 New York City is the "hub" of the Jazz World. All the greats made their names here, and young up-and-comers flock to the city for the chance to prove themselves. Live concerts by versatile performers from around the world make the experience especially interesting. What's more, jazz venues make a really classy date and provide dinner seatings and all kinds of drinks that helps you jazz the night away.
VENUES:
The Allen Room - Jazz at Lincoln Center AOL - Time Warner Center: 33 W 60th St, 5th Floor, New York; 212-258-9800
 Based on the design of a Greek amphitheater, The Allen Room merges luxuriant splendor with functional accessibility. One glance at the dramatic 50'x90' wall of glass confirms that The Allen Room possesses one of New York City's greatest backdrops-Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. Several mechanical tiers make up the fluid inner structure of the amphitheater, offering a strikingly adaptable layout. The ingenious structure allows for a smooth transformation from supper-club or event mode (four wide tiers) to theater mode (seven incremental levels). For receptions and seated dinners, catering is provided by Great Performances. Jazz Standard 116 East 27th Street, New York; 212-576-2232
 Named "Best Jazz Club" by New York Magazine, Jazz Standard presents an extraordinary lineup of world-class artists, warm hospitality, perfect sound, and comfortable seating -- and earlier sets so you can drop in after work. From classic jazz to funk, R&B, bluegrass, and more, Jazz Standard presents the legendary artists of today and the brightest stars of tomorrow. Plus, Jazz Standard serves Blue Smoke's award-winning barbecue and a great selection of beer, wine and cocktails. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or a budding fan, visit us at Jazz Standard for a fun and memorable evening filled with soulful music and mouthwatering barbecue. Cover Charge: $15-$30.
Blue Note 131 W. 3rd St, New York; 212-475-8592
 Since its inception in 1981, Blue Note has become one of the premier jazz clubs in the world and a cultural institution in Greenwich Village. Owner and founder Danny Bensusan had a vision to create a jazz club in Greenwich Village that would treat deserving artists with respect, while allowing patrons to see the world's finest jazz musicians in a close, comfortable setting. Artists who had stopped playing in jazz clubs decades before, such as Sarah Vaughn, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, and Tito Puente, soon called Blue Note home. $35 for table reservations + minimum, or a $25 cover at the bar. Check out the Sunday Jazz Brunch - Every Sunday @ 12:30 & 2:30pm. Birdland315 West 44th Street (btwn. 8th and 9th) 212-581-3080  The original Birdland opened in 1949 on 106th Street and was named after the legendary Charlie Parker. Birdland completely transports you to another era of cool. You can actually hear the music here and you are not cramped together like sardines.The booking policy is eclectic and smart, with big names gracing the stage. The sound system is in tip-top shape. This makes a really classy date and is an excuse to look so chic. The music here is incredible as alot of great acts come through here. Sit back and relax at your own table and enjoyh great food and drinks. Admission: $20-$50. Iridium 1650 Broadway (& 51st Street), New York; (212) 582-2121
 Guests come to hear straightforward acoustic jazz names, like Pharoah Sanders, McCoy Tyner and Jacky Terrasson. The renovated club, which moved from the Lincoln Center area to north Times Square, books classic icons, young lions and talented comers, while avoiding the contemporary avant-garde. Every Monday night, the legendary Les Paul, father of the solid-body electric guitar and multitrack recording, draws American music aficionados from across the globe. Iridium has a state-of-the-art Meyer Sound system, installed with the assistance of the aforementioned Les Paul. Its upscale menu is accompanied by a staggering 250-bottle wine list. Smoke 2751 Broadway (btw 105th and 106th St), New York; 212-864-6662 Co-owners Paul Stache and Frank Christopher are carrying on a three-decade tradition of jazz at this location formerly known as Augie’s Jazz Bar. The room has seating for just over fifty, which ensures that every listener is close to the action. During Smoke's renovation, the primary focus was on creating an unparalleled room for music...and it shows. The acoustics are some of the best anywhere. Smoke is now a restaurant, too, and is particularly proud of its association with renowned chef Patricia Williams. |