Some of these spots aren't just awesome places to listen to live music, but are also places of historical importance. From the club where Harry Connick Jr. did his apprenticeship, to one of the oldest Jazz clubs in the city, stepping into these music clubs can often times feel like stepping into the past!
10 Best Jazz Clubs in New Orleans
1. The Jazz Playhouse
300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2299
thejazzplayhouse.com
Known for its incredible authenticity, the Jazz Playhouse is the real-deal when it comes to experiencing a genuine New Orleans-style jazz club. Located inside the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on the iconic Bourbon Street, the Jazz Playhouse is known for its impressive guests, fantastic live music, and cool ambience.
Their intimate setting is the perfect place to celebrate and experience jazz music in its birthplace! Serving up classic New Orleans' food and drinks like chicken and sausage gumbo, chargrilled oysters, and the Sazerac, experience the local flavor of New Orleans alongside fantastic live music. Check out the event calendar to see who's playing next!
2. The Spotted Cat Music Club
623 Frenchmen St.
spottedcatmusicclub.com
A small and cozy, yet bursting with energy spot, the Spotted Cat Music Club is quintessentially New Orleans. Funky and authentic, artists from all over the city and state visit the Spotted Cat to perform traditional and modern jazz, blues, funk, and more. Located in the colorful and charming Faubourg Marigny district, this music club is the local spot to visit.
Known for their fresh and groovy cocktails like the Cat Old Fashioned, Jazz Mule, and Fumosa Rossa, there are plenty of fun drinks to sip on whilst you enjoy the classic jazzy atmosphere and amazing live music. Check out their event calendar for the weekly schedule of bands and musicians.
3. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
626 Frenchmen St., (504) 949-0696
snugjazz.com
For over 30 years, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro has been the place to witness the city's music culture. The bistro tries to showcase a diverse array of musicians and bands. A cozy spot located in the city's vibrant Frenchmen Music District, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro understands the importance of live music to the city's culture.
Offering a selection of delicious food and drink, and boasting three rooms including a dining room, bar, and music room, you can find something great to eat, grab a quick drink, or just enjoy the live music! They have performances seven nights a week, so check out their music calendar to see what you'll enjoy best.
4. Fritzel's European Jazz Pub
733 Bourbon St., (504) 586-4800
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. Maison Bourbon
641 Bourbon St., (504) 522-8818
maisonbourbon.com
Experience the city's history and tradition at Maison Bourbon, one of New Orleans' oldest jazz clubs. A legendary spot where Harry Connick Jr. served his apprenticeship, Maison Bourbon has non-stop live music and a great atmosphere where tourists flock to every year.
One of the only two music clubs still open along Bourbon Street, the ambience is soulful, funky, cozy, and iconic. Whether you've never experienced jazz music before or are a long-time fan, Maison Bourbon is the place to stop and experience it!
6. Davenport Lounge
921 Canal St., (504) 670-2828
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—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., (504) 636-8390
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. Mahogany Jazz Hall
125 Chartres St., (504) 598-5241
mjhnola.com
Located in the Marigny, Mahogany Jazz Hall has live jazz seven days a week along with a burlesque pop-up. This venue is open until 1:30 a.m. Friday through Sunday, so it's perfect for late nights out.
While this venue doesn't serve food, they do serve delicious cocktails like the Bee's Knees, made with gin, lemon, and honey. The decor is vintage-inspired so you can sip your drink in decades past.
9. Sweet Lorraine's Jazz Club
1931 St. Claude Ave., (504) 945-9654
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. Blue Nile
532 Frenchman St., (504) 766-6193
bluenilelive.com
The home of many iconic musical performances from jazz and blues, to funk and brass, including local, national, and international performers, the Blue Nile is considered the original music club that gave birth to the music scene along Frenchman street. One of the longest standing jazz clubs in New Orleans, they have had famous performers like Soul Rebels Brass Band and the Washboard Chaz Blues Trio.
Offering a delicious selection of specialty cocktails and drinks, the Blue Nile is only open to those who are 21 years and older. The ambience is cozy and classic New Orleans and a wonderful stop along Frenchman street to experience the city's iconic music scene.
The Top Places in New Orleans to See Jazz Bands
Many musicians and music-lovers visit New Orleans just to experience it's iconic live music scene. There is truly no other place in the world that has such an interesting history in regards to music, or has as many unique, cozy, yet famous spots to sit back and listen to live music. Feel like a local and learn to love NOLA's iconic jazz scene with these top 10 jazz clubs!
