Discover the Best Jazz Clubs & Weekly Events in Los Angeles

One of the pillars of music and culture around the world, jazz is America's indigenous art form - born in the United States and eventually spanning the globe in its impact and influence. Declared "a rare and valuable national American treasure" by Congress in 1987, jazz has been an integral part of the Los Angeles experience for decades, from historic Central Avenue to the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival and La La Land. Read on for the best jazz clubs and weekly music nights in Los Angeles.

Jazz Brunch - Grand Café @ Omni DTLA
The Omni Los Angeles hosts a Jazz Brunch at Grand Café every Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Enjoy live jazz while feasting on the lavish brunch buffet, which includes a Bakery Corner, Salads & Cold Bar, Cold Seafood Station, Hot Seafood Boil Station (Alaskan Snow Crab Legs, Crawfish, Jumbo Shrimp, Green Lip Mussels), Carving Board, Teppanyaki Station, Hot Presentation (Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Lemon Ricotta French Toast, Egg White Frittata, Breakfast Sides) and Dessert Station.

Pricing is $68 per person, which includes soft drinks and a Mimosa Flight (21+). Children ages 4-12 are $38 each. Reservations at OpenTable.

The Varnish
Hidden inside Cole's French Dip on 6th Street, The Varnish features live music every Sunday-Tuesday from 9pm to 12:30am. Named Best American Cocktail Bar at the prestigious Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards in 2012, The Varnish features an eclectic music lineup curated by Marc Gasway that ranges from jazz to blues, Tin Pan Alley and more. A recent set featured Django Reinhardt-style jazz manouche from Gage Halsey with Chris Rolontz and Sam Rocha. To pair with the speakeasy's classic cocktails, you can order French Dips from Cole's.

Follow @varnishhousebands for upcoming performances. No cover and no reservations - first come, first-served.

Rhythm Room
A true L.A. resurrection story, the Rhythm Room was originally a jazz lounge in the basement of the Hotel Hayward and a hotbed of entertainment in the 1940s and '50s. The lounge closed when the hotel - along with the Financial District - fell into disrepair in the 1970s. Reopened in 2017, Rhythm Room is one of Downtown L.A.'s top underground bars and provides a change of pace from the area’s hushed cocktail temples and booming dance clubs. Much of the original architecture remains intact, notably the marble staircase that leads guests down from street level to a cozy World War II-styled bar with retro furnishings. Live jazz plays as it did in the original space, and there are plenty of games throughout the space - darts, billiards, ping pong, and shuffleboard, plus board games that line the walls.

General Lee's
Located in the heart of historic Chinatown, General Lee’s boasts a stunning Tiki-style design and multiple bars serving Asian-inspired cocktails across its soaring two-level interior. Entering General Lee’s is like stepping into a modern Film Noir, especially on Tuesday nights, when live jazz is featured in the upstairs lounge.

The World Stage
The World Stage is an educational and performance art space in Leimert Park Village, the heart of L.A.'s African American cultural community. Founded in 1989 by renowned jazz drummer Billy Higgins and poet Kamau Daáood, The World Stage has grown to assume a pioneering and pivotal role in South LA’s music and art landscape. With a capacity of 100, The World Stage programs affordable weekly workshops in music and literary arts, and ticketed performances from a range of artists. Performances at The World Stage are generally on Friday and Saturday evenings. Check the calendar for upcoming events.

Through its weekly workshops, The World Stage provides the community with quality arts education and links youth with elders in the African American cultural tradition. Workshops are generally offered to the public for $5 but no one is turned away for lack of funds. Offerings include the World Stage Big Band and Rose Gaels Vocal Jam Session on Sundays; Anansi Writer’s Workshop (Wednesdays), Billy Higgins Instrumental Jam Session (Thursdays), and Trap Drum Workshop, Vocal Workshop and S.H.I.N.E. Mawusi Women's African Drum Circle on Saturdays.

The Dresden Restaurant & Lounge
Family-owned since 1954, The Dresden Restaurant & Lounge is perhaps best known for its appearance in Swingers - a classic scene that features beloved husband-wife duo Marty & Elayne performing "Stayin' Alive." The Dining Room offers a fine dining experience that leans into old school steaks and chops, including Prime Rib, Spiced Apple Pork Chop, New Zealand Rack of Lamb, Filet Mignon and two next-level cuts, hand-carved tableside: Chateaubriand (20 oz tenderloin) and 32 oz Tomahawk - bone-in ribeye, served with mashed potatoes, parmesan-roasted half tomatoes, button mushrooms and seasonal vegetables⁣.

The Lounge features classic cocktails, bar bites and nightly live entertainment. On Wednesdays, Luke Strand & Friends present a "modern, soulful, jazzy jam session performing a range of hits from different decades" from 8:30-11:30pm. Thursdays feature Billy T & the Fam, a saxophone-led instrumental jazz night from 8-11pm. On the second and fourth Friday of the month, Matt Forbes and Jesse Goddard host "Jazz Night at The Dresden" from 9pm to 12:15am, carrying on Marty & Elayne's four-decade legacy at The Dresden. Instrumental jazz quartet David Moscoe & Company take over the Lounge on Saturdays from 9:15pm to 1:15am with rotating guest musicians. No cover, two-drink minimum on Fridays and Saturdays.

Catalina Bar & Grill
Living up to its slogan "Nothing But the Best In Jazz," Catalina Bar & Grill has welcomed a Who's Who of jazz legends, including Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea, Ray Brown, Joe Williams, Max Roach, Carmen McRae, Betty Carter, Ron Carter, Joe Henderson, Benny Carter, Tony Williams, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Joshua Redman and many more. Shows are Tuesday-Sunday at 8:30pm with dinner service starting at 7pm. Sunday shows begin at 7:30pm, dinner at 6pm. Admission varies, plus dinner or two-drink minimum. Seating is on a first come, first-served basis.

Sofitel LA
Located in the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, Riviera 31 is a sophisticated cocktail lounge with elevated bar bites and decor that evokes Golden Age Hollywood and the French Riviera. Every Monday starting at 8pm, Riviera 31 hosts Jazz Eclectic, featuring Ryan Cross and his band playing classics and new tunes. You never know who's going to drop by - Stevie Wonder, Craig Robinson and Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds have all given impromptu performances. No cover, seating available only with bottle service.

Jazz at LACMA
A celebration of LA’s finest jazz musicians, Jazz at LACMA features the art of jazz as practiced by leading Southern California artists. The program continues to be one of the museum’s most popular offerings, having previously featured such legends as Wayne Shorter, John Clayton, Kenny Burrell, Les McCann, Billy Childs, Arturo Sandoval, Cannonball-Coltrane Project and Ernie Watts. During the season, Jazz at LACMA takes place at 6pm every Friday at the Smidt Welcome Plaza, near Chris Burden's iconic Urban Light. Admission is free, there are no reservations for seating. For the full lineup of performers, visit the Jazz at LACMA page.

Pip's On La Brea
Opened in 2010, Pip's On La Brea features global comfort food and top notch jazz on the patio. Kick off the week in style with Pip's famous Sunday Champagne Jazz Brunch, featuring sax man Cal Bennett. Priced at $65 per person, the brunch includes a buffet and a bottomless Mimosa bar. (Don't miss chef Luis Carrizo Salvat's signature empanadas!) Other music highlights include Thursday night with the David Patterson Trio, the David Leech Quartet on Saturdays and blues on Tuesday and Friday. To see the full schedule, visit the Pip's Live Music Calendar.

The Mint
Established in 1937, The Mint presents a wide range of music shows and has welcomed everyone from Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood to Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, George Clinton, Jeff Buckley, Bonnie Raitt and Justin Timberlake to the stage. Jazz luminaries like Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and The Yellowjackets have sat in or been featured acts at The Mint. Jazz Sundays features a rotating lineup of top musicians from the LA scene. Doors at 7pm and headliner at 8pm. Stay late for resident band The Sam Hirsh Trio - musicians who want to jam get in free with an instrument after 9pm (one drink minimum).

The Baked Potato
Opened by keyboardist Don Randi in 1970, The Baked Potato in Studio City is touted as "by musicians, for musicians," with a focus on jazz fusion artists and featuring great sound in an intimate setting. Two shows nightly, at 8pm and 10pm. Cover varies, two-drink minimum. And of course they serve baked potatoes - two dozen options, from veg-friendly Broccoli & Cheese and Sautéed Mushroom to Chicken Parm and Philly Cheesesteak.

Upstairs at Vitello's  
The 120-seat Upstairs at Vitello's in Studio City features nightly performances that range from jazz to Latin, R&B, cover bands and comedy in a state-of-the-art supper club setting.

Canyon Bistro
A hidden gem in Topanga, Canyon Bistro & Wine Bar features Randy Strom on the Warr guitar every Monday from 7-9 p.m. Other music nights on Thursday and Friday feature the Bistro All-Stars and special guests. For more info, check the Canyon Bistro calendar. 

Vibrato
Tucked inside a Bel-Air strip mall off Mulholland Drive, Vibrato is the brainchild of Grammy Award-winning music legend Herb Alpert. Vibrato features world-class jazz performances in a warm, elegant setting with superb sound design and artwork by Alpert himself. Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane, who performs regularly at Vibrato, told The Hollywood Reporter, "I've been to jazz clubs all over the country, and Vibrato ranks with the best of them. The acoustics are fantastic; the vibe is great." The dinner menu features California cuisine, Italian favorites, classic steakhouse cuts and vegetarian dishes. Cover and show times vary, for more info visit the Vibrato Performance Calendar.

Sam First
Opened in the fall of 2017, Sam First is located minutes from LAX in the burgeoning Westchester neighborhood. Owner Paul Solomon has reimagined and modernized the classic jazz bar, blending live music with craft cocktails and stunning design. Renowned Spanish architecture firm SelgasCano repurposed industrial food processing tubing, which lines the walls of the bar, to maximize the acoustic quality. Live jazz from renowned musicians on Saturdays and Sundays, with sets at 8pm and 9:30pm. Cover is $15-20, 21 and over. 

Lavender Blue
Located on Manchester Boulevard in Inglewood, Lavender Blue is the brainchild of Marsha Tekeste, who has three decades of experience as a nightclub owner and special events creator. Lavender Blue hosts live jazz featuring the Jacque Lesure Trio and guests every Sunday from 6-10 p.m. The restaurant and lounge has become a primary destination for special occasions from wedding receptions to birthday parties, showers to networking meetings, fundraisers to family reunions.

The Lighthouse Café 
Located on Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach, The Lighthouse Café has showcased jazz since May 1949. Under the name "The Lighthouse," the venue was one of the key West Coast jazz clubs from the 1950s through the late 1970s. Legendary jazz musicians like Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Art Blakey and Cannonball Adderley have performed and made live recordings at The Lighthouse. Today the club books a wide range of music acts, from jazz to reggae and rock.

The Lighthouse Café is being discovered by a new generation of fans, thanks to its appearance in La La Land as the jazz bar where Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) hangs out. When Mia (Emma Stone) tells him she doesn't like jazz, Sebastian takes her to the Lighthouse Cafe.

Colombo's Italian Steakhouse & Jazz Club
Open in Eagle Rock since 1954, Colombo's Italian Steakhouse & Jazz Club features hearty Italian American cuisine along with live jazz Monday through Friday.

Parkway Grill
Opened in 1984, Parkway Grill showcases Regional American Cuisine with a seasonal, market-driven approach that incorporates diverse influences and classic French technique. Live music has been part of the Parkway Grill experience since day one. Music director David Arnay has been with Parkway for more than 20 years, specializing in jazz and standards. Parkway Grill features live music every night but Sunday, with a solo performer each night except Friday, when Arnay brings a jazz duo. 

Barkley Restaurant
Originally named The Crossbow, The Barkley Restaurant opened in 1951 at the corner of Huntington Drive and Fremont in South Pasadena. The Richard Glaser Quartet plays live jazz at The Barkley every Sunday night from 7–11 p.m. There's live music every Friday and Saturday night from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. featuring The Barkley's resident bands and special guests like The Big Butter Jazz Band.

The Blue Guitar
Located at Arroyo Seco Golf Course in South Pasadena, The Blue Guitar presents jazz shows at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Unless otherwise noted, tickets are $15 for table seating and $10 general admission. The Arroyo Seco Grill has food and a full bar. If you prefer to bring our your own there's a $10 corkage fee.