10 Best Jazz Clubs in New Orleans
If you're in the mood for some hot jazz music, these are the places you absolutely have to go to hear it. Whether you want to shake it in your seat or get up and swing dance with the rest of them, these music venues will have something just for you.
1. Jazz Playhouse
300 Bourbon St., sonesta.com
Located on the lobby level of Bourbon Street's Royal Sonesta Hotel, The Jazz Playhouse is a top spot to enjoy some classic New Orleans sound. Hosting five nights of live music each week, this classy downtown lounge is the perfect place to experience the magic of jazz and enjoy a drink (or a few).
The Jazz Playhouse can also be rented out for private parties, so make sure to consider them when the next time you want to have a work meeting or a get together with friends or family.
2. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
626 Frenchmen St., snugjazz.com
Frenchmen Street's Snug Harbor is a hotspot for jazz fans, music lovers, and locals and tourists alike. A restaurant in front and an intimate jazz venue in back, this NOLA classic truly has it all.
Make sure to come hungry because Snug Harbor offers a lot of different plates like BBQ Shrimp, red beans and rice, burgers, and many more. Some of the bar's signature cocktails include the Sazerac, the Red Turtle, and the Snug Harbor cocktail. You can never go wrong with a night spent at Snug Harbor.
3. The Spotted Cat Music Club
623 Frenchmen St., spottedcatmusicclub.com
One of the city's most beloved jazz clubs, The Spotted Cat has music playing seven days a week and seemingly hosts a party that never quite ends. Located on the musical hub that is Frenchmen Street, it doesn't get more authentic than this.
The club has a good mixture of local beer brands like Abita Amber and NOLA Blonde, wine, cocktails, and even mocktails for those who would like to stay away from booze. Stop in for a drink and stay for the music, the people, and the overall vibe that is The Spotted Cat.
4. Fritzel's European Jazz Pub
733 Bourbon St., fritzelsjazz.com
Fritzel's Jazz Bar captures all the charm of the French Quarter in one room as its old-school ambience and live music takes guests back in time and far away. With 365 days of music a year, you never have to look farther for a jazz club to enjoy an evening or an afternoon ever again; Fritzel's is always there. This was the regular bar for the late, great Big Al Carson to perform at, and his incredible spirit still lives on within these walls.
Choose from a long list of House Special cocktails, draft beer, Jager cocktails, and more. You'll be sure to have a great time in the oldest operating jazz club in The Crescent City.
5. Preservation Hall
726 Peter St, https://www.preservationhall.com
Preservation Hall has been capturing the spirit and sound of New Orleans Jazz since 1961. Preservation Hall is snug within the heart of the Quarter on St. Peter Street. The venue presents intimate and acoustic jazz concerts almost every night, and hosts bands from a collective of over 50 local acts. Not only has Preservation Hall been locally renowned, but nationally recognized, even from publications like the New York Times. The bench style seating simulates an intimate living room style performance.
Feel free to stop by Preservation Hall any night for some eccentric jazz music that the whole family can enjoy. Check out their social media pages to see what act might interests you most.
6. Davenport Lounge
921 Canal St., ritzcarlton.com
The Ritz-Carlton's Davenport Lounge offers up live music and afternoon tea in one of the classiest and most charming spots in the city. Stop by Wednesday through Saturday nights to hear the musical musings of jazz artist Jeremy Davenport, but be quick. Seating is first come, first serve—and it's a popular spot.
If you manage to grab a seat, make sure to order a cocktail from the lounge's Libations Menu such as the Davenportini or the Bourbon Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned. While there, don't pass up on the truffle fries or the fried green tomatoes.
7. New Orleans Jazz Market
1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., thenojo.com/jazz-market
The New Orleans Jazz Market is both a beloved music venue and a staple of the city's jazz community because it offers and promotes the education and preservation of jazz music in its hometown. Its spacious theater seats nearly 400 people and its full-service bar keeps them all happy as they enjoy some of NOLA's best talent.
In addition, the New Orleans Jazz Market also has a 500-piece library, as well as a Digital Jazz Archive, for the benefit of the community. Individuals, as well as companies and nonprofits, are welcomed to host their events there while also helping support the local community.
8. Palm Court Jazz Cafe
1204 Decatur St., palmcourtjazzcafe.com
You may have heard of the Palm Court Jazz Cafe; it was the main venue for the late Lionel Ferbos to perform. He played here right up until he passed away at the age of 103. Offering fine dining like crab cakes and filet mignon with jazz accompaniment, it's the perfect spot for date night or for music lovers.
The Palm Court Jazz Cafe has a truly extensive wine menu and also offers plenty of spirits and cocktails like Hurricanes, Mint Juleps, and more. Please be aware that there is a $10 cover charge for all of the music performances at the cafe, but the entertainment is so worth it.
9. Sweet Lorraine's Jazz Club
1931 St Claude Ave., sweetlorrainesjazzclub.com
It doesn't get much sweeter than this. Sweet Lorraine's Jazz Club is one of The Big Easy's quintessential music spots and is a beloved neighborhood staple. Serving up Creole bites with a side of slow jazz, it's worth a visit—and many returns.
Along with a list of entrees and desserts, Sweet Lorraine's also offers "Treme Tapas", which are small plates of NOLA favorites like BBQ shrimp, crawfish cakes, and more. The club even offers a vegan menu, so everyone is welcomed!
10. The 21st Amendment
725 Iberville St., http://www.21stamendmentlalouisiane.com/
"The 21st Amendment Bar" takes you in a blast to the past in this prohibited era themed bar. The atmosphere is charming yet spooky, with photos of the areas' most renowned mobsters of the time—as the bar was once owned by New Orleans' most notorious mobsters Diamond Jim Moran and Carlos Marcello.
The bar has jazz music acts almost every night a week, but be sure to check on their site so you don't miss your favorite events. The bar also often has afternoon shows, if you want to sneak in a jazz happy hour before a night out. Enjoy craft cocktails and live music in this 1920's themed joint.
The Top Places in New Orleans to See Jazz Bands
Jazz music has a very long, and fascinating history that is still being written today by dedicated musicians and happy listeners. Be sure to check out the venue's social media pages and websites to see who's playing in advance.
Going out for a satisfying meal at a legendary restaurant and then going to see the jazz band play is such a New Orleans night on the town! Who are you hoping to see when you're down here?
