Top 10 NOLA Jazz Clubs
For centuries, New Orleans has been known as the birthplace of jazz. With New Orleanian musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton in the history books, along with the city's famous Jazz Fest, it is safe to say New Orleans jazz clubs know what is good.
Continue reading to find the 10 best jazz clubs to visit, whether you are just popping through town or a local looking for some familiar tunes.
1. Jazz Playhouse
300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2299
The Jazz Playhouse is located in the lobby of the historic Royal Sonesta hotel, soaked in a rich cultural heritage that goes back over three centuries. The establishment has a vintage luxury feel, with ambient lighting and leather-tufted ceilings. Their cocktails are just as good as the live bands, with options including signatures such as the Ella Fitzgerald Pearlflower Martini and New Orleans classics such as the Hurricane. The music alone is a reason to stop by, though, with some of the best contemporary jazz musicians in the city playing live each night.
2. The Spotted Cat Music Club
623 Frenchmen St.
Located right outside of the French Quarter, the Spotted Cat is a local favorite for live New Orleans music. The nightly performances come from a variety of genres, not only modern and traditional jazz, but also including blues, funk, and klezmer. Reviewers say that it is small and intimate but always with an excited and lively crowd. Tourists and locals alike are guaranteed an enjoyable and memorable night when visiting the Spotted Cat.
3. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
626 Frenchmen St., (504) 949-0696
Snug Harbor has been up and running for over 30 years, providing only the finest jazz music and soul food. The establishment has three rooms: the bar, the restaurant, and the music room. The music room is, of course, where all the magic happens, with unforgettable experiences listening to eclectic music from a range of genres but primarily New Orleans jazz. Snug Harbor is open seven days a week, always playing a good tune for you to dance along to as you eat or drink with your friends.
4. Fritzel's European Jazz Pub
733 Bourbon St., (504) 586-4800
The oldest continual traditional jazz club on Bourbon Street, Fritzel's has been open since 1969 and is located in a historic building that dates back to 1831. The bar quickly became a home to New Orleans jazz and is a popular gathering place for locals, jazz lovers and those just ready for a good time. Fritzel's plays traditional New Orleans jazz 365 days a year. Be prepared for a beautiful night of soul-stirring music welcoming you as soon as you walk in.
5. Preservation Hall
726 St. Peter St., (504) 522-2841
Preservation Hall provides a range of New Orleans jazz from a collective of more than 50 local musicians for over 360 nights in the year. The venue started as a small art gallery in the 1950s and soon became a rehearsal and performance space for local talents. A few years later, business was bursting with jam sessions, and Preservation Hall was founded. Nothing has changed from those years in the late 20th century, and there is no more enjoyable night than a good jam session at Preservation Hall.
6. Davenport Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton
921 Canal St., (504) 670-2828
ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/msyrz-the-ritz-carlton-new-orleans/dining
The Davenport Lounge is named after their nightly performer, Jeremy Davenport, a professional jazz trumpeter and singer from New Orleans. Located in the famous Ritz-Carlton hotel in the French Quarter, the lounge offers an upscale and lively experience. With a music-focused, upscale feel, Davenport Lounge is a strong choice for a date night with jazz and cocktails, especially if you want something more refined than the louder clubs.
7. New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market
1426 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., (504) 636-8390
Known for its acoustics and high-quality sound system, the New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market hosts top-tier artists, featuring Grammy-winning and nominated musicians and local legends. The market showcases a rich spectrum of genres, including traditional New Orleans jazz, blues, soul, R&B, and Latin jazz nights. Their music room is specially designed and sonically optimized with a sound system that offers incredible audio clarity, capturing every nuance of live performances. As a permanent home for the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, the bar blends historical musical roots with modern, high-end venue production.
8. Three Maries Jazz Club
621 St. Louis St., (504) 529-7075
Located inside the Omni Royal Orleans in the heart of the French Quarter, Three Maries is an upscale space where live music, artisan cocktails, and Creole cuisine come together. Named in honor of three historical figures—Marie Mancini, Maria Theresa, and Marie Louise—the venue creates a sophisticated, intimate court celebrating female strength and artistic freedom. Thursday nights offer a night full of jazz, featuring local favorites such as Kyle Sharamitaro, while Friday and Saturday provide a more high-energy atmosphere with varying soulful, live jazz music all through the night.
9. Sweet Lorraine's Jazz Club
1931 St. Claude Ave., (504) 945-9654
Sweet Lorraine's is a historic cultural cornerstone in New Orleans with over 50 years of rich musical history. Although it is one of New Orleans' most storied jazz and live music lounges, the lounge is now entering a new chapter that blends its deep history with a fresh, modern vibe. Offering a wide range of genres including traditional and contemporary jazz, blues, and soulful R&B, Sweet Lorraine's features a curated schedule of both emerging local talent and seasoned legends.
10. Maison Bourbon
641 Bourbon St., (504) 522-8818
Maison Bourbon is one of the oldest and most legendary live jazz clubs in New Orleans, standing out as one of only two dedicated jazz clubs remaining directly on Bourbon Street. The bar is dedicated to preserving traditional New Orleans jazz and has historically served as an apprenticeship ground for famous jazz icons including Harry Connick Jr. Hosting daily, continuous live authentic jazz sets, Maison Bourbon features a vibrant mix of both instrumental sets and live vocal jazz performances. Tourists and locals alike are never let down when they stop in or even pass by this lively establishment, which echoes what they call "America's classical music" down Bourbon.
