New York
The 13 best live music bars in New York, curated by our editors. From iconic jazz clubs to intimate Williamsburg venues featuring indie and electronic artists.
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Intimate room with world-class jazz. Tables fill fast. Get there early or book ahead. Order the house cocktails, skip the food. Show times 8pm and 10:30pm nightly. Jazz
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The most prestigious jazz venue in America. Dizzy's Club on the 5th floor has floor-to-ceiling views of Central Park. Order a glass of the house champagne at the Appel Room bar. Jazz
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The most important jazz club in the world. Metal basement, no frills, extraordinary music every night since 1935. Order the well whiskey and stay for both sets. Jazz
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Named for Charlie Parker. Two sets nightly; the room fills by 8pm. Serious jazz fans only. Order the classic cocktails and prepare for some of the city's best musicians. Jazz
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65-seat subterranean club. Doors open at 7:30pm; the music starts at 7:45pm. BYOB on some nights. Find new talent here before they headline the Vanguard. Jazz
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The Columbus Circle location inside Jazz at Lincoln Center means a view that rivals the music. Excellent rotation of national and international acts nightly. Jazz
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Three stages, free shows most nights. Indie, folk, jazz, and everything in between. Stage 1 (smallest) often has the best surprises. Drinks are straightforward and fairly priced. Free Entry
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Vinyl DJ sets between live acts, solid beer selection, and a crowd that actually listens. Get there before the support act for the best vibe and sightlines. Indie
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Low-ceilinged blues bar that feels transplanted from the Delta. Seven nights a week. Negronis and bourbons only. Best on Sunday afternoons for live blues. Blues
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Pool tables, ping pong, chess, and jazz until 4am. Cover charge rarely exceeds 5 dollars. The most egalitarian music bar in the city with a lively crowd. Free/Cheap
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Birthplace of more indie careers than any other venue in New York. Tickets under 25 dollars, two acts minimum. Show up an hour early to get a spot by the stage. Indie
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Electronic music and jazz collide in this narrow, red-lit room. Romanian-owned, globally influenced, always interesting. Tuesday jazz nights are free with a drink minimum. Electronic
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Converted warehouse with a 600-capacity main room and a smaller bar-front stage. Broad genre range from indie to electronic. The sound system is the best in Brooklyn. Warehouse
Intimate room with world-class jazz. Tables fill fast. Get there early or book ahead. Order the house cocktails, skip the food. Show times 8pm and 10:30pm nightly.
The most prestigious jazz venue in America. Dizzy's Club on the 5th floor has floor-to-ceiling views of Central Park. Order a glass of the house champagne at the Appel Room bar.
The most important jazz club in the world. Metal basement, no frills, extraordinary music every night since 1935. Order the well whiskey and stay for both sets.
Looking beyond New York? See our guide to the best live music bars worldwide, or compare live music bars city by city.