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Named after the father of bebop, Charlie Parker (a.k.a. “Bird”), this jazz mecca played host to scores of luminaries in its ‘50s and ‘60s heyday. Now their photos—as well as their spirits—adorn the walls. Parker headlined opening night at the original location, paving the way for musical greats like John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. Its current incarnation—back in Midtown after a brief stay on the Upper West Side—is a classy supper club where hot jazz is served with a tasty side of baby back ribs. Pristine acoustics make every nuance audible, and each audience member has an unfettered view of the stage from the widely fanned out seating. A welcome oasis in an otherwise Disney-fied Times Square, Birdland still draws marquee names. There is, however, a price to be paid for all this high-caliber jazz. Cover charges of $10-$50 and a $10 per person food/drink minimum at the tables makes the bar seating with its one drink minimum a more fiscally prudent option. Mainstays like the Birdland Big Band on Fridays and David Ostwald’s Louis Armstrong Centennial Band on Wednesdays are always solid bets. — Chris Fichera