Clubs & Venues
(Send us an email if we missed a spot or to add to the list)
Jazz Clubs
Elephant Room
A staple since 1991, the Elephant Room is housed in the basement of the historic Swift Building. During a building boom during the mid to late 1980s in downtown Austin, the skeleton of a mastodon was discovered on the site of an upcoming high-rise directly next door on the south end of the block, giving inspiration to the name of the club.
Long-time talent buyer, booker and trombonist Michael Mordecai launched its weekly Monday night jazz jam, a billing now shared with other local veterans of the jazz scene. Several musicians in their formative years first cut their chops at Mordecai’s jam sessions and many students and faculty from the University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University, Huston Tillotson-University and Austin Community College have honed their chops here..
The Elephant Room endured pandemic waves and reopened in June 2021 and continues to be a must-see stop for all jazz fans. Past shows and drop-in guests and luminaries include Wynton Marsalis, members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Jason Marsalis, John Fedchock, Randy Brecker, Dennis Dotson, Ravi Coltrane, Benny Benack III, Helen Sung, Kat Edmondson and more.
Free cover Sunday and Monday
$7 Cover Tuesday to Saturday
Monday to Saturday: Happy Hour Set 6:00pm, Headliner 9:00pm
Sunday: Headliner 8:00pm
Location: 315 Congress Avenue Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: 512-575-2925
Website: Elephant Room
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age policy: 21+.
Monks Jazz
Monks Jazz is operated by curator and pianist Collin Shook. In its early years Monks Jazz was a roving jazz series across east Austin with pop-up shows in various locations and venues temporarily transformed into a listening room. Just as the pandemic arrived, Shook began renting a shared space with the East Austin piano shop. In collaboration with the Austin Jazz Society and Texas Jazz Society, Project Safety net was launched in response to many musicians losing work and gig income due to COVID-19 shutdowns. Livestream concerts were launched and the financial donations came in to support the livestreams and the musicians. Monk’s Jazz is now housed in Pedernales Station, a studio space complex where patrons can purchase tickets on-line and attend shows in an intimate listening room environment on a weekly basis. Monks does not serve alcohol, but allows BYOB and provides water. Advance reservations are highly recommended for this intimate club.
Location: 501 Pedernales Austin, Texas 78702
Website: Monks Jazz
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age policy: All ages.
Parker Jazz Club
6 years and running in the Old Warehouse District in downtown Austin, Parker is a gem. The basement sits below the former Spaghetti Warehouse where spirits were reported to have roamed. It brings to mind clubs in bigger cities such as New York and Chicago. With elevated design and vibe, impeccable sound system and mixing, the whole room was built and conceptualized with the musician and listener in mind - while still maintaining the Austin vibe. Launched and curated by multi-instrumentalist Kris Kimura, Parker Jazz Club offers one of the best listening rooms in the city. The Parker Jazz Club house band features Ryan Davis, Jeremy Bruich, Ben Triesch and club owner and host, Kris Kimura.
Past pop-in guests and touring acts include the Count Basie Orchestra, Doug Lawrence, Jerry Weldon, the late Joey DeFrancesco, Jon Cowherd and the Mercy Project, Samara Joy, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra musicians, John Pizzarelli, Benny Benack III, Benny Green, Jim Snidero, The Eddie Durham All-Star Big Band, Louis Hayes, Butch Miles, John Webber, Kris Johnson, Nestor Torres, Tom Scott, Herlin Riley, Eric Reed, Jim Rotondi. Upcoming tour acts including Kurt Elling & Danilo Perez. Parker Jazz also hosts showcases for area university and high school jazz programs. Veterans of the Austin jazz scene also regularly grace the stage. Advance reservations are suggested. Ticket prices vary.
Location: 117 W 4th St Ste 107B, Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: 512-394-6003
Website: Parker Jazz Club
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age policy: 21+
Performance/Recital Halls
Paramount Theater
The Paramount is the historic gem of the theater venue scene in Austin. Touring acts over the storied years include Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughn, Ray Charles, Count Basie, Branford Marsalis Quartet, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Samara Joy, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Kat Edmonson, Pamela Hart, The Women in Jazz Series, Brad Mehldau and more.
Location: 713 Congress Avenue Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: 512-472-5470
Website: Paramount Theater
Social Media: Facebook. Instagram
Age policy: All Ages.
University of Texas at Austin Performing Arts
With venues such as Hogg Auditorium, Bates Recital Hall and Bass Concert Hall, the University of Texas at Austin (UT Performing Arts) and its Jazz Studies program have hosted the like of the Mingus Big Band, Maynard Ferguson and Big Bop Nouveau, Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins, Maria Schneider Orchestra, Conrad Herwig, Michael Brecker, Manhattan Transfer, Cecile McLorin-Savant, Roy Haynes, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Terence Blanchard, Charles Lloyd, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Terrel Stafford and Carl Allen, among others. Upcoming bookings include the Glenn Miller Orchestra toward the end of the Spring 2024 season.
Location: On the campus of the University of Texas at Austin
Phone: 512-232-6213
Website: Texas Performing Arts
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age policy: All ages.
More Venues
Barrel O' Fun (Alamo Drafthouse in Mueller)
Various events (comedy, trivia, poetry slam, songwriters showcase) throughout the week with Community Jazz Jam hosted by saxophonist Paul Klemperer on the final Sunday of the month at 6:00pm
Location: 1911 Aldrich St. Suite 120B Austin, Texas, 78723
Phone: 512-572-1425
Website: Barrel O' Fun
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age Policy: Check with the venue
Batch Beer & Kolaches
Occasional jazz sets for brunch and evenings.
Location: 3220 Manor Rd Austin, Texas 7823
Phone: 512-401-3025
Website: Batch ATX
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age Policy: All Ages.
Cactus Cafe
The Cactus is a listening room located along the West Mall of UT Campus in the Student Union. It has a been a mainstay for local and touring musicians alike across many genres and was the host to the long-running jazz themed Views and Brews on Wednesday evenings.
Recently, saxophonist Michael Malone performs usually one Saturday out of the month and Rabbi Neil Blumofe continues to curate jazz and discussions on occasional Wednesdays featuring UT jazz faculty and local musicians. All shows are free to the public. Check the Cactus page for updates.
Location: 2241 Guadalupe St. Austin, Texas 78712
Phone: 512-475-6515
Website: Cactus Cafe
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age Policy: 21+
Carousel Lounge
Long-time Austin institution with adventurous decor and live music spanning various genres, including jazz, improv/experimental.
Location: 1110 E. 52nd St Austin, Texas 78752
Phone: 512-452-6790
Website: Carousel Lounge
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age Policy:
Central Market Grocery: North Lamar and Westgate locations
A concept grocery store developed years ago by H-E-B, Central Market books an array of musical acts and genres to perform on the cafe patio for family-friendly weekend evenings throughout most of the year. Check the events calendar at Westgate and Central Park locations. All shows are free to the public.
Locations:
North Lamar 4001 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78756
Westgate 4477 S. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78745
Website: North Lamar music events, Westgate Music music events
Age policy: All ages
Chez Zee
Chez Zee is a long-time outpost in west Austin. Later in the week, you can usually find a local musician at the red piano for the dinner and brunch sets.. Throughout the year, the Austin Jazz Society curates a regular Sunday afternoon series 3:00PM-5:00PM in the Gallery room once a month from January to October featuring veterans and stars of the Austin jazz scene. In addition, Chez Zee curates musical entertainment most Sundays for Brunch.
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Location: 5406 Balcones Dr Austin, Texas 78731
Phone: 512-454-2666
Website: Chez Zee
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age policy: All Ages.
Continental Club Gallery
The Continental Club (downstairs) and the Continental Club Gallery (upstairs) are often referred to as the heart and soul of the live music scene in Austin. Past jazz acts at the Club include Joshua Redman, Bill Frisell and the late Steve Lacy. Upstairs in the gallery, regular local residencies and jazz acts include Elias Haslanger and Church on Monday, The Ephraim Owens Experience, The Michael Hale Organ Trio featuring Mac MacIntosh, Brannen Temple, Red Young, Black Red & Black, Rosie Flores & the Blue Moon Quartet and more.
Location: 1315 S. Congress Avenue Austin, Texas 78704
Phone: 512-441-2444
Website: Continental Club Gallery
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age policy: 21+
Geraldine's (Hotel Van Zandt)
Geraldine's features music every day, including Jazz Brunch 9:00am to 2:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays with live jazz 11:30am to 2:00pm featuring a rotating slate of artists and acts.
Location: 605 Davis St Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: 512-476-4755
Website: Geraldine's
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age Policy: Check with the venue.
Half Step Bar
Half Step is located in the Rainey district of downtown Austin. Situated in an intimate bungalow house (one of the few remaining in the district), the craft cocktail bar features a variety of music and indoor and outdoor seating. Its jazz bookings are limited. The Michael Hale Organ Trio featuring Mac Mcintosh holds a residency there every Tuesday night 9:30pm-1:30am. Free Cover.
Location: 75 ½ Rainey St. Austin Texas 78701
Phone: 512-391-1877
Website: Half Step Bar
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age policy: Likely 21+. Check with the venue.
Hi-Hat Public House
Located in the heart of east Austin, Hi Hat offers jazz listeners the Tuesday Jazz Jam and a Sunday Brunch 11:00am to 4;30pm, with live jazz 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Location: 2121 E. 6th St Austin, Texas 78702
Phone: 512-478-8700
Website: Hi-Hat Public House
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age policy: Likely 21+. Check with the venue.
King Bee
King Bee offers live music, dancing, signature cocktails and also a dog-friendly patio.
Jazz-wise, King Bee hosts The Michael Hale Organ Trio with Mac McIntosh, holding court every Sunday night for “Date Night” 9pm to 11pm. Free Cover.
Location: 1906 E. 12th St Austin, Texas 78702
Phone: 512-600-6956
Website: King Bee
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age policy: Likely 21+. Check with the venue.
Love Supreme Pizza Bar
Occasional jazz trios on Sunday evenings.
Location: 2805 Manor Rd Austin, Texas 78222
Phone: 512-296-2655
Website: Love Supreme Pizza Bar
Social Media; Facebook, Instagram
Age Policy: All Ages
Meanwhile Brewing
Meanwhile is a family-friendly and dog-friendly brewery in southeast Austin with events and live music with jazz on an occasional basis.
Location: 3901 Promontory Point Dr Austin, Texas 78744
Phone: 512-308-3659
Website: Meanwhile Brewing
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Hours: Booking and sets varying by event. Check with their events listing.
Age policy: Minors must be accompanied with an adult.
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Mozart’s has curated a limited jazz series in their Grotto and Loft during the Fall. Occasionally, jazz acts are booked throughout the year. During the long semesters, students in the jazz studies program at the University of Texas regularly perform in repetoire combos performing music from the classic jazz recording labels. Check Mozart's event page, social media or blog for updates.
Location: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd Austin 78703
Phone: 512-477-2900
Website: Mozart's Coffee Roasters
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age policy: All ages.
Plate by DZintra (Bee Cave)
Live Music in the Garden Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00pm-9:00pm. Regularly featured jazz acts include The Honey Bee Quartet featuring Melissa Raquel Briggs, Julie Slim and Rendezvous and the Julie Slim Duo. Check with the restaurant for more details.
Location: 12823 Shops Pkwy, Austin, TX 78738
Phone: 512-358-4776
Website: Plate by DZintra
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age policy: All Ages
Radio Coffee & Beer (East)
Southeast Austin outpost in the spirit of the original, offering an array of live music, including jazz/funk.
Location: 3504 Montopolis Dr. Austin, Texas 78744
Phone: 512-461-2834
Website: Radio Coffee & Beer
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age Policy: All Ages
Root Cellar Cafe/Uproot Cocktail Bar
Regular Jazz Jam session, upstairs, on Thursdays featuring faculty and students from Texas State University
Location: 215 N. LBJ Dr. San Marcos , Texas 78666
Phone: 512-392-5158
Website: Root Cellar Cafe
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age Policy
Sahara Lounge
The Sahara curates an eclectic mix of live music including free jazz jam on occasional Wednesdays and Africa night/Afro jazz on most Saturdays.
Location: 1413 Webberville Rd Austin, Texas 78721
Phone: 512-927-0700
Website: Sahara Lounge
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age Policy: 21+ unless with parent or spouse.
Seven Grand
Location: 405 E. 7th St Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: 512-520-4582
Website: Seven Grand Austin
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age Policy: 21+
Skylark Lounge
The home for blues & soul in east Austin.
Location: 2039 Airport Blvd Austin, Texas 78722
Phone: 512-730-0759
Website: Skylark Lounge
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age Policy: 21+
Texas Federation of Women's Clubs
For over 20 years, nearly every Thursday night, the Austin Swing Syndicate hosts dance lessons, social dances and occasional live music with a focus on big band and swing. Visit their website for cover charge and more information.
Location: 2312 San Gabriel St Austin Texas 78705
Phone: 512-476-5845
Website: Austin Swing Syndicate
Social Media: Facebook, Youtube
Age Policy: All Ages.
The Coral Snake
The Coral Snake follows in the footsteps of Stay Gold, Long PLay Lounge and other venues at this location. Rent Party, jazz/swingo combo, holds residency here every Friday.
Location: 1910 E. Cesar Chavez St Austin, Texas 78702
Phone: 512-744-3733
Website: The Coral Snake
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age Policy: 21+
The Historic Victory Grill
Currently operated by Busy Signal speakeasy and Victory East restaurant. The Historic Victory Grill is the last surviving pre-segregation era Chitlin Circuit venue in east Austin. The Historic Victory Grill hosts a blues jam every Monday night outside in Kenny Dorham's Backyard as well as occasional jazz shows.
Location: 1104 E. 11th St Austin, texas 78702
Phone: 512-291-6211
Website: The Historic Victory Grill
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age Policy:
Water 2 Wine - Buda
Live Music on Sundays at 4pm, with live jazz regularly featured. Check their website or social media for updates.
Location: 304 South Main St Suite 103 Buda, Texas
Phone: 512-312-9890
Website: Water 2 Wine Buda
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Age policy: 21+
Whip-In
An Austin institution featuring an array of music through out the week, live jazz most Saturday nights and Jazz Brunch on Sundays.
Location: 1950 S I-H 35 Austin, Texas 78704
Phone: 512-442-5337
Website: Whip-In
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Ages Policy: All Ages.
Check back for updates!
-AJR