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MIDTOWN WEST. The Oak Room reminds one of old New York with its classic décor and oak paneling. Top-name artists who are usually booked for lengthy stays play cabaret and jazz here. Dinner and shows are seasonal and by reservation only - call for details for cabaret. Hors d'oeuvres, sandwiches and upscale drinks are served in this comfy, yet elegant mainstay. TRAIN: 7 to 5th Ave; B, D, F, Q to 42nd St; N, R, S, 1, 9, 2, 3, 7 to 42nd St-Times Sq
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UPPER WEST SIDE. Ritzy Lincoln Center may seem like an odd place to go if you're looking to find some of the Big Apple's coolest, keenest jazz. After all, everybody knows the best jazz dens are dank, smoky hideaways, right? Well, Dizzy's dispels that myth with a fury. Young and emerging performers are given time on Monday nights (always rewarding shows), and the rest of the week is turned over to established performers. As for food, it's heavily tinged with soulful Southern flair – homemade pecan pie, collard greens, fried chicken and the like. Table reservations are encouraged for early sets but aren't accepted for After Hours (late) sets. Food and beverage minimums $10 at table, $5 at bar. TRAIN: A, B, C, D, 1 to 59th St-Columbus Cir
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3. Birdland
315 W 44th St, between 8th and 9th Aves, New York, NY 10036-5402 · 212-581-3080
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HELL'S KITCHEN. Although it opened in December 1949, Birdland continues the tradition of live jazz that has been so popular with both New York natives and tourists alike over the years. Classic jazz club ambiance, enhanced by excellent musicians who have likely been playing for decades, is still offered here – you will not be disappointed. The line-up of past performers is impressive by any standards, starting with Charlie "Bird" Parker himself. Other well-known names include John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington. $10 minimum per person. TRAIN: A, C, E to 42nd St
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GRAMERCY. Snuggled between Park and Lexington Avenues, this jazz club/restaurant combo has garnered a good amount of praise from local critics and discriminating patrons. If you want to hear good jazz, find your way downstairs to the cozy lounge area, which has the ambience of a circa 1920 speakeasy and great acoustics for live music. The upstairs restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and serves an excellent new American menu that is a big hit with well-heeled locals. TRAIN: 6 to 28th St
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WEST VILLAGE. The Village Vanguard, one of the West Village's most well-established live jazz venues, proudly lays claim to being the former haunt of such greats as Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk and John Coltrane. Located in a basement on the corner of Perry St and 7th Avenue, the club's intimate table arrangement and laid-back atmosphere make everybody here feel that much cooler. Keep in mind, the place tends to get crowded quickly, and the regulars don't take kindly to chatterboxes. TRAIN: 1, 2, 3, 9 to 14th St
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6. Blue Note
131 West 3rd St, between MacDougal St & 6th Ave, New York, NY 10012-1208 · 212-475-8592
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WEST VILLAGE. This is the first name in big-name jazz; a place where all of the greats have graced the stage at some point – from B.B. King and Roberta Flack to Manhattan Transfer and Spyro Gyra. A trip to the Blue Note guarantees good jazz in a hip, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Expect to pay steep prices to see top-name performers at this Greenwich Village landmark. Dinner is served nightly before the show, making this an impressive place to take a client or a date. TRAIN: A, B, C, D, F to W 4th St-Washington Sq
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THEATRE DISTRICT. At Broadway and 51st, Iridium hosts an impressive repertoire of jazz acts every month, including guitar legend Les Paul every Monday. Inside, you'll find a scene that looks like something out of a postmod painting – stylishly sitting on the cusp of absurdity and funkiness. Nevertheless, this is a cool place to stop by. Students with ID get half price admission Sun-Thu. $10 minimum at bar, $10 at tables. TRAIN: C, 1, 9 to 50th St; N, R, W to 49th St; B, D, E to 7th Ave
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8. Smalls
183 W 10th, New York, NY 10014 · 212-252-5091
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WEST VILLAGE. If you're out to experience jazz at its dive bar best, this snug spot on West 10th is back again after taking a long sabbatical (there were more than a few tears when it closed in 2003 after a decade-long run of great music). Smalls, once again, has emerged as a great place to catch a live performance and its subterranean confines now boast a cool full-service bar area. Booked acts are mostly up-and-comers; however, it's not uncommon for established musicians to stop by and try out new material. Two early sets (the first is free!) and three evening sets each night. TRAIN: 1, 9 to Christopher St
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9. Louis 649
649 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009 · 212-673-1190
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EAST VILLAGE. One of the hipper spots in the East Village, this snappy bar features live jazz each night beginning at 9pm. Upscale yet not at all stuffy, the redbrick space is long and narrow, and seating is available at the tile-topped bar as well as the handful of intimate, cafe-style tables lined along the wall. As for the crowd, look for a sophisticated brand of clientele who knows a thing or two about good music, top-shelf single malt scotches and fine wine (several are available by the glass). TRAIN: l to 1st Ave-14th St; 6 to Astor Pl
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10. Terra Blues
149 Bleecker St, between Thompson St and LaGuardia Pl, New York, NY 10012 · 212-777-7776
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WEST VILLAGE. Terra Blues sits between LaGuardia and Thompson, right in the heart of the West Village. This small blues lounge attracts a more well-heeled crowd than most of its counterparts, which is due in part to its romantic, almost adult atmosphere. Enjoy the soulful sounds of traditional blues performers. The best tables are located near the windows, but if you want one you better plan on arriving early. TRAIN: A, C, E, B, D, F, Q to W 4th St
These nightlife options provide readers with the best places in New York to unwind, kick back, and leave the day behind. Our editors and local contacts have searched New York's neighborhoods for quiet venues, uncovered hip bars, and experienced the New York club scene. We've hit the best Bars, Billiards, Cocktail Lounges, Comedy Clubs, Dance Clubs, Hotel Bars, Jazz & Blues Clubs, Music Clubs, Piano Bars, Pubs, and Sports Bars in New York, New York ... Choose your diversion, and then let us direct your energies.
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