Nightlife in New York- Top Live Music Bars

New York is synonymous with a lively nightlife. The nights are filled with jazziest, upbeat music scenes along with an enthralling bar menu, and scrumptious dining options. Though alluring and energetic throughout the day, New York City becomes more alive and vibrant when the sun goes down. After spending your entire day sightseeing and other popular things to do in New York, a visit to one of the many live music bars will bless your soul. Whether you are a jazz lover, an enthusiast dancer, a drinker, or an ardent foodie, live music bars and venues will keep you all covered! A visit to these bars is one of the best free things to do in NYC, as most of them only charge for drinks and food.

So, take out your checklist and mark the best things to do in NYC at night from this elaborate New York Travel Guide and get ready for an experience of a lifetime.

Skinny Dennis – One of the best places to be at after a hectic day of things to do with kids in NYC, Skinny Dennis will never disappoint you. From rock, country, to swing, and blues, this bar offers a stunning music scene along with artistic interiors and charming atmosphere. Eugene Chrysler and Margo Valiante are some of the star performers of the venue that will delight your core to the heart. With several performances and free events NYC at Skinny Dennis all throughout the week, there is always something to look out for. So, gather some friends, or take your partner for a date, and catch up while enjoying live music and your favorite drinks.

Brooklyn Bowl – Another popular NYC attraction, Brooklyn Bowl stays true to its slogan “Eat, Drink, Rock, Roll”. A visit to this funky bowling alley cum live music venue is one of the best things to do in NYC tonight. With leather lounge areas adorned with laser lights, foot-tapping music, an amazing bar, and food menu, Brooklyn Bowl has something for everyone. Enjoy bowling with a bunch of friends, dance your heart out on the floor, or grab your favorite drinks and snacks. The Brooklyn Bowl features popular bands like the Knocks and the Wailers to name a few. So make sure to check for things to do in NYC this weekend at Brooklyn Bowl to make your trip even more fun and enjoyable.

The Bell House – A perfect venue for a great music experience, the Bell House is among the top New York tourist attractions. This place is known for its 90s themed dance parties, stand up comedy events, and a variety of other performances appealing to everyone. The Bell house consists of the Main Event Hall where major NYC events this weekend are organized along with a casual bar space – The Frontier Room. With a vibrant music scene and an array of mouthwatering dishes, cocktails, and drinks, the Bell House is an unmissable spot in the city.

Harlem Nights – Another addition to the list of wonderful live music bars in New York is the iconic Harlem Nights bar. With a perfect combination of melodies and martinis, Harlem Nights is a one-stop destination for an unforgettable nightlife experience in NYC. It features some of the most popular live bands along with a toothsome food and drinks menu. Some of the must-haves in their menu include cocktails like Harlem Sizzle, Harlem Splash, Summer in the City Slush, with smoked wings, chicken and port patties, and Cron Dog. With so much to do and enjoy, a visit to this neighborhood bar is one of the most fun things to do in NYC.

Fat Cat – Not just the name, but everything about this bar is unique and refreshing. Fat Cat has everything that is Jazz, from a number of live bands, an amazing bar, to a variety of games like, billiards, shuffleboard, ping-pong, and others. The affordable drinks menu with a high-quality music experience makes this place a great spot to relax after a tiresome day of New York City sightseeing. Fat Cat is also known for its midnight Jazz jam sessions and other performances by the finest artists. If you are in search of events in New York City today, head to Fat Cat and enjoy your night to the fullest.

Blue Note Jazz Club- A visit to New York City will be incomplete without visiting this legendary Blue Note bar. This fascinating jazz bar hosts a number of artists including Grammy award winner Keyon Harrold.  The soul-stirring live music, amazing food options, and a decent bar menu make this place ideal for a fun evening after visiting popular New York attractions. Shrimp cocktails, Barbeque chicken wings, and pan-roasted salmon are among the most popular items served here. Since the room is tight, make sure to reserve seats in advance. A visit to Blue Note is one of the top things to do in NYC with friends at night.

Bar Lunatico – Among popular live music bars in Brooklyn, Bar Lunatico is always brimmed with people enjoying live musical performances. From jazz, neo-folk, to dubstep and Bollywood, you can enjoy a range of different music styles here. The bar also offers unique cocktails like Mezcal Margarita, Mrs.Robinson, Creole Moon among several others. The menu consists of popular Indian dishes like Murgh Banjara, Paneer Masala, Masaledar Sem, and Kheer that will tantalize your taste buds. A visit to this hip and upbeat place is definitely one of the best things to do in NYC.

Bar Velo – Previously known as Cafe Moto, Bar Velo is popular for its cozy ambiance, and musical performances. Featuring local musicians and artists of different genres, Bar Velo offers several fun things to do in New York with friends and family. The major highlight of this bar, however, is the vegan food menu with dishes like Black Bean Portobello Burger, Shepherd’s Pie, and organic blueberry pancake being visitor’s favorites. Bar Velo also consists of a great selection of cocktails including Giro D’Italia, Thyme trial, the Spicy Lopez along with a range of wines.

St. Mazie Bar and Supper Club – This bar is an excellent place to dance on the beats of different live music genres. King County Swing and Professors Cuningham & his old school are some of the bands that perform at the St. Mazie Bar. If you are wondering about things to do in NYC today, you must head to St.Mazie with your partner or a bunch of friends, order drinks, and enjoy live music. And when you feel hungry, the restaurant will provide you with mouthwatering dishes to satiate your hunger pangs. Do try their Mexican Firing squad, Perfect Daiquiri, and the brown derby cocktails and enjoy a great time at this beautiful and charming bar.

Prohibition – This place only prohibits boredom with its entertaining live music acts and countless options on the bar menu. A constant source of fun for both the locals and tourists for more than 25 years, Prohibition serves excellent cocktails and features great musicians every night. To treat the singer in you, make sure to visit on Monday to sing at the open mic nights. After an entire day of New York sightseeing, visiting free museums in New York City, and having fun with kids, a visit to Prohibition Bar would be a great idea.

Hard Rock Cafe – How can a list of best live music bars in New York end without mentioning the Hard Rock Cafe? Being one of the most popular entertainment destinations, it often makes its way in your New York itinerary. The classic decor,  entertaining live music, an attractive selection of drinks, and a 700-seat restaurant – all combine together at Hard Rock Cafe. Attending a party or event at the outdoor space of the cafe amid the gorgeous views of the city is one of the best things to do in Times Square. 

Anyway Cafe –  Boasting the perfect combination of amazing live music and an extensive bar menu, Anyway Cafe is one of the best places to visit in New York. From acoustic guitar renditions of iconic songs to soothing Spanish guitar tunes,  you can enjoy amazing music while sipping your favorite drinks and munching on mouth-watering dishes. Some of the most popular drinks on the menu include vodka infusions in flavors like sour cherry, cranberry, and blackcurrant along with an array of Eastern European and domestic beers. With the wonderful ambiance and charming interiors, Anyway Cafe is the perfect place, if you are looking for date night ideas in NYC.

With so many things to do in New York City at night, you can never have enough of this glamorous destination. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready for a memorable vacation with your family and friends. Also, make sure to check for the events calendar and our travel guide to keep you going during your trip.