There is a moment, usually just after the sun dips below the Mississippi River, when the air in New Orleans changes. The humidity lingers, but the frantic energy of the day softens into something deeper and more rhythmic. It is in this liminal space that the city truly wakes up, not to the sound of streetcars or tourist chatter, but to the wail of a trumpet spilling out of a dimly lit doorway.
While Bourbon Street offers its own brand of neon-soaked revelry, the true soul of the city resides in its jazz clubs. These are sacred spaces where the music isn’t just background noise; it is a living, breathing conversation between the past and the present. To walk into a genuine New Orleans jazz club is to step into a tradition that has been fermenting for over a century, a culture where the music is passed down through bloodlines and neighborhood bonds.
The landscape of live music here is vast and varied, ranging from polished, historic venues that have hosted legends to hole-in-the-wall bars where the floorboards are warped by decades of dancing. Choosing where to go can be overwhelming, especially if you are visiting for the first time and want an authentic experience rather than a tourist trap. The right venue can change your entire perception of the city.
This guide is curated for the discerning traveler who wants to hear the real thing—whether that is traditional Dixieland, soulful brass bands, or modern bebop. We have scoured the French Quarter, Frenchmen Street, and the residential neighborhoods beyond to bring you the venues that consistently deliver excellence in acoustics, atmosphere, and artistry. These are the places where locals actually go to listen.
Before you head out, it is important to understand the etiquette of the scene here. Many of these clubs operate on a "pass the hat" or cover charge system, and the musicians rely heavily on your tips to survive. Respect the music by keeping your conversations low while the band is playing; you will find that the experience is much more rewarding when you give the performers your full attention.
Whether you are a lifelong aficionado of the genre or a curious newcomer looking to understand what all the fuss is about, this list will point you in the right direction. Prepare to lose track of time, to feel the bass in your chest, and to understand why New Orleans is the undeniable birthplace of jazz.
The Spotted Cat Music Club
| Address | 623 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70117 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
This music bar is so much fun. I love all the live music!! My favorite place. Nice staff. Great crowd. I have stayed for hours sometimes. With your hand stamped, you can go in and out, which is handed. Very talented musicians.
An amazing place to listen to live jazz music. It cost $5 cover to come in but it's so worth it. They have a schedule on their website of which bands are playing when. It was a bit crowded but I was able to get some seats. O highly recommend anyone who is interested in jazz to come!
The drinks are also delicious as well. I couldn't stop drinking the Cat Nip cocktail.
A friend of mine visits New Orleans regularly and says this is her favorite jazz club in the city. First of all, it’s free, casual, and features live music seven days a week starting around 2 p.m., with various bands performing throughout the day and into the night.
We stopped in for about an hour one afternoon, enjoyed a couple of drinks, and listened to an incredible band—it felt like the perfect New Orleans experience. It’s also located away from the busy Bourbon Street crowds, which made it even more enjoyable.
The venue itself is small with limited seating, so it’s a good idea to check performance times and arrive early if you want a spot.
Jazz music was very good. Bar was prompt and clean. There was a $10 cover, but you dont need to get drinks like at some other bars. Not a ton of seating and very small so it gets cramped easy. Still loved the vibes.
Great place for music. Not much seating so if you want to sit get there early before band starts. Very fun place.
The Jazz Playhouse
| Address | 300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 3:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 3:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 3:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | (504) 553-2299 |
If you're looking for a break from the lively, high-energy crowds on Bourbon Street, The Jazz Playhouse is the perfect escape. It has a classy, intimate atmosphere that lets you enjoy incredible live music in a comfortable setting without sacrificing the New Orleans vibe.
We were lucky enough to catch Brass-A-Holics, and they absolutely brought the house down. The musicians were phenomenal, the energy was infectious, and the sound quality was excellent. It felt like a true New Orleans music experience.
The cocktails were equally impressive—beautifully crafted, delicious, and served by attentive, friendly staff. It's the kind of place where you can actually relax, sip a great drink, and appreciate world-class live jazz and brass music.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, on a date night, or just want a more refined music venue after exploring Bourbon Street, The Jazz Playhouse is well worth a visit.
Fellow jazz snobs do not overlook this place. I check the WWOZ Livewire before I arrive in town and I always ignored the Jazz Playhouse because I assumed a hotel bar would have some Murf and the Magic-Tones version of jazz. I'll tell you if you walked past this place on your way to Fritzel's or Frenchman's on 6/27/26 you made a bad call. We had been at Kermit's earlier in the evening and he said he was going to stop by the Royal Sonesta as soon as he was done smoking (he never showed). Since we were staying at the hotel and had a $15 credit we checked out the show at the Jazz Playhouse. Wow! Nayo Jones and her band were great. I cannot think of a better singer that I've seen live in a club in the past decade. If she is a regular here I'm coming back and bringing my friends. And there was no cover charge!
The room looked great and the bartenders were solid. One of them ran over the kitchen to get an egg to make me a gin fizz.
The burlesque performance was amazing the music and dancing were both great. Even the food and drinks were good. The only reason I’m rating 2 stars is because of the very unpleasant young lady at the door. My friends and I came to see the performance that was supposed to start at 9:00. We arrived around 8:40 and saw a small line at the door so we waited about 10 minutes before the very unpleasant young woman opened the door and began aggressively yelling at the small group of people waiting to get in. She told us not to “bum rush” her or the door and wait our turns to be seated. I understand wanting everyone to wait their turn to be seated but the manner in which she spoke to everyone was very rude and aggressive for no reason. It was off putting to me and one other friend and we wanted to say something but the other friends in the group said that we should let it go because the young lady was probably just having a bad day. When it was our turn to be seated she wasn’t any more pleasant, she asked how many people, walked us to the table then just walked away, no smile no pleasantries no other words said to us at all. Once the show started we were consistently disturbed by the same young woman from the door talking and laughing very loudly with several other employees so loud that we could hear her from across the room even over the band playing. The next night my friends and I were walking by in the lobby and heard her aggressively screaming the same speech she gave the night before to a group of people that I’m assuming were there for the show that night. I would give her the benefit of the doubt and believe she was just having a bad day but nothing seemed different the next day. I understand that sometimes good workers have bad days but it seems our experience was ruined by one bad worker. We would definitely see the show again, but if I saw her at the door I’d turn and leave.
A great place with live jazz music and a truly wonderful atmosphere. The music was excellent, the singer was fantastic, and the cocktails were delicious and well crafted. Overall, it’s exactly what you expect from a jazz venue in New Orleans.
Unfortunately, the experience was partially spoiled by the service. The waitress was very unfriendly and rude, which noticeably affected the evening. It’s a shame, because the venue itself and the music definitely deserve a high rating.
It is a must to do to spend an evening in a jazz club in New Orleans. At this club, you are close enough to see the musicians’ expressions, feel the pride of soulful vocalists and watch a trumpet solo played his story. The atmosphere is relaxed, playful with New Orleans energy that keeps pulling you to stay longer than expected.
If you want to feel the heartbeat of New Orleans jazz, spend an evening at this club. This is a place where you will lose track time because the music keeps playing and pulling you in. Cheers!
Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
| Address | 626 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (504) 949-0696 |
This small restaurant next to the jazz club was a pleasant surprise. I was headed to another restaurant but when I got there it was closed. I had passed this restaurant previously but thought why not try it out? My wait staff Angie was terrific. She was very attentive but not over bearing. She took my drink order and gave me time to review the menu. When she returned I ordered the Caesar salad and the blackened Redfish with cream sauce and shrimp, with turnip greens as my side. The food was excellent. The seasoned cream sauce with a shrimp add it to the flavor of the red fish, which was blackened perfectly! The greens were very good a bit salty but still good. The portions were perfect. Enough to fill me up but not to feel like I was stuffed. In fact when Angie suggested dessert I didn't hesitate. I chose the peach cobbler with ice cream. It was yummy just like the rest of dinner was. I can strongly suggest trying this restaurant out. The food and service were fantastic. I hope you have as good an experience here as I did! Enjoy!
We had a wonderful dinner at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro. The food and ambiance were outstanding.
Regarding the dining and atmosphere, the venue is thoughtfully divided into three distinct areas: a dining room, a bar, and a separate music room.
The cuisine specializes in upscale Creole fare, featuring dishes such as BBQ shrimp, seafood gumbo, and jambalaya.
Reservations are highly recommended for both dinner and the music room, as shows frequently sell out.
great staff and incredible food! you do have to pay cover in order to access their jazz shows which can make it relatively pricey after already paying for drinks/dinner. however, you can hear music from other parts of the restaurant so it's not that bad. highly recommend the chicken pasta!
Great music and food. There was a piece of plastic in my green beans so I didn't eat them but the salmon was still good. The shrimp was delicious according to my hubby.
Pleasantly surprised. The bar has the basics but the bartender made a perfect Manhattan. Etoufee was actually really good. I plan on returning. Oh and there's some great jazz going on here. When I was there you had to pay for a ticket.
Mahogany Jazz Hall
| Address | 125 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 2:00 PM – 1:30 AM Saturday: 2:00 PM – 1:30 AM Sunday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (504) 598-5241 |
We were looking for a place to grab a cocktail before out dinner reservation elsewhere and we stopped in here. Getting here right after they opened for the evening, before the live jazz started, we were able to chat with the staff (which we love to do) and they were very engaging and chatty. I also noticed they do a proper absinth service here and they offered one of the largest Absinth menus I’ve ever seen, so I had to try something interesting and different and went with the Texas made Opal Absinthe. Before selecting it, I asked the young lady who was handling the bar and she gave me her description, which I have to say was spot-on to what I ended up drinking. Another drink we got was great as well, and made with fresh juices.
The vibe and venue is great here… I love jazz and I would love to return sometime to listen to the live jazz while enjoying their amazing adult beverages!
Mahogany Jazz Hall is the real deal. Forget the smoky basement cliché — this is a proper jazz club, but one that carries itself with genuine elegance. The space is intimate in the truest sense: the gap between the stage and the front row is barely enough for a waitress to squeeze through with your drinks. You feel every note.
What caught me off guard was the crowd. Step outside on Bourbon Street and everyone’s in t-shirts and flip-flops — walk in here and people have actually dressed for the occasion. It felt right. Like the patrons understood, instinctively, that the music deserved that respect.
And the music does deserve it. Mahogany Jazz Hall is clearly about preserving a legacy, not just putting on a show. It’s a reminder of what makes New Orleans genuinely special. And if you wait past midnight, a titillating experience might come your way.
An incredible spot for live music! The jazz was phenomenal and the space has so much character. I also really appreciated that even though it’s a classic cocktail hall setup, the staff is super accommodating and they have great drink options whether you are looking for a fantastic cocktail or an excellent alcohol-free beverage. The seating is intimate and the service is fast. Highly recommend dropping by!
We completely loved the place. The music and atmosphere was amazing. My husband loved the band that was playing that night
For a real good Jazz I recommend this place
The place was amazing. I loved that we had the option to enjoy mocktails and also make our own mocktails I could order anything based on my taste. The band was great, and the atmosphere was wonderful.
Three Maries Jazz Club
| Address | 621 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 7:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 2:00 – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (504) 529-7075 |
This was my first live Jazz performance and it was mind blowing 🤯. First off this place is located inside of the Omni hotel, dont be like us, walking around thinking it was a separate building/area. The band was amazing and really gets you moving, although we didnt dance it was definitely encouraged. The ambience of the venue was very elegant, including the outside bar which had really good drinks which you are welcomed to take inside the venue. 100% reccomend checking out Three Marie's Jazz Club.
We absolutely loved the place .. the bar is elegant and nice and the jazz band we experienced was amazing ! We experienced Glen Davis Andrews and his performance was top notch.. nice and classy jazz experience
We came for the jazz and had an amazing experience. The drinks we got were good, we did not order any food. The room where the performance are held was so stunning ! Definitely a must do experience while in New Orleans. It was soo much fun, the performer Anais St. John was absolutely amazing and so was the band.
Classy place! The place was packed. The maitre d' was super friendly and very accommodating. He was able to find us a seat. The water guy was quick the bring us glasses of water and menus. But we waited for a server for like 20mins. Food was good but pricey for very small portions. Good thing we weren't that hungry. The band playing was great! They had a guest singer from memphis and she had an amazing voice!
RESERVE A TABLE WHILE READING THIS REVIEW!!!
I had the most incredible night at Three Maries while in town for Mardi Gras! The atmosphere is stunning—dark, intimate, and perfectly lit—but what truly made the evening was the exceptional staff.
They took such wonderful care of us, making us feel like VIPs even during the busy holiday rush. Watching Tabitha Meeks perform was a dream; her voice is soulful and fits the vibe of this room perfectly.
Between the 'La Vie En Rose' martini and the delicious Arancini, every detail was spot on.
A true New Orleans gem!
Fritzel's European Jazz Pub
| Address | 733 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (504) 586-4800 |
Live band jazz pub worth visiting for only the bands/music playing. The pub atmosphere is lovely & aesthetically pleasing with the design of the pub. Host/hostess at door & server weren’t the nicest people. Server seemed to not enjoy her job. I ordered a hurricane that wasn’t mixed at all & just simply way over poured. It was a disappointing drink for $15 & being at the pub for maybe 5-10minutes
Great place to experience traditional New Orleans Jazz. They only serve drinks and have a one drink minimum per set. Th drinks are a reasonable price. The hurricane was too syrupy but the aperol spritz was spot on. Others in our group enjoyed the Satachmo and the martini. We had 3 drinks and it cost us $45. Music was a decent level and not too loud so you enjoy the music.
We had a wonderful time at this European-style bar. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the live music was especially enjoyable. The musicians were full of energy and clearly passionate about their performance, which made the experience even more memorable.
The décor inside was warm, cozy, and inviting, creating a friendly atmosphere where everyone seemed to be having a great time. All you need is to purchase a drink or pay the cover charge, and it’s absolutely worth spending an hour or two here.
Overall, this is a lovely place to relax, enjoy some great music, and soak in the atmosphere. We would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and enjoyable evening.
We came here as recommended by our walking tour guide, and she was spot on. Despite being on Bourbon Street, this jazz pub was authentic with no cover charge or drunk partygoers. They only require 1 drink per person. The cozy atmosphere and friendly servers make this jazz pub a must during your visit to NOLA.
Caleb was so awesome! Cj was great too! We stayed for at least 2 hrs. Music was great! And folks please remember to tip the musicians. They shouldn’t be soliciting money from people! It should be given
Blue Nile
| Address | 532 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 8:30 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM Friday: 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 7:00 PM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 8:30 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | (504) 766-6193 |
I just to share a space with creatives a few door down from the Blue Nile. This was my first time being in the space for a fashion show.
Throughly enjoyed myself. The space is funky, yet multiple purposed stage accommodated a band, dee jay, and runway fashion show
Simply a must stop location we visiting Frenchmen Street. We had a blast!
*9 October 2025*
Visiting from Atlanta. A time was had! My last tequila shot did EXACTLY what I needed it to do. The DJ did his thing. I was on the dance floor enjoying myself. The bartenders were great. The place was packed, which is exactly what I was looking for. I'd totally come here again the next time I'm in NOLA. The walk just to enter the Blue Nile was entertaining; so many characters on the street.
Walking down the street the bouncer spoke to us and was very nice asking us to come in so we did! Very neat upper and lower level to enjoy! Bartender and all staff was very friendly too and the music was good! Lots of drink selections too! Highly recommend while in the area! Great spot, neat balcony with views, good staff and music and drinks as well! Come check it out!!!
We worked with Blue Nile for our wedding afterparty after our wedding at Hotel Peter and Paul and we had just the most amazing time. Lauren worked with us via email and was so communicative and helpful throughout the entire process, answering every silly question I had and truly made the night so wonderful. We rented out the upstairs and they arranged a DJ for us, let us bring some personal decor and were so so nice throughout the whole process! I had the best time (I think, it starts to get a little fuzzy at this point in the night haha) and couldn't recommend them more! Thank you Lauren and the entire team at Blue Nile!!!
The Maison
| Address | 508 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (504) 371-5543 |
Enjoyed quick and friendly service on a Saturday night. Great drinks and even better live music.
Then a journey up the stairs for the Saturday night Drag Show!!
Had never been to one before and didn't know what to expect.
(Make sure you get singles for tipping. We didn't know that part and felt horrible because the performances were amazing and very provacative.)
Super fun place overall.
Came to Maison on Saturday night to see St. Julien X. The music itself was excellent, and the venue has a great atmosphere, which made this experience even more disappointing.
One of the performers wore a “Palestine” shirt on stage and then repeatedly gave hostile looks toward me after noticing my visible Star of David necklace. Regardless of anyone’s political views, no guest should feel uncomfortable or targeted for openly being Jewish.
In today’s climate, political messaging like this can create a very unwelcoming atmosphere for Jewish guests. I hope management considers asking performers to keep politics off the stage so the venue remains welcoming to everyone.
The Maison in New Orleans did not disappoint! The shrimp and grits were perfectly seasoned and plain awesome. The crawfish bites were amazing, the drinks were on point, and the music made the whole atmosphere even better. Definitely a spot worth visiting if you want great food, good vibes, and a fun time!
On the positive side, the environment is clean and friendly overall. The greeter was a 10/10 for being so welcoming, and even the Diet Coke was a 10/10 for quality. It was a bit funny to see a kids' show playing on the TV in this setting, but it added to the friendly vibe.
However, there were several areas that need attention. While the floor was clean, our table was very sticky, and the ceiling looks a bit messy. I also noticed one of the fans was completely bent down. My server was very quiet and didn't engage much.
Most importantly, I noticed they let minors into what is supposed to be an over-21 bar. I'm not complaining because they weren't served alcohol, but I do think the establishment should abide by its own regulations. It's a decent spot, but these maintenance and policy details could be improved
The Maison is definitely the favorite, and it’s a staple on Frenchmen Street for good reason. It’s a huge, vibrant music venue with a fantastic energy that encourages dancing.
The music is superb and often features a range of authentic New Orleans sounds like Jazz, Funk, and Brass bands. The place is big, with ample bar-side and seated options. The bartenders are friendly and contribute to the great vibe.
If you want to dance, stay by the front stage, but if you want a quieter, more intimate feel, check out the other sections.
It's an excellent choice for a fun night of great music, dancing, and reliable service.
The Bourbon Square Jazz Bar
| Address | 1131 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | (251) 513-4565 |
BEST food, music, and people! We’re visiting from Iowa and thank God we found this place because they showed us the best time!!! Owners were so genuine and welcoming! We came to hangout before going somewhere else and tried their wings with homemade bourbon sauce- PHENOMENAL, perfect crunch, sauce, and flavor. He also made me a DELICIOUS slushy drink with their secret formula 😉 as a base then you add your liquor- I did Malibu for a tropical vibe. Order this if you want something sweet and unique!!
We had to leave but it was so good we came back & had a crab plate/seafood boil (sauce & garlic butter was so good) and fried catfish (nice crunchy breading). Both AMAZING as to be expected and the owner showed my uncultured Iowan self how to eat the crab legs. 🤣
Another true highlight was the amazing soulful band. People were dancing and singing and this was one of our favorite parts of our trip! True Louisiana representation and we couldn’t be more happy that we found y’all!!! The people are really what make this place special and give it the good vibes- delicious food and amazing music are the cherry on top!!
My friends and I booked an Airbnb for four days in New Orleans and decided to go for a walk to explore the area. Lucky for us, Bourbon Square Jazz Bar was less than a two-minute walk away. We stopped in just to check it out and grab a drink, and we are so glad we did—we ended up making it our home base for the entire trip.
The food was excellent, especially the wings. We tried multiple items on the menu and weren’t disappointed by anything. The drinks were also great—we especially loved the Bourbon Square Rock, where you can add your alcohol of choice. Such a unique and fun option.
The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, especially Rock and Mia, who both made the experience even better. One person in our group loved it so much they went back every single day, which honestly says it all.
We went at different times throughout our trip, and one of the highlights was stopping in earlier in the day when it wasn’t too busy—they even let us control the music, which made it such a fun and personalized experience.
Whether you’re looking for a place to start your night or wind down at the end of it, this is the perfect spot. We can’t recommend it enough and will absolutely be back the next time we’re in New Orleans.
Had a red bean and chicken plate special for $10. Also caught their happy hour and had a $5 margarita. They also had seafood bag specials for $10. For the price I just knew it would be packed. The vibe is mellow chill. The artwork on the walls is nice as well. If you are looking for the spot ride down Elysian Fields Ave toward the French quarter when you see Rampart or the Walgreens make a left before it and park it's right on the corner.
I think I was served by the owner! He was really nice and personable. I would love to go back on a busy night. I was close and hungry and this place had great reviews so I stopped in. The food was good and the prices were great as well! I got this vibe that this is a spot highly frequented by locals. The few ppl that did come in while I was there appeared to be regulars.
Visited from Columbus,Ga. A good friend of mine told me to check this place out and it did not disappoint. Nice clean lounge. The food, drinks and service was A1. Our bartender was nice and she was great with the drinks, Mr Rock was cool and looked out. I’ll be back next time I’m in town for the stuffed fish.
House of Jazz Restaurant & Music Club
| Address | 241 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70112 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | (504) 291-3788 |
Beautiful concept
Preservation Hall
| Address | 726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | (504) 522-2841 |
Exactly as promised! Just the right length and so much talent! If you don’t want to spend the whole evening listening to jazz… perfect for an authentic NOLA experience! Courtyard in the back with the bar is charming. Staff and musicians were welcoming and stayed after for pictures and answered questions. Mark Braud and Clint Maedgen were in our show and everyone else super talents too!
An unforgettable New Orleans experience! The musicians were phenomenal, and the intimate setting made every note feel personal. Preservation Hall captures the true spirit of traditional jazz and the city's rich musical heritage. It’s simple, authentic, and all about the music. If you're visiting New Orleans, this is a must see. Highly recommended!
Such a cool place! You can really feel the history the moment you walk in.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t like Jazz (you will do afterwards!)
It feels authentic, personal and even a bit emotional. We got standing tickets and loved every minute of it. The musicians are extremely talented and are very interactive with the audience, cracking jokes etc.
This is certainly a must visit when you are in NOLA!
Certainly, THE place of classic , fine NO jazz. Rustic, historical perhaps too rustic...
But jazz band performance disappointed a bit. I understand it's 'jazz on a go', but my expectations were higher. Couple of musicians were great, but one - a pianist - wasn't really up to the challenge. There was nice energy during a short gig, and public reaction was fantastic nevertheless.
What an authentic NOLA jazz experience. No photos or video allowed during the show which allows for a present and intentional experience. A didn’t plan ahead and snagged standing tickets a few days before my show. Standing wasn’t bad at all. The show only lasts about 45 mins. If you’d prefer a bench seat I recommend booking well in advance.
Maison Bourbon
| Address | 641 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | (504) 522-8818 |
Downstairs is cool. They had a very talented jazz band playing. However, our company reserved the upstairs for our party. When we went upstairs there was a trio playing music. They sounded great. The place had food laid out buffet style in the adjoining room. Both rooms had a bar. We also had access to the outside balcony over looking Bourbon St. The place was perfect! We met the owners which are some of the nicest people ever! They later showed us their other places located on Bourbon Street.
If you’re walking around Bourbon and want to stop in for a quick drink and amazing music, this place is perfect! We arrived before the band started and got to meet the musicians and they were so kind and funny. We had a group of 8 young women and we felt super safe and relaxed. The best ambiance is in here!
Maison Bourbon sounds like a brand of jam you’d find in a Carrefour 45 minutes outside of Paris.
But it is not. It is a jazz bar in New Orleans. The band that was playing here was good, but the singer definitely seemed like he was on some substances when he wasn’t (incredibly competently) playing the saxophone.
The beers were a reasonable price, it wasn’t too busy and there was plenty of room to dance. Overall a fun experience.
Hands down a favorite for us, putting Jazz out there consistently on Bourbon Street. Good service, good seating, intimate stage, great variety of players.
Such an amazing experience! If you are wanting good jazz in NOLA, come here. The service was phenomenal. So many great drink options (thank you for the surfsides!). The music was absolutely fantastic. Real jazz players playing 5-7 sets. Bring cash for the show. Definitely a must go to spot. Would come here every night
How to Choose the Right Jazz Club for Your Night
With so many incredible venues packed into a relatively small geographic area, the choice can feel paralyzing. The best club for you depends largely on your mood, your budget, and how late you plan to stay out. Here is how to navigate the scene like a pro to ensure your night hits all the right notes.
1. Match the Venue to the Vibe
Not all jazz is created equal, and neither are the venues. If you want to sit in a plush chair and watch a virtuoso pianist in a historic hotel, you want a listening room like the ones found in the French Quarter. If you want to dance shoulder-to-shoulder with a sweaty crowd to a ten-piece brass band, you belong on Frenchmen Street. Identify whether you want a seated, concert-like experience or a rowdy, standing-room-only party before you leave your hotel.
2. Check the Music Schedule Before You Go
Unlike other cities where a "jazz club" might feature jazz every single night, some venues in New Orleans pivot between funk, blues, and Latin music depending on the day of the week. Always check the club’s online calendar or social media pages before committing to a cab ride. A venue might be famous for its Tuesday night traditional jazz but host a completely different genre on a Friday.
3. Budget for Covers and Minimums
While some bars have no cover and rely solely on tips, the premier listening rooms often charge a door fee ranging from $20 to $50, and some higher-end establishments enforce a one-drink minimum per set. Bring cash. Many of the smaller, more authentic clubs are cash-only at the door, and even in the larger venues, cash is the best way to tip the band directly during the "pass the hat" moment.
4. Embrace the "Pass the Hat" Tradition
In many traditional venues, especially those without a formal stage, the music is funded by the audience. When the band finishes a blistering set, someone will pass a bucket or a hat through the crowd. This is not optional begging; it is the economic engine of the local music scene. Put a $5 or $10 bill in. If you buy a CD from the band afterward, that is even better, as it puts money directly into the pockets of the artists who made your night memorable.
5. Dine Elsewhere, Drink Here
While some clubs, particularly the upscale ones in the Quarter, have excellent kitchens, the best music venues are usually known for their cocktails and beer, not their food. Eat a proper dinner at one of the city’s great restaurants before the show, then arrive at the club ready to focus on the music and enjoy a beverage. This allows you to get a better seat and avoids the disappointment of a limited bar menu.
6. Know Your Geography
Frenchmen Street offers the highest density of clubs within walking distance, making it ideal for club-hopping. The French Quarter is more spread out and often more tourist-heavy, but houses some of the most historic rooms. For the most adventurous and authentic experiences, look to the Bywater or Uptown neighborhoods, where you will find local legends playing to crowds of neighbors. If you are on Frenchmen, you can easily bounce between three venues in one night without spending a dime on transport.
The beauty of jazz in New Orleans is that it is not a museum piece; it is a living, breathing entity that changes every single night. The set list you hear on a Tuesday will never be repeated the same way on a Saturday. This improvisational spirit means that even if you visit the same club twice, you are guaranteed a completely unique experience.
As you step back out onto the street in the early hours of the morning, your ears ringing and your spirit lifted, you will understand why this music was born here. It is a sound born of resilience, joy, and community. Take that feeling with you, and remember to support the artists who keep this vital American art form alive.
