I'll be in NY on November 7, and my wife and I are thinking of going out for music rather than a show. I see that Spyrogyra is at the Blue Note, and Steve Gadd is at The Iridium, both of which I would like to see.

I've never been to either place - both have table reservations ($35 for Blue Note, $25 for Iridium). Can anyone tell me if the table set-up at either one is any better than the other?

Also, if you might recommend any other less known (to an out-of-towner like me, that is) venues or acts, I'd really appreciate it.

This is a pretty comprehensive list, with links to many club's websites: http://www.ny.com/clubs/jazz/

For me, the Village Vanguard is the classic NYC jazz club; they have the Lou Donaldson Quartet on your date. http://villagevanguard.com/

Also check Jazz At Lincoln Center: http://www.jalc.org/ I personally love Brazilian music, so this sounds great to me: http://jalc.org/dccc/details09.asp?EventID=2118

From a recommendation on Fodor's, we went to Dizzy's Club Coca Cola at Lincoln Center. http://www.jazzatlincolncenter.org/dccc/index09.asp

It has the most beautiful view of Central Park. The atmosphere is gracious and sophisticated.

Lesli & Kailani- those are great suggestions, thanks. I think the Brazilian band mentioned by Lesli is playing at Dizzy's that night.

If anybody you want to hear is playing at the Iridium, it is an intimate and funky room where we spent a delightful evening on a recent visit to New York. The late, great Les Paul played there on Monday nights until shortly before his death.

The Blue Note is probably the most uncomfortable jazz club in NYC. They squeeze you in like sardines and despite having a reservation, you still have to stand on line outside before the show and seating if first come first serve. I only go there if there's someone I HAVE to see. Dizzy's is probably the most attractive jazz club in NYC. Birdland has a Django Reinhardt festival. If you like big bands, recommend going to Birdland on a Fri. from 5-7 to hear theirs.

Great info, thanks so much to mclaurie & happy. That's exactly what I was wondering about the Blue Note. I'd like to see Spyrogyra, but they do usually play once a year or so in Annapolis, so maybe I'll wait until they appear down here.