New York City is known for its vibrant dining scene, and for those who appreciate the magic of live music, restaurants with jazz music in NYC offer a unique and memorable experience.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a relaxed evening with a jazz soundtrack or seeking a lively dinner with live jazz performances, restaurants with jazz music NYC provide the perfect atmosphere for dining and entertainment. Nothing beats an amazing family dinner with live music, especially jazz.
In this guide, we explore the best restaurants with live jazz music in NYC, where you can enjoy delicious meals while being entertained by some of the best jazz musicians in the world. These venues offer a range of experiences, from casual jazz bars to upscale jazz supper clubs, ensuring that there is something for every jazz lover.
What Makes Dining with Live Jazz Music So Special?
Dining with live jazz music is an experience that combines the best of both worlds—food and jazz music. The combination of great food and live music elevates the atmosphere, creating a sense of intimacy and excitement.
Jazz is a musical genre that’s known for its improvisational nature, making each performance unique. Whether you’re having a romantic dinner at a restaurant with jazz music in NYC or enjoying a night out with friends, jazz and food offer the perfect backdrop for any occasion.
The NYC jazz scene is rich and diverse, with numerous restaurants with jazz music NYC offering a variety of jazz styles, from traditional to contemporary. These venues create a perfect harmony between the food and the music, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.
Best Restaurants with Jazz Music in NYC
1. The Blue Note Jazz Club
Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, The Blue Note Jazz Club is one of the most iconic jazz clubs in NYC. Known for its intimate atmosphere and world-class performances, The Blue Note regularly hosts jazz legends and up-and-coming artists alike.
Minors are welcome during earlier shows, making it an ideal spot for families or younger music enthusiasts. With a menu that features delicious American cuisine, The Blue Note combines the best of dining and jazz entertainment.
2. Smalls Jazz Club
If you’re looking for a more laid-back jazz experience, Smalls Jazz Club in the West Village is one of the must-visit restaurants with jazz music NYC. Known for its intimate, cozy setting and fantastic acoustics, Smalls offers a casual vibe with incredible performances every night.
While the club is known for its late-night jam sessions, it also features earlier performances that are family-friendly, making it one of the best restaurants with live jazz music in NYC. It’s one of the more popular family-friendly jazz venues.
The club is also one of the best brunch restaurants with live jazz music in NYC. Look for relevant shows on their website before making reservations.
3. Jazz at Lincoln Center
For a more sophisticated jazz dining experience, Jazz at Lincoln Center is the place to be. This renowned venue offers a wide variety of jazz performances, ranging from big band to small ensemble jazz, and is home to some of the best jazz musicians in the world.
The jazz music restaurant NYC also offers dining options in a stylish environment, where guests can enjoy gourmet meals while listening to live jazz. It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a more upscale jazz experience.
4. Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
Located on the Upper West Side, Smoke Jazz & Supper Club combines great food and jazz in an intimate setting. It’s one of the iconic jazz spots in NYC.
Known for its traditional jazz performances, this restaurant with jazz music in NYC features a classic supper club ambiance, where guests can enjoy Southern-inspired dishes while listening to live jazz. This venue is perfect for those who want a relaxed night out with delicious food and great music.
Fun fact: The bar was named after writer-director Paul Auster’s film Smoke, starring Harvey Keitel.
5. The Django at The Roxy Hotel
For those who prefer a more stylish atmosphere, The Django at The Roxy Hotel in Tribeca offers a supper club experience with live jazz music.
The venue exudes elegance with its vintage décor and intimate setting. Minors are allowed to attend earlier shows, making it a great option for families and young jazz lovers. Whether you’re looking for a night of fine dining and live jazz music or a fun outing, The Django has something for everyone.
How to Choose the Right Jazz Restaurant for You
When choosing a jazz music restaurant in NYC, it’s essential to consider the type of experience you want. Some venues focus on providing a high-energy atmosphere with larger crowds, while others offer more intimate settings with smaller performances. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right jazz restaurant:
- Music Style: Do you prefer traditional jazz, contemporary jazz, or something experimental? Many restaurants feature a specific genre or style, so choose one or more restaurants with jazz music NYC that suit your taste.
- Atmosphere: Whether you’re looking for a lively vibe or a cozy, intimate setting, each jazz venue has a unique atmosphere.
- Food Menu: Some venues, like Jazz at Lincoln Center, offer fine dining options, while others, such as Smalls Jazz Club, provide more casual fare.
- Family-Friendly Options: If you’re bringing minors, ensure the jazz music restaurant NYC allows younger guests, especially for early performances.
Recommended Jazz Tours and Experiences
While enjoying live jazz in NYC, why not deepen your understanding of the city’s rich jazz history? Big Apple Jazz Tours offer curated tours that take you to some of the most iconic jazz venues in the city. Whether you’re a newcomer to the jazz scene or a long-time enthusiast, these tours provide an insider’s view of New York’s vibrant jazz culture.
Check out these Big Apple Jazz Tours:
- Why Should You Book a Jazz Tour as a Tourist in NYC?
- 4 New York City Regions with the Best Jazz Clubs
- Where to Eat and Listen to Live Jazz in New York City
These tours give you the opportunity to explore New York’s jazz scene firsthand, from historic jazz clubs to hidden gems off the beaten path.
Enjoy Dining and Entertainment at NYC’s Jazz Restaurants
New York City’s jazz scene is something that you shouldn’t miss, and dining at restaurants with live jazz music further enhances the experience for you.
From intimate venues like Smalls Jazz Club to upscale experiences like Jazz at Lincoln Center, there’s a jazz restaurant for everyone. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing meal or experience live jazz with a meal, NYC offers a fantastic selection of jazz spots.
For a deeper dive into NYC’s jazz culture, consider booking a Big Apple Jazz Tour. These tours will take you through the best jazz spots in New York, ensuring you experience the city’s jazz scene to its fullest.
There ‘s nothing that beats a private jazz tour to get the best experiences that extend beyond jazz and create memories for a lifetime.