The Yummiest Music Venues in New Orleans

Fred's in Tigerland

★★★★☆ 3.5 (29) • $

"The music selection isn't the best, it's the same every week. The drinks are good and they always have great deals such as open bar from 8-10 every Friday with a $10 cover if you have your LSU student ID. They also have $1 drinks no cover on Thursday. Now, remember this is generally a college bar located in a college town it's not upscale so it's not fancy but if you want a good time and good company Fred's is a great place to go. The bartenders are friendly and people go here to have a good time, if you're looking for a fancy bar this isn't it but I wouldn't say it's classless, get a bunch of drunk people in a bar and what do you expect. Fred's is great."

The Hangar

★★★★☆ 4.1 (10) • $

"Great place to check out live music. $15 cover wasn't bad as we were there early to hear the first DJ, it really started to pick up for the second (DJ trashy) around 12. Venue holds about 400 ppl and I would say at max there was 200, probably due to COVID. There is a small vip area, probably 4-6 tables on the side with dedicated server girls in cute matching outfits. Bartenders were quick to serve, flavored stoli vodka was $8, $15 for a double. House vodka was $6, $11 for a double. Bathrooms had 3 stalls and stayed pretty clean throughout the night,but still a tight space. We took a break and enjoyed the large patio with tables and chairs, before grabbing some pork covered sweet potatoes fries and jalapeño poppers from the tendon which is connected. Sound and lights were on point, very fun crowd."

Hurricanes Sports Bar

★★★★☆ 3.9 (13) • $$

"Not bad, if you know what you are getting into.Hurricane's hosts a lot of cover bands, and that's usually how I find myself here. If you are lucky, you will get a spot by the bar, during the busier shows. If you aren't lucky, you will have to wade through a crowd of people to get one beer. It's Metairie, so there's smoking but their filter system is pretty decent. The beer selection is pretty good- they had Lagunitas on tap the last time I was here. Staff is always friendly and there are pool tables in the back, if you're into that type of thing."

Siberia

★★★★☆ 4.3 (106) • $

"I loved this beat up bar, with a Slavic street food restaurant in the back. More on that in my review of the actual restaurant.A dark bar with a Russian vibe. Get some vodka and listen to music, comrade, you are welcome here. It's sort of out of the way, but that's good. Not touristy, though I was a tourist. Whatever. GO HERE."

Oceana’s Hideout Bar

★★★★☆ 4.4 (8)

"We were walking by and decided to try this bar. There was a live band with a dancing floor. One bar in front and another part in the back where you could order drinks. There was a clean bathroom there. Also an upstairs where there was a lot of seating and it was quiet. I had a strawberry drink that was amazing. We had a really good time highly recommend."

Rock-N-Blues Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.2 (24) • $

"I love this place. Very laid back atmosphere, and I love the back area. The bartenders all seem pretty cool and so far every time I've gone the crowd has been chill wasygoing people."

Carnaval Lounge

★★★★★ 4.5 (10)

"Not as cool as Siberia, due to the fact that the Polish food was the bomb, but still a cool spot to check out local tunes, and get some cool drinks. You just won't get a beet bloody Mary, like one would pre COVID"

Gasa Gasa

★★★★☆ 3.8 (53) • $

"This place is so cool. Alley bar meets music venue meets art! We came for happy hour which is 5-7 daily and has like $6 cocktails, $8 frozen, and $1 off draft and can beer. They have music lined up inside but sometimes on the weekend they will have a DJ outside. As far as food, there is usually a food truck outside the venue but there are so many places on Freret with amazing options. You can sit inside but I don't know what you'd want too. The outside alley is such a vibe. Sam made an amazing Bee's Knees cocktail for me and paid so much attention to every detail. It is really hard to find somewhere with such passion especially during happy hour."

Hideout Bar

★★★★☆ 4.2 (52)

"Came to New Orleans with some ghost hunting friends and we found the most amazing and historic bar on Bourbon Street. It had everything you would want in a bar , including live music, a back patio, with a giant skeleton, and the most delicious hotdogs that are made out of burnt ends. Look out Guy F, Krissy K The Ghost Wryder Got to it first! We even got a drink and a take-home mug for $5.You can't get that anywhere in New Orleans , except here. if you want just a bit of lunch and a drink in the afternoon before you head out to find all the Spooky spots, this is the place to be in NOLA.The Hideout! Super Good all around!"

Dragon's Den

★★★★☆ 3.8 (77) • $

"I liked it yo, even though it was a little bit hood, but like in a remember the time way. When you walk in there is a bar and a wall that is all.We opted to stand near the front entrance because though the place is down home, like I said it's hood.There is a back outside area with a small bar and some picnic tables.Upstairs is a dance floor with a live DJ.Really cool spot with the potential for more."

Dos Jefes

★★★★☆ 4 (84) • $$

"Jan 01, 2018, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! We stopped in to engage in the cigar bar. Great thing about this place & how we came to choose it, was because of its late closing time... 3am!!!!! So off we go!!!!Arriving was cool; not too many stares as we entered, stranger danger... Lol. I made my way to the cigar case for selection. When I decided, I elicited the assistance of John, the vest & pageboy clad bartender, for purchase. He clipped them and allowed us to use his lighter to get the party started. The price range on cigars was cool & affordable. Because this was New Years Eve/New Years Day, there were sandwich trays to celebrate... How cool!!!!Met a nice lady Tanya (ton-ya) & we shared NEW YEAR's Resolutions, of which I made NONE; we talked pooches & traded ER work stories. This was a great night cap; great cigar & convo. Lots of room to move about in the cigar bar & even an open back room with lounges & mini-sofas. Good that you can get a drink as well while puffing on the 'gar. Street parking is available & there are a few spaces on the side for angled parking. I plan to return; I understand there's live music here on some days... hopefully they'll be sandwiches then as well."

The Garage Music Club

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (11)

"This place is a 10/10! It is such a fun crew and they have great music. Recommend definitely!!!"

The Blue Dog Jazz Club

★★★★☆ 4 (5)

"Jazz venue in the Sheraton Hotel. Good music and expensive drinks. Several Blue Dog paintings in the venue. A sedate environment for more of the seated type of Jazz enthusiasts and not the dancing type."

Greenway Station

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"Watching Shakespeare in the old brake tag station, who would have thought. This space was renovated for event use last year and this was my first time here... Well first time since it offered a city service.The NOLA Project is hosting their plays in this space and we were here to see their production of the Tempest last night. The staging was sparce but the backdrop of the Greenway walking path was lovely.The space is wide open but fully fenced which keeps out birds but not necessarily all the bugs. There are restrooms with handicapped access and changing tables. I feel like it would be a great space for a rave... if those were still a thing. For the event last night they had set up a couple of tables with beverages and snacks. Parking is where the Thursday afternoon farmer's market normally is, or across from the Parkway Bakery parking lot."

The Fillmore New Orleans

★★★★☆ 4 (53)

"What an amazing time at The Fillmore. One word. WOW!!!!I'm in town for the NACM Conference and our conference engagement was held at The Fillmore. I was unsure as to what the location was, however, after I googled it, I instantly became excited for the experience. Walking up to The Fillmore puts you in the mindset of a movie theater as the first thing you see are the stairs heading up to the indoor entrance. Once you hit the top of the stairs, you are met with a beautiful chandelier and dim lighting. The entrance is an open space which allows for ample options of creative design and has a bar to get the party started. LoL! As I walked around the wall to the main area my eyes grew big. The space is hugeeeeeeee. The design puts you in the mindset of a concert venue, yet, it was nice to see how it was converted to meet the needs of our event. There were some Hi-Top Tables placed on the main floor towards the middle, with some sitting tables around the outer area. Each side was lined with mini-buffet tables as we were able to make our rounds and enjoy what each table had to offer. The permanent seating areas fit perfectly as well as they allowed those who wanted to engage but not have to be on the main floor a space to enjoy the night. There is a bar in each side and they are hugeeeeeeeeeeee. This was perfect as we had close to 400 people throughout the night. As the space is designed with sounds in mind, I was happy to hear the clarity of the music as the "Mixed Nuts" band was on stage performing. As they presented stellar vocals and true musicians playing music, the fact that the sound system was crystal clear made their delivery even more enjoyable. The staff of The Fillmore was amazing. From the bartenders, to the servers, to the clean up team. Everyone was very pleasant, delivered a blend of southern charm and warming smiles, and most importantly; they ensured the night was enjoyable. It was truly an amazing experience at The Fillmore. I am so happy to have been afforded the opportunity to experience The Fillmore during my time in New Orleans."

The Rabbit Hole

★★★★☆ 3.6 (18)

"The Rabbit Hole was great! Went for a MOMS party and it was so much fun! Nice little spots to hangout in outside and two different stages inside. Hopefully MOMS picks this spot again for future parties!"

The Spotted Cat Music Club

★★★★☆ 4.4 • $$

"I was spending the day with a dear friend of mine that lives in the area and she suggested we go to Frenchman Street to hear some good music. Locals will tell you that Frenchman is the place to go for live music. As you walk along, you'll hear the sounds of jazz, reggae, and blues coming out of the clubs.Our first stop was The Spotted Cat - a no frills club with cheap drinks and great music. There are a few places to sit inside and some tables outside. They don't serve food, but you'll hear some good live jazz. The bartender and the lady at the door were both very sweet. The band was great. They had a good groove, and the singer had an incredible voice. He also entertained us between songs with his witty humor. We came on a Sunday afternoon as there was no cover. I'm not sure if there is a charge at night.*Live music daily*Dog friendly"

Orpheum Theater

★★★★☆ 3.8 (41) • $$

"Saw one of the greatest concerts of my life here in Khrungabin. This venue outside of the Saenger is the best venue to see a concert in the city. The acoustics are perfect and the lighting that came with the show fit the venue perfectly. I will remember this night for a long time."

Red Stick Social

★★★☆☆ 3 (118) • $$

"Amazing bowling/event venue with live music and good ambiance! I came here on Friday night for bowling, and we had the best time.For a Friday night at 7 this place was pretty empty. Right when we arrived, a band called Night Hog start to perform. They were really good! They played on the first floor stage, and we sat at the seating right across from them. There was a dance floor in between us, but no one was dancing. We sat here for quite some time while we waited to bowl, so we kept going to the other side of the first floor to get drinks from the bar. Bar service was great! I never waited for a drink, and the bartenders gave good recommendations. Typical bar with plenty of cocktails and beers. When it was our turn to bowl, we went up to the 5th floor and got our lane. It is $25 an hour per lane, which I think is an amazing deal. At the lane, there are places to sit, tvs, tons of bowling balls and four total lanes. For bowling you were able to choose different games after you finished your round. I really like how they didn't make you change your shoes.. you could bowl in heels if you wanted. Show rental is free!This was an old warehouse converters into an event venue... just so cool. I love that each floor is different and there are bars in every floor, so you don't have to go back down to the first to keep getting drinks. Such a fun time!"

Dew Drop Inn Hotel & Lounge

★★★★☆ 4 (23)

"What a cute little hotel. YOU CAN CONTROL THE FAN IN YOUR ROOM!I booked with them not knowing they had a lounge below and that it can be loud from time to time. I booked because the reviews were good, looked clean. And yeah. Let's dive inside. Rolled up around 10 pm, had trouble finding the door but some sweet gal said it's the door on the furthest left as you're looking at the building. Walked in and was instantly greeted. He was polite, cool, and just honestly a ray of sunshine after a long day of meetings and travel. Mentioned I'd like a room furthest away from the lounge as I had to get up early for work the next day. He understood and put me in his great uncles room. Fun fact, the rooms are names for famous musicians that played at the dew drop. Before I forget they have ear plugs at the desk in case it's too noisy for you. But don't be despaired, the music ends at 12 on the dot. They don't play around. And I appreciated that. My room wasn't huge. But honestly I'm not in need of a big room. A rack, toilet, shower are all I need. But man, the color palette for the whole hotel is so tasteful and nice. They have two bottles of water in the room for you, in case you're tempted to pay while You're at check-in. Bed was soft and comfy. Linen was soft and comfort. Pillows were great. This is a great little hotel. Its a solid 20 minute walk to the hospital. But a nice walk, to the hospital. I will be back! Promise."

Preservation Hall

★★★★☆ 4.4 (892) • $$

"This was highly recommended to my wife by friends and family.We purchased our tickets online several days before but could only get standing room tickets. The website was easy to use. The venue is intimate so there is a limited number of people that can attend any given showingThe seats are wooden benches, and the standing tickets are basically standing shoulder to shoulder with others in the back.You need to arrive 30 minutes in advance and have your tickets with you. You will wait in a line outside. When it comes to the standing room tickets, the folks who get there earlier will get better standing room.No food or drink allowed, BUT, you can bring in water. Be prepared as there is also no food or drinks for sale. You can buy souvenirs after the show, you will walk through the merchandise area ass you head into the seats. The music and show was awesome! My family and I had a really great time! Depending on when you go, the artists tend to rotate. Definitely worth doing!"

The Historic Carver Theater

★★★★★ 4.7 (6)

"Stepping into the Carver Theater is like stepping into New Orleans history. I was so lucky that I recently had the opportunity to spend some time here, so I go to see all of the ins and outs of the renovation and, believe me, it is gorgeous. It feels like you are back in time when you are in this building.There is a main front room with a big floor and lots of space and a stage area that hosts performers, and in the back is a smaller area with a bar where small bands sometimes perform. As Helen said, they host all kinds of shows from stand up comedy to bounce nights and jazz performances. It's also a rentable event space that not a lot of people know about, so if you're looking to have a wedding reception in a unique place, this might be the spot for you."

Three Muses

★★★★☆ 4.1 • $$

"We loved this place. We needed a late lunch after a long day of walking around, and wow! We were so satisfied. The drinks were outstanding - fancy cocktail bar worthy but in an approachable setting. The musicians were talented and the service was friendly. If I was a local, this would be in the regular rotation."

Cafe Negril

★★★★☆ 4.3 (434) • $$

"We were told that the best part of New Orleans is the music. We came here because they had a free cover band. The band was amazing. They played a ton of hits and threw in some line dances. I am glad we came here. The place is crowded and they serve plenty of drinks. I gladly tipped the band $20. Please stop by during live music nights."

The Patio

★★★★★ 4.5 (2) • $$

"Hey I really wanna go a "5" on this place (and outa 300+ reviews I don't have that many) BUT I can't because I've only been in once and that was at around 4ish...me and fellow Elite, Re H, were the only patrons....Cassie was behind the bar and a true pro at working that whole liquor dispensing thing...Great attitude cause I'm not much of a beer drinker and so I had her run through the entire beer offerings and she did it with grace! Plus I mighta had a more prurient interest cause she had to bend over...Hey! I ain't proud but I am a guy!!! PS She also has a double barreled personality, if you know what I'm saying...Excellent locale right next to Milanos and just a class interior and decor...got a postage stamp stage and I was told they have live music...I have a feeling that if I ever visit this place after dark with a crowd I'll be updating to a 5...however this is a great place for day drinking and I say that because that's all I've ever done here but as stated above I'm sureI I'd love this place after dark!!If in Houma stop in tip an adult beverage and relax!!"

Algiers Music and Artist Studio

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"Lovely new black owned music and arts venue! Enthusiastic owners and lovely staff. The Gumbo Man came and the gumbo was awesome! We came to see an amazing music trio of piano, bass and drums for "Wine Down Wednesdays"."

Riverside Bar

★★★★☆ 4 (7) • $$

"Riverside is a dive bar at its finest.Located on the river in Madisonville, this used to be a fancy pants bar many years ago. Now this building looks run down, but is a great place to hang out.Inside there is a large dance floor and area for bands. The bar is very large with a huge projection screen hanging behind it. The beer comes from ice chests, not refrigerators, and is very reasonably priced. This is not the bar where you sit and drink some fancy ass drink. this is the bar where you come with friends, drink some Bud Light and be your self.Since the bar is located on the river, the front porch is my favorite spot to sit, chat and watch the boats go by.I highly recommend this bar. Now if only I could convince my friends from new Orleans to make the drive."

Le Bon Temps Roule

★★★★☆ 4.3 (153) • $

"I go to Le Bon Temps often and they have some good music. They also have FREE oysters on Fridays but they go quick so you need to get there early! They have a kitchen that serves food and they have some good burgers here. The bar is divided into 2 main areas with the front being full of pool tables and the back where the bands play. This is usually a really fun bar to watch music until the point that it gets too crowded, which is way too often, but you always have the front area of the bar to escape to.The back area, where the bands play, can just get miserably crowded especially on Thursday nights when bands like the Soul Rebels play (it also is a bad "tradition" that the Soul Rebels NEVER start on time so it is like 12:30 or 1am before they start usually so if you have to work the next day that really is a challenge). There are also some people that take their pool games WAY too seriously in here and I've seen a few fights break out over a stupid game so don't get in those folks way. Parking can sometimes be a bit of a challenge but if you get far enough away you can always find a spot.They usually have pretty quick bar service and I usually prefer the front bar when there is music as it is quicker to get served than fighting the often formidable crowd in the back. There is always an interesting crowd here and there is a special plaque on the bar involving a historical person that I will let you discover yourself (maybe further down in this review even). There always seems to be something going on here when it seems nothing else is anywhere else in the area. Overall this is one of the best classic dive bars and music venues in the entire New Orleans area.FYI: This is yet another of the bars that claims the notoriety of having had Lee Harvey Oswald as a frequent customer. You can go to YouTube and search for NOLA Gent to see my video on Le Bon Temps Roule!"

The Famous Door

★★★★☆ 3.6 (215) • $$

"Going with what I feel. No set destination while club hopping on Bourbon Street. Inevitably The Famous Door is where I'd stop to dance and drink for awhile. It's a particular song being sung by a hypnotizing voice at that moment that draws me in. No different was it with "rolling in the deep" this Saturday night.Appealing also that there was no cover this time; there's capacity control at the front door; and, easy access to their beer & water tub from dance floor.CHEERS!"

Chickie Wah Wah

★★★★☆ 4 (142) • $$

"Last year during JazzFest I squeezed into the small Chickie Wah Wahs to catch Jon Cleary, the great Englishman who came to New Orleans and stayed keeping the light shining on New Orleans style piano and vocals. Chickie Wah Wah is small and always slamming with a small stage and a great sound. Great local artists perform there and while there is no food, this is a place to soak in great music. After Cleary played a set he stood up and said he wanted to bring a friend from across the pond to join him and Tom Jones, who was standing a few feet behind me unbeknown to me walked right past me to the small stage where he belted out 5 numbers dedicated to Jerry Lee Lewis who was in the hospital. It's nights like this that make New Orleans magical and a place like Chickie Wah Wah that offers the stage for the magic to happen."

Endymion Extravaganza

★★★★★ 4.7 (10) • $$$$

"Just do it! There's nothing like watching a parade and catching throws in your formal gear while listening to live music.If you are afforded the opportunity, go. This is a unique experience and one you will never forget. As a kid, I remember marching through the Superdome at the end of Endymion parade. We were cheered on and watched in grand form. Back then, I took mental note and said one day I would experience it from the other lens. This year's featured entertainment was Pitbull and Steven Tyler (featuring Aerosmith). And while both were great, I love the band from Atlanta who also play a few sets. Bring your dancing shoes and energy because the party does not stop until 4am."

The Willow

★★☆☆☆ 2.4 (12) • $$

"The Willow has a great staff that is very personable and great music venue with reasonable priced drinks. I just saw a complaint about non re-entry. Not a valid complaint being that a lot of concerts at other places have a no re-entry. Also let me clear up the fact about the women's bathrooms . If girls would stop flushing tampons and pads down the toilets their would be no issue with having limited stalls. The Willow is definitely a place I enjoy for concerts and just to stop in and have a few drinks with friends. Another perk is - if you and friends enjoy sushi Little Tokyo is right down the street ! Last but not least --- if you are into live music whether it be throw back or up and coming artists along with all types of genres go check out The Willow on Facebook to see upcoming concerts and events !"

Stage Door Canteen

★★★★☆ 4.1 (10) • $$

"I'm really hesitant to write this review now...It was announced a few weeks ago that John Besh would not be continuing his relationship with the WWII Museum and so would not be providing the dinners before the shows at this venue. BUT the change over won't happen until August so...The Stage Door Canteen is just what the name suggests, dinner & a show (or just a show if you like). When I went with my Mom, it was a prix fixe menu with 2 to 3 choices for each (a soup or salad, pork or seafood or chicken, bread pudding or chocolate torte) and 1 free glass of wine. (see my photo for the full menu that we were offered) You can order more wine or a cocktail from the adjoining American Sector and run a tab. I'm not sure if they can make accommodations to dietary needs or not. Dinner service was well paced and I liked that our servers asked if we were ready for our next course to come out. The space is comfortable...until you've sat in the dining chairs all the way through the show, which was mostly a problem for my Mom.My food was mostly OK. My salad was a bit underdressed, my Mom's soup a bit undersalted. She loved her pork entree which was easily twice the size of more lackluster seafood pasta dish. Seriously, why skimp on pasta it's the cheapest item in there. She loved her bread pudding and my chocolate torte was HUGE and delicious and way too much.Then there was the performance (no clinking silverware as the meal was completely cleared, thank goodness). We saw the Rat Pack show and it was really entertaining. Much of the patter seems to have been based on the Live at the Sands album (which I own and know well) but the actors did a nice job of ad-libbing with the audience and customizing it to NOLA. I would definitely come back for a show as those are done in house by the WWII museum. We'll see about dinners in the future with the new company in charge."

The Music Box Village

★★★★★ 4.9 (25) • $$

"Music Box Villiage is totally worth the treck out to the Bywater when youre in town. Its a $7ish donation - they take cash and credit card. they have a small bar and small snack shop. plenty of parking and for the most part, the ubers will find the location. the bathrooms are so cool! I came here in the winter and i was thinking - it must be super hot during summer months as its 100% outside, so keep that outside.Everything here makes a sound, music, and is interactive. you can come in groups, or just come with a friend. its fun and a great way to do something outside of the norm binge drinking on a friday night. no, the music and sound isnt too loud. its truly intimate and pretty. 1 of the musicians helped me work one of the tree houses with the mics that were connected to it.i would love to come back and have a party here!"

The Max

★★★★☆ 4.4 (19) • $$

"This is now under the name Faux Meaux, but is still a good enough time with live music and friendly bartenders. The drinks are cold and they have live music."