On any given night in Austin, you can find live music from just about every genre imaginable.
Jazz is a genre often overlooked but there are many great spots worth checking out for a nice evening on the town. For those looking for a break from the usual chaos happening downtown every week, we compiled this smooth list just for you.
Contributed by Matthew Carlin
photo credit: Parker Jazz Club / Facebook
117 W 4th St. #107B
With a dimly lit atmosphere, Parker Jazz Club transports you into the intimacy of a different generation. Grab a table and watch the curtain fall back for an evening of great music and wonderful drink pairings. A true jazz club, the formal setting makes for the perfect date night or just a night out on the town.
photo credit: Elephant room / facebook
315 Congress Ave.
Descend into the basement at the Elephant Room for a night that’s big on jazz but even bigger on character. The decorated walls and playful atmosphere make for an informal vibe so that you can really focus on the music and good times. You can find fantastic jazz here 7 days a week, with no cover from 5-8pm every night and all night Sundays and Mondays, and just $7 beginning at 8pm Tuesday through Saturday—so you won’t empty your pockets coming here. It's the perfect place to grab a stiff drink and hear some great music with friends.
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photo credit: culturemap austin
117 W 4th St, Suite 101A
From the folks who brought you Parker Jazz Club and The Elephant Room, Nica on 4th is a combination of the best parts of both. This new downtown spot is an elegant, postwar-inspired craft cocktail bar paying homage to “The Jazz Baroness” Pannonica de Koenigswarter with fancy drinks and top-notch live jazz.
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photo credit: monks jazz club / facebook
501 Pedernales St Suite 2E
One of the more unique concepts in Austin, Monks started as a pop-up concert series, and now features the best improvisational jazz groups and musicians the region has to offer. Monks lives off the passion and culture of the people in Austin, so if you catch a show at Monks, you’re directly supporting Austin’s organic art and music culture.
301 E 5th St
With a delicious menu of cocktails and even better food, Eddie V’s downtown location is the perfect night out if you want to see live music while also enjoying a nice meal. With live Jazz every night, this creates an intimate atmosphere while you dive into their lamb lollipops or a classic Old Fashioned. If you want to have a nice night out but not deal with the chaos of clubs or bars, Eddie V’s is the place for you. You can see their live music schedule here.
photo credit: firehouse lounge
605 Brazos St.
Located in an old Austin firehouse with one of the coolest speakeasies in town and a hostel, Firehouse Lounge appeals to everyone. If you’re visiting, this is a great spot to stay at with various styles of rooms each with their own privacy. They offer some of the best cocktails around and they’re extremely knowledgeable about what they're shakin' up at the bar. Grab a drink and check out the awesome live blues and jazz music that they offer weekly in the lounge.
photo credit: geraldine's
605 Davis St.
Located inside the beautiful Hotel Van Zandt on the 4th floor, Geraldine’s offers a diverse menu of food and drinks. One of the many great events here is the jazz brunch hosted every Sunday. Grab your friends and come watch great live jazz music as you salivate over one of the best brunches in town. The beautiful interior décor makes for a wonderful atmosphere to spend your weekends with.
photo credit: c-boys heart and soul / facebook
2008 South Congress Ave.
The sister venue to Austin’s iconic Continental Club, C-Boys Heart and Soul lives up to the name by bringing in a constant stream of jazz, blues, and soul musicians every week. You can grab a booth or enjoy the patio out back. C-Boys feels more like your cool friend’s parents' house than a music venue. The Jade Room upstairs offers DJs and a cozy atmosphere while the music and main bar are downstairs. This is also a great place to catch a residency from one of the many great soul and jazz acts in Austin.
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MORE PLACES TO SEE JAZZ:
1315 S Congress Ave
1313 S Congress Ave
75 1/2 Rainey St
1906 E 12th St
8665 W, State Hwy 71 #100
1106 E. 11th Street
Want to talk Jazz in Austin?
