Live Jazz in Philadelphia: 20+ Top Spots to Take Five

Bourbon & Branch is a whole vibe. This dimly lit, come-hither cocktail bar has been beckoning jazz lovers to visit Northern Liberties since 2014. 

Look up from your Chicken Parm Vodka Rigatoni and marvel at the main dining room’s tin ceiling, or soak in a list of 70-plus bourbons in the upstairs Whiskey Room while listening to live music (no cover!) every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 

Don’t miss: Unlimited Pasta Nights on Wednesdays and $10 Pizza Party on Thursdays
Vibe: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles opened up a jazz bar.

Founded in 1989, Chris’ Jazz Cafe is the oldest continuously operating jazz club in Philadelphia, but don’t mistake longevity for monotony. This Center City hideaway continues to set the standard for dinner and a show, featuring live jazz five nights a week and a New Orleans-inspired menu from chef-owner Mark DiNinno. 

A Philly institution, Chris’ Jazz Cafe has hosted famed acts like the Count Basie Orchestra and Kevin Eubanks. Guests enjoy performances by local, national and international artists, and an all-day menu of lunch and dinner punctuated by a popular happy hour and late-night bar offerings.

Vibe: Sitting in the living room at your best friend’s house in New Orleans
Don’t miss: James Santangelo’s Late Night Jam every Saturday night

The Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts promotes jazz — past, present and future — with workshops, classes and concerts throughout the year. The Clef’s Jazz Philharmonic Band is also available for private parties. 

First established in 1966, this major nonprofit cultural organization was born from Local 274, a workers’ union that protected the rights of Black musicians and provided welcoming stages for legends like Duke Ellington and Dinah Washington.

Today, the club triumphantly carries the jazz torch for a whole new generation through educational programming and financial resources, including music scholarships for high school students. 

Know before you go: Tickets for live jazz shows and panel discussions about music must be reserved ahead of time. 
Don’t miss: The Blue Note Music Hall. The club’s larger venue is available for private shows, anniversary galas, fundraisers and weddings.

Probably the closest thing you’ll find to a Parisian jazz club in Philly. Sassafras is one of the oldest bars in Philadelphia, tracing its origins back to 1870 when it served as a popular hangout for longshoremen. 

This self-proclaimed “Grande Dame” of Old City cocktail bars is a certified double threat, featuring one of the best Sazeracs in Philly and a rotating lineup of local jazz acts, including classic guitarist and jazz musician Greg Snyder. 

Know before you go: There’s never a cover charge. 
Don’t miss: Sneak upstairs to 48 Record Bar, a speakeasy-style vinyl listening room. 

SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club is what happens when a big ol’ plate of soulful Southern grits starts singing on Broad Street. It’s filling yet satisfying, refined but tastefully ostentatious. 

Combining two distinct concepts under one roof, this Southern-style homestead — look up to see Mason jars filled with pickling ingredients — delivers elevated soul food on the restaurant side and nationally touring jazz acts in an adjacent intimate 75-seat jazz club. 

The restaurant’s jazz parlor welcomes local and national acts six nights per week and invites diners to enjoy an extensive selection of American bourbons and whiskeys, and a delicious meal in front of the smooth tunes.

Don’t miss: Live jazz, especially renowned bassist Gerald Veasley’s Unscripted Series
Vibe: If Patti LaBelle opened up a members-only jazz club in North Philly 

The Twisted Tail is kind of like a juke joint with a black-tie-optional dress code. In other words, it blends dirt-in-your-eye Southern charm and sophisticated elegance onto one jazzy, bluesy stage. 

Enjoy rare bourbon flights at the large horseshoe bar on the first floor, then head upstairs for live music every Friday and Saturday night. 

Don’t miss: Open blues jams every Sunday night at the upstairs Juke Joint, paired with a perfect pour of Blanton’s
Vibe: A fiddling match with the devil broke out in Headhouse Square. 

There is a different room for every mood at Time — just don’t spoil it by looking up at the clock.

This funky restaurant and jazz lounge on Sansom Street houses three venues in one: a casual whiskey bar, a main dining room and the Absinthe Room, which hosts exclusive tastings on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Think of it as a multiplex theater for drinks and music, with a killer fried catfish sandwich and one of the most extensive whiskey lists in the city. 

Don’t miss: Dirty South Joe in the Absinthe Lounge every Friday night
Vibe: The Clue mansion got transformed into an entertainment venue. 

The Black Squirrel Club needs to be experienced rather than labeled. 

Housed inside a historic 1890s steam plant, this intimate Fishtown music venue invites guests to sit in church pews — underneath vintage chandeliers and old rowing equipment — as up-and-coming musicians take the stage and stir your soul. 

Black Squirrel’s special programming is what sets it apart from the crowd, hosting all kinds of music, everything from the West Philadelphia Orchestra and classical pianists to bluegrass and Irish folk. 

Don’t miss: Monday Night Jam Sessions with Richard Hill Jr. and Friends 
Vibe: The orchestra pulled up to church worship night.

Bob & Barbara’s Lounge is a corner bar: no frills, some spills and plenty of thrills — especially on the jazz circuit where it hosts free jazz jams throughout the week, plus the longest-running drag show in Philly, hosted by Miss Lisa Lisa every Thursday.

Named after original owners Bob Porter and Barbara Carter, this majestically maudlin museum of all things Pabst Blue Ribbon has been slinging cheap drinks on South Street since 1969. 

Live music plays into the wee hours of the morning every Friday and Saturday night here. Led with a Hammond B-3 organ, The Crowd Pleasers — a staple band of the bar for more than 20 years — play jazz-inspired tunes until 2 a.m.

Know before you go: Bob & Barbara’s is a cash-only establishment, so hit the ATM — oh, and save $5 for The Special, a shot of Jim Beam and PBR can. 
Vibe: Your hippie grandparents’ secret basement

Colonel Mustard did it in the Billiard Room with a brass saxophone … played a legendary jazz set in Center City, that is! 

Cellar Dog, located in the former home of a dueling piano bar, mixes a fully functioning game hall with a high-energy jazz lounge in a massive 8,000-square-foot space where live music bellows four nights a week: Wednesday through Saturday. 

Regulars rave about the viral hot dog with house mustard sauce that sells for $4. 

Don’t miss: Philly Jazz Voice Series, curated by Jake Kaplan, every other Tuesday
Vibe: If Harold Hill convinced Marian to open up a cool jazz lounge 

Midnight & The Wicked sparkles brightest as a special-occasion date-night spot in a walkable Center City neighborhood, offering several bars in one and various types of music — including live DJs, hot jazz and Sinatra-style crooners. 

The only thing missing at this swanky Great Gatsby-esque cocktail bar is the green light shining from Daisy Buchanan’s dock (although the bar proudly serves chartreuse for lovers of all things verdant). Just make sure to dress appropriately! 

Know before you go: There is a strict dress code: business casual, with 1920s flair.
Don’t miss: Piano nights with Alexander Pierok on most weekends 

Solar Myth is what happens when an iconic honky tonk gets transformed into an inventive wine bar. This genre-bending, mind-altering entertainment venue on Broad Street offers you something different every time you open the door. 

It’s as if passing under the famed Boot & Saddle neon, which is on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, puts a beautiful spell on you. Listen for John Moran playing the upright bass, then come inside to meet the Slovakian winemakers responsible for the liquid in your glass. 

Don’t miss: Fresh-roasted espresso and free vinyl spins in the morning 
Vibe: A mysterious portal through Philly’s musical past 

Imagine if Oscar Wilde opened up a club. Velvet Whip Arts & Social Club melds art to life, combining varying disciplines from burlesque, karaoke, comedy, improv, cabaret and, sometimes, opera. 

This Callowhill hot spot has something going on almost every night, Tuesday through Saturday — plus exclusive membership options, like curious Alley Cat, that allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the club

Don’t miss: Wednesday Speakeasy Hot Jazz, with live swing dancing amid the soulful sound of Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society
Vibe: Rihanna opened up a posh members-only club, then decided memberships were optional. 

After racking up impressive wins in 2026 for suds at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup, Attic Brewing Company makes its bones in the brewhouse. However, this proudly woman-owned brewpub really shines when flexing its creative side by hosting live music and art shows on the regular. 

Most importantly, Attic Brewing hosts the Germantown Jazz Jam on the last Wednesday of every month, spotlighting various local musicians committed to spreading the love language of jazz — especially when it comes to showcasing women’s voices. 

Know before you go: There is no kitchen on-site, but check social media for a rotating lineup of craveworthy food trucks. 
Don’t miss: Unresolved, a maibock beer that won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival 

Jerry’s Bar entered the chat years ago with its once-a-week signature Sunday Jazz Brunch, then furthered its growing street cred by adding live music on Friday nights. 

Relax with a “Bloody Jerry” or mimosa, vanilla brioche French toast, eggs and house-smoked meats — all while waking up with some merry live tunes. Make no mistake, this is the definition of a neighborhood bar, if that bar had a sick collection of classic cars, ideal for (hint, hint!) engagement photos. 

Vibe: A casual corner bar with a black-tie tuxedo in the closet 
Don’t miss: Homemade pierogies, with sour cream, caramelized onion and applesauce 

Bright ideas are the norm at this ritzy new 160-seat stunner at The Bellevue Hotel — just look at the Ferris wheel behind the bar. 

Mr. Edison, a swanky new supper club on the first floor of The Bellevue Hotel, hosts live music seven nights a week while leaning into its namesake inventor. The stage comes equipped with a baby grand piano to make live performances shine. 

Adorned in the warm amber glow of vintage-style Edison bulbs, this soothing two-story space (formerly a Ralph Lauren store) emits a retro-chic vibe, drawing purposeful inspiration from Thomas Edison, who helped bring electricity to the hotel in 1904. 

Know before you go: You can request balcony seating for a bird’s-eye view.
Don’t miss: That 12-foot-tall Ferris wheel of libations. Look closely to see 12 spokes holding wine and liquor bottles. 

Ortlieb’s welcomes all musical genres to perform on a cozy stage surrounded by twinkling lights, cold Tecate beers and free nostalgia. It’s in its DNA, dating back to the 1980s, when Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus was the premier jazz venue in Philadelphia. 

Today, this independent music venue in Northern Liberties doesn’t let one sound define it. They host everything from punk rock to stand-up comedy … oh, and, of course, live jazz on Monday nights.

Don’t miss: Ortlieb’s hot dog cart is pushing some of the most inventive food in town, including the Tiki Dog, loaded up with fresh pineapple and barbecue sauce. 
Vibe: The place where your favorite garage band got its start 

Located in the former home of the Royal Theater — the famed 1920s club that staged legendary acts like Cab Calloway, Pearl Bailey and Bessie Smith — Rex at the Royal puts a modern twist on Southern bistro fare (see: Crawfish Pot Pie). 

Today, Rex at the Royal hosts everything from wine tastings and drag brunches to industry nights and live music. Look for live jazz (and no cover) every Sunday night. 

Fun fact: The Royal Theater is on the National Register of Historic Places, a welcoming place once known as “America’s Finest Colored Photoplay House.” This designation was given because the theater was a safe haven for Black patrons to see a movie or listen to music while serving as a stop on the famed Chitlin’ Circuit. 

Vibe: A date-night speakeasy without the annoying doorman 
Don’t miss: Wednesday Burger Night, featuring $19 for a burger, beer and shot 

The Living Room, a botanical lounge inspired by the sunken gardens of Fairmount Park, provides a utopian setting for listening to trending DJs and swaying jazz singers, all vibrating rhythmically to the Philly skyline. 

This unpretentious joint offers live jazz performances every Sunday, anchored by subtle nods to Philly’s music scene everywhere you look. Framed oil portraits of local icons decorate the walls, including Jill Scott, Questlove, Joan Jett, Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, and Hall & Oates.

Know before you go: Take an elevator up to the hotel’s rooftop to experience the WET Bar, where after-dark gatherings give off pool party vibes during the warmer months. 
Vibe: A hotel bar that could easily sneak into the pool party in Las Vegas 

These are the polished places where Philly’s musical legacy hits all the right notes. Away from the speakeasies and red velvet, skip the line and listen to a new musician while supporting the future of jazz. 

• First Fridays at The Barnes Foundation: Music lovers can head to the Barnes Foundation on the First Friday of each month for performances by a variety of musicians representing multiple genres. Look for collaborations with the BlackStar Film Festival and more.

• Free Range at First Unitarian Church: Center City’s First Unitarian Church, in collaboration with Philly Music Factory, hosts a monthly concert series that provides an open stage and microphone for aspiring musicians, with a concentrated focus on improvised jazz. 

• Friday Nights at the Philadelphia Museum of Art: The Philadelphia Museum of Art hosts a variety of seasonal Friday Night lounge events including after-hours gallery access and live music ranging in scope from intimate jazz bands to groove-thumping DJs on the ones and twos. 

• Friday Night Jazz at Woodmere Art Museum: Saturday Night Jazz at Woodmere in Chestnut Hill often features toe-tapping tributes to icons like Miles Davis, Carole King, John Coltrane and Nina Simone, as well as interpretations of Bob Marley and James Brown.

• Jazz Series: Ensemble Arts at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts: With two gorgeous music halls and a steady lineup of international jazz talents — Jeff Goldblum has been known to show up here — the Kimmel Center brings the heat during its Jazz Series, in tandem with Ensemble Arts. 

As Benjamin Franklin famously said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” These are some of the most interesting and creative ways to learn about jazz and jazz culture in Philadelphia. 

• Mural Arts Philadelphia: Mural Arts’ playful Philly Swing in Southwest Philly captures the creative energy of jazz being performed. The mural shows everything from a trio of women singing to people dancing under a golden moon. Meanwhile, Sun Ra Arkestra honors a jazz pioneer from Germantown; Why We Love John Coltrane highlights native son John Coltrane; We Got the Jazz depicts “kudoglyphs” in Mt. Airy; and Eddie Lang pays tribute to the “Father of Jazz Guitar.” 

• New Philly Sound: The Heart of Jazz: This is literally the New Philly Sound, a new school of musicians shaking up Philly’s jazz legacy. Formed by saxophonist Aidan McKeon, New Philly Sound features an evolving group of university-level talent. 

• The Perch Music and Arts Workshop: This converted warehouse and community space hosts teaching classrooms and recording studios in Philly’s East Kensington neighborhood. Check out the Emerald Wildflower Garden for live performances, all supported by the Perch Music and Arts Workshop. 

• The Yard on John Coltrane Street: This expansive new community space, named The Yard on John Coltrane Street, has transformed a vacant lot next to John Coltrane’s house in Strawberry Mansion into an open-air auditorium for jazz experimentation. Coltrane called Philly home from 1952 to 1958.