I would recommend this cozy intimate venue The staff was amazing and friendly and knowledgeable. Although the place is small,it's like your in someone's living room and they are giving you a private show. I also like the fact that its BYOBB . So you are not being overcharged for drinks. My wife and I went to the early show which worked out well for us. Parking was on the street which was a little challenging but we managed to find parking but do give yourself extra time for that. Bills place has an array of excellent experienced musicians and I would recommend it. read more

Jazz , bring your own food and beverage, tiny basement speakeasy , with a quintet, reservations required, in the heart of Harlem , a great experience, if you love jazz , a limited place, for seating, come early... cups and corkscrew provided . read more

Bill's Place - Mister Ghee on Saxaphone - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

History in motion, this place is recognized as the spot where Billie Holiday was discovered. Bill was not there the evening we went and the show started almost 30 minutes late. The quartet did well together as it was clear they were 4 separate musicians. Ice would be marvelous. But this is a no frills or amenities joint. The metal chairs in the back are very uncomfortable. Definitely a great place to hear jazz. read more

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Amazing jazz club! The outside is very unassuming but the inside is cozy and the bathroom was very nice. Musicians are so talented. BYOB but they do have water and soft drinks. read more

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Bill's Place is a staple in the Harlem community and I'm so glad I was able to check it out! I came on a Friday and was able to snag 2 last-minute tickets to the 7pm show. Bill's Place is a (very!) tiny jazz venue in the west Harlem area. Bill Saxton is the primary performing artist and he is joined each night by The Harlem All-Stars. If you're looking for a unique evening experience, I recommend giving Bill's Place a shot! Some honest thoughts- Bill is a legend and it's a privilege to see him perform. With that said, he is an older man so please don't expect a particularly lively or energetic performance. Also Bill's Place is smallllll- please arrive early to ensure you get good seats. There's some side seating that has a limited view of Bill but the venue does provide live video so you don't miss any action. Lastly, despite being labeled a speakeasy there are really no refreshments and certainly no alcohol being served here. Come fed ahead of time and be ready to enjoy a really great show! read more

Came here to randomly and so thankful I did. This place is has been around for 27 years. It's located in Harlem and has that old timey feel and ran by two lovely people. They have a bar with soft drinks and wine. The vibe is warmth and romantic. I would recommend coming early to get a seat in the main area. If not you will have to watch the experience on a tv. If you like Jazz and history this place is definitely worth the visit. read more

Bill's Place - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

BYOB! Its a small & quaint venue. The vibe and musicians were great! Another visit on the horizon.

Had a phenomenal time here. Highly recommend. Took my parents to the studio museum then here. Got there early with some wine and sat in the front. read more

Came here on a Friday night for a 7pm show. The place is small so get there early if you want good seats! It is very intimate and up close. It is BYOB and food so all they have for sale is water, sodas and mineral water. The music was fantastic. In my opinion, one of the best live music experience I've been too. Come here if you want to listen to some good jazz music. It was beautiful. I would definitely come back! read more

I can't remember how I found Bill's. Maybe a deep dive online. Maybe one of the recent exposes written about him. But I got to reading about all of the jazz greats and jazz club owners we lost during COVID. So I thought I had to get out to Bill's to party. This little unassuming spot was a literal speakeasy. While it is now bring your own booze and only sells soft drinks and water, it's still hidden like a speakeasy. Simple to use google maps to get to the address, but we weren't sure which door to try (hint, it's the giant red one near the entrance). Billie Holiday was discovered here. This spot is small. Shotgun style. The first show is at 7. They say get there at 6:30 to get a seat, and that's probably fine, but we got there are 6:15 so we could have a seat front and center. The chairs are packed and cobbled together, some old wooden chairs, some old vinyl covered chairs, some high top chairs, a table here, a table there. Reminds me of the seats at preservation hall in New Orleans--not terribly comfortable, but they get the job done. Bill and the band were great. They played a few fast paced jazz tunes and a couple slower ones. Bill sang a couple of fun blues songs. The show lasted about an hour, maybe a little longer. At the end Bill spoke with us a while, told us the history of the place, made some jokes. He's a great guy. Tickets sold on their website. 30 bucks a ticket. As previously noted, no food or booze sold on site, but you're welcome to bring your own, while they sell water and soft drinks. They have ice and cups available. Everyone was so nice--the emcee and the woman at the door were awesome. Totally worth it. See all the jazz legends of Harlem while they are still here. They don't make 'em like Bill anymore. read more

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Had this place on the to do list for awhile and when another event fell through, made reservations for this. Central Harlem location and definitely and old establishment. It seems to have been an older apartment, that they've modifed to a music venue with the main stage area and seating directly in front, then a back seating area with highchairs and tables. We got there early to get a good seat and I'm glad we did. The seating area in the back could be a bit tight and hard to see the musicians but the seats right up front were perfect! They had a coat check/hanging area so in the winter, no worries about lugging that around. I was impressed with the level of the musicians and the length of the show. It's loud in there so if you are not good with small spaces and loud noises, this may not be the place for you. They have an outdoor area and mentioned they are 420 friendly...so in warmer months may be worth the time to check that out. They also had water for sale, which was great as we forgot to bring some with us. read more

Bill's Place - From my seat...up close and personal - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

I've wanted to go to Bill's Place for quite some time now, and just got the chance to go with a friend of mine. The ambiance was comfy, it literally felt as if your friends who were professional musicians were practicing in their mom's basement! They do allow outside food and drinks but also have some sodas and glasses for $2 if you are interested. I would recommend getting there right when the doors open to get the best seat! Definitely a must do in Harlem. read more

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Really enjoyed the evening and highly recommend it. The staff couldn't be more helpful and welcoming, even suggesting places in the neighborhood to eat before the show. Definitely arrive early so you can get a good seat. First come first served. The place is small and intimate. Music terrific. It's a nice reminder of a time and place when little jazz clubs like these used to be more common. read more

Such a vibe, great music and intimate small room. I love bill I love bill and friends

I heard of Bill's Place before the lockdown and put it on my list of places to go. I finally went this evening and had a wonderful time! Great, live music in NYC for $30...can't beat it! I definately plan to return soon. read more

This is a one of those "only in New York" experiences that I can't recommend highly enough. I'd wanted to come here for a long time, but only made it here last week. We came with a reservation, which was easily made via the club's website. Though they told us beforehand that doors would open at 7:45pm for the 8pm show, we got there at 7:25pm and were let in. We paid our entrance fees in cash as soon as we arrived, and were directed to sit where we liked. Since we were the first ones there, we scored seats right in front of the band. Bill and the band came in just after 8, introduced themselves, and then started the show. There were probably 20 or less people in the audience, making it for a delightfully intimate show. The club is also BYO, which I really liked, as there are so little BYO places that don't charge a fee in NY. After about an hour, the band concluded the show. Bill ended the show with a short explanation of the historic area we were in in Harlem, which used to be known as 'Swing Street'. Bill and the other host greeted everyone personally and thanked us for coming in after the performance. Overall, this was one of the best New York experiences I've had in a long time, and look forward to returning. read more

Bill's Place - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

Beautiful music, great people, and Bill tells great stories. Must visit if you're in town read more

Bill's Place - Bill Saxon - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

The price has gone up from $20 to $30/seat but it's still worth to price of admission for either the 8 or 10 o'clock seating on a Friday or Saturday night. Be the first in line and grab one of the 10 or so chairs just inches away from Bill leading the way on Sax, with a terrific bass, piano and drum player. Prepare to blast off with an explosion of live jazz within seconds of the quartet taking the stage. Feel free to bring your own libations to enjoy the ride in this historic Harlem Brownstone bottom floor. read more

Bill's Place - Inches from the Stage - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

Bill's Place is a true gem and makes a wonderful evening outing for visitors and NYC locals alike! I had the fortune of stumbling upon Bill's Place while researching the Harlem Jazz scene, and I'm so grateful I did! Finding a special place like this is exactly why the internet is the greatest thing ever - honestly. Jazz enthusiasts from around the world have found themselves in the tiny basement of a former Harlem speakeasy to witness the passionate, soulful, joyful magic of Bill Saxton and his house band. It will be the best $20 you ever spend in NYC! Make reservations online, head over with some cash, and enjoy the show! read more

Bill's Place - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

We went to an early show. Harlem history. Where Billie Holiday was discovered. An original speakeasy. read more

Bill's Place - Bill and the band - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

Jazz lover's do not miss out! This is definitely a nice cozy jazz experience. It's wonderful for any occasion, not just a date. I made rsvp long ago because the weekends go quick. It's $20.00 per person. Cash. I'm not sure whether one can pay online. I honestly don't think so. Anywho its BYOB and snacks. We got lucky on the seating as we got to sit up front. The band is literally right there. They play for a while, definitely not a quick session. I didn't feel like Bill Saxton was rushing it. They had a guest female singer, which I personally loved. The overall experience was fantastic UNTIL Bill starting advertising his wife's book and brazenly started pointing out the tip jar. SMH. read more

Bill's Place - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

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Simply amazing. Line up right before doors open to get a good spot, but it's so cozy, they're all good spots! Awesome jazz with an amazing band leader in a historic building (Billie Holiday was discovered here). Highly re read more

I'm so happy the Internet brought me this place. I'm not from NY so I was looking for somewhere to take my date for live jazz that was affordable and chill. This was perfect. Bill's isn't fancy, it's cozy. Don't go there thinking you'll be served or waited on. Go for the music and the history of the establishment. Main thing, reviews tell you BYOB and the website says dry establishment so I'm here to bridge the gap for you. They ARE a dry establishment and they will not tell you it's BYOB on the site however, they just allow you to bring what you want. So bring some wine bring some snacks bring a picnic. Just clean up after yourself and be a good audience. It was the perfect date nite idea. read more

Bill's Place - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

What a treat! We were looking for an alternative to Village Vanguard or Dizzy's and we found it in Bill's Place. A small and very intimate former Speakeasy made for a great jazz experience. Bill Saxton leads his very fine quartet comprised of some very talented young musicians. Bill sax playing is strong, versatile and rooted in bebop. Heard some great music, heard some history, got to hear him sing which was fun, and watched him support a young sax player who he invited up to play with him. Thanks Bill !! read more

Date night!!! This is one of our favorite places to escape into another time period. We were in the mood for jazz once again. What better to do on a fall Friday night at 10pm, and so we went to visit our favorite Jazz speakeasy in Harlem. The legendary Bills Place in Harlem is a place for intimate jazz that is up close and personal. You will never be disappointed, and a true music loving New Yorker should experience Bills Place, at once in their lifetime. This was the original location where Billie Holiday was discovered. You will sit and listen to live Jazz at a historical site, umm why would you not want to partake in that. Tips, log on to the website, book your tickets in advance. BYOB and some nice chocolates to enjoy during the show. Super intimate seating, arrive early so that you can select your preferred seat. Be ready to enjoy live great jazz. You will have an amazing time. read more

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Terrific night of jazz in a ground floor apartment in Harlem. Great performance with surprise special guest Camille. The regulars are excellent. It's BYO. Get there at least 15 mins early for a good seat. A few people were there even earlier. It's a tiny place & totally ok to wear masks if you want to. Bill puts on a good show. He's quite a character - funny & entertaining. It's cash only & take more $ than the ticket price because there will be a book for sale about the place for $25 & he'll also ask for tips. They don't do Venmo. The late show went for well over 2 hrs (not sure that was normal I think it's meant to be 90 mins?). It's such a small place that walking out (or even going to the bathroom) during the show is not really an option - although you can if you need to and some people did. read more

My first visit to Bill's Place did not disappoint. The atmosphere is simple and cozy, leaving room for the musical notes to fill the soul and every inch of the room. Everyone should find a way to support this great local owned venue with an amazing history. read more

Bill's Place - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

Absolutely brilliant. What a vibe. Excellent musicians in a charming and intimate setting. Couldn't recommend any more.

My husband and I love this place so much. It's our second time at Bills Place and we will definitely visit again on our next trip to New York! read more

Bill's Place - Saturday night jazz - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

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It was an amazing night. Being that close to incredible musicians is a privilege! I highly recommend this show.

Such a unique and true jazz experience! Staff is very friendly and accommodating, you will speak to Joe at the front door, who helped to make my boyfriends bday extra special by playing him a happy birthday song mid way through the show! It was a very special and memorable experience and would definitely recommend for an intimate experience or with a small group. Make sure you get there early to get a good seat since space is limited. BYOB read more

Visiting Bill's is like stepping into a time capsule back to the years of prohibition. It was 1920 when this tiny, intimate venue was established, right on 133rd Street in Harlem, which was called Swing Street due to the abundance of speakeasy's in that particular street. Bill Saxton took over the place more than 10 years ago and keeps up with the tradition. Friday's and Saturday's only you'll be his guest in this cozy ground floor venue, and when I say "venue", I practically mean a long stretched room not larger than a normal living room in NYC. It hosts about 20-25 people, the jazz band, and Bill on the saxophone. They play two sets an evening, starting at 8pm and 10pm. It's recommend you reserve a seat before getting there. Cover is $20 pp, and it's BYOB. A unique, intimate, and great live jazz experience in Harlem. Highly recommended! read more

Bill's Place - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

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Bill's Place is as unique of a New York experience as you can get... Styled after the speakeasies and jazz joints of 1920s and '30s Harlem. Jazz in an intimate brownstone setting, which happens to be Bill's home. Even bettter than the cool atmosphere and awesome music is the BYOB policy. So stock up on 40's and make your way to Harlem (reservation required, Friday nights only) Bill is a harlem native and legendary saxophonist "Bill's Place" located at 148 West 133rd Street, between Lenox and Seventh Avenues. The Bill Saxton Quartet performs two sets every Friday night at 10PM and 12AM. Admission is $15. Between sets, mingle with Bill, his band, and jazz lovers from in and out of NYC. You never know who might walk under the new "Bill's Place" bright red awning Bill's Place is located on the main floor of a renovated four-story brownstone. Look for the red awning and blue lights! Bill opens his Harlem Brownstone to those lucky enough to secure a reservation, every Friday night. Bill is a living legend with a place in Harlem history. More Reviews: http://www.ny1.com/Default.aspx?SecID=1000&ArID=63466 BigAppleJazz.com read more

Bill's Place - Bill's Place - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

The musicians are absolutely amazing! It was a quintessential jazz performance. Every piece of music was absolutely captivating, even for someone like me without a lot of passion for music. In addition, This unassuming music venue has so much history; it was where Billie Holiday used to sing and the last remaining Harlem speakeasy underground club. Anyone who wants to experience Harlem should pay a visit. read more

Bill's Place - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

We had a great time at bill's last week! Bill Saxton and his musicians are great hosts. Some really big jazz names played here back in the day and Bill shares some of these stories throughout the set. $20 gets you in and it's worth it. Plus BYOB makes for a very reasonable night out! They have ice, cups ($1 buck a pop) and bottle openers. There is a warm homey feel about this place. it really feels like you're in someone's living room. Btw, it's a cozy space. If you are uncomfortable with a sax --or possibly a trumpet...(that was the best!)--in your face, don't sit in the front row of chairs and wear a scowl. Ask for a table on the back. That's just a buzzkill. I love this joint! read more

Bill's Place - May 10, 2014 - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

I've never been to a jazz spot in Harlem despite living in NYC for several years now, and I'm glad I came to Bill's. The intimacy, amazing music, BYOB policy, and history of this place make it a real treat. It's fun to come here with a small group of friends and sit back for a great show. I was impressed how they almost didn't stop at all for almost 1.5 hrs of the show. It was well worth the $20 just be sure to get their on time to get good seats. Tips: no bodega in the area have alcohol, though there is a liquor store around the corner for wine. If you want beer go to the supermarket at the end of the block, though it won't be chilled. read more

Bill's Place - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

Definitely recommend this place! Small audience, close to the musicians, great music.

This is one of those "only in New York" type of experiences that makes it awesome to live here. If you're a fan of jazz and haven't been to Bill's Place yet, clear your schedule and make sure you're free on a Friday or Saturday night immediately. Bring a bottle (or two) of wine, and look out for a former speakeasy-turned-underground jazz venue on a sleepy residential block at 133rd street. This is where you'll find what's essentially a weekly jazz show housed inside an apartment building with a handful of seats and not much else. It's $20/pop and well worth it. Getting reservations ahead of time is highly encouraged, and it's cash only once you arrive. read more

Don't miss the jazz music at Bills! Unique intimate venue, where you are practically sitting on the stage with the musicians. The majority of the seats are less than 10 feet from the stage. Plus since you are allowed to bring your own drinks/food, you won't pay an arm and a leg for drinks, be sure to bring your favorite libations. read more

The best Jazz show I have seen. The sense of community and heart into the music is unbeatable. Bring drinks and prepare for one of the best times. Ask for the history lesson afterwards, you won't regret it!!! read more