm - 12am; Sun: 10:30am - 3pm, 4pm - 11pm (closed on Mon)
15. Heritage
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Jason Evenchik, the famed restauranteur of Philadelphia brings another great choice of restaurant and bar to the city. Using local, seasonal produce to create modern dishes with live music in the background–all within an urban garden setting, Heritage brings to the table 30 rotating craft beers on draft, draft cocktails, and monthly events featuring breweries from all over the country. Enjoy the daily live music whilst you sip on the latest offerings of beers and cocktails, working your way through the menu of this neighborhood favourite!
Heritage
Address: 914 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia
Website: Heritage
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5pm - 12am; Fri: 5pm - 2 am; Sat: 10:30am - 2am; Sun: 10:30am - 12am
Feel the energy in Philadelphia
The jazz bars of Philadelphia exemplify a slice of the city’s energy and entertainment options. Indulge in classic cocktails during happy hour with smooth tunes and delicious food. Ideal options for a romantic date, business gatherings or spending an evening with friends and family, there is a place for you at the jazz spot closest to you.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
