Bill's Place

I can't remember how I found Bill's. Maybe a deep dive online. Maybe one of the recent exposes written about him. But I got to reading about all of the jazz greats and jazz club owners we lost during COVID. So I thought I had to get out to Bill's to party.

This little unassuming spot was a literal speakeasy. While it is now bring your own booze and only sells soft drinks and water, it's still hidden like a speakeasy. Simple to use google maps to get to the address, but we weren't sure which door to try (hint, it's the giant red one near the entrance). Billie Holiday was discovered here.

This spot is small. Shotgun style. The first show is at 7. They say get there at 6:30 to get a seat, and that's probably fine, but we got there are 6:15 so we could have a seat front and center.

The chairs are packed and cobbled together, some old wooden chairs, some old vinyl covered chairs, some high top chairs, a table here, a table there. Reminds me of the seats at preservation hall in New Orleans--not terribly comfortable, but they get the job done.

Bill and the band were great. They played a few fast paced jazz tunes and a couple slower ones. Bill sang a couple of fun blues songs. The show lasted about an hour, maybe a little longer. At the end Bill spoke with us a while, told us the history of the place, made some jokes. He's a great guy.

Tickets sold on their website. 30 bucks a ticket. As previously noted, no food or booze sold on site, but you're welcome to bring your own, while they sell water and soft drinks. They have ice and cups available. Everyone was so nice--the emcee and the woman at the door were awesome.

Totally worth it. See all the jazz legends of Harlem while they are still here. They don't make 'em like Bill anymore.

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.

Really enjoyed the evening and highly recommend it. The staff couldn't be more helpful and welcoming, even suggesting places in the neighborhood to eat before the show. Definitely arrive early so you can get a good seat. First come first served. The place is small and intimate. Music terrific. It's a nice reminder of a time and place when little jazz clubs like these used to be more common.

I heard of Bill's Place before the lockdown and put it on my list of places to go. I finally went this evening and had a wonderful time! Great, live music in NYC for $30...can't beat it! I definately plan to return soon.

We went to an early show. Harlem history. Where Billie Holiday was discovered. An original speakeasy.

Beautiful music, great people, and Bill tells great stories.
Must visit if you're in town

It was an amazing night. Being that close to incredible musicians is a privilege! I highly recommend this show.

This is a one of those "only in New York" experiences that I can't recommend highly enough. I'd wanted to come here for a long time, but only made it here last week. We came with a reservation, which was easily made via the club's website.
Though they told us beforehand that doors would open at 7:45pm for the 8pm show, we got there at 7:25pm and were let in. We paid our entrance fees in cash as soon as we arrived, and were directed to sit where we liked. Since we were the first ones there, we scored seats right in front of the band.
Bill and the band came in just after 8, introduced themselves, and then started the show. There were probably 20 or less people in the audience, making it for a delightfully intimate show.
The club is also BYO, which I really liked, as there are so little BYO places that don't charge a fee in NY.
After about an hour, the band concluded the show. Bill ended the show with a short explanation of the historic area we were in in Harlem, which used to be known as 'Swing Street'. Bill and the other host greeted everyone personally and thanked us for coming in after the performance. Overall, this was one of the best New York experiences I've had in a long time, and look forward to returning.

The price has gone up from $20 to $30/seat but it's still worth to price of admission for either the 8 or 10 o'clock seating on a Friday or Saturday night. Be the first in line and grab one of the 10 or so chairs just inches away from Bill leading the way on Sax, with a terrific bass, piano and drum player. Prepare to blast off with an explosion of live jazz within seconds of the quartet taking the stage. Feel free to bring your own libations to enjoy the ride in this historic Harlem Brownstone bottom floor.

Definitely recommend this place! Small audience, close to the musicians, great music.