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This subterranean hot spot is the quintessential jazz dive—a tiny, dark dungeon of a room with walls of brick and cobblestone, a few dozen ragtag wooden chairs, and of course, formidable musicmakers who play round midnight. Smalls gained a substantial following during its first run (1993-2002) as a place where musicians rehearsed, jammed past dawn, and sometimes even slept. Since the management changed in 2007, the new owners have traded in the BYOB policy for a liquor license. The roster favors mostly younger, emerging stars like Stacy Dillard while styles careen from post-bebop to traditional swing. Since people wander in from the street at times, every nook of standing room is sometimes taken. But considering the cover charge lasts until closing, the patient are always rewarded with a seat eventually. — Danny Freedman

Daily, 12:20am–3am

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Best of New York Awards

• Best Cheap Performances, Jazz (2001)