Arthur's Tavern

Great place to hear live music. No DJ nor NYU student streaming a playlist. This is live music at its best. Arthur’s Tavern does not charge a cover. Seating is first come, first serve. The venue is small but that’s the allure; you’re right next to the stage no matter where you sit. The drinks are good and they have a strong selection. The food options are very limited if there is any food available (just a cheese board when I went). But I was not here for the drinks or food. I came here for the music and by God it was damn good!

It’s advisable to make a reservation if you want to make sure you’ll find a seat. Besides, you might not have to stay in line outside, which will save you a precious time. Nice venue to enjoy live music. You can feel the echoes of the forties and fifties around you while drinking, let’s say, a Brooklyn Lager and allowing yourself to be carried away by the enchantment of a kind of music that makes you travel through that time lost in the haze of black and white movies.

Overall, it was a good experience for a jazz performance. The musicians were very professional and the performances were excellent. However, there were a few things I wasn’t happy about. First, the host, who played the saxophone, made jokes about the piano player's name, claiming it was too difficult to pronounce. Honestly, I didn’t think it was that hard; the name was either Lou or Liu. He made this joke twice: once at the beginning and again at the end of the session. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but when he repeated it at the end, saying something like, "I still don’t know his name, even though we’ve been playing together haha" I found it unprofessional and a bit ignorant, especially when the pianist was, IMO, the best performer of the night. Another issue was with the bartender. Perhaps they thought we were tourists because they automatically added a 20% gratuity and included it in the total on the check. I’m not sure if this is their standard practice for all customers or if it was because they assumed we were tourists (even though I live in NYC), but either way, it wasn’t a pleasant surprise, especially since we were seated at the bar, not at a table.

Had a wonderful and jazzy time at Arthur’s Tavern! The service by Joan was fantastic (reservations are recommended because it fills up quickly by the 10pm show) and the music/atmosphere was electric!! An absolute great gem in the West Village. BEST JAZZ IN NYC!

Great venue in West village for jazz. No cover, but they do have a 15$ minimum pp at tables. Cash only establishment; there is a ATM in basement. Overall great experience and lovely atmosphere.

Pleasant surprise…. We had an spetacular night Bar with a very good jazz No food just special drinks Monday and an Amazing elderly band ….

Great place for Real New York City Jazz and it's influences in the contemporary music. The ambient is amazing and the service professional and friendly. If you come to NYC to visit or living, this is a must go. No cover, fair prices and in the middle of West side . Recommend it

I came by recently on a Monday night. It was pretty full, even for a "slow" night, but we did manage to get a table without a reservation. (I would definitely make one if you're planning to visit at a busier time!) What a gem of a spot — no cover, and the band was awesome. Cocktails were delicious and reasonably priced, service was attentive and friendly. They are cash only — make sure you come prepared so you can just kick back and enjoy the great music and vibes. :)

We decided to go to Arthur's Tavern after another popular jazz spot nearby emptied out for a sold out show (we didn't have tickets). We liked the ambience - it was laid back and elevated (we learned that night they got a facelift during COVID). We were the second folks there within minutes of their opening so we had our pick of seats. The jazz was really good- and we appreciated that there was no cover. The drinks on menu didn't tickle my fancy so I ordered a vodka sour- off menu, and it was good. No cover, no commitment - on both ends that goes, because we were asked to order another drink or give up our seats (we had had 3 drinks between the 2 of us). Hubby didn't care for the way we were asked, but I get it. I had already told the server that we were leaving soon, as the next act had started. And the place was now packed. All in all, we were there from about 5-7:30 - I cannot complain, and will likely be back.

Cute little jazz cafe Ended up here on a Sunday night Drinks were good, but it is cash only and they have a min per person per set... so just be prepared going in. They do have an ATM downstairs.

Sometimes they have good music, but they claim that the shows are free and there is no cover charge, which is not true. The unpleasant waitress says you have to order something for $15 during EVERY set, which can add up to $60 for 2 hours. If you're not a drinker, you can try to order some snack-like food, but they are frequently out of the food on the menu. It's exactly the opposite kind of experience that you're hoping to have when you go to hear music to lift your spirits.

This place has amazing live music. If you want a New Orleans atmosphere in the heart if greenwhich village, this is the place to come. Oh, did I mention how good the drinks were? This place is a gem!

So much fun!!! the band was great and the drinks were good. the crowd was really into it too which made it extra cool for young folk like me

57 Grove St, New York, NY 10014 is a cozy jazz spot where you find great talent. Such as last night with WAYNE TUCKER a trumpeter, composer, arranger, violinist, vocalist, actor and model based in New York City. He has released 5 albums under his name and performs regularly with his band at Arthurs. It was amazing....You need to check him out, love this place

came on a Sunday evening- beautiful jazz performances and no cover! One drink minimum only- the espresso martini was tasty.

Stumbled upon this magical spot. Sat stage side. Relatively reasonably priced. Cash only (ATM in basement). Loved the early set last night (6/1). Will definitely be venturing back.

We had an incredible experience here on Saturday night. We arrived around 5:00 to reserve a table and get some dinner, but found out they don't serve food. So the bartender suggested we go down the street. We found Leitano on Hudson St. Man, what a find. the food was outstanding, but I digress - see associated review! We came back to Arthur's just at 6:45 - it wasn't full. Our friend had recommended the place and noted that there was no cover, but a drink minimum instead. No problem! We found seats at the front of the stage. Performing that night was dynamo Grammy-nominated Axel Tosca and his band. They were incredible. We saw the first 2 sets. THey rocked the place. We ordered two Aperol spritzes and enjoyed the show. I even met a Parisian who sat down beside me and chatted off and on in French. Jill, the server, was working the room hard, and as she passed by, she asked how we were doing. We said, "Great! Air France just found our luggage!" She said that was cause for celebration and ordered up three shots for us on the house. So lovely. She even gave me a big hug and air kiss as we left. We were still jet lagged so we left mid second set, but had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back!

Arthur's Tavern is such a vibe. We happened in here for drinks because we had some time to kill before our dinner reservation and there were open seats at the bar. Unbeknownst to us, this is an old jazz bar with live music! The band was great and the vibe/crowd was chill and not pretentious. The bartenders were friendly and attentive. No kitchen, but we really enjoyed one of Murray's pre-made cheese and charcuterie boards that they offer on the menu. It definitely got more crowded as it got closer to 7 when the band started and we were grateful for our seats. Cash only establishment but there's an ATM machine on site.

The live music was off the charts the ambiance was amazing the service was awesome we didn't have food but the drinks were amazing

The music, service and drinks were all impeccable. I definitely will be coming again soon!

Well the thing about Arthur's Tavern is that it really depends on when you go there and what you are looking for. I went with a friend because we wanted to hear the band, who are good friends of ours. It was Saturday night of Memorial Day weekend and the place was packed. We managed to get two seats but not together and soon the place was jam packed with people. We couldn't see the band and the loud talking from the crowd made it difficult to enjoy the music. I had people standing in front of me, next to me, and I finally felt no choice but to leave as soon as I finished my drink (drink was good, btw!). My friends all love this place, however, so I will attribute my experience to it being a holiday weekend. I will give it another shot some time mid week because I have no doubt it will be a better experience then. That said, if you don't mind jam packed venues, please check it out!

really cut bar, a bit loud with the live jazz but still loved it!! all cash bar tho so make sure to bring some cash on you before you go

I've been going to Arthur's Tavern for many years for the great Jazz and Blues music. As the home of music legends Charlie Parker and Roy Hargrove, it was always an old standby if I was in the Village. But, now after the post-pandemic renovation, it has become a regular destination. A new look, a warm and welcoming new manager and bartender, and a feeling of new vitality in the bands and music. I went there recently to hear the Yuichi Yamahawa Jazz Trio and was blown away. They played a mix of Jazz standards with a fresh contemporary approach. The guitarist Kevin McNeal mesmerized the crowd with his elegant and hypnotic solos, and the bassist, a young bassist from Italy whose name I didn't recognize was top shelf. Looking forward to going back soon.

Went here tonight with my daughter and we had a great time! Great tunes, really friendly service and good drinks for a fair price. What more can one ask for from a classic place? I feel like some of the negative reviewers don't understand that not only should one pay for the privilege of hearing great live music in a tiny, intimate spot, but one should support the business in keeping this type of place alive!

It's a cozy place with an adorably handsome bartender. Hosting what appears to be a lovely group of locals.

This place is such a New York vibe. Music ranges from jazz lounge singing to big soul funk. Place is definately crowded and it can take a little time to get a drink - BUT - that's what you'd expect from a live music venue that's small and packed with fun. Staff is friendly and do their best feel like some other reviews might be from folks not accustomed to going out downtown... Host with the glasses was helpful and we had a reservation which definately helped with a table. Fun night out for sure will go back. I thought they made a pretty solid paper plane fwiw.

Omg we had such an amazing time at Arthur's Tavern! We love Jazz and wanted a night on the town so we decided to stop in. The drinks were good and the Jazz band was amazing! They play every Monday night, so mark your calendars! It was a great environment and everyone was having so much fun! A good thing to note is that they only take cash :)

One of the classics! A lively atmosphere to listen to amazing jazz musicians. Don't forget to tip!

Top notch! Intimate jazz bar with friendly service. Cash only. Gets busy later but we were able to snag a couple of bar seats at approximately 6 PM on Friday. Would definitely go back.

Pub food. Good service. Nice building. Go for the music. But found chairs uncomfortable.

MAN, Arthur's Tavern wins the award for absolutely WORST bar I've ever been to in NYC - out of all 5 boroughs. I was born and bred in NYC and I've been to some really awful establishments...thankfully not so much now in my post-21 years, but man. This is a really crappy bar with a disgusting waitress who needs to attend charm school badly. I have a friend who's dog benefited greatly from charm school - I should find out if they take humans because the waitress on staff here on Saturday night, May 7th might be half pit. So a friend of mine was celebrating her birthday - the big 30 - and we were looking for a bar to have a few drinks at before we went elsewhere for an 11pm reservation she had made. Originally we were going to check out Marie's Crisis Cafe next door but it was packed to capacity (probably by people who knew better than to go to Arthur's) but it was pretty empty in comparison so a group of about 9-10 of us popped in and found some seats. We realized there was a 2 drink minimum there during live music - of which there was none, but regardless we were all pretty much in for at least 2. The beer selection here is crap and so are the prices. They charge sexy wine bar prices but are a watered down, wannabe looking dive that prides themselves on soooooooo much history. Even Doc Holiday's and Coyote Ugly have more class than this piss poor excuse for a bar. So most of us in our group waited for a waitress because there was a lady running around looking like she was doing her job. After she walked by a lot of us repeatedly some folks in my group walked up to the bar to buy drinks and essentially, spend money - the waitress yelled at one of my friends for taking too long with a menu, she yelled at the couple in my group for buying drinks from the bar because then she doesn't get tips (HERE'S A TIP LADY, BE FRIENDLY/WELCOMING WHEN PEOPLE ENTER AND POLITELY LET THEM KNOW YOU CAN TAKE THEIR ORDER AND THEN PEOPLE WON'T GO TO THE BAR), as I stood up to get her attention she pushed me. She literally PUT HER HANDS ON ME FOR NO REASON and my response was, "Excuse me?!" hoping it had been a mistake but she got in my face and yelled at me with, "WHY ARE YOU STILL STANDING HERE?!". MAN. When is was clear that this waitress is an animal, a friend of mine declared he was saving his money for elsewhere. This waitress also grabbed the drinks already purchased by members in our party AND THREW THEM OUT. How dare she be allowed to do that and NOT give them back a refund for at least $20-25 worth of drinks. How I wish I would have had anything - a glass of water even - to pour all over her so she could chill the hell out. I can't even remember the last time I felt so disrespected. Her pushing me and yelling in my face was borderline assault and she's lucky I'm not the type of person to waste my time pressing charges or something - she's also lucky I was sober or I would have defended myself and had several witnesses that night who could have vouched that I was threatened and it was in self-defense. Looking through other reviews here it's abundantly clear that there is a common theme and it's this stupid woman. Feel free to see photos of this lumbering ox of a waitress. You don't push customers, you don't take away customer's cocktails and not refund them, you don't act like you're the manager when someone asks you to speak to your boss and you don't treat people like animals when you get paid low hourly wages and the rest of your supplementary income comes from customers like us. How this woman still had a job is beyond me, but I'll never return to this glorified crap hole or recommend it to anyone. Waaaaaaay too many better places in this neighborhood, don't do it to yourself.

Love this place-Great jazz and good drinks, in a very chill and welcoming space! If you're in the Village head to Arthur's !

Randomly feel like checking a jazz club. Went to this place. Bartender was cool and looks nice, So kind telling us its cash only, (atm outside), And there are sign saying per person minimum 2 drink/set. I didnt feel like having 2 drinks on Wednesday night, and the bartender, luckily, nice enough not pushing us to have 2 drinks each. The band, whoof!! Super good, the singer has great voice. Only when she started walk around asking for tip, i felt bit uncomfortable.

Arthur's is great! There is no cover charge, and the drinks are reasonably priced. Contrary to their claim that they don't serve food, they actually serve a cheeseboard and a charcuterie board, which are inexpensive and very good. But the real star, of course, is the jazz, which was excellent the night we were there. The band played 2 long sets, and the small size of the place meant you were really part of the show! We highly recommend Arthur's. Staff was attentive and friendly.

Makes me sad to read all the bad reviews about the Hispanic waitress. She was sweet and attentive during my visit, and seemed equally helpful towards all groups there that night, so I'm surprised. Arthur's is a weird bar, and not in a great way. I'll start out by saying that the jazz band is lovely. 5/5 for the smooth, sexy music they play that you can hear with no cover charge. It's super relaxing to kick it and just listen. When the band isn't playing though, the vibe is morose and uncomfortably quiet, and this is on a Thursday evening. My friend and I actually had to lower our voices so it wouldn't be awkward for the entire bar to hear our conversation. I actually regretted that I brought my out-of-town friend here because the energy just isn't fun. Another negative is the prices. Have mercy, $32 for two drinks! No bueno. I'm not sure what they were exactly, but I know my friend didn't get cocktails, and he said it was okay, so I'm gonna say it wasn't worth it. You can definitely find better in the West Village.

The. Best. Before they shut it down forever... go! It's a staple and a classic New York experience

Arthur's Tavern is a bar that has live jazz performances in West Village. I've broken this review up into the music and bar components because the dichotomy between the two ratings is so severe. 5/5 for music, 0/5 for service + alcohol. I came here after work for some jazz tunes and ordered a wine with a couple other friends. The swing jazz was fantastic! What stood out to me was main singer that night because he was able to emulate Louis Armstrong's voice superbly. They were having a grand ole time, and it was contagious! Unfortunately I would give the bar drinks and customer services was terribly disappointing. My friend had a pretty shitty cheap wine for 11$ and a fly ended up landing in it 2/3 of the way in. He asked the waitress if he could get the same amount in a clean glass and she retorted, "Uhh I don't know what you want me to do, you drank all of the wine already." Very clearly there was quite a bit of wine left. We weren't asking to move heaven or earth, we just wanted a clean glass of the same amount of shitty wine. She ended up relenting, but why make a big fuss of it? Furthermore, the bill wasn't itemized and there were some dubious charges on it, but it wasn't pricey enough to warrant the effort to argue. Overall great music, disappointing customer service and low quality alcohol.

Nice jazz spot with a historic feel. A bit cramped, and the staff have an...interesting attitude. Was caught off guard with the cash only policy. Beware the cocktails are $17 for a rather small serving, but are boozed up.

Fun pub! Great music... What's the deal here? I need to say more than that? Blah blah bla

Avoid at all costs. Tourist trap with $8 drinks (2 drink minimum, even Coca-Cola). If you don't keep drinking they will literally kick you out within 15 minutes because they are churning other tourists in each hour in this packed bar. The "band" was some lone guy in the back playing the bass by himself. Sad. There's very few places in New York I'll never step foot in again. This is one of them.

I was at Arthur's tonight and was having a great time. I made the "mistake" of leaving my seat to offer the band $20 to play a request. They did, but as I was standing there listening to my request, a waitress (who did not identify herself as a waitress) asked me if I wanted a drink. I said no and she began to hassle me (even though I had been paying for drinks at the bar for over an hour already). She literally began to PHYSICALLY PUSH me away from the band telling me I could not stay there and listen to the song I'd paid to hear. For whatever reason, she thought I was being disrespectful to her as she pushed me away from band. When I spoke to the staff about her misbehavior, they, of course, sided with her and left a paying customer feeling abused and demeaned. I can not recommend Arthur's Tavern - they have no idea what customer service means.

This was literally one of my favorite jazz spots in the city. It's a really fun dive and the band was phenomenal. Our family friend is a jazz singer in Chicago so when she came into town we went together in a group of 6 back in spring 2018. Totally what I expected for a hole in the wall jazz club. I live in nyc so I know the $8 drink prices were an absolute steal. I hope they can reopen!!!

Music good. Service average. Drinks poor. Smell appalling. That really sums it up. Tips if you do choose to go: Have cash ready, they dont take card despite the fact that its 2019 and many people do not carry cash. (though many of the smells in the place seem to have originated from the 70s so maybe its part of the theme?) Second top tip is that if you do not order 2 drinks per person per music set you will be asked to leave. If you're visiting the West Village there are many many more live music/bar options to choose from before resorting to here.

Not a fan. Came here looking for a speakeasy as that is what yelp labeled it but it's more like a dive bar. They are popular due to their jazz offerings but I wasn't there when a show was on so I cannot opine on that. However in relation to atmosphere and drinks...atmosphere was dingy and dark. Drinks are crazily overpriced for where we were. At $14 for a typical simple nonspecial cocktail, definitely not worth it. Might as well go to a fancy restaurant bar for that price. This place is cash only and their bathrooms are super gross and smelly. Definitely not my type of place.

I came on a Monday night and the live band was playing Dixieland. Change of pace compared to the other jazz clubs I've been to in West Village. Loved the band and finally saw my first trombone in a live jazz band. The singer emulated Louis Armstrong so well that if I had closed my eyes, I would have believed he was there. The waitress here was awful. There was a fly in my 2/3 finished wine and I flagged her down, but she gave me so much attitude and was like what do you want me to do about it. I'm usually pretty tolerant with hiccups and snafus, but a fly is just plain gross. I had a red wine, so it was especially difficult to see the fly, but thankfully my friend spotted it. Seriously could have ended very poorly for me.

Can I give negative stars? There was an altercation with the band member and some customers. It was a very awkward moment. The bouncer was called and the customers left. We tried to sit at a table. The waitress told us we had to leave for "her customers" and we couldn't sit at the table. When we asked why we couldn't sit because we waited for a while to sit.. we were paying customers....She asked "why we felt we were entitled to a table?" She said we would be lucky if we got a seat at the bar. Twenty minute later and the table is still open. Thanks! We had an awful time...Live jazz and all (ps amazing)... this waitress.. wow.

As a jazz enthusiast, arthur's tavern really gives that down-home raw Jazz experience. The night that I went, I think it was some sort of open mic night. Literally people in the audience would get up and play guitar or sing a song. Very organic, and extremely down to earth.If you like jazz and a venue with zero pretense, you will love this place. From what I understand there is often no cover, just a drink minimum (the night I went, it was one). Additionally, it's very easy to get to! I caught the A-Train And the venue was just steps away. So if you're visiting or even if your local you don't have to feel like you have to go out of your way to find a quality music experience. I will definitely be back and have suggested friends of mine to stop in

Good music and lively atmosphere. But cash only places annoy me, and the waitress was so rude she almost ruined our night. Bit of a shame as a probably won't come back for that reason.

Amazing jazz bar! We didn't want to wait in the long line for big gay ice cream so we decided to grab a drink and take in some live jazz next door. We walked in a bit after 9:30 and grabbed a seat at the bar. The bartender and all the staff were amazing! I love the music selection in between sets. There was lots of drinking and singing along. The place gets pretty packed and the band plays some great sets. The band that was playing the night we came was super fun! Lots of singing along and dancing! Overall, it was an epic night and we can't wait to come back. I would highly recommend it!

So happy we jumped out of line at another location to try out Arthur's! The service was outstanding and the music was super fun. Their drink prices are reasonable and the bartender had a great personality. Great spot for weekend music and a drink.

Good music, worst service in NYC When I asked a question to the waitress she literally answered: "get off my face"

Kind of a weird little place. I like weird little places. Our 2nd or third time here while visiting the city throughout the years. Intimate (tiny) and funky (old in need of remodeling) this was a Wednesday night where Eve SIlber a terrific jazz guitarist and singer holds down the early 7 PM show for the past couple of years. Her sax man (Mike I think) was the kind of of cat who you are sure was born his aged vintage Selmer tenor in his mouth. Club was almost totally empty. service from bartender and door guy was okay. 2 Heinies and 2 glasses of California Chardonnay 40 bucks. Eh. We though about staying for the 10 PM show but by 10 PM that band had not even shown up yet. Next time in the Village we will probably check it out again. heard the chick who plays piano at the 7 PM thu-sat nights is killer.

We've been coming here for many years. Musicians are always great and we love supporting them. Always donating money and bringing friends and co-workers However on our recent visit Saturday 3/16, the bouncer was completely unprofessional and nasty. As we entered with friends who had never been to Arthurs, he had a face and was not at all welcoming. No problem. We were happy to be out celebrating a Birthday so we brushed aside his miserable demeanor. He made sure to communicate that there was a two drink minimum. No problem for us. We had already been out for drinks earlier, so my friend communicated to me that she could maybe only handle one more drink. I told her not to worry, that between all of us we would reach the required drink minimum. In response to her comment to me, he stepped in front of us as we entered after already checking our Id's and nastily reiterated the two drink policy. I told him not to worry that we would be sure to reach the minimum. He told me not to give him attitude. I pointed out he was the only person giving attitude. He quickly stepped in front of me and said I wasn't going in. When I asked him for his name he yelled "GOODNIGHT" I asked again and he pushed me. I'm a 5'5 thin female. How was this productive or at all necessary? I should've made a police report against him. However I realized it was not worth ruining the rest of the evening for a miserable person. Completely unnecessary and unprofessional. This will cause Arthurs many problems, but it seems management just doesn't care. Unfortunately it is so poorly run that they are allowing a frustrated miserable moron to be at the door. They just lost a classy group who have been loyal customers for over 15 years. We will never return to this place. We are happy to spend money especially in support of the musicians, but not when treated this way.

This West Village bar is nothing special to look at inside and out. We entered without paying a cover charge. There is table seating available and some bar seating as well. More interestingly was the seating around the stage placing you in front of the band and literally in front of the band. The instruments and musicians are right in your face. It reminded me of sitting at the sushi bar to watch the chef create your meal. Here you got to see the artist build your atmosphere. The bar selections are pretty average at best. You don't have mixologists creating masterpiece elixirs in this joint. You will have your standard beer selections and cocktails. I don't recall seeing a food menu. The service staff hustles to keep your glasses full but it is a small staff so drinks can lag a little when the bar fills up. You can leave your credit cards at home because it's cash only and there is no ATM in the place! I was there on a Saturday night relatively early for NYC standards before 10 PM. I nice 4 piece ensemble with a lead saxophonist played jazz standards while we settled in for some entertainment. We then learned that the mellow jazz feel would be kicked up a notch with a funk band after ten. And that's exactly what happened when this crew of bluesy, funk-laden cast of characters opened their set with the Commodores classic "Brick House" to set the stage. The band relies on tips so expect to have a tip jar passed in front of you at some point. There is a small dance floor that fills up almost immediately when the funk gets going. The crowd was diverse as expected in NYC but all were there for good music and dancing, fun crowd on this night. The band, crowd, and atmosphere made this a place worth visiting again. My only suggestion to the bar would be to have an ATM available for those that rely on plastic.

New York jazz musicians at Arthur's are so talented. There's no cover charge, the crowd is so into the whole experience and the music is great. Dixieland style jazz really was upbeat and energizing. The Grove Street Stompers on Monday night all are individual successful musicians. Together they play hours of incredible music. Thursday, Friday and Saturday Eri Yamamoto will wow you. All this and The drinks are reasonably priced! Please note: The bathrooms are downstairs and a bit gross but the music more than makes up for this small inconvenience. Experience it!

A friend and I stopped here early on a Sunday last summer. The musicians were charming old men who clearly loved what they were doing. And they did it well. We lamented the fact that most tourists never bother to see this fabulous part of New York. Then we realized that were glad that they didn't. It's what many people dream about when they fantasize about New York, but they never look for it when they get there.

Great music, great location, unnecessarily rude waitresses on a power trip- unfortunately they spoil a lot of the experience