New York City is the birthplace of bebop, the proving ground for jazz legends, and home to some of the most iconic and adventurous live music venues in the world. Across all five boroughs, the city’s jazz scene thrives in unexpected corners — from historic basement clubs in Manhattan to experimental listening rooms in Brooklyn and Latin jazz hubs in Queens.
This guide offers a curated selection of standout jazz venues by borough. Whether you’re in the mood for a smoky supper club, an avant-garde performance, or a neighborhood joint pulsing with rhythm, you’ll find a space that reflects both the history and future of jazz in NYC.
Below, explore the best jazz clubs in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island — each offering its own distinctive sound, setting, and story.
Manhattan
Village Vanguard
One of the most legendary jazz clubs in the world, Village Vanguard has hosted giants like John Coltrane and Bill Evans since 1935. Its triangular basement space offers intimate acoustics and a historic ambiance that every jazz lover should experience.
Smalls Jazz Club
Tucked into a West Village basement, Smalls is a beloved haunt for live jazz and late-night jam sessions. It’s known for its raw atmosphere and commitment to the city’s evolving jazz scene.
The Jazz Gallery
A non-profit cultural space that champions experimental and emerging jazz musicians. Many future stars of contemporary jazz have launched their careers from this humble, high-caliber venue.
Dizzy’s Club
Located in the Time Warner Center, Dizzy’s Club combines stunning skyline views with a rotating cast of world-class jazz artists curated by Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
This classy Upper West Side spot offers top-tier live jazz with fine dining and candlelit ambiance. It’s perfect for a soulful evening with a vintage flair.
Brooklyn
Bar LunÀtico
Bar LunÀtico is a neighborhood gem in Bed-Stuy, known for its intimate stage, excellent cocktails, and genre-blending jazz acts that keep the energy flowing nightly.
Ornithology Jazz Club
A tribute to Charlie Parker and a haven for modern jazz lovers, Ornithology in Bushwick offers an artsy, relaxed vibe with a focus on improvisation and collaboration.
C’mon Everybody
This inclusive Bed-Stuy venue blends jazz, soul, and electronic vibes in a small, vibrant space. Expect creative fusions and a friendly, no-frills atmosphere.
The Owl Music Parlor
Hidden in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, The Owl is a sanctuary for quiet listening and acoustic magic. It specializes in intimate, often experimental jazz performances.
Queens
Terraza 7
A colorful, community-based venue in Elmhurst that fuses Latin jazz, folk, and improvisational sounds. Known for its mezzanine stage above the bar and global music programming.
JCAL – Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning
While not exclusively a jazz club, JCAL regularly features jazz nights and culturally rich programming that highlights the genre’s roots in African American history.
The Bronx
The Bronx Beer Hall
Set inside the Arthur Avenue Market, this laid-back beer hall offers a Bronx twist on jazz nights with a neighborhood crowd and local brews.
Bronx Music Heritage Center
A hub for celebrating Bronx-born musical traditions, from Afro-Cuban jazz to hip hop. It hosts regular performances and workshops rooted in cultural expression.
Staten Island
Hub 17 NYC
This creative arts venue offers an eclectic mix of performances, including jazz nights, spoken word, and visual art shows, in a relaxed loft-like setting.
St. George Theatre
A historic 1929 venue that occasionally features jazz in its rich programming of music, film, and cultural events — all in a grand, gilded atmosphere.
From candlelit supper clubs to street-level venues buzzing with creative energy, New York City’s jazz scene is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself. Each borough offers its own rhythm — whether it’s the historical weight of Manhattan’s storied stages or the experimental pulse echoing through Brooklyn’s back rooms.
No matter where you go, you’re stepping into a space shaped by improvisation, cultural legacy, and the spirit of live performance. So whether you’re a lifelong listener or new to the genre, these clubs invite you to sit back, lean in, and let the music carry you.
Explore widely, listen deeply — and let the city swing.
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