Top Blues Clubs In Philadelphia
Philadelphia's music history is rich in the tradition of R&B, jazz and soul music. Home to a thriving jazz scene, Philly boasts a healthy number of clubs, restaurants and bars that feature live blues and jazz music on a regular basis, from urban blues to boogie-woogie, honkie tonk, big-band blues and beyond. In the City of Brotherly Love, you need only enter and take a seat to hear the blues in these top spots.
Bob and Barbara's
1509 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 545-4511
www.bobandbarbaras.com
Bob and Barbara's prides itself on a nearly 50-year history of cold beer, cocktails and live entertainment. The Crowd Pleasers regularly performs every Friday and Saturday night until 2 a.m. Their music is based in jazz and blues. The combo features a Hammond B-3 organ combo, and their self-labeled style of music is "Liquor Drinking Music." The sets consist of original and popular classic jazz standards as well as the blues. There is no cover charge for the show.
Chris' Jazz Cafe
1421 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 568-3131
www.chrisjazzcafe.com
Chris' Jazz Café is an institution on Philly's Sansom Street. With performances six nights a week, diners can enjoy the music of local and national artists. Past performing artists include Jimmy Bruno, Pat Martino and a number of student performers and groups from Temple University. Live jazz and blues rule on the weekends, with two acts each Friday and Saturday night. Whether you come for the food and stay for the show or vice-versa, the combination is sure to leave you wanting more.
Paris Bistro & Jazz Cafe
8229 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215) 242-6200
www.parisbistro.net
Tucked away in the upscale neighborhood of Chestnut Hill, right next to the Chestnut Hill Hotel, Paris Bistro and Jazz Cafe is a popular destination. With a dining room design that mirrors a 1930s Parisian bistro, the atmosphere is alluring. Just down the stairs from the restaurant is the jazz club, which is host to a number of top performers. Seating is limited in the club with no more than 52 seats available. Seating is first-come-first-serve. The menu reflects the Parisian bistro theme with dishes such as Ratatouille omelet, truffled chicken liver pate, and brioche French toast.
Warmdaddy's
Riverview Plaza
1400 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 462-2000
www.warmdaddys.com
With an ever changing lineup of musical groups and artists, Warmdaddy's is a well known destination for folks who want to enjoy a delicious meal to the backdrop of live music. Variety is the spice of life, and nobody knows that better than Warmdaddy's. The variety of musical talent is second only to the variety of their southern-style menu selections. This riverfront restaurant serves up a Sunday brunch for less than $25 per person that includes an assortment of breakfast and lunch fare along with a build-your-own omelet station, pancake station, bread bar and a dessert bar. Warmdaddy's has delicious friend chicken, but jazz and blues are king at this venue.
Related: Top Jazz Clubs In Philadelphia
World Café Live
3025 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 222-1400
philly.worldcafelive.com
World Cafe is a space that was designed for live music. Downstairs is a three-tiered music hall that seats 300 but can hold more than 600 with standing room only. Upstairs, at the Walnut Street level, is an intimate cafe setting. Both levels offer a variety of food and drink options. Weekly features and happy hours help fill the seats, but its the music that keeps audiences returning for more. While the music styles vary from week to week, jazz, folk and blues are abundant.
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Christy Ayala covers sports, recreation, the outdoors, and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. She earned a masters degree in recreation administration from George Williams College and managed programs in the Midwest, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
