"What you're really looking for is a hole-in-the-wall with good music where you can pretend you're still allowed to smoke inside, right? Head to Smalls. Seats in the cozy basement space go right up to the musicians’ toes, with a big portrait of Louis Armstrong looking down at you and a bar to the side. Smalls has a cheaper cover than a lot of clubs with the same name recognition, so shows usually sell out (and you should get here early to snag a good seat). If this place is full, head across the street to Mezzrow, another jazz piano bar from the same owners. " - neha talreja, bryan kim, hannah albertine, matt tervooren, will hartman