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Famous New York Jazz Clubs

New York City offers a wealth of renowned jazz clubs, some a few decades old as well as those that have been around since the 1920s. You can visit venues where such celebrated figures as Duke Ellington, John Coltrane and Miles Davis once performed. In addition to the great music, most jazz clubs in New York serve food, including buffet dinners and brunches.

  1. The Cotton Club

    • The Cotton Club opened in 1923 and quickly became the center of Harlem nightlife. The club regularly booked Duke Ellington and his orchestra, helping to establish his reputation. The club closed for a short period but reopened in 1977 after extensive renovations. Visitors can enjoy buffet dinners and live blues and jazz on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, or swing dance nights on Mondays.

      Cotton Club
      656 W. 125th St.
      New York, NY 10027
      (212) 663-6879
      cottonclub-newyork.com/

    Blue Note

    • This popular Greenwich Village club has hosted many famous performers, including Sarah Vaughan and Dizzy Gillespie. It now features hip-hop, soul and R&B in addition to jazz. The dim, candle-lit atmosphere creates a cozy ambience. Try the Late Night Groove series every Friday and Saturday starting at 12:30 a.m., or one of the popular jazz brunches, every Sunday.

      Blue Note
      131 W. Third St.
      New York, NY 10012
      (212) 475-8592
      bluenote.net

    Birdland

    • This jazz club is named after the brilliant saxophonist Charlie Parker, whose nickname was “The Bird.” John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie were among the major jazz figures who performed here in the 1950s and 1960s. The club's Southern-comfort food complements the music. The dim lighting and sophisticated décor create an intimate, high-class setting for live music.

      Birdland Jazz Club
      315 W. 44th St.
      New York, NY 10036
      (212) 581-3080
      birdlandjazz.com

    Iridium

    • Iridium, established in 1994, is much younger than other clubs on this list. Its flashy décor and location in the center of midtown Manhattan, near Times Square, draws many American and European tourists. Visitors can enjoy tapas plates while they listen to performers, and students can purchase discounted tickets on select weeknights. The club holds Les Paul tribute nights every Monday.

      Iridium Jazz club
      1650 Broadway
      New York, NY 10020
      (212) 582-2121
      iridiumjazzclub.com/

    55 Bar

    • 55 Bar, established in 1919, is in the heart of Greenwich Village, near Washington Square Park. It is more affordable than other New York jazz clubs, with relatively low cover charges and drink prices. The club also has a more modest, dive-bar atmosphere, unlike other Manhattan jazz clubs. It features live jazz, funk and blues every night.

      55 Bar
      55 Christopher St.
      New York, NY 10014
      (718) 965-9177
      55bar.com

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