Food and Music: We reveal New York’s Top 5 restaurants with Live Music
Food and Music: We reveal New York’s Top 5 restaurants with Live Music
New York City's dining scene reflects the style and history of the city. It’s elegant, yet hugely diverse, drawing inspiration from the cultures of the many people who have settled there. From Michelin-starred high-end eateries to hidden street-food gems, NYC is a culinary adventure with something to please every palate.
Food and music form a vital part of the city’s history, and restaurants compete in these areas to elevate the dining experience. For many, music and food may conjure images of gentle background piano or raucous country music bars. The reality is that restaurants are now more nuanced. Contemporary venues use music to create subtle, distinctive experiences.
So, let’s dig into live music in NYC's dining scene, from Broadway to the Upper West Side. Let’s explore its historical significance and its emotional impact. We’ll pick the five best restaurants with the perfect balance of food and music and discover how music and food combine to create the perfect atmosphere.
New York and Fine Dining
New York is legendary for the sheer volume of high-end eateries. Delmonico's opening in 1837 marked the arrival of fine dining in the city. It introduced à la carte dining and wine lists, establishing the blueprint for high-end dining. Today, 73 Michelin-starred restaurants in New York, draw influence from the fine-dining history.
The late 20th century saw the city emerge as the true new American dining capital, with a focus on nouvelle cuisine. Restaurants like Le Cirque and The Four Seasons became famous for their innovative cuisine and elegant interiors.
The 90s saw the restaurant scene move to fresh, local ingredients in the farm-to-table movement. Restaurants like Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe were at the forefront of this new direction in food, emphasizing seasonal produce and sustainability ahead of aesthetics.
A Culinary Chorus: Live music and the dining experience
Running alongside this culinary evolution is the intersection of food and music. Live music can transform a simple meal, like tacos, into something special. Whether it's the smooth rhythms of jazz, salsa beats, or the soulful singing of a blues vocalist, live performances add color and intimacy.
Music has a proven impact on the way people experience food. For example, music that compliments the restaurant’s heritage increases customer’s perception of its authenticity. Live music impacts how guests feel and the food choices they make. New York’s rich musical history evolved alongside bars and restaurants, creating truly iconic places.
The History of Music and Food
Live music has been part of New York’s cultural fabric for years. The Renaissance “Jazz Age” came from Harlem, and led to the rise of musicians like Duke Ellington. Jazz found its way into clubs, becoming synonymous with cocktails and moody late-night bars. The influence of jazz can still be seen in St. Mazie in Williamsburg - a 1920s-style bar with nightly music presented from a quaint stage. Venues like Rue B, in the East Village, offer a mix of live jazz and DJs, along with food and drinks.
The city is also home to Rock and folk music. Greenwich Village was once a focal point for folk, moving music towards a gentler sound grounded in politics and social and political activism. NYC was also the epicenter for hip-hop and the burgeoning punk movement in the 70s, adding new dimensions to the city’s incredible history.
You don’t have to go far to see signs of this musical legacy. Today, musical expression and food combine to create experiences, featuring food in the central role.
Live Music in Restaurants
Today, music is a cornerstone of a considered eating experience in well-designed New York restaurants. Here, the city’s cultural history unites to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience at some of the best restaurants to eat at in 2024.
Top Restaurants with Live Music in NYC
Ginny's Supper Club | Photograph: Jakob N. Layman
1.Ginny’s Supper Club
310 Malcolm X Blvd, New York
This stylish restaurant in Harlem, Upper Manhattan, has the vibes of a 1920s speakeasy complemented by sophisticated cocktails and a full food menu. Designed with music at its heart, Ginny's Supper Club has a full stage for live performances, as well as a DJ booth and projector screen for more contemporary musical nights.
Buffet-style food on live music nights includes the patrons’ favorite beef brisket and bacon.
The Blue Note, NYC
2. The Blue Note
131 W. 3rd St, New York
The Blue Note in Greenwich Village is one of NYC's most iconic jazz clubs, renowned for its legendary performances and atmosphere. The restaurant hosts live music seven nights a week, with two sets featuring world-class jazz artists from around the globe.
Diners can enjoy signature cocktails and gourmet small plates while immersing themselves in the sweet tones of the jazz masters. We recommend the Blue Note Burger, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and Truffle Fries for a touch of southern-inspired cuisine to complement a great evening.
Cherry on Top, Brooklyn | Source: Instagram
3. Cherry On Top
379 Suydam St, Brooklyn, New York
Look for the Cherry on Top in Brooklyn. The wine bar is tucked away in Bushwick. Listen to one of your favorite acts on the secluded rooftop area as you sip a cocktail over dinner.
Cherry On Top has a huge selection of wines at various price points, including natural wines. Find light bites like charcuterie and imported cheeses on the menu. Enjoy the sunset in chilled surroundings, as you sip a gavi di gavi and relax into the laidback beats.
Live Jazz NYC | The Django Jazz Club in Downtown Manhattan
4. The Django
2 Avenue of The Americas, New York
Tucked beneath the iconic Roxy Hotel in Tribeca, The Django offers a sophisticated dining experience with a vintage twist. This jazz and supper club draws on the golden age of jazz in an elegant, speakeasy-inspired setting. Guests can indulge in classic cocktails and gourmet cuisine while top-tier jazz musicians and vocalists serenade them.
The food is top-notch. Choose from fresh oysters, meat and cheese boards, and a delicious artichoke toast.
5. The Red Pavilion
1241 Flushing Ave, Bushwick, Brooklyn
Over in Bushwick, a little more leftfield, you’ll find The Red Pavilion, an Asian neo-noir cabaret restaurant and cocktail bar. The Bushwick aims to inspire cultural exchange through art and music, with founder Shien Lee opening the venue in response to increasing negativity towards the Asian community.
This beautiful venue is other-worldly, with meticulous design in sound and lighting. The restaurant regularly features off-beat music events with Asian themes, including an anime jazz night inspired by Studio Ghibli animation studios, and an upcoming Mandarin Mambo.
Bushwicks serves interesting cocktails and bar food. Try the purple Negroni and 750 Myrtle Onigiri for a combo with a difference.
Getting the Most from New York Restaurant live music
We’ve gathered some top tips to optimize your food and music New York restaurant experience.
Make Reservations in Advance
This wasn’t always the case, but since Covid many restaurants require bookings. This is truer than ever for music venues - with live music being so popular, reserving a table on weekend evenings and at special events is mandatory.
Arrive Early
If you decide to take a chance with reservations, you should probably arrive early to secure the best seats for an unobstructed view of the stage. If all else fails, don’t be afraid to tip the person seating people. This is New York, and tipping can make things happen.
Etiquette for Live Music While Dining
Etiquette can get confusing, and the lines between performance and background music may be blurred. Still, try to respect those around you. Keep conversation levels low during performances and don’t use electronic devices.
Why Dining with Live Music May Enhance Your Evening
To some, music may seem like it distracts from food or conversation, but excellent music can truly enhance the ambiance. Here are some of the reasons why dining and music are a match made in heaven.
- Mood and emotion – music can positively affect mood and establish an emotional connection between people. Loud jarring music can promote stress in guests and make them feel uneasy, whereas other music - like classical piano - can positively influence emotions.
- Atmosphere – music can create atmosphere, with classical music creating a calmer, high-end feel and rock creating a higher energy level. Interestingly, research shows that customers eat the same amount the same amount of food when listening to slow music, but stay longer and drink more alcohol.
- Volume – music volume can encourage or discourage conversation. Getting it wrong can stress and frustrate guests. Higher volume can also lead to higher energy and unhealthier food choices.
Discover New Artists and Music with Rove Travel
Live entertainment has always been at the heart of what made New York such a thriving, energetic city. Combined with food, it creates a unique sensory experience. From the historic jazz clubs of Midtown to hip retro burlesque shows in Brooklyn, restaurants still use music to enrich the dining experience. If you’re about to visit the city, why not explore the Rove Travel accommodation choice? Choose from high-end apartments and townhouses designed to impeccable standards. You’ll need somewhere to rest your head in style after enjoying the New York nightlife.
Discover hidden gems and local favorites with our guides to non-touristy things to do in NYC and Brooklyn. Instead of hitting the usual crowded spots, explore charming neighborhoods, cultural hotspots, and unique dining spots for a true taste of the city. Uncover the best-kept secrets and experience the unique charm of New York City and Brooklyn just like a local.