Blue Nile Live – One of New Orleans’ longest running music clubs, located in the heart of Frenchmen Street, this music club has weekly performances from legendary New Orleans greats like Kermit Ruffins. Don’t go to New Orleans without getting tickets to Kermit’s weekly show at Blue Nile. He plays late and he plays for a long time, so be prepared to stay up past midnight. Upstairs there’s a separate, more low key bar, with excellent local talent.
Spotted Cat – Our favorite local hangout on Frenchmen street. This small dive bar features authentic jazz and rhythm & blues artists from the local area. Tourists have started to catch on and sometimes the place gets packed, so get there early (hopefully for one of Washboard Chaz’s regular weekend sets) and post up near the “Pianee,” grab a beer and soak in an hour or so of some of the best, authentic, old timey New Orleans-style music you’ll find in the city.
Tipitina’s – Dedicated to local musical hero and wizard of the piano, Professor Longhair, this Mississippi adjacent house converted into a music venue has hosted some of the best up and coming as well as legendary local acts since opening in 1977. This is a straight-up New Orleans institution. The sets are as intimate as they can get and the shows are always a good time.
One-Eyed Jacks – Such a cool and underrated French Quarter bar/music venue. They host everything from local acts to major performers, to weekly cabaret and burlesque shows. If you’re looking for something interesting to do in the city during your trip, check out the lineup at One-Eyed Jacks. You might find a legendary performer on the lineup or inexpensive tickets t one of the French Quarters most entertaining burlesque shows.
Fritzel’s – This German style beer hall is small, crowded and offers mostly bench seating and a couple tables for places to post up, but this venue is one of the best spots in the French Quarter to see authentic New Orleans style jazz music. The German hefeweizens on tap certainly don’t hurt. You might hear whispers of a secret vampire themed speakeasy above Fritzel’s. Here’s what you should know: the Vampire Lounge named Potions does in fact exist, the password to get in has been, “The Vampire Sent Me” for years. If it ever changes you can always stop in at the vampire themed tourist shop in the Quarter and ask for the new password. But, if I had to guess the password isn’t changing any time soon. Be aware though that they charge a ludicrously steep cover charge (typically between $15-25), and it’s not nearly as exciting as it should be for such an expensive cover. The atmosphere is OK, but compared to the naturally occurring atmosphere everywhere in New Orleans this touristy, forced Vampire bar pales in comparison, and the drinks are mediocre. I’ll never tell anyone NOT to go to Potions, if they want to. Many a traveler has really enjoyed it there. But, the no-cover downstairs at Fritzel’s is infinitely cooler.
House of Blues New Orleans – The House of Blues in New Orleans is one of those iconic, dedicated music venues, that just has everything down to a science. They feature some of the best mid-sized touring acts in town. They have excellent food and a fantastic Sunday Jazz Brunch. And, three unique venues/stages on their premises to house whatever kind of act or festival is going on that night. While it might lack some of the authenticity and non-commercial flare of some of the other venues on this list, it makes up for it with being perfect in just about every way imaginable. There’s plenty of space, the drinks are good, the food is good, the service is excellent, the acoustics are fantastic, the atmosphere is perfect. There’s literally nothing wrong with this venue.
Kermit’s Treme Mother-In-Law Lounge – Kermits spot in Treme is basically the exact opposite of the House of Blues. The bar is awkward, the space somewhat cramped, the stage non-existent, the acoustics pedestrian. However, this place will knock your jaw off of your face with authenticity. It is like entering another world that you didn’t know existed. Honestly, it is so amazing you should plan your trip around being there on Monday night when Kermit plays his weekly set there. This spot is in the middle of the hood, filled with the nicest local people you’ll ever meet who will take you under their wing instantly and be best friends with you as long as you’re cool and friendly. Almost everyone there knows Kermit personally, this is their local hangout. Kermit personally fires up the grill, cooks food (hundreds of hamburgers and hotdogs and gumbo), and gives everyone that comes a free plate of food and then throws a backyard house party with his own personal band all night. Go see Kermit! Go see Kermit in his own backyard! Just do it and you’ll thank me later.
Preservation Hall – A cornerstone of music and cultural appreciation as well as preservation, this aptly named hall has dedicated itself to preserving the roots of New Orleans Jazz for all future visitors to the city. Set inside a period specific, 1930s era jazz hall, there are pillows on the ground, benches to sit on and standing room only for these authentic, 1930’s era recreations that take place every hour from 5pm to 10pm every night of the week. There are no amplifiers, no mics, everything down to the performers clothing is period specific. There are also no phones or cameras allowed during the performance to help recreate the period atmosphere. Buy tickets in advance and splurge for the best seats upfront on the benches which only run about $30-35. If it’s your first time in New Orleans you need to go to Preservation Hall. Performances are only for an hour and between seating and introductions it’s only about 45 min of actual music, so don’t go in expecting a 3 hour concert. But, that 45 min is more than enough to gain a new level of appreciation for Historic New Orleans Jazz.
Maple Leaf Bar – Classic dive bar, but with an iconic open area performance space that is cool, more so because it has routinely housed amazing events throughout its history, than because it’s inherently all that great of a venue on its own. But, this place is iconic. It is a legendary venue for local up and coming acts and it’s a great spot to stop and have a drink and see anything from a future New Orleans legend to a community poetry slam. It’s also right next to Jacques-Imo’s, one of New Orleans’ best restaurants so it’s a great place to grab a drink while waiting for your table.
Rock ’n’ Bowl – If you want to bowl at this bowling alley/music venue make sure to book your lane well in advance. Otherwise there is an ample dance floor, a huge bar area and a great stage that features some incredible acts night in and night out. It’s a supremely fun spot to go see a show.
Snug Harbor – This renovated 1800s, Marigny storefront has been a New Orleans staple for more than three decades. Featuring a small stage and a piano, this club hosts some of the best local jazz in the city. Legendary performers like Charmaine Neville or any of the dozen members of the fantastically talented Marsalis family can be seen here regularly. Check out their menu featuring some of the areas best gulf seafood as well.
