Bill's Place

Welcome to Bill’s Place. Harlem's only authentic speakeasy got its start in the early years of Prohibition during the 1920's. It was a lawless era of gangsters and illegal drinking in small underground parlors of private houses uptown. Harlem was the home of Swingstreet located on133rd Street between Lenox and Seventh Avenues. Sitting in the middle of the 133rd Street block is Bill's Place at # 148; in the original site,.swinging and jamming the best jazz to be heard anywhere in New York City.

If you want to step back into a bygone era of the small, cozy elbow touching Harlem parlor, with live "in your face" outrageous jazz musicians, you must come to see Bill Saxton, international world class sax man, lead the Harlem All Stars on Friday nights.It is the only experience in town to give you a unique opportunity to be in the same legendary place where the likes of, teenager, Billie Holliday got an opportunity to begin her singing career,and Fats Waller and Willie the Lion Smith were regulars on the piano while enjoying the "bath Tub gin". Bill Saxton, The Harlem Jazz King, keeps the tradition of straight ahead jazz, alive and well, in his joint. Join the legends of Harlem's past in the best of today's jazz by making reservations; and remember, no alcohol is sold. Come out Friday or Saturday night uptown and have a blast.

We took our own wine and glasses and sat this close to the drums and musicians. Bill greeted us at the door and played his saxophone :).