Live Music Restaurants, NYC

Find delicious food, delectable cocktails and a fun, inviting ambiance at these popular live music restaurants in New York City.

You can find some cool jazz in just about any part of Manhattan, while the sounds of Samba music can be heard along 46th street, between 5th and 6th avenue in an area called Little Brazil.
Times Square has more than its' fair share of Latin Dance clubs and piano bars while rock and hip-hop are all over the map in both the Lower East Side and the West Village. If contemporary sounds are more your thing, then take the subway over to the Flatiron neighborhood, where the last word in sophisticated cocktail lounges awaits you.

Session 73 - Upper East Side

Session 73, a stylish venue on Manhattan's Upper East Side, is the perfect place to enjoy happy hour with your friends from the office or a romantic dinner with the one you love.
This is not some tiny, hole in the wall club, where the musicians are practically on top of the audience and the tables are so close together, you can hear your neighbors conversation, even over the music.

Session 73 has three spacious, beautifully appointed rooms, each with its very own personality. With two bars on the premises and a team of expert mixologists, you will never go thirsty here.

The decor is contemporary and sexy, with candles flickering on each of the tables. The main lounge area contains soft, comfortable couches and chairs as well as floor to ceiling windows framed by ornate drapes. Low lighting sets an intimate backdrop for date night. You will be holding hands before you know it, even on a first date.

Monday through Friday, from 5 to 7 PM, you can enjoy select cocktails for only $5 and get half off on beer and wine at the bar.

Salsa Mondays feature $2 tacos as well as margaritas and sangria for the unbelievable price of just $6. The venue hosts live music seven nights a week and there is never, ever a cover charge.
Piano and lounge singing definitely has its place on the New York nightlife scene. But Session 73 offers you so much more than just a singer belting out Billy Joel and Broadway show tunes on the ivories.

Singer-songwriter Lawrence Cooley effortlessly blends catchy, memorable melodies with thought-provoking lyrics as he leaves it all on stage for your listening pleasure. His music will not only tug at your emotions, it will get you up on your feet, singing and dancing!

Other performers who regularly energize the lounge room at Session 73 include The Copyrights, Back Seat Love Affair and Victorya, a group made up of some of the most talented musicians in the Tri-State area. This band performs the latest top 40 hits with their very own, unique spin.

Usually, at most music-oriented restaurants and lounges, food takes a back seat to everything else. That is so not the case here. The kitchen crew at Session 73 knows how to cook. Period!

Opening acts on their menu include a very tasty Quinoa salad with asparagus and roasted red peppers, a savory cavatappi pasta with a delectable four cheese blend and fish tacos with pico de gallo, avocado, cabbage, cilantro and garlic aioli. You'll also love the jalapeno and cheese stuffed pretzel balls.

After you've been warmed up by the appetizer, it's time for the headliners to hit the spotlight.

They've got a variety of burgers on the menu including their signature Session patty that's topped with pickles, lettuce, tomato and 1000 Island dressing. The Bourbon BBQ Bacon Burger is also very good. In fact, it's a carnivore's dream hamburger.

Getty's chicken sandwich with black pepper mayo, an authentic and tangy Carolina pulled pork hoagie and Guinness beer battered fish and chips round out the entree selections.

On draft, the bar has everything from Founders session IPA, Sam Adams and Brooklyn Lager to Yuengling. The wine list here is quite elevated and diverse. But, if you are a fan of well-crafted cocktails, then this is your place!
As elegant to look at as it is delicious, the French 73 consists of cucumber and lemon juice, gin, simple syrup and Champagne.

Want to kick-start your evening? Then order Smoke on the Water, a margarita-style cocktail made with chipotle pineapple tequila, lime juice St. Germain and a splash of fresh pineapple juice. This drink really hits your sweet spot. You'll also want to try the session Sidecar with sour cherry, vanilla bourbon, Cointreau. lemon juice and simple syrup.

There's no doubt about it. All the ingredients for an unforgettable evening are all under one roof; right here at session 73.

Location and Hours

1359 First Avenue
New York, NY 10021
(212) 517-4445
www.session73.com

Hours

Monday to Wednesday 5 PM to 2 AM
Thursday and Friday 11:30 AM to 4 AM
Saturday 12 PM to 4 AM
Sunday 12 PM to 2 AM

Iguana New York - Theater District

"Get on Your Feet", the Broadway musical about Latin pop icon Gloria Estefan may have finished its amazing run, a few months ago, but fear not. You can still dance up a storm to the sounds of everything from bachata and merengue to salsa at Iguana New York, one of the most talked about clubs and restaurants in the Times Square neighborhood.

The rhythm is gonna get you, good and hard, as you dance the night away on Iguana's two spectacular dance floors.
In their down stair's lounge, you can sip premium tequila or mezcal while you listen to a live band or a DJ spinning beats from Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Pit Bull. Upon occasion, you will even be treated to the colorful sounds of a mariachi band, as they make their way around the premises.

The third floor houses the Latin Room, a dance club without peer. Times Square nightlife has never been the same since Iguana opened. This place is a breath of fresh air amidst the usually overpriced tourist traps that pass for hip and happening nightclubs.

When you plan an evening at Iguana, there's no need to make dinner reservations anywhere else.
You can enjoy a truly exquisite dining experience in their second floor traditional hacienda-style dining room. The atmosphere is beyond classy with contemporary artwork decorating the walls. doorways framed with exposed brick and vintage 18th Century lanterns that provide soft, intimate lighting.

Besides spirits and wine, Iguana's bar offers, get this, 28 flavors of Margaritas and Mojitos. You and your party of friends will never run out of delicious options to quench your thirst. And dancing up a storm does have a way of making one very parched, indeed.

Ladies, you can get free admission to their Latin Club all night long. And, guys, all you need is a mere ten bucks to enter and have the time of your life. DJ Vicio has got you covered with music that is designed to get you moving!

Do something a little bit different after work. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, Iguana offers free salsa and bachata lessons from some of the best teachers in town.
So, don't be shy. Step right up and your instructors will teach you to move those hips and feet as if you were born doing the salsa. It's all about attitude and feeling the music. There are no judgments here. Everyone comes to Iguana to party and have fun.

Iguana offers a delicious pre and post-theater prix-fixe dinner menu for only $34.95 a person.
Appetizer choices include their sensational black bean soup, chicken taquitos or a house salad.

Some of their most popular menu items (Pre-Fixe or a la carte) are the stacked enchiladas, the chicken or chili burritos and the outrageously good Tex-Mex fajitas. Served on a piping hot skillet, the fajitas come with Mexican rice, beans and all of the traditional fixings. Choices include chicken, steak, vegetables or shrimp.

Put a little music into your weekend brunch by reserving a table here. Their very reasonably-priced $12.95 brunch includes a glass of champagne or Mimosa with your meal. You can upgrade and add a Screwdriver, Greyhound or a flavored spritzer for just three dollars more.
Brunch entrees are bountiful and tasty, ranging from Huevos Rancheros to a fully-loaded veggie burrito complete with balsamic marinated zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, yellow squash, tomatoes and broccoli.

Dress to impress while you impress your friends by taking them to Iguana, a hot spot that has put the pizzazz back in the word nightclub.

Location and Hours

240 West 54th Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 765-5454
www.iguananyc.com

Hours

Sunday to Wednesday 11 AM to 1 AM
Thursday 11 AM to 2 AM
Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 4 AM

Don't Tell Mama - Theater District

Located on Manhattan's famed Restaurant Row, this charming piano bar and restaurant has been going strong since 1982.

Celebrated for its' singing bartenders and waiters, Don't Tell Mama has seen countless luminaries walk through its doors, such as Rosie O'Donnell, Kathy Griffin, Audra MacDonald, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Kristin Chenoweth, just to name a few.

The establishment takes its name and inspiration from one of the musical numbers in the 1966 Broadway show Cabaret. The musical's heroine, Sally Bowles, knocks the audience's socks off, every night, with a racy rendition of the song "Don't Tell Mama". The setting is the infamous Kit Kat nightclub. And just like the Kit Kat club, Don't Tell Mama is all about flirtatiousness, high spirits and fun.

A total entertainment destination, Don't Tell Mama has a lounge-like piano bar, a spacious restaurant as well as two separate cabaret showrooms.

You never know who you'll see performing on their cabaret stage. Broadway stars have been known to drop by, after their show has finished for the evening, to enjoy a cocktail and a bite to eat. Frequently, these guests will get up on stage or wander over to the house pianist, for an impromptu song or two. Many of them got their start, waiting tables and singing their hearts out within these walls.

There's always a non-stop party going on at Don't Tell Mama. Young, up and coming stars of tomorrow like Elaine Brier, Marcia Castro, Nate Buccieri and Ben Chavez will have your toes tapping in no time. Make no mistake about it. The talented, convivial staff is the heartbeat of Don't Tell Mama.

If you feel like joining in, by all means, do so. They have an open-mic night where audience members are encouraged to show off their vocal chops and sing along with the pros.

But besides some great entertainment, they offer fantastic food and equally compelling cocktails here.

The bartenders can mix just about any drink you want. But you would be well advised to try one of Mama's special cocktails. They are beyond delicious.
A tribute to Barbara Streisand, The Funny Girl is an enthralling blend of peach vodka, orange juice, peach schnapps, sour mix and cranberry juice. The Moscow Mule-Sic man consists of ginger beer, vodka and lime juice.

A generous shot of brandy, Creme de Coco and milk make the Brandy Alexander Hamilton a drink that you won't soon forget. Don't Tell's signature libation is the Sexy Mama. This is a drink that definitely lives up to its name and will lift your spirits. After a long, arduous day of auditions (or emails and meetings); this is the drink that you want. The refreshing ingredients include vodka, peach schnapps, apple pucker, pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine.

The chefs are just about the only staff members who don't sing or dance. However, they are extremely adept at using the kitchen as their stage.

Their feta crumble bruschetta is a veritable symphony of flavors. A perfectly done crostini is covered with clover honey aioli and a chiffonade of cilantro with a balsamic drizzle.
Mini crab cakes crown sourdough bread. Everything is topped with a dusting of Parmesan cheese.

The kitchen turns out quite a few tasty seafood specialties like shrimp scampi, oven roasted halibut and Chilean sea bass with baby artichokes in a lemon, garlic, white wine and herb sauce.
This may not be an Italian restaurant, but they do know how to whip up a delicious bowl of pasta. Tasting is believing when you sample their outrageous wild mushroom and cheese ravioli, roasted eggplant ravioli or a traditional plate of spaghetti and meatballs in a tomato and garlic sauce.

Meat lovers are by no means left out. You will be hard-pressed to choose between the chicken Marsala with Julienne vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes or mama's signature BBQ ribs and homemade cornbread.

Location and Hours

343 West 46th street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 757-0788
www.donttellmamanyc.com

Hours

Sunday to Thursday 4 PM to 2:30 AM
Friday and Saturday 4 PM to 3:30 AM

Club Bonafide - East Side

Located on the third floor of a brownstone on Manhattan's legendary 52nd street, Club Bonafide pays tribute to the glory days of the city's thriving jazz music scene.

From the 1930's through the 50's, 52nd Street was home to a multitude of jazz clubs and bars. Affectionately known as "the street", jazz great Thelonious Monk even wrote a tune " 52nd Street Theme" about the neighborhood he loved.

On any given night you could see jazz superstars such as Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and Marian McPartland perform here. If glitz, glamour, great drinks and even better music was your thing, then 52nd street was THE place to be.
But good things usually don't last forever and New York is a city of change. With a downturn in the economy and rising rents (what else is new?), most of these nightclubs and bars were forced to close or transition into restaurants.

However, thanks to owners Richard Bona and Laurent Dantonio, music is making a big come back on 52nd Street.

Born in Cameroon, Richard is a world-famous musician who has performed with the likes of Harry Belafonte, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Chaka Kahn and John Legend.
An accomplished tunesmith and weaver of stories and melodies, Richard's music draws upon a mix of jazz and pop, as well as his African background.

A huge music buff, Laurent is a successful restaurateur with two celebrated restaurants in Brooklyn. Santos Anne offers locals an intriguing French and Mexican fusion dining experience while Pates et Traditions is a casual Gallic cafe with cuisine from the south of France.

With such a diverse and eclectic ownership, you just know that Club Bonafide has to be something special. The decor blends a traditional vintage jazz nightclub look with a thoroughly modern, hip vibe. The stage is framed by a majestic red curtain. Soft red lighting illuminates the bar area while candles adorn each table. The cozy ambiance is perfect for a date or a night out with friends. There's a touch of class going on here.

The music line-up at Club Bonafide is as diverse and intriguing as is the bar's cocktail list.

Upcoming shows range from The Best of Motown revue and the First Ladies of Jazz and Blues to 3D Rhythm of Life and Keith A. Dames performing with the Danny Mixon Quartet.
Also appearing is Emilie Surtrees performing the songs of Duke Ellington. For something totally different, you will want to catch Club Bonafide's Tribute to French Jazz and Tango, which is a tribute to the timeless music of Brel, Piaf and Aznavour.

You might also catch owner Richard Bona getting up on stage and performing with his band, from time to time.

Most of the bar's spirits are sourced from local purveyors. The Rock and Rye Old fashioned is made with whiskey from the New York Distilling Company, as well as a dash of aromatic and orange bitters.

Get in the groove with Swing Street, a tasty libation composed of Hudson Manhattan rye, sweet vermouth, orange bitters and some delightful Maraschino cherry juice.
Their signature drink is the Bananafide, a banana-based Caipirinha that is topped off with rose' Champagne.
Jack the Knife, a tribute to Bobby Darrin's hit song "Mack the Knife", will give you everything you're looking for in a cocktail with its' blend of Black Dirt Apple Jack Brandy and Bailey's Irish Cream.

Club Bonafide does not serve full meals but they do have a small bites menu, which features a delicious charcuterie and cheese board along with several other enticing options. So, you can nosh away while you listen to some great jazz and soul music.

Location and Hours

212 East 52nd Street, Third Floor
New York, NY 10022
(646) 918-6189
www.clubbonafide.com

Box office hours

Tuesday to Sunday 6 PM to 12 AM


Blue Note Jazz Club - West Village


Together with blues and rock, jazz is America's music. It's a major part of our cultural heritage. And there's no better place to see the world's finest jazz musicians perform than in the intimate, comfortable surroundings of the Blue Note Jazz Club.

While Blue Note does pay homage to the traditional sounds and performers who put jazz music on the map, this vibrant nightclub is all about innovation. Their popular late night groove series showcases the city's up and coming jazz, soul, hip-hop and funk artists. You can see tomorrow's stars, today.

The decor is cool but nothing fancy. You are hear to enjoy some great bites and music. Not take an interior decorator's class. But that having been said, The Blue Note is a place where you can kick back and feel at home in.

Jazz buffs from all over the world flock to this celebrated establishment to listen to stars such as Chris Botti, Stanley Clarke, McCoy Tyner, Brady Watts, the Jimmy Heath big band and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars. Their line-up is veritable who's who of jazz greats.
In fact, such is the club's popularity, there are Blue Note spin-offs located as far afield as Rio, Milan and Tokyo. Hopefully, their respective kitchens are helmed by the same caliber of chefs who work at the West Village location. There are some serious eats going down in the kitchen here.

Showtimes are at 8 and 10:30 PM nightly. The full menu is available in both the main showroom as well as the bar.

Start your evening off with a delightful appetizer like the Teriyaki BBQ chicken wings with fresh cabbage salad or the fried coconut shrimp. Hearty appetites will appreciate the succulent Black Angus filet mignon with a huge baked potato. Another good bet is the roasted half free-range chicken with sweet potatoes and spinach. With something for everybody, the menu also features a vegan-style farfalle pasta with mushrooms, tomatoes and olive oil.

On weekends, jazz fans and foodies alike, line up for their $39.50 Brunch, which includes one drink, a choice of entrée and a live show. Talk about upgrading your brunch experience!

Adult beverage choices include such time-honored brunch favorites as Screwdrivers, Bloody Marys and Mimosas, as well as a glass of red or white wine.

Worth a trip from any of the boroughs, The Blue Note is conveniently located between Sixth Avenue and MacDougal Street in the heart of the Village. Several subway lines are within a couple of blocks from the club, including the A, E, C,F, M and D lines.

Location and Hours

131 West 3rd Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 475-8592
www.bluenote.net

Hours

Monday to Sunday 6 PM to 12 AM

Drom - Lower East Side

The management at Drom prides itself on introducing fresh new talent to the vibrant East Side music scene. Drom doesn't follow trends; it sets them.
With a diverse musical line-up that defies genres and stereotypes, the singers and musicians who perform on stage here are a true reflection of the city's melting pot. And, we are all the richer for it.

During any given week, the line-up can include artists such as Turkish songstress Nuket Duru, Flamenco heritage with Alba Molina, the Motown sound of Soul Good, the rock and rolling Mike Rocket band and contemporary chanteuse Judi Jackson.
The sensational, "not your father's" wedding band, Silver Arrow, have something of a residency going at Drom, performing there several times a month.

Live concerts are Drom's forte. However, there is a myriad of other happenings taking place from stand-up comedy, film screenings and author readings to private parties and networking events.

All of this, plus a delicious menu of food and cocktails makes Drom stand out from other clubs and music venues in the city.

Did we mention that the space is absolutely beautiful? Drom definitely has character. A very chill room for artists to perform in, Drom gives the audience an up close and personal connection to the musicians.

A large, ornate chandelier by the stage contrasts nicely with the contemporary light fixtures that hang over the bar. Every table has a great view of the stage, but the most comfortable seats can be found over at the black leather banquettes.
Some extremely colorful and thought-provoking paintings adorn the exposed brick walls. All in all. it's quite a scene.

Light bites abound on the menu. The chicken skewers with Thai peanut sauce are both savory and a little sweet. One of their most popular dishes is the Mediterranean plate which is a Hellenic feast, complete with hummus, tzatziki, feta cheese, luscious, ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and, of course, stuffed grape leaves.

If you are really famished, try the juicy lamb burger that is topped with goat cheese and pickled onions.

The bar has an interesting array of reds and whites as well as local craft beers, by the bottle and draft.

Drom's house cocktails pair up well with the mainly European themed menu. The Le Femme Mystique is as sexy as its' name implies with a potent mix of Absolut peach, Cointreau, Creme de Peche, lime juice, cranberry and orange juice.

The Cosmic Kiss will sip softly on your lips with a simple but oh so effective blend of Prosecco, St. Germain and a dash of bitters. Be a little daring and strut your stuff on the Catwalk, a drink that has your number. The tasty ingredients are cucumber vodka, organic lychee, mint, lime juice, cucumber preserves and a refreshing splash of Sprite.

Location and Hours

85 Avenue A
New York, NY 10009
(212) 777-1157
www.dromnyc.com

Hours

Monday to Sunday 6 PM to 2 AM

The Flatiron Room - Flatiron District

This upscale establishment boasts one of the most extensive whiskey lists on the entire East Coast as well as a unique spin on classic cocktails. It is a welcome addition to a relatively small but trendy neighborhood that is centered around the iconic Flatiron Building.

Built in 1902, this triangular shaped building was one of New York's first skyscrapers. Together with tons of popular restaurants and bars, the Flatiron District is home to Madison Square Park and Mario Batali's Eataly.

Plush and charming, The Flatiron Room is a seated bar, meaning that they want all of their guests to be comfortably ensconced in a banquette or armchair, throughout the night. Here, you won't have to worry about being in a crowd, standing elbow to elbow with strangers, feeling as though you are on a rush-hour subway train.

The decor blends urban sensibilities with a touch of Victorian gentility. Oscar Wilde and the poet's artist friends would certainly feel at home in these upscale, yet creative, surroundings. That is high praise, indeed.

The lux surroundings include a secluded and very cozy private room that is ideal for cocktail receptions, private gatherings and whiskey tastings.

The Flatiron Room's Whiskey school offers classes for both connoisseurs and beginners who are novitiates in the colorful and wide-ranging world of whiskey. With classes taught by whiskey masters and brand ambassadors, school was never this much fun!

Live music is on the schedule, most evenings, for your listening pleasure. Jazz music certainly takes center stage, but you can also catch a variety of sounds here.

Be assured of one very important thing. Here at The Flatiron Room, the volume of the music will never overwhelm you. The live music is meant to enhance your experience here. Not BE the total experience.
The musicians and singers who perform here have to go through a rigorous audition process. Not every type of group or band is suitable for the ambiance at The Flatiron Room.

A well put together state of the art sound system, helmed by a seasoned sound engineer ensures that guests can hear the music without feeling it in their bones.

Fun and filling best describes the menu. Elevated and tasteful shares include chipotle turkey meatballs in a whiskey BBQ sauce, roasted bone marrow with crispy onion strings and an absolute killer dish of Mac and Cheese with seasoned panko and roasted Brussel Sprouts.

Chimichurri steak bites, balsamic glazed salmon and roasted chicken with mushroom risotto are just a few of the entrees that are yours for the asking!

If whiskey just isn't on your libation radar, the bar has plenty of other refreshing options for you to indulge in. Beer, cider, champagne and wine are only the beginning.

Bring a bunch of office pals and enjoy a pitcher of Sangria. This is no ordinary Sangria, to be sure. Prepared with only the freshest ingredients (and they don't skimp on the fruit), your sangria is made table-side right in front of you. It's quite a show, too!

One doesn't know just where to start when it comes to talking about the fabulous cocktails that have helped the Flatiron Room achieve tremendous popularity in such a relatively short amount of time.

The theatrically-driven 1920's cocktail is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, angostura bitters, absinthe and is finished with a flamed orange zest. You will easily fall under the spell of Black Magic when you drink this addicting potion of pineapple juice and red pepper-infused vodka shaken with passion fruit juice and St. Germaine.

One of their most unusual, but intriguing cocktails is the Frozen Moon. This totally off the wall and engaging drink is composed of rum, rice water, lime juice, simple syrup, orange juice, green tea and coconut juice. The ingredient list does sound a little bit busy but it all comes together for a palate-pleasing experience.

Location and Hours

37 West 26th Street
New York, NY 10010
(212) 725-3860
www.theflatironroom.com

Hours

Monday to Friday 4 PM to 2 AM
Saturday 5 PM to 2 AM
Sunday 5 PM to 12 AM