Best Jazz Bar In New Orleans In 2023

ByAisha Preece

Looking for the best jazz bar in New Orleans?

If you find yourself in the cultural hub of Louisiana, be sure to check out the all the best jazz bars this musical city has to offer.

New Orleans is renowned for its musical heritage of jazz culture, and in my opinion, this historical sound should not be skipped. It would be a crime to visit The Big Easy and not experience the sound of the south!

One problem though: there are so many great places to choose from. No way would you be able to visit them all, especially if you are only there for a short stay.

Therefore I’ve put together my top eleven jazz bars located all around the city.

1.The Spotted Cat Music Club

If you are looking for an intimate environment that delivers the smooth sound of jazz, look no further than The Spotted Cat Music Club.

The atmosphere is ideal for jazz lovers and spectators alike, especially if you are in the mood for some of the best talents around.

We think this is the best jazz bar in New Orleans because not only do they have dedicated jazz events, but they also host several different genres, from blues to swing.

There’s a mood for every occasion and I implore you not to miss out on this.

Related Posts On New Orleans:

2.21st Amendment Bar

At the 21st Amendment Bar, you’ll find great live music, an eclectic drinks menu, and a wide selection of jazz suitable for all moods.

If you are craving something upbeat and you want to dance the night away, or perhaps you are in the neighborhood for something low-key, every mood is catered for depending on the night.

A cool location that pays homage to prohibition.

3.Fritzel’s European Jazz Club

Fritzel's European Jazz Club

Situated in a historic building dating back to the 1800s, this is the oldest jazz venue in New Orleans. You’ll find more than just history here, though.

Forget about all of your troubles and get lost in the music as you sit back and cheer on your favorite saxophonist.

With plenty of happy hours and a wide selection of local cuisine, you’ll feel right at home at Fritzels.

4.Preservation Hall

If you want to get lost in the 1960s, then I recommend you choose Preservation Hall which you can find in the heart of the historic French Quarter.

The venue is open five nights a week and houses a cool courtyard out the back just in case you want a breather from the music.

Make sure to get there early and soak in the atmosphere before the performance begins.

5.Mahogany Jazz Hall

This venue gets my vote as being the most reliable venue you can find in the French Quarter. Open seven days, you will be hearing that traditional Jazz sound most nights of the week.

Also worth noting is the acoustics of the venue. It’s not too overpowering and your experience won’t be ruined by some terrible speaker system. You’ll find many talented musicians flock to Mahogany.

Make sure to check out the Burlesque when it’s showing, too, and learn all about the history of the venue.

6.Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

If you are looking to have a sit-down meal with your music, don’t miss Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro. Renovated from an 1800s storefront, this is a great retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter.

As soon as you enter, you get the feeling that this is one of the more serious venues to try. You’ll be treated to outstanding performances by local and well-known artists from up and down the country.

Downstairs is where the stage and seating area is located, or you can chill upstairs in the mezzanine, with seating that looks right over the stage.

7.Maison Bourbon Jazz Club

Maison Bourbon Jazz Club

If you are looking for a casual setting, and want to enjoy some conversation whilst your subconscious can soak in the sounds of jazz, look no further than Maison Bourbon Jazz Club, located on Bourbon Street.

The interior is chilled-out and has an authentic jazz interior, with plenty of seating available. This is my pick for the most relaxing jazz bar, you may end up falling asleep!

8.The Maple Leaf Bar

For over 40 years, The Maple Leaf Bar located on Oak Street has provided the city of New Orleans with its iconic jazz sound.

With live performances, seven nights per week, many local legends such as James Brooker, Papa Grows Funk, and “Money Mike Armstrong” have all played the famous stage here.

This venue also hosts the longest-running poetry reading event in North America which is worth catching.

9.The New Orleans Jazz Market

Award-winning musician Irvin Mayfield has created a local jazz mecca in The New Orleans Jazz Market.

According to their website, their mission is to “strengthen the legacy of Jazz throughout local and global communities” with a big stage and plenty of seating in this classic theater-inspired venue.

If your choice is to watch a concert or check out the live music at the bar, I urge you to go and visit this iconic venue.

10.Dos Jefes Cigar Bar

This venue niches down and provides many of the classic sub-genres of Jazz for your listening pleasure, such as Bebop, Dixieland, and the more modern sound on display.

Not only that, but if before reading this you had the image of a smoke-filled club where drinks are flowing and everyone is reveling in the atmosphere, then I would recommend this jazz bar.

Enjoy a cigar (which is allowed in this venue) and feel like you’ve traveled back in time

Well, there you have it, a guide on all the best jazz bars in New Orleans! Hopefully that helped, but if you want more info, we found you a video below.

Related Posts On New Orleans:

Hi there. My name is Aisha. Founder and owner of Women Wandering Beyond.

Learning how to adventure and explore through the world transformed my life and helped me become a happier person.

I want to help you do the same.
My female adventure travel site is dedicated to helping women travel more, step outside their comfort zone and experience wonders of the world beyond their wildest dreams!

Ladies, we are going on an adventure!

Similar Posts