Bill's Place image

Bill's Place

Live music venue Jazz club

Jazz legends play the small no-frills room & you can bring your own alcohol. Reservations needed. People often mention Bill, experience, music, great, Harlem, musicians, jazz, area, Jazz, intimate,


Address

148 W 133rd St, New York, NY 10030

Website

www.billsplaceharlem.com

Contact

(212) 281-0777

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (297 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: 6:30 to 11 PM
  • Saturday: 6:30 to 11 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: (Memorial Day), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Bill (17) experience (16) music (12) great (11) Harlem (11) musicians (9) jazz (9) area (8) Jazz (8) intimate (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jessica J. 10 months ago on Google • 72 reviews
    My husband and I attended on our date night, and it was a wonderful experience. We arrived early and got front row seats. A couple of things to note: - the place is small and the best seats are first come, first serve. - if you're sensitive to loud music, don't sit in the front. - it's BYOB, but they do offer a few drinks for sale. They also had ice available. - they don't have food available so eat before or after the show. - Bill is a great storyteller - sharing the history of the location and Harlem area. - they have a tip jar, so bring cash. These guys are skilled musicians, and they really play their heart out. Overall, it's an awesome show - one I highly recommend for music/jazz lovers.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 nishka m. 1 year ago on Google • 142 reviews
    It was a really great experience. It was one of the best Jazz Shows I have been to. The small, cosy room makes it feel like you are at a private show. Bill is really talented but at the same time warm and humble. Makes you feel at home. All the musicians are also very talented and played really well together. At the end of the Show Bill tells you the history of the place, it’s really interesting. They is BYOB so definitely pick up something before. Incase you forget there’s a liquor store just down the road. This is my second time back in 3 months and I didn’t feel much overlap in the music. It was a fabulous experience and I’ll definitely go again. Tip 1: would suggest buying the ticket in advance if you are a big group, you can purchase it online for $30. Tip 2: The best seats are in the front of the stage. If you come more than 15 mins early you could get them.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hasanain H. 1 year ago on Google • 301 reviews
    In the heart of Harlem comes this cozy intimate place that is very welcoming and warm. Resident of the player himself who is performing with his band for 17 years. One of the unique experience I had, with jazz lovers sharing a moment with Friendly Bill. Tickets online and you can bring your own drink. Must check it out
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Josepha B. 2 years ago on Google
    I went with a group of 16 people. We had some young adults and a couple of teenagers and the rest of us are older. Everyone had a wonderful time. The young adults and teenagers really enjoy the music and were impressed with the musician's talent. The place is very small, but it had a warm and quaint atmosphere. The host Geneva is lovely and friendly. Bill is no joke on his saxophone, wow. The pianist, drummer and bass player are excellent. These musician are better than some that play high end places that I've seen and heard.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alvester G. 3 months ago on Google • 214 reviews New
    It's cozy, the people are warm, & the music is hot. The owner Bill Saxton is a beautiful spirit who plays the saxophone brilliantly and shares with the audience the fascinating and important history of this location and this area of Harlem. This place is a true gem representing the musical culture and history of Harlem and America.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Angela B. 1 year ago on Google • 168 reviews
    Had this place on the to do list for awhile and when another event fell through, made reservations for this. Central Harlem location and definitely and old establishment. It seems to have been an older apartment, that they've modifed to a music venue with the main stage area and seating directly in front, then a back seating area with highchairs and tables. We got there early to get a good seat and I'm glad we did. The seating area in the back could be a bit tight and hard to see the musicians but the seats right up front were perfect! They had a coat check/hanging area so in the winter, no worries about lugging that around. I was impressed with the level of the musicians and the length of the show. It's loud in there so if you are not good with small spaces and loud noises, this may not be the place for you. They have an outdoor area and mentioned they are 420 friendly...so in warmer months may be worth the time to check that out. They also had water for sale, which was great as we forgot to bring some with us.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Niels V. 5 months ago on Google • 30 reviews
    Very intimate Jazz Concert. This was recommended to us by a friend. The atmosphere was amazing. In our concert a lady from the public sang 2 songs and the musicians improvised along. It was crazy to see how good the musicians are. Some things to note. You need to reserve tickets beforehand online. You can bring your own drinks and snacks. The space is quite small so the drums are loud, bring earprotection.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeff B. 2 years ago on Google
    Last of the authentic Speakeasys. Great Jazz . Bill Saxton is absolutely amazing! Master at his craft. Accompanying band is excellent. He is very warm and approachable. True Harlem experience. Check it out.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leo N. 1 year ago on Google • 71 reviews
    A Fantastic, intimate experience. Bill Saxton is a passionate and talented musician, I feel he really puts his all into every show. I sat 3 feet away from Bill for the whole set, heaven! His other 3 band members were super talented and gave great solos for most of the tunes. The venue is basically being invited to Bill's house to hear him play. He tells some great stories about Lady Day's start here and other great anecdotes. I will be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kriti S. 7 months ago on Google • 45 reviews
    What a wonderful night at this legendary house. A great vibe with good story telling throughout the whole performance. Arrive half an hour early to get good seats and carry cash on you.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jean S. 1 year ago on Google
    My friend and I went here in 2019 and I am still in awe of the experience! I am not the biggest jazz fan but this was the most incredible, amazing, mind-blowing experience! Would do it all over again and hope to soon
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elise C. 1 year ago on Google
    Best jazz club in harlem ! Really authentic, musicians are passionate and you can feel it ! It's a small place, make like a intimate house. Decoration is cute. You can bring you drinks and just enjoy the show.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Flaminia 1 year ago on Google
    If you love Jazz, you'll love Bill's place. An authentic Jazz experience you cannot miss in NYC. Forget the big stages of often overrated Jazz clubs, this is the real deal. The narrow walls allow you to have a much more intimate experience, with the band playing right in front of you or just a couple of feet away. Bill - and every musician he plays with - is incredible, with the bonus of being super kind, humble and extremely welcoming. You'll go home feeling like you've spent an evening with friends, laughing and listening to great music!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A.S.B. 3 months ago on Google • 73 reviews New
    Unforgettable experience. Music was phenomenal. So much life and energy in the music. If you are visiting the city or have guests in town, great place to check out.

  • 5/5 Guy D. 7 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    Incredible experience. Amazing jazz in a historic location. Also, Bill and his team are incredibly warm and welcoming.

  • 5/5 Aurélia B. 1 year ago on Google
    Bill Saxton is Harlem native. He and his band delivered five star and intimate jazz music experience. This place is hidden gem of Harlem. Thank you! Note: byob.

  • 5/5 Britain R. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely blown away by the energy I saw here. I went to another historic jazz club in Greenwich Village and it didn't even come close. This place was incredible and I will be back every time I'm in NYC! Great people and great music!! Probably best music I've heard in my lifetime so far. No joke

  • 5/5 April Lou C. 4 years ago on Google
    Had a fun night at Bill’s Place. Bring your own booze. Great history. Amazing music. The vibe is just beyond expectations. Definitely a must visit for Jazz fans.

  • 5/5 eva c. 2 years ago on Google
    World famous saxophone player Bill Saxton from Harlem hosts intimate concerts in his basement in Harlem. And guess what Billie Holliday used to sing here along with many famous musicians. Jazz really doesn’t get better. We have been here multiple times and always puzzled why the entrance fee is not $100. Come for a Harlem speakeasy experience before they disappear. It is one of a kind. A must see. (And yes I agree with the reviewer before me, I would give 10 stars if I can)

  • 5/5 Khal M. 5 months ago on Google
    This place is worth the hype. One of the best jazz clubs I’ve ever been to. Bill is such a great entertainer and his band are phenomenal.

  • 5/5 Travis D. 1 year ago on Google
    What a special place. Intimate. Fun. Delightful experience.

  • 5/5 Erin S. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing experience in Harlem- wonderful jazz played by talented musicians, interesting history of the area, and BYOB. As others have said, it’s a small space but makes for a cool, intimate feel. Bill is awesome. We LOVED it!!

  • 2/5 Andrew D. 3 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Really charming vibe and place. The backing Trio was absolutely incredible! But Bill played Sax, and he unfortunately played dispassionately and egoically. He didn’t listen or riff well with the band at all, and he played entirely too loud, with little to no dynamics, and he left very little space, relying heavily on noise-y scale runs without much melody at all… could even tell the band was a bit disengaged due to it. Even noticed him checking the time mid set during a song. Don’t think his heart was in it. Harsh review, but it’s what I noticed.


Call (212) 281-0777 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Alcohol
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Outside food allowed
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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