Best Jazz & Blues Clubs in New York

Terra Blues sits between LaGuardia and Thompson, right in the heart of the West Village. This small 20-year-old 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 and some of the best singers and performers in the world. Doors open at 6:30pm with solo acoustic acts performing nightly from 7 to 9:30pm. After 10, the band plugs in, and may play until the wee hours of the morning. Indulge in a well-aged scotch or bourbon and savor the chord progression that is characteristic of an amazing blues session.

In May 1977 three artists stumbled across a tiny storefront in the heart of Greenwich Village and thought it was the perfect place to open a cafe. Years later, it was proclaimed a culinary and cultural landmark. Every inch of this place reeks creativity: art on the walls, lively chatter, live music downstairs every single night of the week. Spoken word, literary readings, jazz, swing, cutting edge. Singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega started out here, as did Eve Ensler's Vagina Monologues, members of Monty Python & the Royal Shakespeare Company intermittently perform here. One of the recent famous presenters and a fervent audience member," over the past 14 years at CSC's monthly "Entertaining Science" series was the recently departed Dr. Oliver Sacks. CSC schedules 700 shows a year, two a night, ranging from science to songwriting, from Russian poetry to Latin jazz, from theatre to cabaret.

You have to respect a bar that unapologetically calls itself a "dive." Although there often isn't a cover at Paris Blues and it embraces the dive bar label, it is dedicated to world class music at a fair price. The decor is reminiscent of New Orleans with masks and a confident use of color. Expect live acts every night of the week. Open since 1969, it has a raw atmosphere that is all about the music, which often plays from 9pm to 1am. Some audience members bring instruments for an impromptu jazz session. Less musically gifted patrons cut a rug on the small dance floor.

Let's start with the good news. The Iridium has hosted some of the world's greatest jazz talent, including the legendary late guitarist Les Paul. These days, emerging and established artists are a pinnacle of Keystone Korner Nights, hosted by San Francisco's Todd Barkan. He brings in top-tier performers like Ginger Baker, Mitch Winehouse, Jimmy Cobb and Ulysses Owens to play for in-the-know crowds of friendly fans. On the flip side, a night at the Iridium is an expensive endeavor. Cover charges can reach $40, and that's not taking into account the $15 per person food and drink minimum. But, so long as you plan to make a night of it, Iridium is still worth its weight in gold records.

Straight out of Central Casting, this intimate Upper West Side club has tiny tables, candlelit banquettes, and a moody atmosphere. Reservations are 100% necessary, as big-name performers belie the small space; the likes of pianist Bill Charlap and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. All performers have the star power that lights up the stage. The kitchen is helmed by executive chef Patricia Williams and gives this jazz joint a leg up on the competition. With house favorites like buttermilk-battered fried chicken, grilled Brussels sprouts with piquillo pepper sauce, and dark-and-stormy-soaked short ribs, hungry patrons will have no problem meeting the food/drink minimum, which varies by performance but can reach $20/person.

Named after the celebrated "king of the blues" B.B. King Blues Club opened in 2000 (and yes, B.B. did perform here). Ideally situated in bustling Times Square, this space hosts musical talent from blues, jazz, and hip-hop to funk, blue grass and even heavy metal. Some of the legends that have graced the stage are Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Alicia Keys, The Allman Brothers, Gipsy Kings, ZZ Top, and Jay Z. There is clear viewing access to the performance while guests are enjoying food and drinks or dancing. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. The dim lighting sets the mood for a night out listening to moody music. You can catch some light with the cursive "B.B. King" lit up above the long bar. Lucille's Grill is a bar located within the B.B. King Blue's Club and was named after the late B.B.'s beloved guitar.

Want to grab dinner in a buzzy basement boite? Take in incredible views of Central Park at night? Or hear live performances hand-picked by one of the greatest jazz trumpeters alive today? Look no further. Jazz at Lincoln Center is your one-stop shop for all things swank, sleek and swingin'. The venue includes the glamorous Allen Room, a windowed space overlooking Central Park and modeled after a Greek amphitheater, as well as the 1200-seat Rose Theater, which sits five stories above Columbus Circle. Both host events and artists selected by artistic director Wynton Marsalis, such as the prestigious John Coltrane Festival. Wash it all down with a tipple or two at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, the hip subterranean restaurant with a Southern-style menu.

Locals love it. Travelers seek it out. Musicians of all ages long to play its illustrious stage. Referred to as the Carnegie Hall of Jazz, the Village Vanguard has served as an industry institution for nearly 80 years, hosting such luminaries as Thelonius Monk, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Want to hear history in the making? Arrive at its brightly illuminated entrance on 7th Avenue South, and then head downstairs to the charmingly low-lit space. The intimate table arrangements are filled with knowledgeable patrons, industry insiders and the occasional casual listener with a taste for bass and brass. Grab a cocktail, turn off your phone (please), and get ready for a night of pure, moody magic.

This tiny venue is a standout name in big-name jazz. Many of the greats have graced the stage of Blue Note at some point in their illustrious careers â€" from B.B. King and Roberta Flack to Manhattan Transfer and Spyro Gyra. Hazy blue light colors the air, allowing for a romantic and transformative musical experience. The tickets for the top-name performers do run steep at this Greenwich Village landmark, but is that surprising? Dinner is served nightly before the show, making this an impressive place to take a client or a date. Nosh on a cheese plate and wine while you get delightfully cozy.

What is it about jazz clubs and basement bars that fits so well together? This stylish spot, situated in a subterranean space on a side street in the Flatiron district of Manhattan, hosts classic jazz acts as well as blues, R&B and funk outfits. Some recent boldfaced names filling seats in the speakeasy-style space include Bill Frisell and Jimmy Cobb, and Mingus Big Band, a 10-piece act, has a residency on-site. Cover charges vary based on nightly act, and can fall anywhere between $20 and $40. Fortunately, though, there is no drink minimum, so budget-conscious music fans can just sit back and enjoy the show.