7 Great Jazz Clubs in NYC

For more than 35 years, the Blue Note has been one of the top places to listen to jazz legends and up-and-comers. Located in Greenwich Village, this sleek (and yes, blue) stage has seen the likes of Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea and a host of others. Sometimes, they just stop by unannounced—you never know who you might see on any given night. And with music seven days a week and post-midnight shows on weekends, you’ll have plenty of opportunity.

131 W. Third St.; bluenotejazz.com

What do you get when you pair musicians with chef and restaurateur Danny Meyer’s barbecue? The Jazz Standard, a music venue serving up Blue Smoke barbecue and great tunes nightly. In fact, several Grammy-winning albums have been recorded onstage. So dive into a plate of wings with a view of the band. You literally cannot go wrong when your eyes and taste buds are satisfied.

116 E. 27th St.; jazzstandard.com

Music runs through the walls of the Carlyle: The Upper East Side hotel’s first tenant was Richard Rodgers (one half of Rodgers and Hammerstein…yeah, that Broadway duo), and since its inception, the hotel has been a destination for musicians and vocalists. The property boasts two different venues for live music: Bemelmens Bar, famed for its impeccable Manhattans and iconic murals by the illustrator behind the Madeline books, and Cafe Carlyle, a white-tablecloth supper club that hosts popular acts like Alan Cummings, Rita Wilson and the Eddy Davis New Orleans jazz band. While the latter, more formal venue is great for a special occasion—it looks like it fell out of a movie set—we prefer bellying up to the granite bar at Bemelmens for a casual cocktail and some serious jazz pianists. (Bonus: No cover before 9:30 p.m.)

35 E. 76th St.; rosewoodhotels.com

Tenor saxophonist and Harlem native Bill Saxton leads the band on weekend nights at this uptown bebop speakeasy in the basement of a brownstone. For just $20, jazz aficionados step back in time for an evening of live entertainment where the sole focus is the music. Seriously: It feels like you’re just sitting in his living room, which makes the experience that much more intimate. (Note: Reservations are required.)

148 W. 133rd St.; billsplaceharlem.com

More than one celebrity chef in NYC has gotten into the jazz action. Marcus Samuelsson’s ode to Southern soul cooking, Red Rooster Harlem, has a downstairs music venue where jazz bands take the stage Thursday through Saturday nights. His famous hot yardbird is on the menu, as is a lineup of some great local and international acts, all inspired by the legendary sounds of the neighborhood. For a real treat, check out the Sunday Gospel brunch, featuring a local Harlem choir.

310 Lenox Ave.; ginnyssupperclub.com