Seattle’s jazz scene is one of the best in the Pacific Northwest so you won’t have a problem finding the best jazz clubs in Seattle!
Jazz venues are scattered throughout the city and beyond. Watch fantastic jazz shows in neighborhoods like West Seattle, Ballard, or even as far north as Shoreline. Clubs range from historic joints hosting jazz legends to intimate venues with phenomenal local talent.
This article will cover the best jazz clubs in Seattle and what each has to offer for jazz fans. Keep reading to find your new favorite jazz club in Seattle!
Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley is easily the most popular jazz club in Seattle. It’s in downtown Seattle with jazz shows every day it’s open. Start here if you’re just getting plugged into the Seattle jazz scene because you can hear both local and worldwide talent.
Jazz Alley has hosted popular names in jazz like Kenny G and Chris Botti. The venue’s incredible acoustics, ample seating, and charming design make it a great spot for a classy date night.
Get dressed up and enjoy stellar live music and mouthwatering food. The menu at Jazz Alley includes grilled prawns and grits, chicken piccata, and vegan mushroom risotto.
The Royal Room
The Royal Room is another excellent jazz venue in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood. This is the perfect jazz club in Seattle if you’re craving a homey and laid-back atmosphere in an intimate venue. While The Royal Room is smaller than Jazz Alley, the acts are no less incredible.
Royal Room keeps its calendar updated with upcoming acts. Just purchase tickets online because they’re not sold at the door. Tickets are generally affordable, so this is a good jazz club for people on a budget.
And don’t skip out on the food and drinks! Order blackened catfish, an Oaxacan salad with cajun-spiced rockfish, or good old mac and cheese. Try one of several signature cocktails or opt for beer, wine, or non-alcoholic options.
Egan’s Ballard Jam House
Looking for a really intimate jazz venue? Head to Egan’s Ballard Jam House. This jazz club can only seat 46 people, so the shows are always small and cozy. Send an email ahead of time to guarantee a reservation. However, Egan’s Ballard Jam House does leave a few seats open for walk-ins.
Jam House is open Thursday through Saturday and features primarily local talent. Its size means every seat is excellent, and the acoustics are top-notch. Hungry? Order from a small but reasonably priced menu that ranges from nachos to mini BLTs.
The Triple Door
The Triple Door isn’t primarily a jazz club, but this historic venue, which was built in the 1920s, is one of the most popular music venues in Seattle. That said, you have a good chance of catching a jazz performance here.
There are two stages at The Triple Door, the Main Stage and the Musiquarium (MQ). Its main stage features larger acts, while the Musiquarium is dominated by smaller acts and local talent.
Catch big-band jazz shows on the main stage along with burlesque, dance, and comedy shows. At the MQ, you can count on live music every Thursday with no cover and occasional jazz performances.
The Triple Door is one of the prettiest venues on this list. It’s yet another great place for dinner and a show. So find a date, enjoy a delicious, Asian-inspired menu, and watch a great performance.
The Alley
The Alley is another spot that isn’t primarily a jazz club but hosts a weekly live jazz band on Sundays. This tiny cocktail bar is a little hard to find… but that’s on purpose. It is a speakeasy after all!
When you visit on a Sunday evening, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The cocktail menu consists of prohibition-era classics like a French 75, Sidecar, and Bee’s Knees. Snuggle up in one of the many cozy nooks to sip your drinks. The jazz always sets the tone for a relaxed and romantic night.
Sea Monster Lounge
Sea Monster Lounge is a north Seattle gem in the Wallingford neighborhood. The venue is 21+ and plays awesome live music shows nightly. Genres range from salsa and soul to funk and, of course, jazz.
Sea Monster Lounge draws a crowd that likes to dance. Expect a fun, high-energy night when you come here. Ticket prices are reasonable and some shows are even free!
While the venue doesn’t serve food, there are dozens of spots in the neighborhood where you can get a bite to eat. Grab tacos, fried chicken, or Thai food, and then get ready to party.
Latona Pub
Latona Pub isn’t the fanciest place so if you’re searching for a classy lounge to listen to jazz, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Latona Pub has more of a casual dive bar vibe that makes it a good place to meet up after work for drinks. But if you love jazz with no frills, you’ll like it here.
Latona Pub has live jazz on Fridays and it’s the perfect way to end the week. Come here to enjoy a delicious burger and an ice-cold beer while listening to wonderful music. This cool, tucked-away neighborhood pub is just a few blocks from Greenlake, and it’s well worth a visit.
Darrell’s Tavern
Thought Latona Pub was divey? Darrel’s Tavern could give it a run for its money. Darrel’s Tavern is located in Shoreline which is just north of Seattle. This dive bar is so old school, its slogan is “Where your dad used to drink.”
Darrell’s Tavern has live music every day of the week and it books an eclectic mix of genres. Come to listen to country, punk rock, and electronica. But the jazz performances on Sunday are one of a kind. Darrell’s serves pizza, cold beers, and strong drinks. Enjoy all three while listening to incredible musicians. What more do you need for a good night out?
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There you have it! These are some of the best jazz clubs in Seattle. There are plenty of awesome options for jazz fans in this city whether you’re looking for a classy lounge, or prefer a casual dive bar environment.
