Village Vanguard

If you’re about the music and history, this is the place! Supposedly the Sunday night late performance is THE time to go. My first time there was a Sunday evening for one of my favorite musicians, Christian McBride in 2015. I loved it so much, I came back a few days later to see Jeff «Tain» Watts. It was an unbelievable experience. People can complain about whatever they want but to see the best and most talented musicians in the world, just feet away, in such an intimate setting is absolutely priceless.

Vibe: Nostalgic, cozy
Décor: 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.

One of first places I went with the love of my life and many times after. Loved it. Best in Jazz. Has a special and memorable place in my heart.

Yes, there are reasons to give the place only 4 stars, but it is legendary. Limited beverage options, no food, aged basement, crowded are easily overlooked to see top jazz acts in this historic club. For those that bemoan the $ 35 (+ or -) price, where else are you going? Blue Note, JALC, Jazz Standard are all at that or more. When I spring almost $ 200 a ticket for Hamilton, the Rockettes, and the NYC Ballet, Village Vanguard is a bargain.
But I’m fine with those who are not jazz lovers but are people trying to work their «bucket list». Yes, hate this place and go elsewhere, and that’ll leave the tickets to those who love the music.

This isn’t a swanky or luxurious venue. The room is small, the seats are uncomfortable, and the drinks selection isn’t going to please any alcohol snob. But if you’re coming here for the right reason — to hear great music, that is — then the Village Vanguard is one of the coolest places in New York City. The acoustics are unbeatable, and you can almost feel the presence of the many jazz legends who have performed here over the decades. There’s something strangely comforting and exciting about knowing the place hasn’t changed much since the likes of Miles Davis and Thelonius Monk graced the stage. The atmosphere is just amazing for that reason, and I think even the musicians themselves draw some joy and confidence from knowing where they are and who’s been there before them.
Whatever you’re wearing, whatever you’re drinking, and whether the lack of personal space annoys you or not, you will feel more sophisticated just being here the moment the music starts. There are a lot of jazz clubs in New York, but I think it’s fair to say the Village Vanguard is a special one.

Ok so where do I begin? I spend $ 35 per ticket $ 150 on drinks and I am physically attacked by some guy who claims to own the club because I took a photo of the performance. Need I say more?
Just by comparison, I was at The Blue Note and Chris Botti not only encouraged photos but explicitly said that no performer that will not allow photos is not worth spending your money on.
I would say that the same can be said for the venue.

I thought about skipping out on writing a review for this because I thought it’d be redundant but just have to say that the venue isn’t living on legend — it’s the quintessential spot to watch a jazz performance. Acoustics are perfect, the vibe is perfect, and the décor is what you’d expect. No frills, it is what it is: the same club as it was back in the day. Another plus was that although the club was full for the 10:30 show, it never felt uncomfortably packed — there are plenty of tables.
Finally, the house band (the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra) lives up to its pedigree of Mel Lewis — Thad Jones. Some of the world’s best musicians playing in an unchanged, historical venue — you really get that «Live At the Vanguard!» vibe that you’ve heard on all your favorites’ records.
Nothing fancy on the drinks menu and has a one drink minimum policy. Service and door are friendly.

Two drink minimum. Place gets extremely crowded and they pack it to the brim.
Alcohol selection is meh.
Great sound and great shows.

Village Vanguard is my favorite haunted house!
The minute you enter the spooky red door you will recognize that The Vibe is there. Especially in the bathroom. Whoa Daddy.
The staff is a little uptight sometimes. Maybe that’s just what jazz feels like in the year 2015.
I wish there was a one toke minimum instead of a one drink minimum but this is America and everything beautiful must be secretly enjoyed in the alley or the bathroom. Whoa Daddy.
Lorraine Gordan is a treasure, god bless her and anyone who ever poured their heart out in that room.

Una gratísima experiencia. El lugar es cálido y cordialmente atendido. Por supuesto que el centro de atención es la música y en mi caso me tocó conocerlo con su Jazz Band, la que recomiendo para quien no sea un experto en ese estilo ya que sin duda disfrutará de su sonoridad y calidad.
Totalmente recomendable.

This is it! If you want a intimate cool live jazz club then search no further. I’ve been here a bunch of time within the past year and can’t get enough. When I think of NYC jazz club, this exact place comes to mind. The feel of the basement, and the energy of the music makes this place the best! 100% recommend to come here if you like music at all. Tickets a relatively cheap (even though I have no comparison) and drinks aren’t too bad, I think it’s a one drink minimum throughout the show. One thing though, make sure to go when it’s not a solo piano night (unless of course you like that). I kind of just slept through the whole thing, but it was a great nap with the piano in the background.

First time visit. This intimate basement spot exudes history and I get the sense it has remained unchanged over the years. Seating is a little tight but that is part of the charm. The Bill Charlap Trio was terrific. My 21 year old son was amazed by the performance never having witnessed Jazz jamming… I was too. Worth a visit even if you think jazz is not your thing, you may be surprised. I am looking forward to my next visit.

This is a dark, cozy jazz lounge in the basement. It’s been there forever, and extraordinarily famous musicians still darken their doorways.
The staff was extremely accommodating when the hubs and I showed up a day early for our show (and could have possibly made it the next night). I’m not saying they’ll always be able to help you out, by they’ll at least give it a go.
Not every seat in the house has a clear view of the stage, so get there early if that’s important to you. Sound quality is awesome no matter where you are (including the bathroom, I might add).
The waiter was attentive, yet knew when to make himself scarce. We ordered a bottle of champagne which was priced decently given the venue.
If you’re in town and jazz is your thing, you probably already know about the place. If you’re not a huge jazz fan, you should still check it out so when someone asks, you can say you’ve been there.

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!

Very small, intimate jazz bar. We had the opportunity to watch Tom Harrell here. I think they have a drink minimum here. I ordered a vodka seltzer and was surprised it wasn’t watered down.

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 Unilocal enthusiast I think the four stars here is right on. Well done, New York City.

As advertised, the small historic venue that helped put jazz on the map in New York City was spot on this Monday night. The 16 piece Vanguard Orchestra played their early first set and they were proficient and just loud enough in their small space. Do yourself a favor and buy tickets for both sets. There is a break in between and you will not be disappointed or bored sitting through both performances. Fabulous!

Very expensive to see a show here with the cost of the ticket as well as a 1 drink minimum. Expect to spend about $ 20 – 30 per person. You’re seated in very cramped quarters, usually sharing tables with strangers, with a small view of the performers and well drinks that cost $ 9. Music is great though. I would recommend at least going once to see if it’s your thing.

Really cool spot. I bought tickets a few months ahead of a visit to NYC for my traveling companion as he really likes jazz in general and a fave artist of his was playing.
The venue itself is rustic and intimate. The kind of place that has been there forever and probably will be there forever. What impressed me was how well organized they were in getting people in and seated before the show, and how a range of ages and «people types» were all gathered under one roof to listen to music.
There were clearly some regulars there — a couple of whom thought it was their job to police other patrons who might check the time on their phones or in a couple of cases do something involuntary like sneeze. Death glares, finger pointing and shushes would ensue. Otherwise though most people seemed pretty chill there.
Washrooms are tiny little hallways. Drink service is decent as are the drink prices. Even the ticket prices were very affordable.
Totally worth checking out for the experience, even if you aren’t a huge jazz fan.

Legendary, intimate jazz venue that often sells out well ahead of time. RSVP for your tickets online. There is no food here, and there’s also a minimum-​drink policy, but the prices aren’t bad and there’s plenty of options for food in the surrounding neighborhood if you need something to soak up the alcohol afterwards.
Besides, it’s all about the music. The performers here are pretty much at the apex of the jazz totem pole, and there’s hardly any major performer out there who hasn’t released an album — or a whole set, even — of live performances from the Village Vanguard. And the venue is fairly small — I’m guessing it fits at most 100 people — so even if you’re in a loungier area far in the back, as opposed to the main seating area in the front, you shouldn’t have any trouble seeing the performers on stage. The acoustics are great, too.
All in all, this is a legendary institution that you have to visit, at least once, if you’re a hardcore jazz fan. It won’t disappoint.

The Vanguard is untouchable and as far as I am concerned this place walks on water — you come here because:
1. You get to witness virtuosos abso-f’ing-lutely tear it up.
2. This is your preferred way to watch and listen to live music — in an intimate setting.
3. You appreciate the irony of seeing blinding beauty in an dingy basement.
4. You can connect with an art form that is criminally underappreciated in our country despite its invention here.
5. You can feel the weight of history — almost the eerie echo of the artists (RIP) who have trod here before.
Maybe I’m over romanticizing but at its core, you do not have to be a jazz aficionado to appreciate the Vanguard but you will have to acknowledge that this is a UNIQUE place to go. This is a jazz purist’s wet dream, but at the same time it is not an elitist hangout and every time I have been here the crowd has been respectful and are there to have a good time.
The cover charge + one drink minimum does not even compare to the prices for live music these days so the less said about that the better. And if you come in for the first set, you can stay around for the second, granted you buy another drink.