Smalls

Founded in 1994 by Mitchell Borden, Smalls quickly became a vital hub for the New York jazz scene, surviving several closures and relocations before settling into its current status as a global jazz landmark. The venue has served as a launching pad for numerous jazz greats and is famous for its SmallsLIVE foundation, which archives and livestreams every performance to a global audience. The club is a subterranean space with a capacity of about 60 people, featuring low ceilings and exposed brick that create exceptional, dry acoustics. It maintains a strict listening room policy where conversation is discouraged during sets, ensuring the focus remains entirely on the musicians. The crowd is a mix of dedicated local jazz aficionados and international tourists seeking a quintessential Greenwich Village experience. Atmosphere-wise, Smalls offers a basement vibe with low ceilings and a single row of stools along the bar. The music primarily focuses on modern bebop, hard bop, and straight-ahead jazz featuring small ensembles. Early evening sets start around 7:30 PM, followed by late-night jam sessions often lasting until 4:00 AM. For those seeking an authentic jazz experience, Smalls is a serious, no-frills listening room ideal for purists and those seeking an intimate connection with performers. Its sister venue, Mezzrow, is located just across the street.