Mezzrow

Founded in 2014 by Spike Wilner and Mitch Borden, Mezzrow was named after the legendary jazz clarinetist and colorful Village character Milton 'Mezz' Mezzrow. The venue was established to complement its sister club, Smalls, by providing a dedicated space for piano-centric performances and intimate chamber jazz. Since its opening, it has hosted a rotating roster of jazz royalty, including piano masters like Bill Charlap and Fred Hersch. The venue is a subterranean space featuring a meticulously maintained Steinway model 'O' grand piano and a layout that ensures every seat is within feet of the performers. Unlike the more boisterous Smalls, Mezzrow maintains a strict 'no talking' policy during sets to preserve the integrity of the music and the focus of the performers. The room is elegant yet cozy, with wood accents and a respectful, attentive crowd that values the nuance of acoustic performance. Mezzrow hosts nightly jazz performances, with a focus on piano-led groups, vocalists, duos, and trios. The space is a narrow basement layout with sideways tables, exposed brick, and a bar in the middle, roughly seating 30 audience members in the music room behind the bar. The atmosphere is serious listening: no talking during sets, a mature crowd of jazz lovers who come to hear the nuances of acoustic sound. Key features include an intimate basement room with a restored 1923 Steinway, a narrow layout putting the audience very close to musicians, and a focus on acoustic jazz—piano solos, duos, trios, small groups, and vocal jazz. Sets usually run 2-3 per evening, with weekly Polite Vocal Jam Sundays at midnight.