Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Jazz Lovers in Williamsburg
Top Things to Do in New York City for Jazz Lovers in Williamsburg
1. Williamsburg Music Center
A community-rooted jazz club founded by bassist Gerry Eastman, this intimate room spotlights straight-ahead swing, hard bop, and soulful improv just off the bustle of Bedford Avenue.
✓ Why Go:
It’s Williamsburg’s dedicated jazz shrine—no frills, just serious musicianship and a warm, neighborhood feel where you can sit close to the band.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings, especially Thursday–Saturday after 8:00 pm when lineups skew toward seasoned local players.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring cash for the cover and tip jar, and grab a seat along the wall for the best sightlines to the rhythm section.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the authentic, family-run vibe and the chance to hear top-tier Brooklyn talent up close without Midtown crowds.
2. St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club
A candlelit supper club where nightly jazz and swing spill across a tiled bar and cozy banquettes—perfect for date-night standards and small-ensemble grooves.
✓ Why Go:
Live jazz is the heartbeat here, paired with oysters and classic cocktails—an atmospheric throwback that feels tailor-made for jazz romantics.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
From 8:00 pm onward; weekends book out early and often feature multiple sets.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve ahead and request a table near the stage; arrive a touch early to catch the band’s warm-up set.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the moody lighting, friendly staff, and consistently solid bands that make the night feel special.
3. National Sawdust
A cutting-edge performance space where boundary-pushing jazz collides with experimental and global sounds in a sleek, acoustically tuned room.
✓ Why Go:
For adventurous ears: album release shows, composer residencies, and genre-bending jazz projects that you won’t find in traditional clubs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Prime-time evening performances, typically Thursday–Sunday; check the calendar for avant-jazz and improvisation spotlights.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stand in the mid-room sweet spot for immaculate sound, or book early for the front row to feel every nuance.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Audiences praise the pristine acoustics and visionary programming that expands what jazz can be.
4. Radegast Hall & Biergarten
A sprawling beer hall with a lively bandstand that often hosts hot swing, gypsy jazz, and brass-forward sets under vaulted ceilings.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a festive, social way to hear jazz—grab a stein, share sausages, and let a rhythm section power your evening.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon to early evening on weekends when live bands energize the room.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sit near the grill-side bandstand for the best sound and quick access to the beer list’s seasonal specials.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers appreciate the upbeat vibe and easy-to-enjoy sets that please both jazz diehards and casual listeners.
5. Pete's Candy Store
A slender, vintage railcar-style back room hosts intimate sets across genres, with occasional small-ensemble jazz and improvisation nights.
✓ Why Go:
For the charm: you’re feet from the players, the sound is warm, and the bar up front keeps the scene relaxed and neighborhood-y.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights for quieter listening; weekends for a buzzy crowd and surprise guest sit-ins.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the calendar for jazz-labeled nights and bring small bills for the artist donation jar.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans love the cozy room, friendly bartenders, and the feeling of discovering a tucked-away Williamsburg staple.
6. Baby's All Right
A beloved indie venue whose forward-looking bookings often include nu-jazz, soul, and groove projects bridging jazz with electronic and R&B.
✓ Why Go:
If you like jazz that experiments—think horn-led beats, fusion collectives, and rising Brooklyn ensembles—this stage delivers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early and late shows on the same night are common; earlier sets suit those who want space to listen.
✓ Insider Tip:
Post up near the sound booth for a balanced mix, then refuel with snacks at the counter between sets.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors highlight adventurous programming and a cool, youthful crowd that’s open to boundary-crossing sounds.
7. Music Hall of Williamsburg
A mid-size room with pristine sightlines that occasionally welcomes renowned jazz, fusion, and instrumental acts on tour.
✓ Why Go:
Bigger production and lighting elevate jazz shows here—ideal when name artists or special collaborations roll through Brooklyn.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evening headliners; arrive at doors for a rail spot or consider the balcony for a full-stage view.
✓ Insider Tip:
Balcony front row offers the clearest vantage for horn sections and percussion setups.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests appreciate professional sound, efficient staff, and a polished concert experience without Midtown hassles.
8. Maison Premiere
An oyster-and-absinthe salon steeped in New Orleans romance, where the soundtrack leans classic jazz and the ambiance feels timeless.
✓ Why Go:
For jazz lovers, it’s a culinary detour with musical soul—order oysters, sip a Sazerac, and bask in Crescent City mood.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for a relaxed seat at the horseshoe bar; evenings turn lively and atmospheric.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask the bartenders for jazz-era cocktail recommendations to pair with the playlist’s standards.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners swoon over the transportive vibe and refined service that make a simple cocktail hour feel cinematic.
9. Earwax Records
A long-running neighborhood record shop with deep bins of used vinyl—hunt Blue Note classics, spiritual jazz gems, and modern reissues.
✓ Why Go:
Crate-digging is a perfect Williamsburg ritual, and this spot rewards patient explorers with affordable, well-curated jazz rows.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for elbow room at the new arrivals wall; weekends are busier but lively.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the dollar bins and ask staff for local label recommendations spotlighting Brooklyn jazz players.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Collectors love the fair pricing, friendly guidance, and the thrill of finding a grail after a careful dig.
10. The Williamsburg Hotel
A design-forward hotel whose bars and event spaces periodically feature live sets—keep an eye out for jazz-leaning nights with skyline views.
✓ Why Go:
Pair a sophisticated cocktail with city vistas and occasional live music that nods to jazz, swing, or soul.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings; programming is event-driven, so aim for nights with listed live sets.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the hotel’s events calendar and arrive early to claim a window seat overlooking Wythe Avenue.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests enjoy the stylish setting and treat live-music nights as a chic capstone to a Williamsburg jazz crawl.
