If you like music and want to do something classic in New York City, you need to check a live jazz performance. Jazz is a tradition not only in New York City, but in the United States and I think it’s the kind of experience that ends up adding that different experience to your itinerary, you know? There are several places to enjoy live jazz in the city and today I’m gonna share some suggestions – the good thing is that it has something for all budgets and tastes.
PS: I have been to all the places suggested in the post.
Courtesy of Dizzy’s Club website
Jazz at Lincoln | Dizzy’s Club – located at Columbus Circle, Jazz at Lincoln features several rooms and a variety of jazz performances, with renowned musicians, on several days of the week. They have a busy schedule and the place is a respected institution in the city. There are beautiful rooms like the Appel Room, with its incredible view of Central Park, and the Rose Theater, which is just majestic. The price varies – from $35 and is worth every penny. Check the calendar on the website. In addition, Jazz at Lincoln also features Dizzy’s Club, a more intimate venue that features performances with global musicians and a panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline. You can check the performances here!
Address: 10 Columbus Cir.
Cellar Dog – Former Fat Cat, this is a cool and famous bar in the West Village. It features several game tables, such as billiards and ping pong, which makes your experience there very fun. There are 10 ping pong tables and 10 billiard tables, in addition to other games. Another highlight – the main one, I would say – is the live jazz performances. Most nights, there is a musician or band performing. The place ends up being very unique, because it offers great music in a super cool environment, frequented by people of all styles. I would say it’s a great place to meet people and also to go in a group. It is worth remembering that, as in any bar in the city, only people over 21 are allowed to enter – upon presentation of ID. Entry costs $10. Check the calendar here!
Address: 75 Christopher Street.
The Django – this jazz club is located at Roxy Hotel, in Tribecca. The environment is so beautiful, with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls – it was modeled after the boites of Paris. There are two 2 featured performances per evening. Each performance is 2 sets. The first performance set times are 7:30PM-8:30PM and 9PM-10PM. The second performance set times are 10:30PM-11:30PM, and 12AM ’til late. Admission is $35 on Monday nights and $25 from Tuesday thru Saturday and there is a 2 Drink Minimum per person. Besides that, they offer a full dinner menu in addition to specialty cocktails and wine list. For more details and reservations, click here.
Address: 2 6th Ave – The Roxy Hotel.
Minton’s Playhouse -Minton’s is an old and famous place in Harlem – it was founded in 1938 by the saxophonist Henry Milton. Carmen McRae, Billy Eckstine, Erroll Garner, Gene Krupa, Miles Davis, Art Tatum, Bill Evans, and Art Blakey are some of the important musicians names that have performed there. Minton’s is very intimate – and also perfect for dates. Admission is $20 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $25 on weekends plus $20 in food or drink. There are two sets per night – one at 7 pm and the other at 9:30 pm and each set is approx. 70 minutes. Check the calendar on the website.
Address: 206 West 118th Street.
Red Rooster – this restaurant is like a Harlem institution and specializes in southern US cuisine – or Soul Food. The atmosphere is delightful – I would recommend making a reservation for brunch, on a Saturday or Sunday, with live music, you should not miss it! The price of main dishes ranges from $18 to $37. There are live musicians and DJs every day and there is no need to buy tickets! It’s also worth following them on Instagram, as they always post the performances of the week.
Address: 310 Lenox Avenue.
BONUS! Cruise with live jazz
You know that I always suggest experiencing the New York City waters through a cruise, right? One of the companies I always recommend is Classic Harbor Line – they have a variety of cruises aboard intimate yachts and routes that include views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. And one of the cruises available features live jazz – this is a great opportunity to combine two special experiences in the city.
- Book your Evening Jazz Cruise Aboard Manhattan
- To check all Classic Harbor Line cruises, click here.
- Plus, if you’re looking for jazz experiences, I recommend checking out the options listed on Fever – there are always some cool events, in amazing locations around the city.
Do you have any good recommendations for live jazz in NYC?
Content creator and journalist in New York City. Here, I share lifestyle, beauty, NYC tips, thoughts, and the struggles about living in the most amazing city in the world! I’m not gonna pretend to be another person: I’m a Brazilian immigrant and I think this is my soul, it is part of who I am. I hope you enjoy my content! Follow me on Instagram!
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