Wifey and I went with my cousin and his wife. He only told us, "Hey guys, we're going to a jazz club." Unbeknownst to me it was THE jazz club. The longest operating jazz club in NYC and arguably the most famous in the world. It's everything one could want: dark, ethereal, romantic, cramped, and intimate. The band was the Christian McBride trio. I was truly awestruck by their musicianship, intensity, and virtuosity. For me, it was musically a life changing experience never to be forgotten. Next time we visit NYC, this is a must. read more

Oh my gosh, what a great jazz music spot! There is so much history in these walls. All the greats have played here and still play here. It is a small venue with very tight seating, but not a big issue unless you are a need space person then please avoid this venue. Your ticket does not guarantee a seating location, your place in line is how you get seated. If you want to sweated on by the band, be first in line. They also don't like you using phones during the concert and neither do your crowded neighbors. There is a drink minimum with your ticket, a bottle wine is worth 4 drinkers, and once the music starts service is limited, thankfully, so you can enjoy the music. Totally worth going if you love small venue jazz! read more

Village Vanguard - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

Jazz club legend in the Village. Tight seating and no view of stage from many seats, especially in back left side. Had advance tickets/reservations but not assigned seating . Arrive early or else!! (Bar seats are good) read more

Village Vanguard - View from bar - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

The Village Vanguard is a landmark jazz venue encapsulating many famous jazz musician's careers from the 1940s to the present. Best known for the legendary performances and recordings of Jazz icons such as, Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Sonny Rollins to name a few. Established in 1935, the basement level triangular shaped tiny room remains the same today. People from all over the world still line up for the many gifted artists performing nightly. It's a tight squeeze once you're inside, but a good place for jazz enthusiasts and being historic landmark venue. We were there to see the multi-talented Renee Rosnes Artemis Quintet. Well worth it! **$40.00 cover, plus one drink minimum charge. No food or snacks are served, "not even a peanut!" "No outside food allowed" so eat before you go. **Sets are 8:00pm, 10:00pm. Doors are open at 7:00pm** ** First come, first served - no reservations** Thank you! read more

See all

Super cool jazz club. Vibes were ok compared to others I've been to and just felt musty. Musician were super talented but I didn't find the concert to be particularly energetic until the very last set. read more

Village Vanguard - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

We had tickets to the 10 PM Monday show and were able to get inside around 9:30-9:45. You are required to buy one drink per ticket. Overall, the show was enjoyable but very crammed inside. For true lovers of jazz, this is a great place to come. If you are looking for a less formal/sociable atmosphere, this may not be the place to come. The musicians were phenomenal and we are glad we came but I likely wouldn't go back. read more

Village Vanguard - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

See all

The Vanguard is a venerable jazz institution that's been open for 90 years. A tiny basement triangle with intimate seating and an exciting bathroom situation. They consistently book the world's best jazz talent, two sets a night, $40 a ticket (plus one drink minimum per guest). It's an experience to take in a show here: diehard aficionados queue up well in advance to score seats near the front. As last night's late show drew to a close, the older woman seated near me began anxiously comparing rates for her Uber back to the Upper East Side. Service was good, drinks were unremarkable. You had better like jazz a lot or be extremely open-minded and patient to enjoy this! read more

Awful experience. We paid $40 per person for advanced tickets and turned up 15 minutes early. We were seated at the very back of the room, could not see the stage at all, and we were facing the wrong way so it was incredibly uncomfortable to even face towards the music. On top of that, the bar is super loud with cocktails and ice being thrown around and the buzz of order tickets coming through the machine. I don't expect to have front row seats, but I do expect to be able to see and hear the music if I've booked tickets weeks in advance. Rather than overselling the show and fitting as many people in as possible, why not focus on providing a positive experience to those who've booked in advance? The seats at the very back with no stage view could be sold cheaper to walk-ins (whilst being upfront about the fact that you can't see anything I guess). read more

If you love jazz, I'd recommend going somewhere else. This was not what I expected at all. After purchasing a ticket, you're also required to order at least one drink per person. We tried an Old Fashioned, and it was basically all cherry juice--$16 plus an extra $2 for a bourbon upgrade, which wasn't worth it. For the second drink, we just got a soda. It was my first time at a jazz club, and I was surprised that no one was really engaging with the music. The performer kept switching between instruments but wasn't particularly impressive. In the end, we just paid our bill and left. I've heard better jazz musicians at local bars. read more

I was here in May 2025, although the music and ambiance was great I felt discriminated. At first I didn't realize it, but halfway through the show I noticed the only 4 Asian people that were there had the worst seats/table(including my wife and I). There were only 2 table in the venue that had two seats facing away from the stage(we had to break our necks to turn backwards to see the stage). It was not a coincidence, because my wife and I did not know the other two Asian couple and we were not next to each other in line. They purposely sat us next to each other at those two specific tables. I don't like leaving bad reviews, but I know what I saw. read more

I write as a public service. People may wonder about lining up for a good seat. I will try to do this for other venues I frequent. My friend I listen to jazz with is determined to get good seats. He is, more than I am, willing to line up early (I never have enough conversation to fill the time standing around, and it sometimes is too hot or too cold). We have been to Village Vanguard many times. Here is a description of last night. We heard Fred Hirsch and his trio. They were fantastic. We had the best seats in the house. We were directly under front of the stage, the two top dead center. I could put my foot on the stage, which I did and then my friend scolded me for intruding into the performers' sacrosanct space. There also are excellent seats on the banquette along the far side. We have been there more than once. After dinner nearby, we arrived approximately 6:30. Doors customarily open 7:30. Show was scheduled for 8:00. There was already a guy in line. That first customer said he'd been there since 5. A group of four was there too, but not lined up properly -- they discourage folks from blocking the sidewalk. So the guy got us to all arrange ourselves in a proper queue. My friend and I thus were the third party. I believe if you were to experiment, showing up 6:30 would ensure you were if not first then close to the front. You would have your pick of tables. The sightlines and acoustics here are good all around. But I enjoyed the evening all that much more being right there. You could be no closer without getting up onto the stage. I will add it filled up. So others had the same idea. By the time the doors opened, a lengthy, steady stream was ready to come in. read more

See all

Village Vanguard unfortunately did not live up to its hype for me. Without mentioning the name of the act, it was quite lackluster. Maybe I've been spoiled as Ronnie Scott's in London is my favorite jazz spot, but it was quite underwhelming. On top of that, the drinks were very lackluster. It honestly tasted like rubbing alcohol and I couldn't finish it. All in all, I'll be checking out other jazz clubs in NYC. read more

Village Vanguard - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

Simply one of the greatest places on earth. Been here at least 20 times over the last 30 years and wish I could go even more often. The history reverberating off the walls, the reverence the musicians have for the space, the staff's understanding that music is the most important part of the experience, and the eerily perfect acoustics of the Vanguard make it New York's best Jazz club. Plenty of other places to get better drinks and chit chat or capture content or whatever. The Vanguard is for witnessing live music played by brilliant artists and nobody does it better. read more

This was a very interesting jazz club. I've never been to one that doesn't serve food. They only serve drinks. The ambiance is very cozy. It's a smaller, intimate venue. The band the perform when I went was definitely something I've never heard before. The venue was really cute w old pictures of who performed all over it. The service was okay. Our waiter came in the beginning and then I didn't see them again. I think it was a cool place to go :) read more

Village Vanguard - Inside - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

You always remember your firsts in anything you do... well last night was my FIRST time visiting the Village Vanguard. But FIRST a little history.. founded in 1935 by Max Gordon, he truly paved the way for jazz greats.. We are talking about Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Thelonius Monk, Horace Silver and many more. This very intimate, 132 tables, club is a West Village landmark. It is the stalwart of Seventh Avenue South. Thus last night, a friend and I decided to hear Bill Charlap and Trio for my inauguration. Entering by way of small staircase, you can feel the history. Portraits of the jazz greats decorate the famous walls. We were checked in promptly and escorted to our tiny table, but great view, near the stage. The venue was packed with jazz enthusiasts. VV does not serve food and there is a one drink minimum. Cocktails start at $16, there is a nice wine list and aperitifs. I wanted the Aperol Soritz and was told drink was sold out.. I then asked for a French Martini but was told they only make regular Martinus...thus I ordered a Margarita which was delicious. The VV is also known for it's acoustics and now I know why.. listening to Bill Charlap's piano playing, was as clear as a bell. Spot on! Every instrument sounded just perfect! This was a great night filled with jazz enthusiasts like myself, really into the music. If you love jazz and prefer an intimate setting then Village Vanguard is a must! This was my FIRST visit but certainly not my LAST! Very impressed! read more

See all

It's the effing Vanguard people! Panning this place because they don't allow photos or recording during sets (you were warned), or you didn't like your waitperson, or your drink wasn't stiff enough to suit, or it cost more than it would have back in Peoria, is like giving the Louvre a bad review because the coat check staff failed to smile for you or you didn't like the toilet paper. Sheesh. Naff Piltdowners the lot of you. P.S. Very eager to check out what is apparently a far superior jazz scene in Oakland Park, Florida. ROFL. read more

"Historic place for a classic NYC jazz night out" This place isn't for food or drink. Go here for the real deal jazz. Not elevator Kenny G, modern jazz crap, but the real deal. Some of the best have played here and many more are now and will. Food - no idea ambience - cool small nyc bar. Casual Drinks Get something with a bite read more

Jazz was amazing. Not really coming here for the food, or drink and the ambiance is nice but also very tight.

I loved the performances here. I will say they cramp as many people as possible in here. Seems like almost too many people but that's New York for you. It is definitely old and has a lot of history. The drinks were very strong and tasted horrible but I will say the performance of Kenny Barron made up for it. read more

See all

Absolutely a great place to enjoy some really great music. Great atmosphere and the staff was amazing!

Shocked by the waitress Olivia who at the end of the night DEMANDED a tip from me and called me rude for pointing out her unwelcoming and robotic service. I had a great night with the Vanguard jazz orchestra but that thing at the end definitely spoiled it. What a high level service for such a legendary place. read more

We didn't have to wait to be seated and people were very quiet and respectful during the performance. Although some of the seating had poor views due to large pillars. read more

Brought a date to a saturday evening show...purchased pricey tickets. Another couple came in during the show, late, and they forced them in next to us. Rather than letting the lady sit in a chair, they made her get up, took her chair away, and squeezed them in the booth next to us. I was literally sitting on top of the other patrons, it was very cramped. Shoulder to shoulder and leg to leg, very uncomfortable! To make matters worse, every time I tried stretching my legs out, the server stepped on my feet. She stepped on my feet 6-8 times during a 1 hour show, it's like she was trying to do it on purpose! And she shot me dirty looks every time, while I was just trying to enjoy the show. Cramped, the wait staff literally walks all over you, and overpriced for an extremely short show - didn't even last an hour, even though the next show wasn't scheduled for another 2 hours. Felt like being on the nyc subway, ridiculous. Spend your dollars elsewhere. read more

I've been a jazz fan for thirty years so on my first trip to NYC, you just know I had to visit the Village Vanguard to see where all those wonderful live albums (Bill Evans, the Monk, lots of others) were recorded. I picked up tickets online about a month in advance for a quintet performance the week before Christmas and arrived about 20 minutes before the doors opened so I could get a good seat. I was blessed to find I was seated literally right next to the modest stage. Modest is the best way to describe the inside of the Vanguard--everything is tighter and smaller than I ever imagined. This is a good thing! Everything is completely intimate! Even the couples who were a good twenty yards from the stage probably felt intimately seated as well. The quality of the music was quite high. My only "wish" is that somehow they could offer some food before the music got started. . .but nothing nothing nothing about the reason I visited should change. . .long live the Vanguard! read more

Village Vanguard - Amazing music! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Tight quarters but great ambiance in a historic space. The crowd seems to really be there for the music which is also awesome. Came to see Christian McBride and co., they put on a great show. Keep the 1 drink minimum in mind. Drinks did take a little bit to come out (I forgot I ordered one), but my waiter was super friendly and the music more than made up for it. read more

Village Vanguard - Interior, back left - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Is there any other place left on earth where the spirit of the jazz greats who came before them live on so fully and inspire so richly the artists who play on this stage? It's served up some of my biggest, most memorably transcendent live-jazz experiences, and is just as vibrant today as when I first stepped through the doors thirty odd years ago. Bravo. read more

Performance itself is amazing as expected. Although I am a bit disappointed with the service? Seems like they really think highly of themselves and if you don't order a drink within 5 mins of sitting down, the waitress gets very impatient.. Oh well... read more

Love it! Been there 2x to see the House band on Monday nights, once last night, and the other time was years ago. Such a great time!! Still classic and perfect. Highly recommend to any jazz lovers. I could have listened all night. read more

See all

Great venue for just chill-maxing with friends and having a sip of whisky on the rocks - chased it down with some specialty cocktails. The service is on par and it was an enjoyable evening. read more

See all

To be in the same air as the greats is an opportunity I couldn't pass up. Plus: the drinks are SKRONG. Small room, intimate, nothing to annoy you except the assholes at a table close to you who are talking through the entire gotdamned set. GO HOME AND DO THAT, CHUCKLES. SHE STILL AINT SLEEPING WITH YOU. read more

We went to see a show here and it was next level, one of the oldest jazz venues in NYC. Super cute and intimate place to see a show - we loved it! read more

Village Vanguard - a bottle of water on a table in a restaurant - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New York, New York

See all

I was recently at The Village Vanguard and the place was packed to hear jazz. The downstairs space had about there hundred people in the audience and I was sitting the bar. I presume The Village Vanguard is up to fire code but from where I was sitting there was no visible exit sign. The only discernible exit was marked by yellow arrows on the floor leading up some stairs. God forbid there should ever be a flash fire there! read more

$35 per person plus one drink minimum. Beers are about $8 and my Prosecco was $11. Definitely reserve online and arrive about 30 mins before the show starts. We came on a Wednesday night to see the Javon Jackson Quartet. Excellent 75 min set that started at 830 pm. The space is small so I can see how cozy it would be when packed but it's like any other music or stand up comedian venue - they are all tight for space. This one is in the basement so you enter a small door and within a foot you're heading down the stairs. Sound was great and server was prompt and friendly. Great night in a Greenwich Village institution. This place opened in 1935 and became a jazz lounge in 1957. JAVON JACKSON QUARTET Javon Jackson (saxophone) Jeremy Manasia (piano) David Williams (bass) McClenty Hunter (drums) read more

Wowwwww, to think that we ALMOST didn't make it here because of an idiot tour bus driver who made us late to our dinner. We knew to get here early, but instead, we were the last ones to arrive before they closed the doors...... and yes, we did get the WORST seats in the house and couldn't see a thing...... NOT ONE THING of them playing..... but we heard it all. The sound acoustics were fantastic. Wonderful Kenny Barron Quartet on Christmas night. Great way to spend the holiday. They were all excellent musicians, but I have to say, that drummer blew us away. I'm just sorry we didn't get to watch what he was doing. I have never heard a drummer play with so much intensity, vigor, and mastery. He truly kicked ass. I was mildly annoyed that we were forced to order drinks when we already paid a hefty price to be there... but we had to do it. Seats were packed in like sardines; that was not unexpected but still didn't like it. That was the only good part of having the worst seats in the house... we were set apart from being packed in, and in fact, had a little extra room for not being able to see the stage. As I sat there, just listening, I thought about the fact that a lot of jazz history has been heard in this room. It was really cool to be part of it for one night. read more

See all

I spent a good portion of my childhood here. It was remarkable. I would urge any jazz lover to experience it.

Finally visited a legendary spot. Good drinks and so-friendly waitstaffs. Good vibes all around. The session could've been a bit longer, guess the band was tired doing the 2nd skit. read more

No photos allowed as to keep the intimate and sacred experience. Get tickets in advance and arrive early to get a good table. You will be in a tight space and you will be sharing a table with others, but you'll get the better angle if you get there early. I was entertained and enjoyed my time here. The 10pm show was perfect as to have dinner beforehand and with the option to go out after if so inclined. read more

Oh how lucky do I feel, having the opportunity to experience a great jazz performance at this storied venue! What an intimate, unique place to watch a concert. The seating is maybe a bit awkward, and the sightlines may be a little restricted, but in a way, it makes you appreciate the music more. It makes you focus on what you might not normally focus on. The show we were at, Jon Batiste, was pure magic. The crows was engaged, and the music was electric. The rumbling of the subway below during the quiet parts of the show just added to the wonderful vibe. read more

See all

Be aware of the table under the dripping water from the supposed pizza shop above. We were seated at a table that had water on the chair upon arrival. The waiter immediately wiped the chair down but did not inspect as to the possibility of where the water came from. Once we sat down, we noticed the back of the chair was wet as well, and needed to be wiped down. They wiped the back down and we started to enjoy our evening at the Vanguard. Once the show started, we started feeling drips of water on our shoulders with a soaked sleeve of a draped jacket on the back of the chair. We let our waitress know, she told one of the managers who took a towel and tape to attempt to block the dripping water. We were offered two available seats but that would mean getting up in the dark during the set to move. When we talked to one of the managers after the first set, he indicated that he didn't know about the leak but had no hesitation in telling us where the leak originated from. We were not offered anything for this undesirable experience aside from moving in the dark (which can be dangerous in this setting). This is a one and done experience for us. The music was lovely, but it's not worth the experience and the $40 plus one drink minimum we endured. The manager attempted to be remorseful but was not sincere. This is disappointing for such an iconic jazz club. read more

Great place to watch live jazz music in New York. Cocktail and bar service. Small room which is conducive to great sound. Historic venue where you can see the old legends and see new ones being born. read more