In the west village is a place called Smalls. In a basement, about 25 seats. Excellent acoustics. Very little amplification used.
Recommended: live jazz NYC venue, 'Bar Next Door'
Last night whilst visiting my musician friend he took us to a tiny basement jazz club in the Village called 'Bar Next Door.' We caught the early set of Alex Lore, a jazz trio (sax, bass, drums). Every seat is within 20 feet of the stage. The acoustics were spellbinding. I remember thinking of the audio shows I've been to, hifi stores, etc, all with dandy sound. However, sitting next to a jazz trio belting it out: wow. Obviously not a fair comparison; rather a good reminder to venture out of the rig room and soak up the live stuff when we can.