There’s a handful of jazz clubs in Boston, but in typical jazz club fashion, they’re mysteriously hidden throughout the city. Luckily, we’ve done the digging for you, and curated a list of Boston’s best jazz clubs.
You’ll find everything from a sequestered jazz ensemble at the back of a Cambridge Japanese restaurant, to the Southern-inspired The Beehive restaurant of South End which frequently welcomes jazz groups from around the world. Without further ado, here are the best spots in Boston for live jazz music:
1. The Beehive, South End
Perhaps Boston’s most well-known jazz club, The Beehive is famous for its daily live music. They offer a rotating selection of unique jazz experiences and occasionally mix things up with reggae or the blues! Make sure to browse the calendar for upcoming performances.
541 Tremont St., Boston
2. Scullers Jazz Club, Allston
Named Downbeat Magazine’s “best international jazz venue,” Scullers is the definition of a jazz club. You get the underground show, rotating artists, and even dinner should you choose! They also have a VIP jazz club membership that comes with extra perks for jazz enthusiasts!
400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston
3. The Mad Monkfish, Central Square
It’s rare to find sushi and jazz in the same spot. But Mad Monkfish offers a wide array of incredible seafood and Japanese bites in addition to live jazz!
524 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
4. Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen, South End
You might think you’re in New Orleans from the spirited energy and Southern food at Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen! Enjoy everything from hush puppies to shrimp and grits!
If you enjoy Darryl’s, you’re going to love our next recommendation which is also owned by Roxbury-native and local restauranteur, Nia Grace!
604 Columbus Ave., Boston
5. Grace By Nia, Seaport
This new woman-owned live music venue and restaurant in Seaport offers everything you crave. Enjoy live jazz alongside a refined menu featuring carrot cake chicken and waffles, cajun jambalaya, and Maryland hot crab dip. Grace by Nia offers live music every night and during brunch, in addition to “Let it Flow” live jazz sessions on Wednesdays from 7 PM until midnight.
60 Seaport Blvd., Boston; 3rd Floor
6. Wally’s Cafe Jazz Club, South End
The South End clearly offers an amazing selection of jazz clubs. Wally’s is no different.
Established in 1947, Wally’s has served the Boston community for over 50 years. It’s the oldest jazz club in Boston and as rich in music as it is in history.
427 Massachusetts Ave., Boston
7. Global Jazz Club, Back Bay
This music venue specializes in jazz and blues. As the name suggests, performers come from all over the world to perform.
351 Boylston St., Boston
8. Regattabar, Harvard Square
This jazz bar is sequestered inside Harvard Square’s 4-star The Charles Hotel. Operating since 1985, they serve up great bites accompanied by delicious tunes.
1 Bennett St., Cambridge
9. Cafe 939, Back Bay
Cafe 939 is Berklee College of Music’s public venue space. While it doesn’t exclusively play jazz, you’ll find some of music’s greatest up and coming talent playing for this prestigious music school. Genres can include jazz but also range from acapella to pop.
939 Boylston St., Boston
10. The Lilypad, Inman Square
The Lilypad became one of the area’s leading music venues since opening in 2005! In 2019, All About Jazz, ranked Lilypad as one of the “Top 100 Jazz Venues in the World!”
The jazz-heavy events schedule changes regularly, and Lilypad also offers piano lessons!
1353 Cambridge St., Cambridge
These are the best jazz clubs in Boston! They offer amazing food, comfortable ambiances, and excellent live jazz!