Birdland Jazz Club

Even though there are many great places for jazz in NYC, I highly recommend bringing your out-of-town friends and family to Birdland and enjoy an evening of great jazz and good food. It has a nice 'old-style' jazz club feeling, seating is comfortable and because of its tiered setting, you are likely to get a decent view of the band without getting a neckache. So many jazz greats play there, there is a good chance you'll find a good show any week. The food is pretty good too, making it a bit easier to spend the $10 food and drink minimum. more

Birdland is great! But the band you simply must NOT miss is Tommy Igoe's "Birdland Big Band". They play every Friday from 5 to 7 and it's sold out just about every week so make a reservation unless you want to sit at the bar. Everyone in New York knows about this amazing band, so go check them out for yourself. more

The next time I get the chance to recommend entertainment options for friends, family or business associates planning a trip to New York City, I will include Birdland first thing. When you consider all the various aspects of a "jazz club" experience, especially when it's a special occasion justifying a bit more expense, GO TO BIRDLAND! We've been to the "cozier" spots in the Village, and the "authentic" places in Harelm, and the new joints in mid-town, so we've got some perspective. Birdland did the best job of providing the ambience, quality of performance and drink/dining options to which we look forward. Jame Carter performed with his organ trio (the guy on the Hammond B3 could replicate Manhattan Transfer's vocal stylizing) and blew the room away. Carter plays FOUR instruments with equal virtuousity and looked great doing it in his wide striped business suit. And then, there is the food. Each time our friend cut into her herb chicken the delightful aroma was released. My creole rice was done exactly as it should be, flavorful and a little dry. Close your eyes and imagine a classy night club from an old black and white movie...be sure to include white table cloths, tiny candles, and just enough silver to provide some magic. The tab for three including the $30 x 3 cover, six cocktails and three entrees was around $210. Be sure everyone understands the cover, minimum and dining polices before you go. Pros: Food was very good, music was even better Cons: Having to step out into the lights and noise of the Theatre District more

I have dined at Birdland a few times and many other restaurants and have never in my life witnessed a manager flat out yell at a waitress in the dining room. She happened to be my waitress and was so attentive to our needs and extremely caring. There are so many other jazz clubs in New York City, that I don't want to go back to Birdland and support and establishment that disrepects and treats their staff so horribly! I am just disgusted by the way that man handled the situation! more

The stage is small but its centered so you can sit anywhere and be ok.. if ur upfront you can really get a birds eye view of the performer. I had dinner and drinks as well so on top of the music charge of $25 i paid an addition 50 just for myself. The spinach salad was wonderful but the popcorn shrimp was tasteless. All in all i don't think i would eat there again unless i was starving but i would go back for the music. Pros: Good service, view, intimate Cons: can be expensive nite w/ music charge, drinks and food more

I have gone to Birdland many times over the last year. I would sit at the bar, have a drink or two - sometimes eat - listen to the music and leave. I was never asked for or billed a cover charge so I assumed the cover charge ($30) was only for the tables. Back in the '70s when I was playing and hanging out at clubs there was either no cover at the bar (but a drink minimum) or a discounted cover, depending on the act playing. So I thought nothing of it. I was in the neighborhood last week with my girlfriend and decided to pop in and check out the music. At the door we were stopped by two women and told in no uncertain terms that there is, was and has always been a $30 cover at the bar. I was really surprised. They had no explanation as to why I was never charged one. We left. I called and spoke to a manager the next day who also seemed surprised that I wasn't charged all those times. Oh well. It's a nice room, the food is ok and they get some good acts but I won't go as regularly as I had. Pros: Some great acts in a comfortable setting. Cons: $30 cover at the bar. more

Excellent service. Food was good, great desserts, entertainment was superb!!! Definitely would revisit and highly recommended for the jazz lover. more

I enjoyed the music. It lasted a little over an hour. The Orchestra were great. Enjoyed the whole show with no complaints. The place is very expensive though. The drinks are light on thge alcohol and small. They also have expensive entrees for the taste. In fact I dont recommend food there at all. The best thing to do is have your drinks and dinner, arrive there and then just have the minimum drink and no food. The music is fabulous. They charge around $30 per person just for the music, so there is no need to pay more in terms of food and drinks that are semi standard. I would go there again, but buy minimum. more

I have been to Birdland twice and enjoyed it both times. The first time I went I saw the Duke Ellington Orchestra and they were great. Enjoyed the whole show with no complaints. The second time I went was the Saxophone Summit and that was probably the best jazz show I have ever seen. I didn't even realize that they had played for an hour and half when they were done. It felt like they had just started. Pros: Great jazz, Good Atmosphere, Good service more

I saw the Count Basie Orchestra last week and it was amazing! Food and service were top notch, cool vibe, and the hostesses were so welcoming. I recommend it to anyone! The seafood gumbo was fanntassticccc! Pros: Great atmosphere, celeb hang, top notch jazz more

Good Jazz doesn't have to be listened to in an uncomfortable, smokey, setting you have to cab in and out of. My wife and I have been going to Birdland for years, and it's always a pleasure in every way. Pros: Great Music, Comfortable setting, Handicap access more