There are a variety of places to listen to good american jazz in New York City. Whether you are an experienced listener or new to the genre, these places will provide an experience that you will not forget.
You can hear a wide range of styles at these bars, from groovy to sophisticated. And some of them even allow you to bring your own alcohol!
Arthur’s Tavern
Jazz has always been one of America’s most uniquely American forms of music, and it has a long history in New York City. It’s a music genre that’s been around since the 1930s, and you can find many of the best jazz clubs in NYC.
Arthur’s Tavern is a historic jazz club in the West Village that has been serving up good jazz since 1937. It’s a great place to hear live music without paying a cover charge and getting reasonably priced drinks.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you walk into this old-school tavern. The live jazz is a mix of bebop and soulful funk, which can make for a fun night out. Be sure to tip the musicians!
Ginny’s Supper Club
The basement of Harlem soul food restaurant Red Rooster is home to Ginny’s Supper Club, a modern reincarnation of the glamorous speakeasies and jazz clubs of the 1920s. Kindled by the hottest live music, creative cocktails, soulful food and Harlem’s vibrant culture, Ginny’s is all about the glory of a great night out.
Located in the basement of celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Harlem eatery, Red Rooster, Ginny’s is the sister venue to the popular restaurant. Featuring updated soul food, craft cocktails and live music almost nightly, Ginny’s offers an intimate cabaret-style setting with white tablecloths and amber-tinged lighting.
The venue hosts a wide range of musical acts and events, including open mic nights, cabaret shows and jazz performances. It also has a private dining room and DJ booth capabilities.
Bix
Bix, a sophisticated supper club and civilized speakeasy located in San Francisco’s Union Square district, is a great place to listen to good american jazz. It’s a very pleasant spot with an exceptionally stylish interior that’s filled with plush banquettes, cozy booths, and stunning original art.
The restaurant’s music is all classic 1930s and 1940s, with jazz played in an authentically stylish ambiance. The dining area is a large, soaring two-story room that’s filled with ornate, fluted columns and original art.
Bix Beiderbecke, the first white jazz musician to be widely recognized and admired, was born in Davenport, Iowa, in 1903. He learned to play the cornet on his own without a teacher, and he forged a unique and distinctive style.
Sheba
Located in the historical live music district of San Francisco, Sheba Piano Lounge is a great place to listen to good American jazz and enjoy delicious Ethiopian and Mediterranean food. The lounge features a relaxing ambiance with walls painted in rich tropical tones.
Sheba’s jazz is influenced by African, Middle Eastern and European styles of music. The all-female ensemble includes members that have been classically trained at world’s leading music conservatories and incorporate elements of bossa nova, pop and jazz in their arrangements.
Queen of Sheba is a story that looms large in the minds of many cultures throughout history. This exotic, beautiful queen has been interpreted in Jewish, Islamic, Christian and Rastafarian literature.
The Spotted Cat
Located on Frenchmen Street, The Spotted Cat is one of New Orleans’ favorite bars for good old American jazz. It offers traditional jazz, blues, funk, and more.
This quaint bar is packed every Friday night and is a popular spot for locals. It’s not the biggest venue but has a nice, gritty ambiance that feels like you’re back in New Orleans in the ’20s.
This spot was one of the few that stayed open during Hurricane Katrina, and after a temporary change in ownership, it returned to its former glory. Its music is a mix of traditional and modern jazz, and the ambiance is cozy enough for you to get lost in your own thoughts and enjoy yourself.