Want to listen to swing while sipping cocktails in a swank nightclub? How about tap your toes to some rockabilly while tossing back a beer in a subterranean bar, work up a sweat while a DJ plies the decks, or dance to a live salsa band? In the Flatiron District you can do all that, and more.
37 West 26th Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues)
The Flatiron Room features jazz nightly. Image: The Flatiron Room
In just six years, the Flatiron Room has become a go-to spot for lovers of whiskey or jazz, as well as for anyone who wants to savor a meal in a glamorous yet welcoming environment evocative of a 1920s hot spot. Just about every night of the week you can sip from one of more than 1,000 whiskeys and tuck into the likes of bison-and-bacon meatloaf or black-bean fritters while listening to classic jazz. Among the performers who play the Flatiron Room regularly are the Kate Curran Trio, trumpeter/singer (and frequent Lady Gaga collaborator) Brian Newman, and the Swan Swing Band.
30 West 26th Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues)
Reggae artist Mishka will perform at Hill Country in November. Image: Justkeeplivin, Doug Seymour (j.k. livin records)/Wikimedia
Upstairs, Hill Country serves what some consider to be the city’s best barbecue—Texas-style ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, sausages—and sides such as mac-and-cheese, baked beans, and green-bean casserole. Downstairs it is a bar with live music Tuesday through Saturday nights. While Hill Country prides itself on featuring “American roots” music, not all of its performers fit squarely into that niche. For instance, on November 17, reggae-influenced singer/songwriter/guitarist Mishka will take the stage. Other artists slated to perform in the coming weeks include the Stash Band, whose music has been described as “bluegrass meets heavy metal” (December 15); Lester Holt and the Rough Cuts, a rock-and-roll band led by yes, that Lester Holt, of “NBC Nightly News” (December 16); bluesy rock-and-roll duo Left Lane Cruiser (December 21); and rockabilly legend Robert Gordon & His All-Star Band (January 24).
1160 Broadway (between 27th and 28th Streets)
Image: Chris Bair/Unsplash
As its name indicates, this not-for-profit venue focuses exclusively on jazz, hosting on average three shows a week. In November alone, shows include the 18-piece Felipe Salles Interconnection Ensemble playing “The Lullaby Project and Other Works for Large Ensemble,” inspired by traditional Brazilian lullabies (November 8); the Sam Harris Trio (November 14); a release party for pianist Gabriel Zucker’s new album, “Weighting” (November 15); and the Lee Konitz Quartet (November 23 and 24).
54 West 21st Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues)
Image: SlateNY/Yelp
Live DJs hit the decks most Friday and Saturday nights at this sprawling nightspot. When you need a break from moving on the dance floor to tunes spun by DJ PS1, Rowshay, Nick DeMaso, and others, you can play pool, ping-pong, or Foosball or nibble salads, sliders, tacos, and wings.
48 West 21st Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues)
At Taj II Lounge, Indian decor serves as a backdrop to salsa bands and electronica DJs. Image: Taj II Lounge
With its low-slung seating, carved teak accents, copper-topped mahogany bar, and glowing lanterns, this restaurant/nightspot gives off a distinct Bollywood vibe. But do not expect to hear a Bollywood soundtrack as you drink, dine, and dance. Monday nights are dedicated to salsa, with free dance lessons and live music by such well-known salsa bands as the Willie Alvarez All-Stars. Electronica and dance-music DJs such as DJ Kaos work their magic every Saturday night