Jazz is a quintessentially American form of music, and some of the best jazz schools in the country are in Southern California, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of places to hear awesome jazz. There are literally hundreds of venues around Los Angeles where you can sometimes hear jazz, but the Los Angeles jazz clubs listed here are pretty much all jazz, all the time.
1. Catalina Bar & Grill
The Catalina Bar & Grill is an upscale jazz dinner club in Hollywood featuring some of the best international jazz acts still performing. They have a dinner or drinks minimum in addition to the ticket price.
2. Steamers Café in Fullerton
From big band to Latin to Dixieland, and a Sunday Jazz Jam, Steamers Café in Fullerton is where you’ll find a lot of the best Southern California jazz talent as well as visiting dignitaries of the genre. There is sometimes a cover charge, but often not. Two item food or drink minimum.
3. Charlie O’s Bar & Grill in Van Nuys
Charlie O’s is an intimate venue on the main drag in Van Nuys with jazz 6 nights a week. It makes up for having no cover charge with upscale food and drink prices.
4. The Baked Potato in Studio City
Enjoy your jazz accompanied by a baked potato with various toppings and a 2 drink minimum at the unpretentious Baked Potato in Studio City. It’s all about the music, not the décor.
5. Vitello’s Jazz and Supper Club in Studio City
Vitello’s Jazz and Supper Club has multiple rooms featuring all types of jazz, Latin, blues, and fusion music as well as vocal showcases featuring opera and show tunes. Cover varies. Two drink minimum.
6. Spaghettini Italian Grill and Jazz Club in Seal Beach
Spaghettini is an upscale restaurant and jazz club just off the 405 freeway in Seal Beach (just over the OC border). Music ranges from contemporary and smooth jazz to Latin, jazz/rock, and various soloists. A per person reservation fee will get you guaranteed to seat near the stage, or you can walk in and take your chances. No cover and no food or drink minimum, but it’s a restaurant and bar, so you’re expected to order something.
7. Hollywood Studios Bar & Grill
Hollywood Studios Bar & Grill, located at the Gower Gulch western themes strip mall at Sunset and Gower, hosts primarily jazz and blues, including singer showcases and open mic nights. Some acts have a cover charge. There is always a required dinner or 2-drink minimum purchase.