Our favourite jazz bars in NYC

You've heard about iconic New York jazz, but how do you choose between the seemingly endless selection of jazz bars in the city to get a taste of the city's best cats? We've put together a list of our favorite jazz bars to get you inspired and toe-tapping in no time.

Blue Note

Photo: Blue Note Jazz, Facebook

Blue note tops the list of our favorite jazz clubs in the city because it simply never disappoints. A New York institution of music since 1981, this old school jazz bar will take you back to that “old New York” Sarah Jessica Parker has been telling you about for so long. The decor is dark, slick and anything but try-hard and the signed pictures on the wall of numerous jazz greats tell a story all of their own. The line up is always exceptional, with jazz legends and promising newcomers all gracing the blue-lit stage every day of the week. Prices vary based on the show you choose to see, but you can splurge to sit at a table (old school style) near the front or you can get a cheaper ticket that allows you to sit at the bar. It’s definitely worth the price, however, because this place is a real music gem. 

Smalls

Photo: Smalls

Smalls is probably one of the most famous jazz clubs in the city. Tucked away on West 10th Street, this underground cavern is always filled with the sweet rhythms of jazz and blues from some of the world’s best musicians. It’s the perfect place if quality is your only factor in a good night, because the vibe is slightly lacking for us (it’s on the stuffier side of the jazz spectrum). The place is so small that patrons are often given a ticket to come back at a designated slot. The ticket gets you into Mezzrow across the street, which we argue is a destination in itself. Mezzrow is intimate and classy but without the high ticket prices of Smalls, and although you won’t get the same consistent line-up of famous musicians, this is where many of the best cats come to practice and find their feet.

Fat Cat

Photo: Nez B., Yelp

Fat Cat is a perfect introduction to jazz for those of you who don’t want to jump in at the deep end. Sure, it’s not as serious or high calibre as the other options here, but it’s one of the most fun places to spend an evening in the city. Jazz plays in the background while you can enjoy a range of games, including ping pong and boardgames. The whole combination of music, beer and friendly vibes makes for a great Friday night hangout at a reasonable price while still being able to catch that iconic New York jazz.

The Nest

Photo: The Nest, Facebook 

The Nest, Brooklyn, describes itself as ‘an everything venue’, but it’s the jazz shows that really stand out at this hidden gem of a bar. Located in the heart of Flatbush, the music at the Nest is that old school, grimy jazz that feels authentic to the bone. The atmosphere of the basement show room is relaxed, with dark, moody lighting and cheap drinks. This is the epitome of where jazz is today, without the feel of commercialisation that some other jazz bars have.