Ah, the blissful sound of swing and blues. And where better to listen to mellow tunes than some of the city's top clubs? Transport yourself back to the times of Sammy Davis Jr and Louis Armstrong simply by popping into slick burlesque joints or mysterious underground lounges. Find your favourite with our roundup of the best jazz bars in Sydney.
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The Vanguard
Burlesque? Cabaret? Live music? The Vanguard is a jazz bar in Newtown worth visiting. At this New Orleans-inspired location, which is decked out with panelled walls and thick red velvet curtains, there's a plethora of daring shows and entertainment to watch. If you've worked up an appetite, dig into crispy calamari drizzled in aioli or a buttermilk fried chicken burger.
From jazz bands to steamy burlesque, this Newtown hub has it all.
Restaurant Hubert
Fancy your jazz with a side of caviar and lobster? Restaurant Hubert provides that and more. Set across seven glorious rooms and featuring an actual theatre (yup, you heard that right), this sultry spot boasts the perfect backdrop for non-stop entertainment. As for the menu, there's a delicious French selection of beef tartare and fresh crab.
Look no further for a jazz bar in Sydney CBD.
Sammy Junior
Named after the legend himself, Sammy Junior is a popular jazz club in Sydney for many reasons. Make your way inside this slick drinking den every Thursday from 5pm 'til 8pm, where you'll get to catch entertainment and an electric atmosphere. On top of that, there are also aperitivo hours, which combine tasty Italian plates with lip-smacking cocktails.
Tasty tipples, such as coffee negronis and chamomile martinis are served here.
The Swinging Cat
Transport to the heart of New Orleans with The Swinging Cat on King Street. This haven touts a plethora of classic cocktails and comfort food in the dimly lit space, alongside a roster of entertainment. Be sure to nab a table every Thursday to Saturday from 7pm, where you'll get to see some of the city's finest stars on the intimate stage.
Searching for a live jazz bar in Sydney this 2023? The Swinging Cat is one of our favourites.
Foundry 616
Housing some of Australia's best performers in the past 10 years, Foundry 616 is a top choice for a jazz night in Sydney. Start off your evening with a glass of red or bespoke concoction, all before demolishing a mouthwatering range of Southern food. As for the stars of the stage? Think The Mark Ginsburg Band, Lucy Burke and Gregg Arthur.
Jazushi
If you couldn't tell by the name, Jazushi combines jazz and sushi all under one roof. The verdict? A marriage made in heaven. Take a seat in the exposed brick-adorned space and enjoy a menu dedicated to Japanese plates. Chow down on pan-fried gyozas or slow-cooked kakuni pork belly, as the city's best performers play some mellow beats in front of your very eyes.
For a jazz live bar, Surry Hills is the place to go.
Lazybones Lounge
This is the ideal venue for jazz music in Sydney.
Camelot Lounge
Situated in Marrickville, Camelot Lounge is known for its diverse range of artists and gorgeous boutique spaces. Treat yourself to a night at the Camelart Club for life drawing sessions accompanied by mellow beats or check out the retro bar for intimate nights and thirst-quenching drinks. If that's not enough to whet your whistle, opt for a few grazing plates.
Camels? You'll see hundreds of 'em at this jazz bar in Marrickville.
The Sound Lounge
A real Chippendale gem, The Sound Lounge houses a range of world-class performers across its stage. Not only does this venue front an epic variety of jazz artists, but there's also a fabulous selection of genres to explore. For the hungry folk? You can delve into an entirely plant-based menu, such as loaded mushroom burgers or Mediterranean pizzas.
Zhuzh up your evening plans right here.
Johnston Street Jazz
Running a music night every Thursday from 8pm, Johnston Street Jazz is a not-for-profit club that's made quite a name for itself in the city. The artist-run location houses some of the best up-and-coming names on the scene, alongside local favourites in the Annandale Creative Arts Centre. Previous performers include George Washingmachine, Clare O'Meara and Delay 45.
Johnston Street Jazz is really at the heart of the community.
Fancy exploring the local area? Check out our guide to live music in Sydney or sign up for the future newsletter right here.
