The best jazz clubs in D.C.

This iconic jazz supper club, founded in 1965, has hosted major names like Dizzy Gillespie, Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. With world-class blues, jazz acts and top-notch acoustics, patrons find the ticket prices and drink minimum totally worth the money. Plus, this is the best spot in town to combine your love of seafood gumbo and catfish with smooth and groovy tunes.

Time Out tip: Grab a preshow drink at Martin’s Tavern then head to Blues Alley early. The lines form fast, and the best seats go to those who arrive before doors open.

Two levels, live jazz and a steady lineup of local and international acts keep this U Street spot buzzing Wednesday to Sunday. The venue is part vintage elegance—yes, there’s a fireplace—and part neighborhood hangout, with burgers, lamb chops, herb-grilled salmon and happy hour cocktails worth timing your night around.

Time Out tip: Walk-ins are fine in theory, but the space is elbow-to-elbow once the band starts. Book a table ahead if you’d rather not spend the night balancing your drink at the bar.

When the Birchmere made its debut back in 1966, it quickly became the go-to hub for bluegrass music. In the half-century-plus since then, the historic hall has grown into an internationally renowned music destination that draws artists of all calibers and genres (though jazz and blues remain at the forefront). Inside, the Music Hall runs on a first-come, first-seated basis, while the Flex Stage is where you’ll find standing audiences during performances. Enjoy a flatbread or club sandwich, then sink into the tunes of regular performers like Boney James or touring acts like Chris Isaak.

Time Out tip: If you’re not set on being front-and-center, which means arriving early and waiting in line, swing by Northside 10 for a preshow drink on the patio. Just don’t linger too long; you’ll still want to make it in before the music starts.

Since 1993, Georgia Brown’s has been a D.C. staple, serving up Southern charm right in the heart of the city. If you’re looking for a spot that blends incredible food with smooth jazz, this is it. Sundays are all about the Live Jazz Brunch, where you can indulge in a four-course meal for $60, featuring South Carolina Lowcountry classics like green tomatoes, banana pudding, and shrimp and grits—all while the music transports you straight to the South.

Time Out tip: Make a reservation for Sunday brunch—this spot fills up fast—and come hungry because the portions are no joke. Afterward, walk off the shrimp and grits with a lap around Lafayette Square or a stroll through the National Mall.

Billing itself as the “home of Roberta Flack,” this Capitol Hill venue—where the famous singer reportedly got her break—hosts a live jazz supper club Wednesdays through Saturdays. Each night varies between jazz jams, Latin grooves and feature acts indoors, while there’s also a cozy and social patio outside if you’re simply passing by. The daily drink specials are worth a look, and the food menu is focused on hearty comforts like crab cakes, Reubens, meaty burgers and a Sunday fish fry.

Time Out tip: Wednesday nights mean the Capitol Hill Jazz Jam, an hour with the house band before the stage opens to anyone who wants to play. It’s a $10 cover plus a food minimum, and the mix of pros and bold newcomers makes it one of the most entertaining nights in town.

Built as an Art Deco theater in the 1930s, this space went through extensive renovations before reopening in 2013 as a jazz supper club. It still boasts the vintage vibe of the original space, though (the club is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, after all). Breathe in the air of nostalgia and enjoy jerk wings or shrimp and grits as performances begin. Acts range from the Isley Brothers to Deniece Williams, Walter Beasley and more.

Time Out tip: This is one of the rare places in D.C. where driving won’t ruin your night. There’s a garage next door, so you can park, stroll in and skip the “is this a legal spot?” guessing game.

Bossa in Adams Morgan might be named after Brazilian bossa nova, but this eclectic lounge goes way beyond just one genre. It’s a lively spot where good music reigns supreme and you’re just as likely to catch a jazz group as you are a mix of R&B and blues that’ll have the crowd on its feet. With Brazilian tapas and a perfectly mixed caipirinha in hand, you can sit back, relax and let the music take you wherever it wants. At Bossa, it’s all about the vibe—and the vibe is always on point.

Time Out tip: On Fridays, Adams Morgan’s already tight parking becomes impossible, so Metro or rideshare your way in. That way you can head straight for the caipirinhas and salsa without circling the block for half the night.

Takoma Station Tavern is an eclectic venue with comedy on Thursdays and plenty of sports nights, but Friday night is where it’s at for jazz performances. There’s a solid rotation of ensembles, quartets and other feature acts in a venue that’s known for its warm ambience and inviting vibe. This is a casual spot—one that’s not too demanding on the wallet—with a menu that pays tribute to beloved musicians with entrees like the Bob Marley honey jerk chicken sandwich and a Charlie Parker basket of wings.

Time Out tip: The menu sticks to dive-bar staples—burgers, wings and fries—and they’re done right. But if you’re after something lighter while keeping it local, head to Busboys and Poets a few blocks away.