East Bay blues and jazz clubs roundup

Swoon whether there’s crooning or not. When live blues and jazz notes embed the warm glow of a dimly lit lounge, it’s a classic and classy American experience. And whether those notes are pervading a hidden speakeasy or a well-known mainstay on the main drag, locals rest easy amidst an alluring atmosphere once through each set of doors.

The power of technical musical prowess can dress up any locale into a destination spot. Fancy and elaborate or simple and low-key, here are some favorite BARTable blues and jazz clubs in the East Bay where the rhythms will treat you right.

Check out more blues and jazz clubs in San Francisco.

Yoshi’s is synonymous with Bay Area jazz, and it’s where you’ll catch big names (and their accompanying revered instruments and vocal pipes) serenading a 310-seat venue.

Yoshi's Oakland

12th St. Oakland City Center

Cafe Van Kleef is Uptown Oakland’s beloved little bar; a narrow and cozy feast for the eyes and ears nestled on buzzing Telegraph Avenue.

Cafe Van Kleef

12th St. Oakland City Center

Geoffrey’s is known by locals for its welcoming staff and dance floor; here, everyone really can feel like part of the inner circle.

Geoffrey’s Inner Circle

12th St. Oakland City Center

A new addition to the East Bay music scene, Impulse Room hosts live jazz with weekend buffet meals in downtown Walnut Creek.

Impulse Room Jazz Club

Walnut Creek

by Linda Koffman

Linda Koffman is an SF-based freelance writer and editor. Also a beginner gardener by day/performing songwriter by night, she feels grateful to live a life of extremes balancing plenty of contemplative silence with rocking out in a band. When not writing, she keeps her hands busy (and dirty) with old guitar strings and soil, and enjoys engaging with the Bay Area’s diverse environmental and cultural beauty. She loves puns to a fault and shamelessly laughs at her own jokes.