5 Jazz Spots in NYC to Feel Mellow

The Gotham City of the 1920s lives on. Back when New Orleans, Chicago and New York were brewing jazz masters, clubs emerged and, after all this time, many continue to thrive in spite of the era of electronic and pop music. Jazz is timeless and New Yorkers have ensured the survival of this genre where african rhythms, country music and blues fuse in intricate and beautiful ways.  

When staying at the Manhattan at Times Square, take a night off from your daytime sightseeing to experience New York City’s nightlife. Pay a visit to one or all of these local jazz clubs - plan ahead because seating in most of them is on a first come, first serve basis. Although dining is not offered in all of them, you’ll find enough sustenance in a drink in your hand and live music.

Village Vanguard

Open since 1935, this club is the real deal. It was already there when everything was happening and it has remained standing for many reasons. Why don’t you go and find out why?
Location: 178 7th Avenue South, between Perry and W 11th St.
How to get there: Take the subway, Line 1 (red) at 50th St and head downtown to Christopher St/Sheridan Sq. Walk three blocks along 7th Avenue.

Smalls Jazz Club

Given the history of jazz, it seems only appropriate that an authentic jazz club would be housed in a cozy basement with excellent acoustics.
Location: 183 West 10th Street, between 7th Avenue and W 4th St
How to get there: Take the subway, Line 1 (red) at 50th St and head downtown to Christopher St/Sheridan Sq. Walk one block along 7th Avenue.

Smoke Jazz & Supper Club

A club where good food and great music go together. The small size makes for a perfect environment to appreciate the music no matter where you’re sitting. Dining is available.
Location: 2751 Broadway, between 105th St and 106th St
How to get there: Take the subway, Line 1 (red) at 50th St and head uptown to 103rd St. Walk two blocks along Broadway.

Blue Note

This intimate club has bragging rights for presenting top old and new jazz talents. With many locations around the world, this club has earned its reputation. Dining is available.
Location: 131 W. 3rd St, between 6th Avenue and Macdougal St.
How to get there: Take the subway, Line E (blue) at 50th St and head downtown to W 4th St/Washington Sq. Walk one block.

Birdland

As the only club on this list located in Times Square, you’d be wrong to think of it as a tourist trap. It opened in 1949 and since then, every jazz style imaginable has passed through its doors. Dining is available.
Location: 315 West 44th St, between 9th Avenue and 8th Avenue
How to get there: Walk one block to 8th Avenue. From there, walk down the avenue for around 10 minutes, until you reach 44th St and turn right.

Should you seek another ambiance or different tunes, New York has it all. Follow our blog to keep up-to-date with the latests happenings in the Big Apple. When you’re ready, book your room at the Manhattan at Times Square to get the best deals in town.