Birdland Jazz Club

On our list of the best live music venues in New York.

Named for Charlie Parker's nickname, Birdland opened on Broadway at 52nd Street in December 1949, and closed in 1965 as that stretch's jazz rooms emptied out. It reopened in 1986, launched more than 2,000 emerging musicians over its first decade, and moved again to its current 44th Street address in 1996. Sets carry a food-or-drink minimum on top of admission, and the kitchen serves a full menu, salads included, not just bar snacks. The club admits ages 10 and up.