Smalls Jazz Club
Jazz club · West Village ·
Live jazz bands & jam sessions at modest prices
Live jazz bands & jam sessions at modest prices
"I go to Smalls on West 10th for intimate jazz shows — it’s been a neighborhood jazz institution since the 1990s and sits next to St. Jardim." - Matt Ortile
"Down a steep, tunnel-like staircase in Greenwich Village, this tiny, no-frills basement club seats just 50–60 people and embodies the downtown, authentic, listening-first jazz scene: expect old black-and-white photos at the entrance, a strict one-drink minimum handled efficiently by staff, and rapt attention during the one-hour sets. Tickets guarantee admission but seats are first-come-first-serve, and if you swing by late there are non-ticketed jam sessions starting at 1:00 a.m. that are open to musicians — while sister-bar Mezzrow across the street offers more table seating and a social atmosphere with smaller ensembles. Whether you’re a casual listener or a music nerd, Smalls feels like a real piece of downtown jazz history." - Jessica Chapel
"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
"The tagline at this all-day cafe is “Smalls is good,” and while short and mildly cocky, it’s a fitting description. The space is, well, small but filled to the brim with items like local food products, fancy gifts, and beauty products to peruse at any hour. Shop for candles or handmade caramels while you wait on a turmeric latte or a steamed egg sandwich. It’s a great place for breakfast or a snack during the daytime but equally as lovely for a cocktail or glass of wine later in the day. Pastries and grab-and-go sandwiches, like jam and butter on a baguette, are always on the docket, while freshly shucked oysters, tartines, and salads round out the dinner menu." - Alana Dao
"If you're looking for the type of jazz club you see in the movies—a hole-in-the-wall with good music where you can pretend you're still allowed to smoke inside—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 lower 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