Birdland Jazz Club ★ 4.6
$$$$
MidtownDaily 17:30, 19:00, 20:30, 22:00 sets.
Birdland on West 44th runs jazz, big band and New Orleans sets across a downstairs club and an upstairs theater room. The Birdland Big Band plays.
TipSet covers run $35 to $56 with a $20 food or drink minimum. The 17:30 and 19:00 sets are the easier walk-ins.
Smalls Jazz Club ★ 4.7
$$$$
West VillageDaily 18:00, 19:30, 21:00, 22:30 sets, 23:45 jam.
Smalls in a West 10th Street basement is the no-frills jazz room that runs four sets a night and a 23:45 jam session through to 04:00 most nights of the week.
TipBuy at the door cash, or stream the late-night jam free on SmallsLIVE if you cannot get in. Capacity is tiny so arrive early.
Blue Note ★ 4.5
$$$$
West VillageMon-Fri 20:00, 22:30 sets, Sat-Sun 11:30 brunch, 20:00, 22:30 sets.
Blue Note on West 3rd Street is the West Village jazz room and restaurant that hosts touring headliners across two nightly sets, with a New Orleans Sunday.
Tip20:00 and 22:30 sets nightly. The 22:30 set is the easier reservation; the brunch jam runs Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30.
Mercury Lounge ★ 4.4
$$$$
Lower East SideDaily 18:30 doors, varies by show.
Mercury Lounge on East Houston is the 250-capacity Bowery Presents room where touring indie bands play one of their first New York shows. Two sets most.
TipDoors usually 18:30, openers at 19:00. Bandstand has no bad sight line; arrive early to claim a spot at the rail.
Bowery Ballroom ★ 4.6
$$$$
Lower East SideMon-Wed varies by show, Thu-Sat 19:00 doors, varies, Sun varies by show.
Bowery Ballroom on Delancey is the 575-capacity room with the perfect Manhattan sight line, an upstairs balcony and a downstairs lounge bar that opens.
TipBalcony seats fill first; the floor is general admission. The downstairs Pianos-style lounge runs through the show.
Music Hall of Williamsburg ★ 4.4
$$$$
WilliamsburgMon-Wed varies by show, Thu-Sat 19:00 doors, varies, Sun varies by show.
Music Hall of Williamsburg on North 6th is the 650-capacity Bowery Presents room that took over the former Northsix and books indie, electronic and rock.
TipDoors typically 19:00 with show at 20:00. The mezzanine has a clear sight line; the floor pit fills fast at the rail.