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Top Jazz Lounges In Philadelphia

Philadelphia isn't just known as the City of Brotherly love, or just for its cheesesteaks. It has always been one of the top cities for music. Jazz music is no exception, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy it during concert seasons and at many local establishments. Whether you prefer some cool jazz or something more lively and danceable, you can find some noteworthy places to enjoy your evening with jazz in Philadelphia.
Time
1315 Samson St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 985-4800
www.timerestaurant.net

This place has something for most; Time is a whisky bar, restaurant and tap room but also serves as a music venue. You can find Jazz here Monday through Saturday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.  If you're hungry, you can find some nice snacks like salmon crostini, deviled eggs and mac-n-cheese. Time hosts open mic nights on Tuesdays, so you can have an opportunity to check out new talent, or even showcase your own.

Ortlieb's
847 N. Third St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19123
(267) 324-3348

Originally, Ortlieb's was a full blown Jazz bar, (known as Ortlieb's Jazzhaus). Though the bar itself has received a makeover, they still retain some of the Jazz from yesteryear. But now you can also enjoy other types of music and a full kitchen. Patrons seem to enjoy the spicy wings and bacon cheddar fries. Tuesdays are popular for Jazz nights, as well as $1.50 tacos. Happy hour at Ortlieb's also extends all the way to 7:30 p.m., which is later than many other places offering happy hour.  You can also get tickets for shows for $10-12. Some upcoming musical guests to Ortlieb's on Sept. 1 include Have Gun Will Travel, will be playing and in October Indie Band Gringo Star.

The Ranstead Room
2013 Ranstead St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19103
(215) 563-3330
www.elreyrestaurant.com

If you are looking for some smooth Jazz from a Hip, speakeasy type of bar, you may want to try the Ranstead Room. This bar is located at the back of the El Rey Restaurant in Rittenhouse square. Here they serve smooth drinks to match the music. The drinks change daily, and also with the season, so you can try a wide variety of cocktails. Rittenhouse Square makes a great option for walking if you are including your evening of jazz with some cocktails or bar hoping. Of course, Rittenhouse Square is also quite popular for shopping.

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Manayunk Brewery Restaurant
4120 Main St
Philadelphia, PA 19127
(215) 482-8220
www.manayunkbrewery.com

Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant is known mostly for its crafted beers (there are a minimum of eight hand-crafted beers on tap) but also for its support of musical arts. It is just a short drive outside of center city and accessible from the regional rail. Patrons love the food here also, which includes sandwiches, pizza, sushi and tender meats. The locally crafted beers are available in a wide variety from pale ales to full-bodied stouts. Brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. -2 p.m. on Sundays while a jazz band plays. Live music occurs here on a regular basis for all types of musical genres including Jazz.

Chris Jazz Café
1421 Samson St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 568-3131
www.chrisjazzcafe.com

Last but certainly not least is the Chris Jazz Café, the only place in Philly that exclusively focuses on Jazz music. It is also thought of as one of the best places in the world to listen to Jazz according to Downbeat Magazine. Some of the biggest names in Jazz have played here, and the food is also highly rated and enjoyed, especially all things mac-n-cheese related. Some of the most popular are the truffle mac-n-cheese and crab mac-n-cheese. Many who have enjoyed an evening at the Chris Jazz Café has described it as some of the best times of their lives.

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Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.
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