The 6 Best Jazz Nights in Los Angeles
- By: Ani Gutierrez
From candlelit supper clubs to speakeasies behind newsstands, these LA jazz bars are where sound, style, and scene collide.
Jazz isn’t just background music in LA, it’s an experience layered with style, cocktails, and a little bit of magic. Whether you want to dress to the nines for a Hollywood-worthy dinner show, or stumble into a moody late-night lounge with live trumpets blaring in the corner, these six LA jazz destinations make for a perfect music-filled night.
Andy’s
Hidden behind a newsstand in West Hollywood, Andy’s is one of LA’s most talked-about recent jazz arrivals. From the minds of Anderson Paak and the Houston Brothers, this retro-styled speakeasy is the ultimate see-and-be-seen jazz bar. Cocktails with names like “Yes Lawd!” and “Ape Shit” act as the perfect companion to the stage of live jazz, funk, and R&B often with surprise drop-ins. Andy’s is the spot to go if you want a stylishly-lit night out accompanied by jazz, and a casual celebrity sighting or two.
9077 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Zaya
Zaya is one of DTLA’s most versatile jazz destinations, as guests can start with dinner, slide into lounge-mode, then unwind to some soulful jazz. Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night, expect live jazz music and an unforgettable time. The space is designed for both groups and couples, moving seamlessly from dinner to drinks, then (if the mood’s right) dancing the night away. Add in their signature cocktails, like “Brown Sugar Baby,” and Zaya feels like downtown’s glamorous face of social jazz.
515 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Sam First Jazz Club and Bar
Sam First is all about intimacy and sound. It’s where the unfiltered and acoustically rich performances are, and where jazz aficionados go, not just to step-out, but to really listen to the music. Located near LAX, this destination’s focus is always on the music, as the close proximity between artist and audience sets the tone for an authentic night of pure jazz. Espresso martinis, wine, and tequila flights accompany the atmosphere, making Sam First feel like a modern jazz sanctuary.
6171 W Century Blvd #180, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Mr. Wanderlust
If you’re looking for live jazz with a theatrical twist and a mystical style, Mr. Wanderlust is waiting for you. With layers of travel-inspired décor, moody lighting, and sleek cocktails, this DTLA venue runs late with live piano, jazz nights, and surprise performances that often flow into DJ sets. Not all who wander are lost, so if you find yourself stumbling into this late-night playground, just let the music sweep you away to its dazzling destination.
1254 S Figueroa St 8th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Vibrato Grill Jazz
If you’re craving a classic, luxurious dinner-and-a-show, Vibrato Grill Jazz is the perfect place. Vibrato isn’t subtle, it’s grand with Bel‑Air elegance and makes you feel as though you’ve wandered into a cinematic supper club from the old Hollywood era. Known for its candle lit tables, cultivated menu, and nightly live entertainment from grand vocalists and jazz bands, every evening is a “special occasion” at Vibrato.
2930 Beverly Glen Cir, Los Angeles, CA 90077
The Baked Potato
For the jazz purists who value the music more than the luxury, The Baked Potato is Studio City’s legendary dive where the atmosphere feels more authentic, and the jazz is utterly raw. Opened since 1970, here the performers feel more like old friends, and baked potatoes are the official supper. The live music is fiery and deeply rooted in jazz legacy, and although it may not be as glamorous as other jazz clubs, it’s genuine. For anyone who wants to say they’ve heard LA jazz where it’s played best, a trip to The Baked Potato won’t disappoint.
3787 Cahuenga Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
LA’s jazz scene is as layered as the city itself. Whether you’re in the mood for a black-tie dinner, a moody downtown lounge, or a no-frills jam session with baked potatoes on the side, these LA spots prove that jazz is still alive, stylish, and worth staying out late for. Wherever you end up, the city’s soundtrack is waiting.
