Village Vanguard

It's all about the music. About a half century ago, a top critic described New York's jazz clubs as "sewers with chairs." There a few exceptions now, of course, but not much has changed, especially New York's oldest continually operating jazz club. So don't go to the Vanguard for the food (there is none), the ambience (there's not much of that, either, unless you can feel the history in the walls), the decor (nope, it's bare bones), the comfort (limited) or the cocktails (avoid the wine, mixed drinks are ok, beer is ... beer). But the music is uniformly excellent, top bands, great playing, lots of creativity. Bear in mind that if you go to the Vanguard during a band's CD release gig, they're going to be focusing on the music from the CD and you're likely to hear the same tunes if you stay for both sets. But otherwise, chances are you'll hear something new and different every set, every night.