Ava GabouryHave you heard that one of the largest jazz festivals in North America is held here in Vancouver? You read that right. The Vancouver International Jazz Festival attracts over half a million attendees a year!
So, if you’re ready to tap your toes, sway to the rhythm, and experience the soulful sounds of jazz in the city, read on to explore our curated list of the best jazz bars and clubs in Vancouver.
- Things to Remember when Visiting a Jazz Club
- The Best Jazz Bar and Clubs in Vancouver
- Immerse Yourself in the Vibe at Guilt & Co.
- Relish the Atmosphere at Frankie’s Jazz Club
- Experience the Energy at Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge
- Indulge in the Music at the Backstage Lounge
- Delight in the Ambiance at Roxy Cabaret
- Soak up the Sounds at Biltmore Cabaret
- Savor the Melodies at the Cascade Room
- Revel in the Rhythms at LanaLou's Restaurant
- Bask in the Tunes at the Fringe Café
- Dance to the beat at the Yard Cafe
Things to Remember when Visiting a Jazz Club
At a jazz club, it’s easy to get lost in the music and lose track of time as you immerse yourself in the soulful melodies and improvisational skills of the musicians on stage.
So, here are a few must-know tips for your first visit so you don’t look like a lost newbie:
- Clap only when you’re sure that the performance is actually over. Jazz bands often use a technique called “trading fours,” where all members play four-bar solos one after another.
- Keep your phone out of sight. Make sure to turn the flash off and don’t be too obvious. Jazz bands really don’t like it when the audience members are distracting during their performance.
- Ask before you dance to the music. You don’t want to steal the show, so try to call ahead of time and ask the jazz lounge if the dance floor is open for patrons.
- You can order drinks at any time. It’s not necessary to wait until the performance ends before ordering a drink or going to the restroom, so you can fully enjoy the music without any interruptions.
- Be mindful of your voice. It’s not polite to talk loudly or disrupt others who are trying to enjoy the music. Remember to show respect for the performers and other patrons by keeping conversations at a reasonable volume.
The Best Jazz Bar and Clubs in Vancouver
Immerse Yourself in the Vibe at Guilt & Co.
Website: https://www.guiltandcompany.com/
Address: 1 Alexander Street, Underground, Vancouver, BC V6A 1B2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-288-1704
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 6pm to 12am
- Thursday: 6pm to 1am
- Friday and Saturday: 6pm to 2am
There’s this cool joint called Guilt & Co. It’s a live music bar where you can catch some awesome jazz vibes from musicians like Jon Holisko, Cole Tinney, and James Humo.
These guys blend 70s funk with jazz, soul, and pop, creating a killer sound. It’s not just about the music though – you can grab drinks and munch on some light bites while you’re there.
They’ve even got a stage for live performances, making it the ultimate hangout spot for a night out with your pals!
Guilt & Co. is nestled in the historic neighborhood of Gastown, covering about twelve square blocks. And get this – it’s only a short 10 to 30-minute stroll from pretty much any downtown hotel.
| Pro tip: They don’t take reservations so it’s best to arrive early. Earlier is better, especially if you are a group who’d like to sit together. |
Relish the Atmosphere at Frankie’s Jazz Club
Website: https://www.frankiesjazzclub.ca/
Address: 755 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2M4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-688-6368
Operating hours:
- Monday: 5:30pm to 10pm
- Thursday: 6:30pm to 11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 6:30pm to 1am
- Sunday: 6:30pm to 11pm
Frankie’s Jazz Club is a hub for live jazz and blues. They’ve got a killer lineup of local, national, and international musicians
They host live music four nights a week, from Thursday through Sunday. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the performances kick off at 8 pm.
The vibe at Frankie’s is super laid-back and cozy, and they really know their stuff when it comes to Italian cuisine and regional wines. Plus, they often team up with the Coastal Jazz & Blues Society to showcase even more amazing talent.
| Pro tip: They have a policy of silence during the performance so be mindful of keeping conversations to a minimum and instead focus on enjoying the music. |
Experience the Energy at Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge
Website: https://wedgewoodhotel.com/dining/bacchus-restaurant/
Address: 845 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1V1, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-608-5319
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7am to 12am
- Friday and Saturday: 7am to 1am
Nestled in the city’s only Relais and Châteaux property, the Bacchus Restaurant and Lounge is the place for European cuisine and live entertainment.
Inside, the space is dripping with old-world charm, decked out with elegant furnishings and stunning Venetian light fixtures that instantly transport you to a romantic setting.
The jazz music adds to the sophisticated ambiance, creating a perfect backdrop for enjoying a glass of fine wine or a signature cocktail.
| Pro tip: We highly recommend you get their 3 course menu with wine pairings to enjoy the jazz music in the background. It truly is a delightful experience that combines delicious food, great wine, and live music. |
Indulge in the Music at the Backstage Lounge
Website: https://artsclub.com/visit/backstage-lounge
Address: 1585 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada
Contact details: 604-687-1354
Operating hours:
- Monday: 4pm to 10pm
- Tuesday: 4pm to 11pm
- Wednesday and Thursday: 12:30pm to 11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 11pm
Right on Granville Island, the Backstage Lounge is a chill spot right on the waterfront, where you can enjoy live jazz music.
This place is always buzzing with local bands rocking out to different genres nearly every night. There’s never a dull moment – just grab a drink, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the show!
| Pro tip: The kitchen closes at 8pm, so maybe grab a bite to eat before the music starts. |
Delight in the Ambiance at Roxy Cabaret
Website: http://www.roxyvan.com/
Address: 932 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-331-7999
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am to 3pm
In the heart of downtown Vancouver, The Roxy Cabaret stands tall as the city’s go-to spot for live music, boasting performances every single day of the year. This place is legendary for its live music and dance vibes that never disappoint.
Every night, they’ve got top-notch acts taking the stage, keeping the energy levels sky-high and the crowd pumped. Plus, they switch things up with themed nights, adding even more excitement to the mix.
| Pro tip: When you’ve had your fill of dancing, The Roxy has you covered with their spacious corner sofas – perfect for kicking back and chilling out in style. |
Soak up the Sounds at Biltmore Cabaret
Website: http://www.biltmorecabaret.com/
Address: 2755 Prince Edward St, Vancouver, BC V5T 0B5, Canada
Contact details: 604-566-5757
Formerly known as the Biltmore Hotel, the Biltmore Cabaret is a haven for live entertainment nestled in Mount Pleasant. We’re telling you, this place is a hotbed of diverse events that cater to all tastes.
It’s got jazz performances, comedy gigs, indie band showcases, and even burlesque shows! The venue is also quite spacious, and they have classy red velvet lounge seating.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to explore the rec room at this bar, where you’ll find retro pinball machines and arcade games waiting to take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane! |
Savor the Melodies at the Cascade Room
Website: http://www.thecascade.ca/
Address: 2616 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E6, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-709-8650
Operating hours:
- Monday: 4pm to 11pm
- Tuesday to Thursday: 4pm to 12am
- Friday and Saturday: 4pm to 1am
- Sunday: 4pm to 11pm
The Cascade Room is right on Main Street, and while it’s known for cocktails, this place lights up with jazz and blues events, adding to its already vibrant atmosphere.
They also have an extensive selection of beers on tap sourced from Main St breweries – perfect options to enjoy during their happy hour specials.
| Pro tip: Try to drop by from 4pm to 6pm as it’s their happy hour, making it the perfect time to sample their classic cocktails! |
Revel in the Rhythms at LanaLou’s Restaurant
Website: http://lanalous.wixsite.com/lanalous
Address: 362 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1G4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-563-5055
Operating hours:
- Thursday and Friday: 8pm to 1am
- Saturday: 4pm to 1am
- Sunday: 8pm to 12am
LanaLou’s is a gem when it comes to showcasing local jazz talent in a charming setting. The space exudes charm, with walls decked out in quaint old-world decor, creating an ambiance that’s both cozy and unique.
And let’s talk about the food and drinks – they’re simply delicious. From mouthwatering burgers to classic beers, the menu is all about comfort food done right.
But what really sets LanaLou’s apart is their regular improvised jazz sessions, regarded as the best in town. If you’re looking for the perfect combination of amazing dinner, your beverage of choice, and live local music, LanaLou’s is where it’s at.
| Pro tip: This is an ideal place to go with a big group of friends as you can even book the room for an event! |
Bask in the Tunes at the Fringe Café
Website: http://thefringecafe.com/
Address: 3124 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2H2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-738-6977
Operating hours:
- Monday: 3pm to 2am
- Tuesday to Saturday: 3pm to 1:45am
- Sunday: 3pm to 2am
Established in 1990, the Fringe Café is the oldest neighborhood bar on West Broadway, as well as the oldest of its size in the City of Vancouver.
It’s the go-to spot for laid-back vibes, offering a diverse selection of local and imported beers that cater to every taste.
But it’s not just about the drinks – The Fringe Café is also known for its poetry nights and coverage of the Jazz Festival, making it a hotspot for connecting with the city’s vibrant creative community.
| Pro tip: What’s even cooler about The Fringe Café is that it’s pet-friendly! Yup, you heard that right – you can bring along your furry friend as long as they’re on a leash. |
Dance to the beat at the Yard Cafe
Website: https://theyardcafe.ca/
Address: 8482 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6P 4Z7, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-569-1353
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12pm to 1am
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 2am
- Sunday: 12pm to 1am
The Yard is where you can chill out and have a great time. They’ve got super friendly staff, some awesome local beers, a menu with delicious bar snacks, a cool patio area with a fireplace, TVs, and plenty more to keep you entertained.
Nightly programming with a blues-inspired twist sets the mood, making it the ultimate destination for music lovers.
But it’s not just about the tunes – The Yard serves up simple comfort food that hits the spot, paired with daily draught specials that keep the good times flowing well into the evening.
One of the coolest things about this place is you’ll notice all sorts of quirky little details adorning the walls, giving the place a unique and playful charm.
| Pro tip: There is usually only one bartender so this isn’t the place when you’re in a hurry. |
