Haven’t you heard of jazz bars Pittsburgh? For years, jazz was a niche form of music that only die-hard fans would travel the world to seek out. Fast forward to today though, it’s going through a purple patch. From old favorites that have been around since its 1950s heyday, to new spots that are dedicating themselves to putting on shows featuring the scene’s freshest faces, the bars and clubs specializing in jazz are thriving.
The music style has been popularized by novels such as The Great Gatsby and The Sun Also Rises, films like Midnight in Paris and La La Land, and of course, by the Pittsburgh jazz club itself.
There are days when we just crave pure live Pittsburgh jazz — those soulful, smooth melodies that sneak their way into your heart and make you feel warm head to toe. What could be better than live jazz music? Oh wait, combine that with alcohol, and it can’t be beaten by much. Despite jazz’s somewhat less popular status in the present day than in decades past, small jazz bars can still be found throughout Pittsburgh — and it’s our job to point you and make you experience the authentic vibe of live jazz Pittsburgh with the jazz bar Pittsburgh vibe.
We have brought a list of some of the best Jazz Bars Pittsburgh. Let us get into it…
1. Little E’s Jazz Club
Are you in Pittsburgh and are looking for an intimate and cozy vibe with amazing jazz music? Head to Little E’s Jazz Club. It’s the smallest jazz bar you would ever see! It might seem like a small hole in the wall at first, however, Little E’s is one of the best places to experience Pittsburgh’s jazz vibe. Also, it has an environment that complements the music — petite, small, cozy, intimate, and candlelit.
They constantly bring in the best local artists, as well as some up-and-coming young artists, for entertaining you with a pure jazz scene. The atmosphere provides an excellent space to sit and enjoy the tunes of local artists as well as enjoy the company and a drink or two. If you want an intimate time? It’s perfect for a date night, but it also would be an amazing experience for a solo expedition. If you are in Pittsburgh, we recommend you to visit Little E’s jazz club at least once. Believe us, you will not regret it.
2. Cioppino Restaurant & Cigar Bar
Looking for a classy and upscale bar? Head to Cioppino Restaurant & Cigar Bar. They have an excellent selection of liqueurs. The bar features over 300 whiskeys, 450 wines, and 50 cigars, and the restaurant offers a season-inspired menu with a specialty on seafood and meat for pleasing their diner. However, the restaurant also has options for those who are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.
The staff is exceptionally friendly and professional. The cigar bar is relaxing, fun, upscale, and comfortable. As a classy bar and restaurant, Cioppino Restaurant & Cigar Bar has live jazz and blues to entertain its patrons. This place is both upscale and comfortable. The Cioppino restaurant and cigar bar will give you an unforgettable visiting experience and you will love to visit this place again. It has a cozy and authentic vibe and can be your all-time favorite go-to place.
Timing- Tuesday to Saturday – 4 pm to 2 am.
Happy Hour-
Tuesday to Friday – 4 pm to 6 pm.
Must Try – CHIC BARCELONA, ROGER GOULART, SPICED NAPOLEON.
3. Jazz Bars Pittsburgh: Andy’s Wine Bar
This place is known for its authentic Pittsburgh experience with a live jazz scene. This undisputed Pittsburgh jazz club or bar is located in Fairmont Hotel Downtown. It is Inspired by Pittsburgher Andy Warhol. It’s the perfect spot to feel the essence of this city if you’re visiting, and even if you’re a Pittsburgher, it can be nice to be reminded of how unique your city is.
This bar has authenticity and amazing drinks, featuring seasonal cocktails based on locally sourced ingredients, and with a regular schedule of live music from local jazz artists, Andy’s Wine Bar is truly everything you can expect from Pittsburgh in one place. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable. They have great recommendations for custom cocktails too. The service and vibe are just exceptional. With all the positive e pointers, this place is beautiful and has a very trendy vibe. You will love the style and aesthetics of this place.
4. Muddy Waters Oyster Bar
This place is famous for its southern-style food – including its beautiful and juicy oysters and seafood. Muddy Waters Oyster Bar is classy but still comfy. It’s not just famous for its food but also every Tuesday, 8-10 p.m., and Friday, 9-11 p.m., they have live blues or jazz music to complete the southern feel. They have an extensive bar staff that is both experienced and friendly.
Muddy Waters Oyster Bar takes you away from the Pittsburgh city life and gives you a comfortable southern vibe with the awesome ambiance and live music along with the best raw bar. The service, food drinks are all amazing. Muddy waters oyster bar is a much visit in Pittsburgh. You will love the vibe and would feel like spending most of your time in this place.
Timing- Tuesday to Saturday – 4 pm to 2 am.
Happy Hour-
Tuesday to Friday – 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm.
Must Try – All EAST COAST, RAW BAR SAMPLER, GEMSTONES.
5. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
As the name suggests this restaurant is famous for its prime seafood but also to accompany their delicious seafood, they have nightly prime jazz. Easily this is one of the fanciest places on this list, Eddie V’s may be a little above the price point for some people, but it would certainly be amazing for a special treat. Their food is no doubt extremely beautiful, their drinks are delicious, and there’s a live performance every night. If you’re looking for a full package, at a very reasonable price, Eddie V’s is for you.
The interior is beautiful, the staff is super helpful and experienced, and the live music for a full house on a Tuesday evening. Champagne sauce with oysters on the half shell is a must-try. Food’s presentation is just off the charts. The quantity of the food served is also really good. The major reason why this place is on this list is that it is one of the best jazz bars that you will find in Pittsburgh. Eddie V’s prime seafood will leave you hooked and you will visit this place again.
Timing- Tuesday to Saturday – 4 pm to 11 pm.
Must Try – Seafood & steak.
6. Nola On The Square
Do you want to experience two cities in one place? If yes, then head to Nola on the square. It is like a tint of New Orleans in Pittsburgh. Embellished with masks, Nola on the Square pays deep homage to New Orleans through both food and decor — and a New Orleans-themed restaurant wouldn’t be complete without live jazz music. Live musicians are featured on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. All I have to say is Happy Hour!
They have a $4 menu of both drinks and appetizers. While you will likely be there for the drinks and not the food, it should be noted that Nola offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, so even those with dietary restrictions or trying to eat healthily can have food along with their drinks and music. The live music and open patio just beautify everything about that place. You should visit this place, especially because of its vibe, authenticity, and style. It is a very go-to place and you will fall in love with it.
7. Jazz Bars Pittsburgh: Kingfly Spirits
This is opened its doors in Pittsburgh’s Strip District in early 2019 and is poised to be a new drinking hotspot in one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. The first thing you’ll notice about spirits is that it is located about three blocks outside of the traditional shopping area of the Strip District located on Smallman Avenue just east of Wigle Whiskey.
This is a benefit to the distillery as their facility is large and that is an understatement. At 9,000 square feet, this 19th-century stable has been repurposed beautifully into a welcoming space that is perfectly suited for the Strip District. Their live jazz on Thursdays is just a cherry on top with all the drinks. You have to visit this place if you are in Pittsburgh.
Timing- Tuesday to Saturday – 4 pm to 11 pm.
Must Try – Kingfly Spirits Products.
Final Thoughts
Though it may not seem it at first, Pittsburgh holds its own in terms of the jazz scene. Its jazz bars cater to jazz aficionados and casual listeners alike. The amalgamation of music with great food and drinks and intimate space makes these jazz bars in Pittsburgh so special and you wouldn’t want to miss these places as they are truly an authentic experience of Pittsburgh jazz bars.
Pittsburgh has a long tradition of jazz, blues, and bluegrass music. Pittsburgh had a profound influence on the American musical art form of jazz. Pittsburgh’s strategic location between New York and Chicago brought hundreds of the pioneers of jazz through the varied clubs and venues dotted throughout the city. Be it Afro-Cuban, Latin, Swing, Dixieland, Bluegrass, or Fusion you can find jazz performed from clubs to street corners throughout Pittsburgh. Of course, you can still experience great live jazz in the city’s jazz joints, clubs, and pubs.
