Best Live Music Restaurants in Washington Heights (North)
2 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Jalao NYC
A Dominican showpiece where parrillada, BBQ-glazed ribs, and live music anchor a colorful courtyard setting.
Notable Picks
#1
Jalao NYC
8.5
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
Live Music Showtime
Opened in 2022 inside the Radio Hotel, Jalao NYC is a full-service Dominican restaurant where parrillada platters, passion-fruit–glazed ribs, and adobo-grilled chicken meet cocktails and live music. It functions as a destination for group dinners that want Dominican barbecue flavors in a high-energy, design-conscious room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Costillas de Chinola (passion fruit BBQ pork ribs), Dominican Parrillada mixed grill, Bombones de Yuca
What Makes it Special: A Dominican showpiece where parrillada, BBQ-glazed ribs, and live music anchor a colorful courtyard setting.
Worthy Picks
7.8
Sofia Bar & Grill is a late-night Washington Heights bar-restaurant known for weekend brunch buffets, costillas-focused platters, and mixed grills backed by DJs and live bands. It’s more about lively, barbecue-leaning plates with drinks than slow-smoked purist BBQ.
Must-Try Dishes:
Costillas Nonas ribs platter, Mixed grill with longaniza and yucca fries, Brunch buffet with grilled meats and sides
What Makes it Special: A Dominican-leaning bar and grill where ribs, mixed grills, and brunch buffets run alongside DJs and live bands until late.