Where can I find the best jazz bars in New Orleans?

Hi Drew,

Frenchmen Street is my choice over Bourbon Street for jazz/blues in New Orleans - it's the more mature version of Bourbon in my opinion. The Spotted Cat Music Club is always a great option but the best way to do Frenchmen is to just walk up and down the street and stop into the bar with the music that pulls you in! Have fun!

I agree with everyone else about Frenchmen Street. I loved The Spotted Cat Music Club, but it can get super crowded on the weekends. One place off the beaten path is Vaughan's Lounge. Check out the music schedule before going. You need to take a taxi from the Bourbon area. The night my friends and I went there they were BBQing in the street and Abita Beer was $3! It was awesome. In the spring/summer, there are sometimes jazz music festivals in Louis Armstrong Park. I stumbled upon one on my last visit and it was great. Lots of locals and a second line parade.

My personal favorite is Davenport Lounge in the Ritz.  It has a great old club feel with chandeliers, and old ornate couches and chairs.  Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro is also another great spot.  Have fun! 

Hi Drew, 

if you get bored of the conventional jazz clubs, there is actually a jazz cruise in New Orleans! If you like something different. :)

Hope you have a great experience there!

As it's already been mentioned, Frenchmen Street is the way to go. It's beautiful, and if you walk down the street in the daytime or evening, you'll hear live music coming from all different bars and restaurants.

The Spotted Cat Music Club was by far my favorite — so much amazing music and even a little area to dance in. I also loved 30-90 (which doesn't show up on the map, but it is on Frenchman). Their stage is perfection. Bamboulas had a really laid-back feel. But, if you're on Frenchman you cannot go wrong!

I second the Frenchmen Street recommendation. There are too many great jazz spots to choose from, so give yourself a full night to bounce around!

On Bourbon Street, two places I can recommend are Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse and Fritzel's European Jazz Pub.  They couldn't be more different, but both are great.  Jazz Playhouse is elegant and upscale and features the best in New Orleans jazz.while Fritzel's is basic, has no cover and features traditional NOLA jazz.

Down Frenchmen Street

Frenchmen Street not only offers jazz music but has a variety of other music options. 

Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse in the Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans offers Trad (traditional jazz) as well as contemporary. It has a dark and swanky jazz club feel.

Davenport Lounge in the Ritz is also a very nice venue for jazz in a upscale setting. You might have a martini at the Lounge as oppose to having a beer and seeing jazz at Fritzel's European Jazz Pub on Bourbon.

Preservation Hall is wonderful but waiting times can be long.

Grab an Offbeat magazine or The Gambit when you get in town to see music listings for smaller venues. Various jazz groups literally play every day of the week!

Frenchmen Street!

Saint Bar & Lounge ;)

Stay at airbrb on Chartres St . Ask owner where to go. Whole French Quarter rocks. Music every where you step