New Orleans' Best Live Music Venue

Home of the hurricane, this expansive, crowded tourist destination still offers a touch of class.

Reviews:

• “Great Hurricanes and bar!”
• “awesome bar”
• “Tourists, Tourists”
• “a mature setting”
• “What is a mint julep?”

Tips: Jacket-clad valets stand at attention outside, ready to pour your drink into a legally approved to-go cup.

Pat O’Brien’s

A no-frills neighborhood joint renowned for offering top-flight local and regional music.

Reviews:

• “Best Monday night combo in NOLA”
• “Good music, people, and food!”
• “Love this locals place”
• “Best of The Best”
• “Good Music, Friendly Locals”

Tips: If the front bar is busy, head to the one in the back near the patio.

Maple Leaf Bar

Bowl a few frames or dance to the music—or do both.

Reviews:

• “A Neighborhood Institution”
• “One of the coolest places in the world”
• “A great surprise”
• “Best night out in New Orleans!”
• “It’s Best to Go When There’s Zydeco!”

Tips: Multicolored bowling shoes cost a buck, and each lane rents for $15 per hour.

Mid-City Lanes Rock ’N Bowl

Despite being a link in a national chain, this club embodies the carefree and committed musical spirit of New Orleans.

Reviews:

• “best drinks, great service, and great prices”
• “Great art & food, beer too expensive”
• “HOB should be removed from the planet”
• “Disney World”
• “Gospel Brunch fantastic”

Tips: Although video monitors relay the onstage action, get there early for a clear view of the stage.

House of Blues

The city’s storied home for local music legends and touring favorites.

Reviews:

• “Hasn’t Missed Yet”
• “TIPS ROCKS!!!”
• “too many people”
• “Tipitina tra-la-la”
• “WHERE MUSIC HAPPENS IN NEW ORLEANS”

Tips: There’s another Tipitina’s on St. Peter’s Street, the main drag of the French Quarter, but it’s only open for private events.

Tipitina’s

French Quarter karaoke headquarter draws crowds of all ages for drink specials, live music and lip-synching fun.

Reviews:

• “Are you sure they even serve alcohol?”
• “once in a lifetime”
• “here kitty, kitty”
• “Fun Place for Drunk Karoke!!”
• “Had Me Purring All Night!!!!”

Tips: Cats offers three-for-one drink specials on just about everything during daily happy hours: 4pm-8pm weekdays and 2pm-8pm weekends.

Cats Meow

Cavernous Warehouse District hot spot draws music fans for myriad kinds of music.

Reviews:

• “The Experience”
• “HORRIBLE!! Bad music and false advertising!”
• “Where Wolf of Nawlins”

Tips: This spot gets crowded fast, especially when it holds all-ages performances. Get there early.

Howlin’ Wolf

An inconspicuous spot that’s earned a reputation as the city’s most prestigious jazz club.

Reviews:

• “Don’t try to pick up “will call” tickets."
• “Top Jazz performances”
• “Good jazz”
• “The bar is a 10!”
• “A Perfect Evening!”

Tips: The club also serves food. The kitchen is open from 5pm to 10pm Sunday through Thursday and from 5pm to 11pm Friday and Saturday.

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

One of the best and cheapest time-machine rides in town, with no-frills decor and genuine old-time jazz nightly.

Reviews:

• “An absolute must!”
• “GOOD MUSIC, crappy venue, run by con-artists.”

Tips: Don’t expect creature comforts like food, seating and air-conditioning; there are none.

Preservation Hall

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