27 October 2021, UPDATED 7 December 2023
Guide to Best Jazz Clubs of St. Petersburg
Our country is famous for wonderful musicians and they do not necessarily play classical music. There are many talented jazz musicians in Russia! So, where can you listen to live jazz in St. Petersburg?
I am a great fan of jazz and let me share with you some of my favourite addresses in this post!
I am a great fan of jazz and let me share with you some of my favourite addresses in this post!
Igor Butman Jazz Club in St. Petersburg
Griboedov Canal Emb., 7
This wonderful jazz venue was opened in October 2022 on the place where another jazz club existed before (House 7 or Dom 7) and it became a breath of fresh air for jazz lovers in St. Petersburg! The club space was expanded, renovated and improved in all the senses – now it is a top place where you could witness gigs of first-class jazz musicians from St. Petersburg and Moscow while seating comfortably at a table and enjoying food and drink.
The acoustics of the club is really good now and there are tables for all the budgets! The most expensive tables are in the VIP area on the central balcony above the bar and the most affordable seats are at the bar and on the left and right balconies in the second row.
Griboedov Canal Emb., 7
This wonderful jazz venue was opened in October 2022 on the place where another jazz club existed before (House 7 or Dom 7) and it became a breath of fresh air for jazz lovers in St. Petersburg! The club space was expanded, renovated and improved in all the senses – now it is a top place where you could witness gigs of first-class jazz musicians from St. Petersburg and Moscow while seating comfortably at a table and enjoying food and drink.
The acoustics of the club is really good now and there are tables for all the budgets! The most expensive tables are in the VIP area on the central balcony above the bar and the most affordable seats are at the bar and on the left and right balconies in the second row.
In my opinion, the tables to the right and left from the stage are the most comfortable for an evening with friends and family, when you want to listen to the musicians, see them and have the opportunity to talk to each other occasionally at the same time.
If you want to save on tickets, seats at the bar will give you the best view of the stage for this price category.
If you want to save on tickets, seats at the bar will give you the best view of the stage for this price category.
At Igor Butman Jazz Club you can see talented musicians from Moscow, that have the opportunity to visit St. Petersburg with concerts more often now thanks to this venue. There might also be some international bands occasionally. And Igor Butman, one of the most prominent Russian saxophonists, comes to play in the club with his band and friends regularly.
At the moment, it is the most interesting jazz venue in our city and I highly recommend you to visit it! Especially as it is located in one of the most touristic areas of the city, a step away from the Church on the Spilled Blood.
Food/drinks: a big variety of food and drinks on the menu
Doors open: At 4 pm on weekends or 6 pm on weekdays. Most concerts start at 7.30 pm and night jams at 10.30 pm (not every day)
Entrance Policy: Night jams are free of charge, for evening concerts the prices depend on the band, ticket prices start from 1200 RUB. You can buy tickets online on their website or in the club
At the moment, it is the most interesting jazz venue in our city and I highly recommend you to visit it! Especially as it is located in one of the most touristic areas of the city, a step away from the Church on the Spilled Blood.
Food/drinks: a big variety of food and drinks on the menu
Doors open: At 4 pm on weekends or 6 pm on weekdays. Most concerts start at 7.30 pm and night jams at 10.30 pm (not every day)
Entrance Policy: Night jams are free of charge, for evening concerts the prices depend on the band, ticket prices start from 1200 RUB. You can buy tickets online on their website or in the club
The Hat!
Belinskogo, 9
This American- vintage-style bar with live jams every night has been among the most popular jazz venue of St. Petersburg for many years! It was founded by Billy Novik from Billy's Band, a local musician an entrepreneur, who is very much inspired by Tom Waits.
The bar is small and stylish, and very democratic in the sense that everyone could afford visiting it. It has only a few tables, booked for musicians and guests of the club, general visitors can either stand in front of the stage or seat on high chairs around the bar or along the wall. In my opinion, the nicest area in the bar is on elevation right behind the bar – you will get the best view of the stage and acoustics from that spot, and a seat on high chairs if you are lucky enough!
The Hat is the place where local jazz musicians and singers come for a jam every night, and quite often they are joined by the guests from other countries and cities. They come after their performances at other venues, so, as you might guess, most jams start late – at 10.30 pm or later.
Apart from night jams, Hat hosts sessions with young musicians on certain days that start earlier – at around 8 pm.
Do not expect a playbill from this establishment – the participants of most gigs are announced on the day of their performance and some guests from the list may in fact never come. On the other hand, the Hat might have some really nice surprises for you – you never know!
Belinskogo, 9
This American- vintage-style bar with live jams every night has been among the most popular jazz venue of St. Petersburg for many years! It was founded by Billy Novik from Billy's Band, a local musician an entrepreneur, who is very much inspired by Tom Waits.
The bar is small and stylish, and very democratic in the sense that everyone could afford visiting it. It has only a few tables, booked for musicians and guests of the club, general visitors can either stand in front of the stage or seat on high chairs around the bar or along the wall. In my opinion, the nicest area in the bar is on elevation right behind the bar – you will get the best view of the stage and acoustics from that spot, and a seat on high chairs if you are lucky enough!
The Hat is the place where local jazz musicians and singers come for a jam every night, and quite often they are joined by the guests from other countries and cities. They come after their performances at other venues, so, as you might guess, most jams start late – at 10.30 pm or later.
Apart from night jams, Hat hosts sessions with young musicians on certain days that start earlier – at around 8 pm.
Do not expect a playbill from this establishment – the participants of most gigs are announced on the day of their performance and some guests from the list may in fact never come. On the other hand, the Hat might have some really nice surprises for you – you never know!
Keep in Mind:
The Hat is really popular and it may get packed with people on Friday night, weekends and during state holidays.
The toilets are shared by men and women, with saloon-style small doors that won't hide your head or legs from the other visitors.
The Hat is really popular and it may get packed with people on Friday night, weekends and during state holidays.
The toilets are shared by men and women, with saloon-style small doors that won't hide your head or legs from the other visitors.
Food/drinks: Alcohol drinks, tea, lemon water, snacks only
Doors open: At 7 pm. Jams start at 8 pm (not every day) and 10.30 pm
Entrance Policy: Right before the jams start - 400 RUB deposit, and you will be able to exchange it for drinks at the bar later. If you come earlier, you might not even need to pay a deposit
By the way, The Hat gets into Top 100/150 of best jazz clubs of the world regularly.
Doors open: At 7 pm. Jams start at 8 pm (not every day) and 10.30 pm
Entrance Policy: Right before the jams start - 400 RUB deposit, and you will be able to exchange it for drinks at the bar later. If you come earlier, you might not even need to pay a deposit
By the way, The Hat gets into Top 100/150 of best jazz clubs of the world regularly.
Photo Jazz-Hall.ru
Jazz Philharmonic Hall
Zagorodny, 27
This place that stands at the origins of the Russian Jazz. It was founded by David Goloschekin, who first started seeding jazz on Russian (at that time Soviet) soil. Although he and other prominent Soviet jazzmen had been active since the 1960-s, the Philharmonics was opened only in 1989 and it was a first place in the Soviet Union, dedicated to jazz entirely.
It has two halls – the Grand Hall with a big stage, stalls and balconies with tables, and a more intimate Ellington (or Small) Hall with just a few tables and a bar. The Grand Hall may remind you some legendary places like Ronnie Scott's in London in a way that it is also very spacious and with a certain entourage.
Jazz Philharmonic Hall
Zagorodny, 27
This place that stands at the origins of the Russian Jazz. It was founded by David Goloschekin, who first started seeding jazz on Russian (at that time Soviet) soil. Although he and other prominent Soviet jazzmen had been active since the 1960-s, the Philharmonics was opened only in 1989 and it was a first place in the Soviet Union, dedicated to jazz entirely.
It has two halls – the Grand Hall with a big stage, stalls and balconies with tables, and a more intimate Ellington (or Small) Hall with just a few tables and a bar. The Grand Hall may remind you some legendary places like Ronnie Scott's in London in a way that it is also very spacious and with a certain entourage.
St. Petersburg Jazz Philharmonics has a museum that will tell you about the formation of jazz in our country.
In the Soviet Era, there was a cinema (although the house is not Soviet, it was built before the revolution) and that is where the balconies of the Grand Hall and Soviet Stalin-Empire decorations inside come from, as well as the layout.
Presently, Jazz Philharmonic Hall does not change the names on its playbill often and to me it seems a bit stuck in time, but for the visitors of the city it may be interesting to come there once.
Presently, Jazz Philharmonic Hall does not change the names on its playbill often and to me it seems a bit stuck in time, but for the visitors of the city it may be interesting to come there once.
I would recommend you the Small Hall of Jazz Philharmonics for live jams in more informal atmosphere.
Food/drinks: In both halls, you can order some snacks/tapas, drinks and desserts, no hot food is available
Doors open: Most concerts start at 7 pm and there are also weekend noon performances for kids
Entrance Policy – Average ticket prices from 1400 RUB, available in the box office of Jazz Philharmonics or on their website
Doors open: Most concerts start at 7 pm and there are also weekend noon performances for kids
Entrance Policy – Average ticket prices from 1400 RUB, available in the box office of Jazz Philharmonics or on their website
JFC
Shpalernaya, 33
Another English name, where JFC currently stands for Just Friends Club, and another very intimate venue with great musicians. Since 1994 JFC is located in the school yard on Shpalernaya Street, a bit further away from ordinary touristic routes, but also in the central part of the city, close to Chernyshevskaya Metro Station or a 20 minutes' walk from The Hat.
JFC was opened with the help of Vladimir Kekhman, a well-known businessman in St. Petersburg, who made his fortune on JFC banana export company (hence the name of the club). Kekhman was always drawn to jazz, music and theatre, and his another ambitious project is the renovation and rebranding of Mikhailovsky Opera and Ballet Company on Arts Square, currently one of the most popular in Russia.
Kekhman's name is associated with a lot of scandals – from cocaine found on his banana ships and bankruptcy of JFC banana company to being appointed the artistic director of Novosibirsk Theatre of Opera and Ballet by our ministry of culture instead of its previous director, who fell into disgrace after the new version of Tannhäuser. Nevertheless, his achievements in the theatre and musical stage of St. Petersburg are evident.
Shpalernaya, 33
Another English name, where JFC currently stands for Just Friends Club, and another very intimate venue with great musicians. Since 1994 JFC is located in the school yard on Shpalernaya Street, a bit further away from ordinary touristic routes, but also in the central part of the city, close to Chernyshevskaya Metro Station or a 20 minutes' walk from The Hat.
JFC was opened with the help of Vladimir Kekhman, a well-known businessman in St. Petersburg, who made his fortune on JFC banana export company (hence the name of the club). Kekhman was always drawn to jazz, music and theatre, and his another ambitious project is the renovation and rebranding of Mikhailovsky Opera and Ballet Company on Arts Square, currently one of the most popular in Russia.
Kekhman's name is associated with a lot of scandals – from cocaine found on his banana ships and bankruptcy of JFC banana company to being appointed the artistic director of Novosibirsk Theatre of Opera and Ballet by our ministry of culture instead of its previous director, who fell into disgrace after the new version of Tannhäuser. Nevertheless, his achievements in the theatre and musical stage of St. Petersburg are evident.
JFC is located in a spacious school yard with the sports ground on always empty Shpalernaya Street. When you see a Soviet School from Stalin Era, be sure to turn into its yard – you will see the entrance to JFC on your right.
JFC has some really strong residents and guest bands performing there daily, and for that you might forgive them uncomfortable chairs, lack of food and shabby interior. Musicians at JFC often play their original music, and apart from all types of jazz you might also come there for some ethnic or folk motives.
Food/drinks: Alcohol and non-alcohol drinks and some really humble snacks that won't fill your stomach, so don't come there hungry
Doors open: At 7 pm. Gigs start at 7.30 pm
Entrance Policy: All gigs are ticketed, average ticket prices from 1100 RUB. You can buy a ticket on their website or book them by phone.
Food/drinks: Alcohol and non-alcohol drinks and some really humble snacks that won't fill your stomach, so don't come there hungry
Doors open: At 7 pm. Gigs start at 7.30 pm
Entrance Policy: All gigs are ticketed, average ticket prices from 1100 RUB. You can buy a ticket on their website or book them by phone.
ETOBAR
Vladimirsky, 14
ETOBAR, literally "this is bar", is a cozy venue, located, again, in the yard. This time this is the yard of Lensoveta Theatre near Vladimirskaya Metro Station and just a few minutes away from Nevsky Prospect. The Hat and Jazz Philharmonic Hall are both really close to ETOBAR, in around a 10 minutes' walk in opposite directions.
ETOBAR has its own cuisine, so there you can also have lunch, dinner or brunch (they work from midday) while enjoying beautiful jazz music. ETOBAR features live gigs and jams every evening and you won't get disappointed, as they invite really good local musicians. The events are normally not-ticketed, but advance table booking is recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday!
Apart from a really nice cuisine, it also has a great choice of vines, so this is definitely a gastronomic jazz venue!
Vladimirsky, 14
ETOBAR, literally "this is bar", is a cozy venue, located, again, in the yard. This time this is the yard of Lensoveta Theatre near Vladimirskaya Metro Station and just a few minutes away from Nevsky Prospect. The Hat and Jazz Philharmonic Hall are both really close to ETOBAR, in around a 10 minutes' walk in opposite directions.
ETOBAR has its own cuisine, so there you can also have lunch, dinner or brunch (they work from midday) while enjoying beautiful jazz music. ETOBAR features live gigs and jams every evening and you won't get disappointed, as they invite really good local musicians. The events are normally not-ticketed, but advance table booking is recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday!
Apart from a really nice cuisine, it also has a great choice of vines, so this is definitely a gastronomic jazz venue!
In summer time ETOBAR also puts tables in the yard
Food/drinks: a big variety of food and drinks on the menu
Doors open: Open daily from midday. Gigs start at 7.30 pm daily and, additionally, at 10.30 pm and even 1.30 am on some days
Entrance Policy: There are no tickets, but sometimes you are expected to spend a certain sum on food/drinks
Read our guide on where to stay in central St. Petersburg
Text Alexandra Carusel Tours
Doors open: Open daily from midday. Gigs start at 7.30 pm daily and, additionally, at 10.30 pm and even 1.30 am on some days
Entrance Policy: There are no tickets, but sometimes you are expected to spend a certain sum on food/drinks
Read our guide on where to stay in central St. Petersburg
Text Alexandra Carusel Tours