Jersey’s musical talent has always paired well with its culinary chops. Here are a few restaurants where you can jazz up a night out
Historically, many famous jazz musicians have hailed from New Jersey, including icons such as Count Basie from Red Bank, Sarah Vaughan from Newark, and Bill Evans from Plainfield. Combine those syncopated grooves with a delectable meal from one of our fine Jersey restaurants, and it’s a winning combination.
Edible Jersey suggests a few of our favorite restaurants and clubs where one can find delicious dishes and unique cocktails along with some quality live jazz.
NORTH
16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro
16 Prospect St., Westfield
908.232.7320 • 16prospect.com
16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro offers live music five nights a week with a focus on jazz. Since 2001, owners and culinary-trained brothers Timothy and Christopher Boyle have been bringing the feel of a downtown Manhattan jazz club to their hometown of Westfield. Along with jazz, guests can enjoy inviting menu offerings from Macaroni & Cheese with Smoked Bacon to Cedar Plank Grilled Hanger Steak, and Vodka Shrimp Hand-Tossed Pizzas. It’s a feast for both your taste buds and ears.
Brothers Smokehouse BBQ & Soul, Ramsey
900 Route 17 N, Ramsey
551.264.9073 • smokenallday.com
The Farella Brothers Hospitality Group (who own Brothers Smokehouse BBQ & Soul) have weekly Jazz Fridays at their Ramsey location. The three brothers—Christian, Gavin, and Jamie— are committed to presenting jazz at their restaurant in tribute to their late grandfather, the renowned jazz pianist Randy Weston.
BRVSH CUL7UR3
482 Cedar Ln., Teaneck
201.357.5745 • brvshcul7ur3.com
With its name referring to the “brush” drumsticks used by many jazz drummers and the creativity sparked by a painter’s brush, BRVSH CUL7UR3 offers jazz and culinary delights all week long. Since opening in March 2023, the newer venue has established a dedicated following. They offer monthly and yearly memberships, allowing customers to attend up to 24 shows a month (2nd and 3rd sets only). Check their website for details.
Clement’s Place Jazz
15 Washington St., Newark
862.205.7660 • facebook.com/clementsplacejazz
Established in 2009 as part of the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies, Clement’s Place offers music every Wednesday–Friday with Big Band events on alternate Mondays. They also work in collaboration with NJPAC to offer Jazz Jam on the third Thursday of each month featuring top-flight NJ musicians. Drinks are always available, and check the website and Facebook page for the “sometimes” catered food offerings.
Rustica Lounge Bar & Restaurant
565 Gorge Rd., Cliffside Park
201.313.0802 • rusticalounge.com
Rustica Lounge Bar & Restaurant offers Friday Jazz Nights, Saturday Vocal Jazz Ensembles, and Sunday Smooth Jazz Brunches. The cuisine is an Italian-American fine-dining experience based on tradition while supporting local New Jersey farms and suppliers. The sauces, stocks, many of the pastas, and desserts are house-made, so the sweet aromas of a European trattoria surround you while you take in the sounds of talented musicians.
Shanghai Jazz
24 Main St., Madison
973.822.2899 • shanghaijazz.com
For almost 30 years, many jazz artists have graced the stage at Shanghai Jazz in Madison—including Bucky and John Pizzarelli, Marian McPartland, Geri Allen, and John Lee. It was named Shanghai Jazz by the original owners, David Niu and Martha Chang, as a nod to the multicultural jazz and food scene of 1920s Shanghai. Since 2017, Thomas Donohoe has taken the reins, and with his culinary background as a chef in award-winning kitchens, Shanghai Jazz continues to offer exquisite culinary flavors with timeless jazz.
CENTRAL
Ristorante Lucca & Piano Lounge
144 US 130, Bordentown
609.262.0110 • ristorantelucca.com
Ristorante Lucca offers fine dining complemented by its piano lounge with live music every night (primarily jazz piano). Dinner reservations are required and include the option of visiting the lounge before or after your meal. There’s no cover charge for the music. Cocktails and dessert are available at the lounge. The dining room resembles a Gilded Age ballroom with its chandeliers and coffered ceiling. The menu features classic Italian dishes, with vegan options as well.
Tavern on George
361 George St., New Brunswick
732.545.6205 • tavernongeorge.com
Tavern on George has live jazz music every Tuesday and Thursday night. With their Tuesday focus on emerging jazz artists, you could catch the next Miles Davis or Duke Ellington while enjoying the tavern’s varied menu ranging from fish and chips to Korean BBQ tacos with a gochujang glaze.
Triumph Restaurant & Brewery
20 Palmer Square East, Princeton
609.924.7855 • triumphbrewing.com
Since opening its new home last fall in the former U.S. Post Office building on Palmer Square, Triumph Brewing has been offering live jazz every Friday and Saturday night, from 5-8pm, in the Lounge. The beautifully reimagined space is just one part of a historical preservation project marrying the modern restaurant and brewery with a 1930s post office, making the Lounge an ideal space, both visually and acoustically, to enjoy a cocktail while listening to the talents of Red 123, Mike Noordzy, Ray Suhy, Digba Ogunbiyi Quartet and others. No cover charge.
SOUTH
Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar
900 Shore Rd., Somers Point
609.927.6665 • gregorysbar.com
In conjunction with South Jersey Jazz Society, Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar features a Jazz Series every other Monday. Enjoy their varied menu of seafood, steaks, gumbo, and burgers while taking in some vibrant sounds. Check southjerseyjazz.org for bi-weekly schedule.
Omega’s Restaurant
27 S. Center St., Merchantville
856.702.5600 • omegasrestaurant.com
Live Music Fridays at Omega’s Restaurant range from jazz, soul, and R&B to house music. Chef and owner Omega Ellis has crafted a relaxing atmosphere that pairs with home-cooked dishes inspired by her mother and grandmother. Specialties like Jerk Salmon Pasta and Fish Fried “Jirty Rice” (with jerk seasoning) blend New Orleans Cajun flavors with traditional Jamaican favorites. There’s a $10 cover charge for music.
Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Music Lounge
709 Warwick Rd., Hi-Nella
856.725.5125 • wilsonslivemusic.com
Wilson’s features Sunday Jazz Brunch as well as many other jazz artists and bands. The owners are Mame and Mark Wilson, a husband-and-wife team who opened their music lounge and restaurant in December 2021 with the aim of bringing music and nightlife back to the South Jersey area, and to proudly establish a Black-owned business in an area where such ownership was lacking. The menu features Cajun and French fusion items such as Cajun Red Snapper, Yassa Lemon Chicken, and Seafood Gumbo.
