Australia has a long-drawn affinity with jazz music and it shows in its history. Sydney, in particular, holds this genre with high regard with its quality jazz venues where Australia’s best musicians have been performing. Aside from that, the city has held some of the biggest jazz festivals ever produced this side of the globe. Ever since the beautiful melodies of this type of music hit Sydney, the proliferation of jazz bars has not stopped. This is where you get to see the cream of the crop perform live. Here are the best jazz bars in Sydney, Australia, that you can check out on your next visit.
1. Venue 505 - Jazz Bar
This place is best to go to for great food while watching live performers do their rendition of various jazz genres. Here, you get to witness funk-jazz, jazz, soul, and more. The kitchen churns out some of the most affordable but flavorful bar food in the city. The bar comes fully stocked with every cocktail known to man. You get to relax in the coolest sofas and lounge tables that create a warm and inviting ambiance. The live performances start at 8:30 pm.
Venue 505 - Jazz Bar
Address: 280 Cleveland St, Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia 2010
Website: Venue 505 - Jazz Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6pm - 12pm (closed on Sun)
2. Lazybones Lounge
Lazybones Lounge is where you can find the finest live jazz performers in Sydney play all seven nights of the week. The place is very relaxed and chill. This is where you can go and have wonderful conversations with your friends while appreciating the talent on stage. With a fancy design concept, the place takes on a more comfortable atmosphere akin to drinking your favorite cocktails and brews while feasting on some of the best lounge food ever. The entrance to Lazybones is located along Illawarra Road.
Lazybones Lounge
Address: 294 Marrickville Rd. Marrickville, NSW, 2204,
Website: Lazybones Lounge
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 7pm - 12am; Thu - Sat: 5pm - 3am; Sun: 5pm - 10pm
3. Camelot Lounge
Camelot Lounge is looked at as a trendsetter in the Sydney music industry! This serves as home to some of the best Australian and world-renowned jazz artists who play different varieties of this music. You will find people of all ages immersing themselves in the performances played out on two stages, the Camelot and the Django. The jazz played here varies from dance ditties to cool, lounge type themes that everyone will certainly love and listen to. Under 18 guests must be accompanied by adults.
Camelot Lounge
Address: Corner of 103 Railway Parade & 19 Marrickville Road, Marrickville
Website: Camelot Lounge
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 6:30pm - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 6:30pm - 12am; Sun: 6:30pm - 11pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
EXCLUSIVE SYDNEY CITY HERITAGE APARTMENT
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Luxe Opera and Harbour Bridge Views - Best in Syd
Kirribilli, New South Wales, Australia
In The Heart of Sydney CBD ! WIFI
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
4. The Hero of Waterloo Hotel
Would you like to enjoy jazz in one of Sydney’s heritage pubs? Come to The Hero of Waterloo Hotel which has been providing locals and tourists the best live jazz entertainment with the best spirits for the last 170 years. The buzzing bar and dining venue is the perfect place to spend a night with friends or meet new acquaintances. Located at The Rocks, the place serves some of the best wines and cocktails to complement the quality of talent playing right in front of you.
The Hero of Waterloo Hotel
Address: 81 Lower Fort Street Millers Point (The Rocks)
Website: The Hero of Waterloo Hotel
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 11am - 11:30pm; Thu - Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 10pm
5. The Vanguard
Since 2003, The Vanguard has been the venue of choice for some of the best local and international jazz artists to play at. Acknowledged as one of the best jazz bars in the city, its sound system and beautiful décor come second to none. Then there is the exceptional menu and long drink list set to satisfy your cravings. All these combine to make your stay here a memorable one. Jazz renditions played here are limitless with focus on swing, blues, and African jazz.
The Vanguard
Address: 42 King St., Newtown, New South Wales
Website: The Vanguard
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 6pm - 12am; Thu - Sat: 6pm - 1am; Sun: 6pm - 12am (closed on Mon)
6. The Swinging Cat
The Swinging Cat has a strong connection to the type of jazz played all over New Orleans. Although it does not look like any of the bars in NOLA, it exemplifies the high energy of the French Quarter and its lovely atmosphere. This is what The Swinging Cat brings to the Sydney jazz scene. And if you want to see traces of a legend personified, no less than Louis Armstrong’s grandson, Herb, can do that for you whenever he is in town.
The Swinging Cat
Address: 44 King St, Sydney NSW 2000
Website: The Swinging Cat
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 12am; Sat: 5pm - 12am (closed on Sun)
7. Foundry 616
If you are looking for the best live jazz music in the city, Foundry 616 has exactly that for you. You will find only the top jazz artists in the city playing your favorite tunes six nights a week. Special guest artists from all over the world appear every now and then on special engagements. Behind the guidance of Sydney Improvised Music Association co-founder, Peter Rechniewski, Foundry 616 supports the likes of the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival and Jazzgroove Association.
Foundry 616
Address: 616 Harris St., Ultimo, Sydney, Australia
Website: Foundry 616
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6:30pm - 11:30pm (closed on Sun)
Chill and listen to the best jazz at these bars
One of the best ways to enjoy Sydney is through its music. Jazz plays an integral part in its music scene. These bars are where you can find the best and the brightest jazz artists from the local and international scenes. With our recommendations above, there are plenty of options for you to explore when you visit Sydney.