Blue Note

"A must-visit, iconic jazz club! The artists are not only phenomenal, but they also bring in unexpected guests that make for a fun, engaging experience. There is bar seating or table seating available, and I would definitely go for table seating as it is hard to see the stage from the bar. Seating is first come first serve, so I recommend coming in early (as early as an hour before to get drinks & bites) especially for the earlier shows. There is also a $20 minimum spend, although that is very easy to get to! Make sure to buy your tickets online prior. And again, get there early!"

"I can only comment on the atmosphere, I’m on a budget. The sound is excellent and I was way back in the corner of the bar. You can hear perfectly well over any chatter if there is any. Normally there’s not as everyone is fixated on the musicians. This club is famous in NYC and they seem to keep everything relaxed and elegant."

"Chris Botti was fantastic! The accompanying entertainers were absolutely amazing!!! Definitely a must when in NYC. The bartender was unbelievable. He held the entire place on his own and no matter how busy he got, he always managed to serve your drink with a smile and keep it altogether. Drinks were great. Did not try the food. Just a note that the tables are in fact extremely tight. We paid for table seats but decided to sit at the bar. Way too tight at the tables unless you arrive once the doors open at 6:00 p.m. for the 8:00 p.m. show and have a better chance at sitting at a table where you're not feeling claustrophobic. Overall, loved it!"

"Be prepared. You will wait in line. You will be packed like sardines at a tiny table. Service will be slow. You will feel like you have to follow certain rules or get in trouble. But you will get something incredibly wonderful back in return. You will get to see a show at the intimate and magical Blue Note where the sound is perfect and artists tend to have some of the greatest sets they can remember. It is an honor for musicians to play here and likewise should be an honor to listen to music here. However, it comes in a awkward uncomfortable yet lovable package. Green room and gift shop is upstairs. Bar viewing area sucks, go with tables, show up way early. There’s a $20 min drink min, order two drinks at the same time and skip the food."

"The Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC is a total respite from the chaos of the city. Whether you're making a special trip to see a particular artist or whether you're just popping in on a whim to stand by the bar and have some drinks while watching whoever's playing, it's a pleasure to visit this iconic venue. The best time of year, however, is when trumpeter Chris Botti and his band arrive for their month-long residency in December, which runs through January. He's an iron man who puts on two shows a night, and if you plan ahead, you can get the best seats. I recommend center stage, but back by the wall. When you're right up on the stage, you could end up facing the wrong way, and in order to see the band you'd have to twist your neck like an owl. It's too close in a very crowded space. The Blue Note is like the size of a studio apartment, and yet they have like 50 table tops or something to fill. Book your tickets ahead of time, and arrive early, especially in the winter and ESPECIALLY on NYE. Otherwise you'll be on the wrong end of a long line in the cold. Their door policy sometimes doesn't seem to make sense; they'll let the non-ticket holders in first to fill out the bar space, and then let the people lined up in after those first folks are let in, which just makes it more crowded as you're trying to check your coat and get seated. That's the one thing they could do a little bit better, but dress warm and you'll be fine."