Cafe Istanbul Performance Theater

I don't know about any food available here, so I can not speak to that. This space as an event venue is quite lovely. I came for an event where the author talked about his writings and his passions, and the whole experience was amazing. I look forward to coming back for future events.

Whenever someone says there's an event at Cafe Istanbul, I flash back to the 90s when it was a major club on Frenchmen Street. But no. This is a lovely theater inside the Healing Center building. And it is accessed from the back along St. Roch. There is a small parking lot that is accessed from N. Rampart. I was there for a charitable event with a variety of musical presenters... shout out to the dance group that finished their number by holding music streaming from a phone up to a mic when the sound system cut out. Sound was pretty good but at least one band was just too much for the small space. The bar prices were $$$ but maybe that's because the charity was getting a cut. Restrooms outside the theater were clean and spacious.

What a wonderful room. Intimate and great sound. I'm blessed to have it in my neighborhood

Experienced Cafe Istanbul for the first time in many many years. My, how New Orleans venues have changed! I went with a friend to Al "Carnival Time" Johnson's 80th Birthday Party here. The stage is easily visible from anywhere in the place. Room for dancing, chairs & tables for relaxing. Bar service is fast, bartender was pleasant. I didn't get a chance to try the food. I believe it was free for Al's birthday event. Bottom line, I'll definitely check out other performances here. I prefer the more I the more setting. Happy Birthday Al!

We have yet to experience all that this magical place has to offer. On our most recent trip to New Orleans, we came here twice during our ten-day visit. Never got to experience the theater side, as we were only here for Poetry on Poets, an open mic on Monday nights. Hosted by Chuck Perkins, he creates a more intimate space near the bar by closing a curtain and creating a "living room feel". The weekly event is not limited to poetry. Anyone with anything to share is welcomed and encouraged to grab the mic. Poetry, stories, vocals, instruments...you name it! Residing in NYC, my husband and I have access to plenty of poetry slams and open mic venues, but it's different here. Can't explain it. We both felt inspired by the creativity in the room and super comfortable with the loving and playful energy of the host and attendees. Hubby felt so inspired, he actually got up and read one of his writings from many years ago, on both nights. I'm not sure what came over me, but it hit hard! On the first night we came, it hit so hard, I ended up writing something while taking a restroom break. Haven't written anything in almost two decades. Had no intention to share it initially, but they got me up there. I got on the mic! First time on the mic in OVER two decades and I'm reading something I wrote in ten minutes, ten minutes ago. That's HUGE for me! It's this place! It's magical.

It was hard to narrow it down during jazz fest and decide on the perfect venue for our evening experience. I'm glad we chose Cafe Istanbul. It has the class, intimate feel and top-notch performers of a much more expensive and well-known venue. Get in here before everyone else figures out this is the diamond in the rough.

Perfect venue for some our our best entertainers - just the right size and layout for a romantic crooner, for example. Low key, fine sound system, good lighting, cozy layout, very pleasant (volunteer) staff. Check out a performer you want to see here soon.

My friend knows that I love LIVE music... so she brought to wear the locals come to listen to great music! I'm loving it!! Real music!

No respect for the neighborhood. Patrons hang out in the parking lot screaming, yelling, playing car stereos at full blast, blowing car horns until 3-4 in the morning on any given night and management could care less. Neighbors have asked many times for this to stop and we have made it known that the music/shows inside are not the problem. We get continually told it will be handled in what just turns out to be a way to get us to move along.

A nice little niche place to hear great music, poetry and the performing arts. I came here for the first time when they hosted a tribute for the late great Dr. Maya Angelou. The poetry and performances were very moving. I will be back.