Village Vanguard

The best jazz venue in New York - the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra is exceptional and consists of the best musicians in the country, and likely in the world. I got chatting to the bass trombone player who also plays on Wicked, and all of the musicians play on Broadway or in world renowned ensembles. There are two sets, one at 8pm and one at 10pm. It’s very tightly packed and friendly staff with guide you to your seat. There is a minimum order of one drink, and this is efficiently ordered before the music starts and the bill subtly and silently towards the end of the set. An exceptional jazz experience.

The performance and the jazz bar experience was on the spot! The cocktail wasn't the best but the bartender was still very friendly and met the quality needed to enjoy the performance. ANDREW CYRILLE QUARTET performed the jazz so beautifully it made my visit to NYC very special one.

One of few Mecca's of Jazz rooms remaining from yesteryear. An intimate, wedge shaped room with fabulous acoustics; an absolute must for any Jazz enthusiast. Definitely will be back...

If you see most of my reviews, they tend to be 5 stars. That's because I try to leave reviews to recommend good places to people. In the odd cases where I leave a bad review, it's because the experience was really bad, and I hope I can help people avoid such bad times. As context, we're Canadian, and it was our first time in NYC for fun. We wanted to experience NYC activities and were recommended jazz clubs, so we decided to visit two: Birdland and the Village Vanguard. The former was an amazing experience, while the latter, oh boy! It was really bad! For sure the only bad experience during our 7 days in NYC! We paid $40 per person to enter, so we were at least hoping to have a table, but no. We were assigned two chairs in between tables and were told we had to buy drinks. When I asked if we had to, considering we had no table, the waiter said we could use the table behind us, which was clearly assigned to another couple. Some people might think this is the NYC way, but the other jazz club was not like that, so I don't think it's the NYC way. Then, the show started, and they said no pictures and no recording. I thought it was weird because the other place allowed that (and it was awesome), but then I understood why. The music was not great. It was a quintet (one guitar, two bass players, and two drummers). It was okay but not great. So, overall, a really bad experience, overpriced for what it is, and bad service. If you are looking for a great jazz club with a great overall experience, avoid the Vanguard.

This is a true to form NY jazz spot - tickets are bought online and you get squeezed in the crowd for the chance to enjoy some top class jazz. They have a strict no-speaking policy during acts and the drinks are ordered and served quickly over hushed tones. Be careful of big movements as you will very likely bump someone, or worse their drinks. Overall, good spot for jazz, not so for much else!

The best jazz show I’ve ever attended in NYC. The gentleman at the door was very courteous and kind; I showed up without a tickets on a sold out night and hoped for an open seat. The venue was intimate, service great and overall experience was excellent. Thank you for a wonderful night!

High quality roots jazz! Cozy atmosphere for a few people, all comfortably seated. The bar has classic drinks for a fair price and great service from the staff.

I had a excellent jazz night and witnessed amazing drum performance in very close distance , amazing, it is worthy every penny

Jazz was amazing. Not really coming here for the food, or drink and the ambiance is nice but also very tight.

Village Vanguard unfortunately did not live up to its hype for me. Without mentioning the name of the act, it was quite lackluster. Maybe I've been spoiled as Ronnie Scott's in London is my favorite jazz spot, but it was quite underwhelming. On top of that, the drinks were very lackluster. It honestly tasted like rubbing alcohol and I couldn't finish it. All in all, I'll be checking out other jazz clubs in NYC.

This was a very interesting jazz club. I've never been to one that doesn't serve food. They only serve drinks. The ambiance is very cozy. It's a smaller, intimate venue. The band the perform when I went was definitely something I've never heard before. The venue was really cute w old pictures of who performed all over it. The service was okay. Our waiter came in the beginning and then I didn't see them again. I think it was a cool place to go :)

I loved the performances here. I will say they cramp as many people as possible in here. Seems like almost too many people but that's New York for you. It is definitely old and has a lot of history. The drinks were very strong and tasted horrible but I will say the performance of Kenny Barron made up for it.

"Historic place for a classic NYC jazz night out" This place isn't for food or drink. Go here for the real deal jazz. Not elevator Kenny G, modern jazz crap, but the real deal. Some of the best have played here and many more are now and will. Food - no idea ambience - cool small nyc bar. Casual Drinks Get something with a bite

You always remember your firsts in anything you do... well last night was my FIRST time visiting the Village Vanguard. But FIRST a little history.. founded in 1935 by Max Gordon, he truly paved the way for jazz greats.. We are talking about Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Thelonius Monk, Horace Silver and many more. This very intimate, 132 tables, club is a West Village landmark. It is the stalwart of Seventh Avenue South. Thus last night, a friend and I decided to hear Bill Charlap and Trio for my inauguration. Entering by way of small staircase, you can feel the history. Portraits of the jazz greats decorate the famous walls. We were checked in promptly and escorted to our tiny table, but great view, near the stage. The venue was packed with jazz enthusiasts. VV does not serve food and there is a one drink minimum. Cocktails start at $16, there is a nice wine list and aperitifs. I wanted the Aperol Soritz and was told drink was sold out.. I then asked for a French Martini but was told they only make regular Martinus...thus I ordered a Margarita which was delicious. The VV is also known for it's acoustics and now I know why.. listening to Bill Charlap's piano playing, was as clear as a bell. Spot on! Every instrument sounded just perfect! This was a great night filled with jazz enthusiasts like myself, really into the music. If you love jazz and prefer an intimate setting then Village Vanguard is a must! This was my FIRST visit but certainly not my LAST! Very impressed!

I've been a jazz fan for thirty years so on my first trip to NYC, you just know I had to visit the Village Vanguard to see where all those wonderful live albums (Bill Evans, the Monk, lots of others) were recorded. I picked up tickets online about a month in advance for a quintet performance the week before Christmas and arrived about 20 minutes before the doors opened so I could get a good seat. I was blessed to find I was seated literally right next to the modest stage. Modest is the best way to describe the inside of the Vanguard--everything is tighter and smaller than I ever imagined. This is a good thing! Everything is completely intimate! Even the couples who were a good twenty yards from the stage probably felt intimately seated as well. The quality of the music was quite high. My only "wish" is that somehow they could offer some food before the music got started. . .but nothing nothing nothing about the reason I visited should change. . .long live the Vanguard!

Be aware of the table under the dripping water from the supposed pizza shop above. We were seated at a table that had water on the chair upon arrival. The waiter immediately wiped the chair down but did not inspect as to the possibility of where the water came from. Once we sat down, we noticed the back of the chair was wet as well, and needed to be wiped down. They wiped the back down and we started to enjoy our evening at the Vanguard. Once the show started, we started feeling drips of water on our shoulders with a soaked sleeve of a draped jacket on the back of the chair. We let our waitress know, she told one of the managers who took a towel and tape to attempt to block the dripping water. We were offered two available seats but that would mean getting up in the dark during the set to move. When we talked to one of the managers after the first set, he indicated that he didn't know about the leak but had no hesitation in telling us where the leak originated from. We were not offered anything for this undesirable experience aside from moving in the dark (which can be dangerous in this setting). This is a one and done experience for us. The music was lovely, but it's not worth the experience and the $40 plus one drink minimum we endured. The manager attempted to be remorseful but was not sincere. This is disappointing for such an iconic jazz club.

Performance itself is amazing as expected. Although I am a bit disappointed with the service? Seems like they really think highly of themselves and if you don't order a drink within 5 mins of sitting down, the waitress gets very impatient.. Oh well...

Great venue for just chill-maxing with friends and having a sip of whisky on the rocks - chased it down with some specialty cocktails. The service is on par and it was an enjoyable evening.

Love it! Been there 2x to see the House band on Monday nights, once last night, and the other time was years ago. Such a great time!! Still classic and perfect. Highly recommend to any jazz lovers. I could have listened all night.

Tight quarters but great ambiance in a historic space. The crowd seems to really be there for the music which is also awesome. Came to see Christian McBride and co., they put on a great show. Keep the 1 drink minimum in mind. Drinks did take a little bit to come out (I forgot I ordered one), but my waiter was super friendly and the music more than made up for it.

To be in the same air as the greats is an opportunity I couldn't pass up. Plus: the drinks are SKRONG. Small room, intimate, nothing to annoy you except the assholes at a table close to you who are talking through the entire gotdamned set. GO HOME AND DO THAT, CHUCKLES. SHE STILL AINT SLEEPING WITH YOU.

I was recently at The Village Vanguard and the place was packed to hear jazz. The downstairs space had about there hundred people in the audience and I was sitting the bar. I presume The Village Vanguard is up to fire code but from where I was sitting there was no visible exit sign. The only discernible exit was marked by yellow arrows on the floor leading up some stairs. God forbid there should ever be a flash fire there!

Is there any other place left on earth where the spirit of the jazz greats who came before them live on so fully and inspire so richly the artists who play on this stage? It's served up some of my biggest, most memorably transcendent live-jazz experiences, and is just as vibrant today as when I first stepped through the doors thirty odd years ago. Bravo.

I spent a good portion of my childhood here. It was remarkable. I would urge any jazz lover to experience it.

The Village Vanguard is legendary for its historic beginnings and being the main venue of many famous jazz careers from the 1940s to the present: Jazz icons, Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Sonny Rollins performed and recorded here. Established in 1935, the basement level triangle shaped tiny room remains the same today. People from all over the world still line up for the many artists performing nightly. It's a tight squeeze once you're inside, but a good place for jazz enthusiasts and being historic landmark venue. It is not my favorite venue for jazz due to its small space, but we were there to see the multi-talented Renee Rosnes Quartet. Well worth it! **$35.00 cover, plus one drink minimum charge. No food or snacks served, so eat before you go. Sets are 8:30pm, 10:30pm. Doors 7:30pm**

We went to see a show here and it was next level, one of the oldest jazz venues in NYC. Super cute and intimate place to see a show - we loved it!

This is an excellent Jazz experience at an all-told price of about $50 a person (including two-drink minimum). While this is, like virtually all jazz clubs, still pretty tight, it feels adequate due to the small tables and spacing of guests. The server was very friendly and accommodated one person in my party who does not drink alcohol. This institution is revered by Jazz musicians and professionals, a good number of whom appeared to be in attendance. The pianist on our particular night was quite friendly and chatted with nearby audience members. Location is prime, so plenty to do before/afterward depending on the time of your show.

Finally visited a legendary spot. Good drinks and so-friendly waitstaffs. Good vibes all around. The session could've been a bit longer, guess the band was tired doing the 2nd skit.

Great place to watch live jazz music in New York. Cocktail and bar service. Small room which is conducive to great sound. Historic venue where you can see the old legends and see new ones being born.

$35 per person plus one drink minimum. Beers are about $8 and my Prosecco was $11. Definitely reserve online and arrive about 30 mins before the show starts. We came on a Wednesday night to see the Javon Jackson Quartet. Excellent 75 min set that started at 830 pm. The space is small so I can see how cozy it would be when packed but it's like any other music or stand up comedian venue - they are all tight for space. This one is in the basement so you enter a small door and within a foot you're heading down the stairs. Sound was great and server was prompt and friendly. Great night in a Greenwich Village institution. This place opened in 1935 and became a jazz lounge in 1957. JAVON JACKSON QUARTET Javon Jackson (saxophone) Jeremy Manasia (piano) David Williams (bass) McClenty Hunter (drums)

They always have great artists. However the seats in the back by the bar are very distracting with the noise the bar makes. Not fair to the customer to charge full price when I will have to listen to ice and drinks being mixed while trying to enjoy the show. Drop them to 30 or 35 back by the bar.

Wowwwww, to think that we ALMOST didn't make it here because of an idiot tour bus driver who made us late to our dinner. We knew to get here early, but instead, we were the last ones to arrive before they closed the doors...... and yes, we did get the WORST seats in the house and couldn't see a thing...... NOT ONE THING of them playing..... but we heard it all. The sound acoustics were fantastic. Wonderful Kenny Barron Quartet on Christmas night. Great way to spend the holiday. They were all excellent musicians, but I have to say, that drummer blew us away. I'm just sorry we didn't get to watch what he was doing. I have never heard a drummer play with so much intensity, vigor, and mastery. He truly kicked ass. I was mildly annoyed that we were forced to order drinks when we already paid a hefty price to be there... but we had to do it. Seats were packed in like sardines; that was not unexpected but still didn't like it. That was the only good part of having the worst seats in the house... we were set apart from being packed in, and in fact, had a little extra room for not being able to see the stage. As I sat there, just listening, I thought about the fact that a lot of jazz history has been heard in this room. It was really cool to be part of it for one night.

I love the music at the Vanguard but the management is extremely out of touch. My waiter spilled my entire glass of prosecco on my pants and shoes (accidents happen, I get it) but charged me in full for the drink at the end. I asked for a compensation and my waiter (who was friendly and apologetic) had to get the manager guy involved. He came over to give me a lecture about how I should've asked for the compensation immediately after the spill and not wait for them to bring the check first. No apologies, just a lecture.

No photos allowed as to keep the intimate and sacred experience. Get tickets in advance and arrive early to get a good table. You will be in a tight space and you will be sharing a table with others, but you'll get the better angle if you get there early. I was entertained and enjoyed my time here. The 10pm show was perfect as to have dinner beforehand and with the option to go out after if so inclined.

Oh how lucky do I feel, having the opportunity to experience a great jazz performance at this storied venue! What an intimate, unique place to watch a concert. The seating is maybe a bit awkward, and the sightlines may be a little restricted, but in a way, it makes you appreciate the music more. It makes you focus on what you might not normally focus on. The show we were at, Jon Batiste, was pure magic. The crows was engaged, and the music was electric. The rumbling of the subway below during the quiet parts of the show just added to the wonderful vibe.

Had such a great night here, truly an amazing experience for both jazz fans and those who just want to have a good time. Drinks were great and the place feels like you're time traveling back to the 50s. Great place.

I'll never be in NYC on a Monday night again without making sure to go hear the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra! There's something quite special about being in a place the size of a shoebox with a bunch of horns hitting your face like this. There is a beautiful sense of history here that can be felt. I loved the area, the experience, and meeting the musicians in the alley after the earlier show! Oh, claustrophobics... stay away! The tables could not be packed closer together.

We LOVED our evening at the Village Vanguard yesterday; wonderful this 87-year-old institution run by the daughter of its founder can be back in the beautiful business of hosting marvelous jazz. The staff was welcoming, flexible, and patient. And the Dayna Stephens Quarter, which is performing through the 27th, was sublime: gorgeous music and lovely dynamics among the musicians.

Vibe was great, music was better. Need to buy a drink so bake that price (at least $7) into your ticket if you buy one.

This was my first time at a jazz club and I loved it. I was extremely dressed down that day and as a first timer, I was a bit nervous about going in but the environment was very casual and cozy. The decor with photographs and posters of historical jazz musicians gave the place a nice vibe and the music was great too. I will definitely be back again! It was $35 entrance fee + minimum one drink when I went and you do not have to be 21 to enter.

I have been going to the Vanguard - my husband performed there for many years. Actually, he was playing on our wedding night in 1965. It is the best jazz club in the world and it feels like home to me. Jane Hall

Wow! As someone who is about as uneducated on jazz as you can get, I had an absolutely wonderful time. Chris Potter was playing, and he was incredible! The music was lovely and inspired, and the drinks weren't bad either. Highly recommend!

Great acoustics. Not as tight as often noted. Worth sitting on the sides. Great drink list at good value. Nice poster arrangement on the wall showcasing the history. It would be great if they had more nostalgic showings. Is it possible to show videos before a live act? Good service and support. Enjoy nyc!!

Admission: $35+ one drink minimum Music: modern jazz trio ( piano/keyboard+ percussion+ sax/clarinet. Music style is loud and lively, definitely not smooth jazz, so don't expect you can do any girl talk here. Just stay quiet and enjoy the performance as the musicians here are all very, very talented.

One of the best jazz clubs in NYC! This cozy place has a great ambiance and is less expensive than other clubs. Although service is a little slow, I can understand because there are only a few people serving tables. It's a great place to enjoy drinks with music.

Vibe: Nostalgic, cozy Decor: Quaint, classic feel. Small venue, in a basement. Old photos and posters of jazz musicians lining the walls, sprinkled with hanging instruments. Small tables lining the walls and a mix of small 2-4 seat tables and free seats in the middle. Bar towards the back, behind the seating area, across from a more private, sectioned off seating area Absolutely loved this experience. It was my first jazz club venture in NYC, but I played the piano/violin and was in orchestra for a few years so was pumped. Definitely wasn't disappointed. The acoustics were amazing and even though the venue was small and the seats weren't the most comfortable, once the music started, nothing really else mattered. Saw the Chris Potter Quarter (who have performed there multiple times) and they were phenomenal! Bought tickets in advance online. There were a variety of shows, with the acts switching every few days. There are 8:30pm and 10:30pm shows and true to what their website says, definitely get there at least 15 mins before the show. I went there 20-25 minutes before, when it was freezing outside (literally 11 degrees) and there was still a line, but it moved fairly quickly. Once inside, we were seated by the hostess, so it was sort of first come first serve in that sense (you get closer / better seats the earlier you arrive). No food served, drink options were average. Had seen mixed reviews about price prior to going, some saying a 1 drink minimum and some saying 2, but when I went it was 1 drink minimum, on top of the ticket price (I paid $30/ticket). It wasn't as bad as I had anticipated! Drinks were strong - not the best cocktails by any means but to be expected. This venue and experience was awesome! Would highly recommend it for the music. There's a reason why this place has been around for so many years (just over 80!). Had done a lot of research into different jazz clubs to check out and I am glad I picked this one :) Fun fact: they also do recordings at this venue, so you know the sound quality is legit.

Cancelled show after I purchased tickets. For "maintenance". No offer to help me get into another show. They could care less.

As a jazz fan, Village Vanguard was my go-to spot for many years. Since I haven't been there in a while, I purchased two tickets to attend a 10:30pm show on 2/14. Excited and thrilled to go back. In the interim, I got a cold; missed work for days; felt miserable. Emailed the club about cancelling due to my inability to attend. Days later I get a response - the person cited club's return/exchange policy; in other words, tough luck! The experience left a bad taste - it wasn't the $75 bucks they kept; it was the principle of being let down and lack of understanding by one of my fave spots. Not returning. Thankfully, NYC doesn't have a shortage of jazz joints. So, folks, prior to making your ticket purchases make sure you don't get sick because Vanguard Village will not tolerate absences! That's all! LM

I had the pleasure of going to the Village Vanguard a few years ago, I bought the ticket as a gift for a former flame and didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I'm not a jazz fan, but the music was loud and blew the roof off the place, and the vibe was just right. The place was full of energy and I was happy we got good seats right in front of the stage. I wondered if this place lived up to the hype and it definitely did, there was not a soul in the place who was not feeling the vibe. I'm not sure if it's a place that I would frequent, since I am not on the jazz scene, but for all the jazz lovers out there, save and bring enough money with you so you don't break the bank on drinks, grab a gal or boy and have yourself a good evening.

The venue is solid and the music always outstanding. I was there to hear David Murray recently and was seated at the bar. In between sets the musicians tried to get drinks and were repeatedly ignored, even David Murray! The bartender told one of the musicians, who requested only a coke, "you'd be quicker pouring it yourself", the musician left without a drink. I was astounded. I recognize that the bartender was trying to get the drink orders out, but there was time to serve the band! They were only there one at a time. Without the musicians none of us would even be there - there would be no Village Vanguard. When Mr. Murray was finally given a bottle of beer, he had to hand it back and request that they take the top off for him!! Crazy . . . .

Great classic bar for listening live jazz bands! You have to go around 1 hour before the show starts to get a good seat, even if you have a reservation, and you have to order at least one drink per person.

I was lucky enough to go to a show in the summer when visiting family! Very intimate location and amazing music. The drinks were great too. My favorite part was that everybody put away their phones and just enjoyed the moment

Doors opened a half hour late. Was not told about the one drink minimum. Was not told about auto-gratuity for groups of 6+. Overall scummy business practice. The band was great though.

Live at the Village Vanguard... I wonder how many classic jazz albums on the planet carry that title. Plenty. So it was a privilege to drop in to one of the great jazz venues that is literally famous around the world. Small, intimate, and the focus is on the music and the musicians. The crowd seems to know its music. Two seatings for Bill Frissel and a bass player (sorry, forgot his name), I took the 10:30 seating. Club wasn't full and since I was by myself I sat at the bar. I suppose it's impossible for the bartenders to fill glasses with ice quietly but they make no effort towards that, and the chairs are damn uncomfortable. How about something with a back? But alas, the music didn't suffer. A great place for sure. Glad for the experience. The world needs more live music in venues like this. As a long-time jazz lover and Yelp enthusiast I think the four stars here is right on. Well done, New York City.

I love Village Vanguard. The place exudes history. Last night was another great show at the Vanguard with Barry Harris Trio and some friends. If you love jazz and your in the village, you've gotta stop by. You won't be disappointed. Great vibe, amazing acoustics, and an evening to remember!

$35 for tix - book them IN ADVANCE! went on a saturday night, and this place was packed! don't really understand why there is a line, as the wait was pretty long in the rain, and when we finally got inside, most tables were free. space/seating was tight when everyone was seated. it was rather warm inside, probably because we were all in close proximity to one another. waiters taking drink orders were all over the place, difficult to flag down once the show actually started. the set was around 75 min, and i enjoyed the music, but other aspects of this place make it unlikely for me to return in the future. one drink minimum.

Before moving to New York, when listening to their music I often imagined Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Dave Douglas, Sonny Rollins, Charlie Parker and other jazz greats playing in a dingy underground club; small and packed with people, filled with smoke; great atmosphere and great sound. Take the smoke out of the picture, and you have the Village Vanguard. I love the futuristic mural by Philip Stein at the back, depicting a man and a woman emerging from/gliding over a kaleidoscope of geometric forms and colors. Come here to listen to really great jazz and to soak in history. I come here regularly, and the Vanguard never disappoints. Call in advance to reserve a table, and come at least half an hour before the show to get decent seats. $25 plus one drink minimum may sound steep, but if you come at the 9pm show you can stay for the 11pm show by just paying for another drink.