While live music may seem like a thing of the past, the New York City entertainment scene is booming like never before.
There is nothing quite like watching a drummer beat out a rhythm with all the energy they’ve got, a guitar player closing their eyes during a solo, and a jazz trumpeter moving their whole body to hit that high note.
This experience stirs emotions in the audience that watching a DJ cue up another electronic hook just can’t replace.
See Also: The Most Hilarious Comedy Clubs In NYC: From Stand-Up To Cabaret
New Yorkers from all different walks of life are united through one thing: their love of the sound.
In celebration of this, we’ve rounded up the best live music bars in the city, from the long-established classics to the up-and-coming hotspots.
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303 Broome St, Manhattan/Website
Offering a modern, artful space for guests to enjoy live music, flavorful bites, and elegant cocktails, Canary club is the place to be on a Saturday night. Unless you’re Jessica and Dani, who are definitely at Penny Farthing in the ever-so-classy East Village. The elevated neighborhood bar draws on the musical and bohemian spirit of New Orleans, with intimate performances plus late-night dancing and disco parties on the weekends. Ideal for a night out with friends or a romantic date, Canary Club’s rotating selection of Jazz, Funk, Soul, and Instrumental music make for a truly unforgettable evening.
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9 Great Jones St, Manhattan/Website
Nestled on the storied street of Great Jones above sister spot Acme, the Nines converges timeless elegance with irreverent glamour. The 70-seat space is designed for imbibing, dining, and tuning into piano covers of Funk, Soul, and Classic Rock. Adorned with varying hues of burgundy reds, gilded detailing, and dazzling vintage chandeliers, the Nines pay homage to its predecessors in a contemporary way. The result is a space that is as opulent as the ones that inspired it, but with an injection of downtown edge that is unmistakably New York.
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503 Columbus Ave, Manhattan/Website
Since its doors closed at the beginning of the pandemic, the Gatsby-approved venue has revamped entirely, while managing to stick to its 1920s Prohibition-era roots. The innovative space now features a new speakeasy room in the back, which is filled with handsome Financial Analysts (AKA the modern-day, slightly less toxic versions of Tom Buchanan). With its eclectic musical offerings, ranging from acoustic sets to rock and 90s cover bands, Prohibition has quickly resumed its spot as a neighborhood staple.
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147 Bleecker St, Manhattan/Website
Coined as New York City’s oldest rock club, the Bitter End has defined Manhattan’s music scene since its inception. Your friends might be a little bitter when you suggest going to a live music bar instead of Commonground, but trust us, the adrenaline-rushing experience is worth all the hassle. Live music is showcased every night, with a quirky blend of Rock, Blues, Jazz-Funk, Alternative, Hip-Hop, Acapella, Country, and even Spoken Word.
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115 MacDougal St, Manhattan/Website
Famous for being the former hangout of musical legends, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and Allen Ginsberg, Cafe Wha? is the OG live music bar. Rich in entertainment history, Cafe Wha? has managed to stay relevant since 1959. Today, this Greenwich Village staple showcases the city’s best sounds, from Soul, R&B, Funk, Motown, Reggae, Classic, Alternative, Modern Rock, and more. Lexi and Halle may say “Wha?” when you drag them here, but hey, what do they know about good music anyway.
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37 W 26th St, Manhattan/Website
“Established in 2012, the Flatiron Room has been recognized as a world-famous destination for whisky enthusiasts, jazz lovers, foodies, and those seeking expertly crafted cocktails all in a relaxing atmosphere of warmth and comfort.” If this anecdote doesn’t incentivize you to hang out at this city landmark, we don’t know what will. While many other live entertainment bars prioritize music first, and eating and drinking second, the Flatiron Room profoundly appeals to all the senses. The music is intended to enhance your dining and drinking experience, not detract from it.
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9 Doyers St, Manhattan/Website
As you aimlessly explore Chinatown, you’ll stumble upon Apotheke: an off-the-beaten-path hideaway home to some of the best live performances (and drinks!) in town. This eccentric speakeasy combines Jazz music, Mambo, Burlesque shows, and “prescription” style cocktails served by waiters in lab coats. If your latest Hinge prospect suggests coming here on your first date, you should probably delete the apps altogether and start looking at engagement rings.
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158 Ludlow St, Manhattan/Website
An embodiment of Hannah Montana's “Best of Both Worlds,” Pianos offers incredible live indie acts and head-bopping DJ sets. This Lower East Side joint is perfect for a group of people who straddle die-hard hipsters and wild club-goers. With a wide variety of musical performances, including Mantrablu, Cody Vavrik, and Retrograded, Pianos will be sure to please even the toughest of critics.
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62 Loisaida Ave, Manhattan/Website
If you were to look up live music in the dictionary, Nublu Classic would be amongst the first places to come up. This divey, no-frills jazz bar not only showcases some of the best talents in the city, but also has its own record label, Nublu Records. Described as a “necessary outlet to release the music coming out of the club,” Nublu Records echos the talent found within the four walls of this downtown treasure.
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20 7th Ave S, Manhattan
Many come to Little Branch for its intimate vibes and cool cocktails, but we come here for the music. Posited as an “underground den of mixology,” Little Branch has a classy aura that attracts high-brow creatives who are in the know. With live music Sunday through Thursday, this reinvented speakeasy is the perfect excuse to listen to great tunes and get hammered on a weekday.
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22 E 29th St, Manhattan/Website
With the goal of transporting guests back to "that good ol' place," The Seville honors music's past by bringing its legacy into the present. The live music acts are vast and all-encompassing, ranging from the NYC-based band Up All-Nighters to leading Cuban musician Chino Pons. Additionally, they have curated a "Seville Sounds" playlist, allowing patrons to listen to their favorite artists both on the streets and in the comforts of their own homes.
Photography by: Sebastian Ervi
