Categories: Food & Drink

9 bars & cafes with weekly jazz nights to check out in Vancouver

If you enjoy listening to a jazz ensemble as you sip a glass of vino or cup of joe, this list is for you. No matter your beverage of choice, Vancouver has some stellar jazz nights to take advantage of on a weekly basis. So as long as you’re prepared to shell out the occasional cover fee here and there, consider this list a solid go-to for an after-work treat.

Without further ado, here are 9 bars and cafes with weekly jazz nights to check out in Vancouver.

Osita

Osita is the ultimate destination for live music in Vancouver, with local and touring artists performing every day of the week in a variety of genres. From jazz to burlesque, to surf & Latin – Osita has created the perfect ambience to unwind with friends and some craft brews after a busy day. Plus, they have a dance floor and regular karaoke nights to add to your weekly roster as well!

Note that cover between Tuesdays and Thursdays is $6, cover on Fridays and Saturdays is $10, and Sundays and Mondays offer free cover.

Where: 1728 Commercial Drive

Lobby Lounge & RawBar – Fairmont Pacific Rim

Starting Wednesday, April 26th, the Lobby Lounge at the Fairmont Pac Rim is launching a new Jazz Wednesday series, complete with locally renowned jazz performances, delicious sips, and sushi. If you’re looking for a fun new date idea to try out in the city, this is it!

Jazz Wednesdays will take place between 6 and 10 pm, and you can take a look at their December schedule here.

Where: 1038 Canada Place

La Fabrique St-George

In addition to a weekly lineup of rotating DJs on Thursdays and Fridays, La Fabrique St-George hosts rotating jazz performers every Saturday from 3 to 6 pm, and rotating pianists from 1 to 5 pm on Sundays. Doubling as one of the only wineries in the city, La Fabrique is a great spot for a glass of satisfying vino no matter the season or occasion. Sip on a wine flight from one of their many unique seating nooks or opt for a larger table if you need to get a bit of work done in between.

Where: 7 East 7th Avenue

Aperture Coffee Bar – Main Street

One of the coziest yet somehow liveliest spots in the city (in our humble opinion), Aperture Coffee Bar hosts a variety of jazz bands in the backroom at their Main Street location every week. The best part? You can cozy up with a coffee, glass of vino, or brew without paying any extra for cover. For impeccable vibes and the luxury of two separate rooms for dining, lounging, and catching up with friends, this motor-bike inspired cafe-bar hits the spot every time.

Where: 4124 Main Street

Is That French

This intimate spot is tucked away in Gastown’s Blood Alley, serving a rotating menu of freshly shucked oysters and BC wine. A hidden gem if there ever was one – Is That French offers guests a cozy, warm ambiance and stunning seafood plates that are almost too beautiful to eat. And from 6 to 8 pm every Thursday, you can enjoy some live jazz with your oysters.

Where: 45 Blood Alley Square

Frankie’s Jazz Club

A clear contender for this list, Frankie’s has been a long-time spot for live music four nights a week. From Thursday to Sunday, guests can check out everything from improvised “slam jazz” to cover bands. You can view their upcoming schedule and cover rates here.

Where: 755 Beatty Street

Guilt & Co.

Hosting hundreds of shows every year, it’s pretty safe to say that Guilt & Co. is one of the most popular spots for discovering new music on this list. From sax-focused shows to performances inspired by the blues, funk, and Caribbean/reggae scenes – there are always a ton of talented local artists on stage here.

Where: 1 Alexander Street

Pourhouse

Every Sunday and Thursday, guests at Pourhouse are treated to live jazz over delicious cocktails, charcuterie, and other staple eats & drinks that the spot is known for. Guaranteed bar/lounge seating is available for $5 per person – with 100% going to the musicians.

Where: 162 Water Street

The Wine Bar at Provence Marinaside

Last but not least, we have the Wine Bar at Provence Marinaside. With happy hour specials, wine-by-the-glass, and Provencal-inspired seafood and tapas, this is a great spot to check out while on a walk around False Creek. Plus, they have weekly jazz nights every Wednesday from 6 to 9 pm.

Where: 1167 Marinaside Crescent

And that’s a wrap on some great spots around Vancouver for live music. Cheers!