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New Yorkers are fond of the "work hard, play hard" maxim, but the truth is, Gothamites don't need much of an excuse to hit the town. Any day of the week could easily be mistaken for a Friday or Saturday; the bottom line is that when the the mood strikes, there are always plenty of choices in this 24-hour city. Whether it's raising a glass in a historic saloon, a dimly lit cocktail den, or a swanky rooftop lounge; checking out the latest band; or laughing it up at a comedy show, it isn't hard for visitors to get a piece of the action.
The nightlife scene still resides largely downtown—in the dives and speakeasies of the East Village and Lower East Side, the classic jazz joints and piano bars of the West Village, and the Meatpacking District's and Chelsea's "see-and-be-seen" clubs. Midtown, especially around Hell's Kitchen, has developed a vibrant scene, too, and plenty of upscale hangouts dot the Upper East and Upper West Sides. Brooklyn and Harlem are go-to destinations for in-the-know locals.
Keep in mind that when you go is just as important as where you go. A club that is packed at 11 pm might empty out by midnight, and a bar that raged last night may be completely empty tonight. Time Out New York magazine has a good list of roving parties (www.timeout.com/newyork), as does Urban Daddy (www.urbandaddy.com/new-york). Scour industry-centric websites, too, like Eater and Grub Street, which catalog the comings and goings of many a nightlife impresario. New York magazine and the New York Times have listings of cabaret and jazz shows, the latter mainly in its Friday and Sunday Arts sections. Bear in mind that a venue's life span is often measured in months, not years. Phone ahead or check online to make sure your target hasn't closed or turned into a polka hall (although, you never know—that could be fun, too).
Outstanding regular performers, such as Mamady Kouyate's Mandingo Ambassadors and the Django Reinhardt--channeling Stephane Wrembe, spin threads of folk and global into 21st-century music. There's also Slavic Soul Party!, a Baltic brass band, weekly. Shows take place in the back room, while up front the divey bar has a laid-back vibe and a full cocktail menu.
Considered by many (not least its current owners) to be "the jazz capital of the world," the Blue Note was once the stomping ground for such legends as Dizzy Gillespie and still hosts a variety of acts, from Chris Botti to jazz to Latin orchestras to Maceo Parker. Expect a steep cover charge except for late shows on weekends, when the music goes from less jazzy to more funky.
This legendary theater with Art Deco accents is probably the city's top midsize concert venue. Packing in the crowds here is a rite of passage for musicians (some already big; some on the cusp of stardom). Grab one of the tables on the balcony (if you can), stand (and get sandwiched) on the main floor, or retreat to the comfortable bar in the basement, which fills up after each show.
You wouldn't think a premiere live music venue would be in such a secluded, industrial district, but perhaps that is Brooklyn Steel's appeal. Formerly a steel factory, this venue from the Bowery Presents group hosts many rock and indie acts in a large space that holds 1,800 guests across its main floor, balcony, and three bars.
The Standard's sizable underground room draws top names in the business, and as part of Danny Meyer's southern-food restaurant Blue Smoke, it's one of the few spots where you can get dry-rubbed ribs to go with your bebop. There are welcoming Jazz for Kids concerts most Sunday afternoons.
The jazz institution that once featured big-name performers such as Dizzy Gillespie and Duke Ellington is now a sophisticated supper club (that also serves weekend brunch) with a roster of house-band jazz performers and featured musicians. Small plates are plentiful, with dishes like rigatoni carbonara and greenshell mussels in a white wine cream sauce, paired best with a libation such as the Cinnamon Toast Punch, with bourbon and smoked cinnamon. It's not a cheap night out, but it is worth the splurge; just be sure to make reservations and dress to impress. It can get loud in here, so if you're worried about the sound, simply request a table toward the back.
With multiple performers at each of the three intimate venues, there's so much to hear here. Expect music of all types, often from bands or soloists just passing through the city. The lineup usually starts around 6 or 7 pm and runs 'til around midnight—meaning you can get your live music fix and catch up on sleep, too. There's typically one stage with no cover charge, making Rockwood a great spot to just drop in.
It doesn't look like much from the outside, but this bar and small performance venue hosts multiple events each night, with live music ranging from blues, jazz, Latin, Afrobeat, indie, and more, as well as DJs, spoken word, and dance. African masks, vinyl records, and album covers adorn the walls and ceilings, and there’s ample seating with plenty of space to dance, too. These days, there's usually a crush of out-of-towners during showtimes, but the music remains stellar, and the establishment itself is the stuff of legend.
This prototypical jazz club, tucked into a cellar since the 1940s, has been the haunt of legends like Thelonious Monk and Barbra Streisand. Today, you can hear jams from the likes of Bill Charlap and Ravi Coltrane, and, on Monday night, the sizable resident Vanguard Jazz Orchestra blows its collective heart out.
Crowds of youngsters and longtime New Yorkers have been packing into Arlene's since 1995 for live rock and roll as well as the occasional variety shows, burlesque, and live-band karaoke. The drinks are cheap, and the vibe is all about the good times.
It doesn't get more intimate than this dark, inviting music den downstairs from the Italian café La Lanterna. An ever-changing roster of musicians takes the stage here, from emerging artists to featured trios. Come early to grab a seat and tuck into a good thin-crust pizza. In summer, hang out in the lovely garden for a prelude.
This place gets its name from saxophone great Charlie "Yardbird" (or just "Bird") Parker, so expect serious musicians such as John Pizzarelli, the Dave Holland Sextet, jazz guitarist Frank Vignola, and the famous Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra (on Sunday night). There's a $20 food minimum, and the dining room serves moderately priced Italian, and American fare with a Cajun accent.
On a fabled bohemian block, this Greenwich Village standby has served its share of talent since 1961, with Billy Joel, David Crosby, and Dr. John among the stars who've played here. These days you're more likely to find (much) lesser-known musicians playing blues, rock, funk, and jazz.
It's a restaurant. It's a bar. It's a winery. But above all the newish location of City Winery at Pier 57 is a music venue, attracting top-notch artists and comedians. The 350-seat auditorium is an intimate spot to catch a show. Singer Rufus Wainwright, comedian John Mulaney, and musician Norah Jones have graced the stage. Even the late, great Prince put on unannounced shows at City Winery. The in-house eatery serves everything from burgers to seafood to flatbreads, and the bar has 12 different wines on tap.
From the palm-studded rooftop deck (heated in winter, breezy in summer) to the ground-floor lounge and down to the basement venue where DJs and rock bands hold court, the multifaceted Delancey, at the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge, is a versatile spot for thirsty lounge lizards.
At this intimate supper club, an integral part of Jazz at Lincoln Center, you can enjoy jazz, dinner, and drinks along with stellar views of the Manhattan skyline and Central Park. The food is hearty and Southern-inflected (catfish po'boy, gumbo), but the top-notch music provides the main attraction. There are two sets; the late-night sessions are ideal for after-dinner nightcaps of classic drinks with new twists. Tickets start at $20, and there is a $21 minimum food and beverage order per person, per set.
Surprisingly, the basement of Red Rooster has one of the best jazz clubs in Harlem, Ginny's Supper Club. Here, guests can enjoy the fine flavors of one of Harlem's most popular eateries while enjoying the live music during their Sunday gospel brunch. Priced at $80 per person, feast on an all-you-can-eat buffet with the choice of two showtimes; one at 11 am and a second one at 1:15 pm. It is highly advisable to make reservations in advance via OpenTable. If you are less interested in brunch but still curious in checking out this secret enclave, Ginny's Supper Club frequently hosts ticketed events.
Cozy and subterranean, this jazz venue is a sure bet for big-name talent like Chuck Mangione, the Eddie Daniels Band, the David Murray Black Saint Quartet, and pianist Michael Wolff. The sight lines are good, and the sound system was designed with the help of Les Paul, inventor of the solid-body electric guitar (Paul played here every Monday night for years). Small bites and entrées are on the menu here, along with a robust beer, wine, and cocktail selection.
A relatively intimate venue that holds about 1,000 people on two levels, Irving Plaza is known for its packed lineup of both indie and more mainstream acts, though tickets can get a little pricey. The sound system is good, and there are several bars.
Head into the street-level or underground entrances to behold this cutting-edge, multipurpose entertainment and dance emporium, whose name means "the Red Fish" (and whose parentheses around "Le" remain a mystery). Blending just the right mix of posh notes (lush decor, fine dining), party nights, reasonable pricing, and brave music programming (retro-pop, jazz, electronic, cabaret, rock, folk—even rollicking drag-queen bingo), the Poisson is an essential NYC fixture.
You have to squeeze past the sardine-packed hipsters in the front bar to reach the stage, but it's worth it. Not only does this top-quality venue specialize in cool bands on the indie scene, but it was also where the late, great Jeff Buckley used to stop by to do spontaneous solo shows. Other big-name musicians follow in his footsteps with occasional pop-up shows of their own.
Brought to you by the people who run Smalls (just across 7th Avenue from here), Mezzrow is a low-key, subterranean jazz club with a loyal following. Several acts perform nightly, and it's a good idea to make a reservation (see the website) to ensure entry.
This intimate tri-level music venue in a former mayonnaise factory has excellent acoustics, drawing in die-hard fans of rock and indie music with its quality lineups. There's balcony seating and an additional bar upstairs.
With two venues for live music and DJs—the Showroom downstairs and the Upstairs Lounge—as well as a full bar that serves food downstairs, there's something for everyone at this neighborhood staple. Weekends and late nights are especially happening.
