New York’s Top 10 : Music Venues – Top 10 Dance Clubs

1. Beacon Theatre

   Name
   the stars and they’ve probably been on stage at the Beacon, where the
   likes of Bob Dylan, Sting, and B.B. King have performed. Shows range
   from pop music and light rock to gospel and world music.

   • Broadway at West 74th St

   • Open 1 hour before show

   • Admission charge

   
   

   
   
   

   Beacon Theatre

2. Village Vanguard

   Since
   1935, this basement club has featured a “who’s who” of jazz. The early
   years were eclectic, launching folk singers like Harry Belafonte. Since
   the 1950s it has been all jazz.

   • 178 7th Ave South

   • Open 8pm–late

   • Cover charge

3. Birdland

   Another
   legend, although no longer in the location opened by Charlie Parker in
   1949. Now near Times Square, the premises is built in three tiers to
   ensure good sightlines. Birdland Big Band plays on Mondays.

   • 315 West 44th St, between 8th & 9th Aves

   • Open 5pm–3am Mon–Sun

   • Cover charge

   
   

   
   
   

   Birdland

4. Blue Note

   Tony
   Bennett, Natalie Cole, and Ray Charles have all played this Greenwich
   Village venue. The emphasis is on jazz, but blues, Latin, R&B, soul,
   and big band also feature.

   • 131 West 3rd St, between MacDougal St & 6th Ave

   • Open 7pm–2am Sun–Thu, 7pm–4am Fri & Sat

   • Admission & cover charge

   
   

   
   
   

   Blue Note

5. S.O.B.s

   The
   initials stand for Sounds of Brazil, but the music ranges from African
   to reggae via soul or jazz. The beat is contagious, and the dance floor
   gets crowded. Friday is salsa night.

   • 204 Varick St at West Houston St

   • Opening times vary

   • Cover charge

6. Highline Ballroom

   This
   industrial-look space on the edge of the meat-packing district offers
   an intimate experience. Mos Def, Lou Reed, Jonatha Brooke and Lady
   Sovereign have all graced the stage here.

   • 431 West 16th St between 9th & 10th Aves

   • Admission charge

7. Iridium Jazz Club

   Opened
   in 1994, Iridium has funky decor, good food, and excellent established
   and new jazz groups. The great guitarist Les Paul plays here on Monday
   nights.

   • 1650 Broadway at West 51st St

   • Open 7pm–2am Fri–Sat, 5pm– midnight Sun–Thu

   • Admission charge

8. Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola

   Part
   of Jazz at Lincoln Center, this dazzling club features changing
   line-ups of top jazz groups. The cover is steep, but “after hours sets”
   are $10 maximum, and the food is reasonably priced.

   • Broadway at 60th St

   • Sets at 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30pm daily

   • Admission & cover charge

9. Jazz Standard

   First-rate
   acoustics and traditional to avant garde music. The restaurant, Blue
   Smoke, offers barbequed food. The Mingus Big Band plays most Monday
   nights.

   • 116 East 27th St, between Park Ave Sth & Lexington Ave

   • Open 7pm–3am Tue–Sat (from 6pm Sun)

   • Adm charge

   
   

   
   
   

   Jazz Standard

10. Bowery Ballroom

    The
    opening of Bowery Ball-room in 1998 helped spear-head a Lower East Side
    renaissance. The venue boasts great acoustics and sight-lines.
    Well-known touring acts, mid-scale indie rockers, and local bands
    feature.

    • 6 Delancey St, between Bowery and Chrystie St

    • Opening times vary

    • Admission charge

Top 10 Dance Clubs