Pittsburgh’s best jazz spots

While Pittsburgh is perhaps best known for its championship-winning sports teams and blue collar culture, the city is also one of the region’s key places for the development of jazz music. With a diverse demographic that included an increase in its African American neighborhoods in the late 1920s, the demand for jazz venues grew quickly, and with a little preservation from the city’s jazz community, many of these are still around today. For the best in Pittsburgh’s jazz and blues, add these four jazz spots to your list of must-see venues.

Little E’s Jazz and Blues Club

Little E’z Jazz and Blues Club may not be the huge music venue many Pittsburghers are accustomed to, but this downtown jazz club is certainly one of the city’s best for live jazz music. Jazz aficionados and blues fans alike know that this Liberty Avenue location is the hotspot to hear both local and national-level musicians as well as the hottest up-and-coming acts. Treat yourself to a night of fantastic live entertainment coupled with a diverse club menu of appetizers, sandwiches, soups and salads, dinner entrees and desserts. And, of course, the drinks are always flowing! Little E’s Jazz and Blues Club is located on the second level at 949 Liberty Avenue in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh.

James Street Gastropub and Speakeasy

For a truly intimate jazz experience, you can’t beat James Street Gastropub and Speakeasy. From local rising stars to big-time jazz musicians, you’ll hear all the city’s best blues and jazz music in its prohibition-style speakeasy. Go back in time to the 1920s with an authentic old fashioned cocktail as you unwind at one of the venue’s live shows or grab a bite to eat the its restaurant where you can check out the vintage “wall of jazz” highlighting some of the greatest jazz legends of all time. Find James Street Gastropub and Speakeasy at 422 Foreland Street in the city’s North Side neighborhood.

The Backstage Bar

Theater Square’s The Backstage Bar has everything a jazz cat could wish for: a bustling downtown atmosphere, an eclectic menu of dinner, drinks and desserts, a chic outdoor dining space and a gathering of the city’s finest jazz entertainers. Any time is a great time to stop by this cool and casual hangout, whether you’re meeting friends for pre-show happy hour or relaxing after a show at its late-night happy hour. Sip on your favorite wine and spirits, specialty drinks or beers while the region’s best bands and musicians perform with no cover charge. The Backstage Bar is located on Penn Avenue at Theater Square in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.

CJ’s Restaurant and Lounge

CJ’s Restaurant and Lounge boasts a long-standing reputation among Pittsburgh’s best jazz spots. If you’re looking to meet up with fellow jazz fans, you’ll find a friendly and relaxed, over-25 crowd at its weekend shows. Among its best events and shows are its Saturday afternoon jazz jam sessions and jazz vocalist series. CJ’s also scores high marks for its affordable and delicious menu and impeccable service. The next time you’re passing through the Strip District, be sure to set aside some time for an evening at CJ’s Restaurant and Lounge, located on Penn Avenue.