B.B. King's Blues Club & Grille

237 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036 212-997-4144

Description: THEATRE DISTRICT. This impressive venue pays tribute to soulful blues legend B.B. King and features musicians who specialize in everything from blues, jazz and hip-hop to funk, blue grass and even heavy metal. In fact, there's really no telling who may be slated from week to week ­ it may be a Pink Floyd tribute band one night, Peter Frampton the next, and then either Ricky Skaggs or Little Richard. Sundays are especially popular thanks to the live gospel music and brunches that feature downhome ditties like baked yams, mac-n-cheese, fried catfish and collards. TRAIN: 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, S, W to Times Sq-42nd St
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Bemelmans Bar

35 E 76th St, The Carlyle, New York, NY 10021 212-744-1600

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. This Madison Avenue piano bar, named after an author of children's literature, attracts a more mature and well-heeled group of clientele than some of the Upper East Side's other nightspots do. Murals from Ludwig Bemelman's depict scenes from "Madeline" and a few of his other stories, adding nice contrast to the bar's "Old New York" atmosphere. Indeed, this place is reminiscent of the city's classic piano bars ­ joints where you could enjoy a good drink and great music in relative peace. TRAIN: 6 to 77th St
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Birdland

315 W 44th St, between 8th and 9th Aves, New York, NY 10036-5402 212-581-3080

Description: HELL'S KITCHEN. Although it opened in December 1949, Birdland continues the tradition of live jazz that has been so popular with both New York natives and tourists alike over the years. Classic jazz club ambiance, enhanced by excellent musicians who have likely been playing for decades, is still offered here ­ you will not be disappointed. The line-up of past performers is impressive by any standards, starting with Charlie "Bird" Parker himself. Other well-known names include John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington. $10 minimum per person. TRAIN: A, C, E to 42nd St
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Brandy's Piano Bar

235 E 84th St, between 2nd and 3rd Aves, New York, NY 10128 212-744-4949

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. Fortunately for its boisterous patrons, Brandy's stays open late. This popular piano bar is one part sing-along and two parts lounge. Expect to have a great time here and plan to participate with the staff and largely mixed clientele in the crooning. Regardless, there's something mysteriously elegant about this place. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St
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Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola

132 W 65th St, Frederick P. Rose Hall at Lincoln Center, New York, NY 212-258-9595

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. Ritzy Lincoln Center may seem like an odd place to go if you're looking to find some of the Big Apple's coolest, keenest jazz. After all, everybody knows the best jazz dens are dank, smoky hideaways, right? Well, Dizzy's dispels that myth with a fury. Young and emerging performers are given time on Monday nights (always rewarding shows), and the rest of the week is turned over to established performers. As for food, it's heavily tinged with soulful Southern flair ­ homemade pecan pie, collard greens, fried chicken and the like. Table reservations are encouraged for early sets but aren't accepted for After Hours (late) sets. Food and beverage minimums $10 at table, $5 at bar. TRAIN: A, B, C, D, 1 to 59th St-Columbus Cir
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Don't Tell Mama

343 W 46th St, between 8th and 9th Aves, New York, NY 10036 212-757-0788

Description: HELL'S KITCHEN. If you are in the mood for a no-holds-barred eclectic mix, plan to go to Don't Tell Mama. This piano bar features live jazz, sing-alongs and cabaret rooms, which feature comedy groups, musicals, vocal groups and a variety of other acts. Unlike your typical quiet and cozy piano bar, this one rocks with laughter and conversation from a mix of patrons who would not normally be seen on the street with each other. There is no food served here, so don't go hungry. TRAIN: A, C, E to 42nd St/Port Authority Bus Terminal; C, E to 50th St; N, R, S, 1, 2, 3, 7, 9 to 42nd St-Times Sq
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Iridium Jazz Club

1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019 212-582-2121

Description: THEATRE DISTRICT. At Broadway and 51st, Iridium hosts an impressive repertoire of jazz acts every month, including guitar legend Les Paul every Monday. Inside, you'll find a scene that looks like something out of a postmod painting ­ stylishly sitting on the cusp of absurdity and funkiness. Nevertheless, this is a cool place to stop by. Students with ID get half price admission Sun-Thu. $10 minimum at bar, $10 at tables. TRAIN: C, 1, 9 to 50th St; N, R, W to 49th St; B, D, E to 7th Ave
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Jazz Standard

116 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016 212-576-2232

Description: GRAMERCY. Snuggled between Park and Lexington Avenues, this jazz club/restaurant combo has garnered a good amount of praise from local critics and discriminating patrons. If you want to hear good jazz, find your way downstairs to the cozy lounge area, which has the ambience of a circa 1920 speakeasy and great acoustics for live music. The upstairs restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and serves an excellent new American menu that is a big hit with well-heeled locals. TRAIN: 6 to 28th St
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O' Flaherty's Ale House & Restaurant

334 W 46th St, Between 8th and 9th Aves, New York, NY 10036 212-581-9366

Description: HELL'S KITCHEN. O'Flaherty's exudes style and elegance, whether you are in the cozy fireplace area or under the stars in the garden. Rising stars or actor wannabes often can be found playing pool here. The trendy crowd will be dressed to the nines, so dust off that special outfit to wear. Billiard tables, large-screen TV's and live music nightly. TRAIN: A, C, E to 42nd St-Port Authority
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O'Flanagan's

1215 1st Ave, 65th & 66th, New York, NY 10021 212-439-0660

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. This Irish-style pub tends to get lively at times ­ especially if there is a big boxing match or game on the tube. Indeed, the pub is a safe harbor for sports junkies, who clamor here in the early evening and tend to stay late. Also popular with the neighborhood folk, area business types, and the occasional bartender, O'Flanagan's is the type of place where everybody is welcome and treated the same. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St
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Oak Room at the Algonquin

59 W 44th St, between 5th and 6th Aves, New York, NY 10019 212-840-6800

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. The Oak Room reminds one of old New York with its classic décor and oak paneling. Top-name artists who are usually booked for lengthy stays play cabaret and jazz here. Dinner and shows are seasonal and by reservation only - call for details for cabaret. Hors d'oeuvres, sandwiches and upscale drinks are served in this comfy, yet elegant mainstay. TRAIN: 7 to 5th Ave; B, D, F, Q to 42nd St; N, R, S, 1, 9, 2, 3, 7 to 42nd St-Times Sq
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Prohibition

503 Columbus Ave, between 84th and 85th Sts, New York, NY 10024 212-579-3100

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. Don't let the name throw you, for the drinks at this spacious Upper West Side bar flow fairly freely. Popular with the neighborhood crowd, Prohibition offers patrons plenty of activity ­ billiards, several televisions and even a few live jazz acts on occasion. As the evening wears on, the bar tends to get loud and the pick-up lines even more desperate. In the warmer months, you can enjoy your drink and even a few of their delicious appetizers on the outdoor patio. TRAIN: A, B, C to 86th-Central Park West; 1, 9 to Broadway
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Rodeo Bar

375 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016-9065 212-683-6500

Description: GRAMERCY. The Rodeo Bar, conveniently situated on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 27th Street, is one of the few places in the Murray Hill area where you can hear live blues, country, Southern rock and down-home bluegrass all in one spot. Resembling a Texas roadhouse, this bar and grill may have gone a little over the top with the country-western theme, but the majority of the peanut-munching patrons seem to pay it no mind. The Rodeo serves up a pretty decent Tex-Mex menu that features everything from "Cowboy Kisses" (jalapenos and shrimp wrapped in bacon) and Texas fajitas to barbecue and country-fried steak. Of course, the big draws here are their jumbo margaritas, which come in fish bowls. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 28th St
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Session 73

1359 1st Ave, New York, NY 10021 212-517-4445

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. Located in what was once the Yorkville Brewery, the Upper East Side's mellow Session 73 lacks the intimacy that you'd expect from a Big Apple jazz/blues club. Nevertheless, this bar does benefit from a laid-back, almost homey atmosphere that is conducive to hearing live blues, funk and jazz. If you want to truly experience the place, eschew the tables so you can saunter up to a seat at the bar. Keep your eyes peeled, as everybody from Derek Jeter to Ben Affleck has been spotted here. TRAIN: 6 to 68th St
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Smoke

2751 Broadway, between 105th & 106th Sts, New York, NY 10025 212-864-6662

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. Housed in what was once known as Augie's Jazz Bar, Smoke bears the proud distinction of being one of the Upper West Side's best live jazz clubs. This swanky little neighborhood bar offers guests the chance to hear excellent up-and-coming musicians while enjoying their favorite cocktails in a relaxing, lounge-like environment. Note the rather unusual collection of paintings left over from the bar's former incarnation and try and nestle yourself in one of the cozy, candlelit banquettes. TRAIN: 1, 2, 3, 9 to 103rd St
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Snitch

59 W 21st St, New York, NY 10010 212-727-7775

Description: FLATIRON DISTRICT. Awesome impromptu sets are common at this rocking watering hole, co-owned by Scott Wieland and Duff McKagan of Velvet Revolver. This place is all about music and attitude ­ it's even billed as a "rock 'n roll sports bar" ­ and the management does its best to back the claim, scheduling performances by groups like The Killers, Korn, Marilyn Manson, Metallica, System of a Down and Smashing Pumpkins. And if a band isn't on the slate, you can bet the house that a world-class DJ is. Cash only, at the door. TRAIN: N, R, W, 1 to 23rd St
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Swing 46 Jazz and Supper Club

349 W 46th St, between 8th and 9th Aves, New York, NY 10036 212-262-9554

Description: HELL'S KITCHEN. The newest dance craze has taken hold at the hippest club located on Restaurant Row. Be ready to dance all night to a live swing band or participate in a free swing lesson, offered nightly. Or bring your tap shoes and dance on Sunday's with Dr. Buster Brown. You will find all ages in this classy 1940s-style club. TRAIN: A, C, E to 42nd St
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Top of the Tower

3 Mitchell Pl, Beekman Tower Hotel, New York, NY 10017 212-355-7300

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Even native New Yorkers enjoy a stunning view of the city from this Art Deco lounge located 26 stories up. The late-night bar is open seven days a week and features live piano on Friday and Saturday nights. Open-air terraces wrap around the restaurant and bar area, inviting guests to enjoy a cocktail al fresco while enjoying the view. TRAIN: E, F to Lexington Ave; 6 to 51st St
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Townhouse Bar of New York

236 E 58th St, New York, NY 10001 212-754-4649

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. The dress code is strictly enforced in this three-part gay club. In other words, don't bother going if you are dressed casually. You will see more suits than anything else, so look the part if you want to get in. The dark wood and lush fabrics found in these three rooms produce a feeling of quiet elegance. The large and lively piano bar is on the same floor with the front lounge, a casual bar with comfy sofas. Downstairs you will find a quiet atmosphere, better suited for conversation. Cash only policy. TRAIN: N, R to Lexington Ave; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St
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Waldorf Cocktail Terrace

301 Park Ave, Waldorf-Astoria and Waldorf Towers, New York, NY 10022 212-355-3000

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Since 1893, the Waldorf has been a landmark of success and elegance. The terrace cocktail lounge overlooks the elegantly restored lobby, where one might relax with a drink or afternoon tea while enjoying the strains of piano music. Mosaic floors and oil murals make up the fine décor that surrounds guests. TRAIN: 6 to 51st St
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