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    Bamboula's

    3.6 (596 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Bamboula's Photos

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    BAMBOULA'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Loud
    Live music
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Bamboula's

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    Jambalaya
    Emma C.

    Great spot to stop in on Frenchman street! They were able to accommodate us as a group of 18 last minute thanks to the large even space in the back. We had delicious food and drinks while listening to jazz before heading to another bar. The food was quite pricey, but the jambalaya was excellent, highly recommend!! Our service was good, we had a large group so of course everything took time, but they were very accommodating. One server we had was training so I think the number of people was overwhelming but he did great!

    Oysters
    Genie M.

    The dude at the door explained the drink policy for each set. Then Ellie came and was welcoming on what was going on as far as food drinks. We had beer , salad and cocktails. We were pleasantly surprised with the amazing quality of bar food! Went back a second night! Same great service, food and live music! I will definitely be back when im in New Orleans!

    Charles S.

    Great Music. Good food terrible service. The good: we heard the New Orleans Rug Cutters play two sets of mostly historic jazz and ragtime. It was great fun. The mediocre: the food was ok. Not great. The miserable: the service. Last time I had service this bad was in Budapest in 1981 -- in the days of the Hungarian Socialist Republic. Not only was the service bad, it was unapologetically bad. I guess you don't go to a music hall for a culinary experience but you'd think they could make something off their own menu and get it out to the table in a reasonable amount of time.

    Seafood Gumbo
    Nelly V.

    Food: 3 Service: 2 Ambiance: 1 (back dining area) Cleanliness: 2 Made our way to Frenchmen St for the evening and needed a place to eat that could accommodate a party of 8. First impression walking through was that the place was lively. A band on stage playing and tables crowed at the entrance. The bouncer/host said families could head towards the back where there were plenty of larger tables. This is where things started to go down hill. The tables were dirty, but we let it slide... Figured a group had just left and they didn't have time to come by and wipe it down. No problem. Took over 10 mins for menus to be dropped off. Again. We were patient... Figured they were busy. No problem. We saw several servers come back and forth from the front of the restaurant/bar to the kitchen to the back dining area... Still no service. Kind of a problem. We finally got menus and a round of water and placed our food orders (appetizers and our entrees all at once.) I get we are a larger party, so again, we have grace when it comes to service and time for food... But it took over an hour before anything came out. And when it did, it was our apps and entrees at the same time. Problem. Here's what we ordered: - Pretzel & Crab Dip: both were tasty and dip was dense! - Fried Pickles: was good, but nothing special. - Seafood Gumbo: this was the smallest serving of Gumbo I have ever seen for a dinner entree. Was served in a small cup for $19?! Not worth it. - Jambalaya: again, good but nothing special. We had better jambalaya at other restaurants in NOLA. - Shrimp Poboy: bread was crispy and light, with a decent amount of fried shrimp - La Bayou Oysters: probably the better of the items ordered. Very flavorful. - Also ordered the Nachos, a burger and the grilled catfish platter. Would I recommend this place? maybe... If you're sitting up front and are here for the music, a drink and the vibes. Would not recommend the back dining area for a sit down dinner.

    That's literally over $30. You're looking at.
    Robert K.

    Well... great atmosphere... they had a jazz band playing on a Tuesday afternoon.. the service was great... and the food was good.. my issue is: is this a food establishment? Drinking place? Music venue? I think they're trying to be all free. However, yes, the food was good. I ordered the seafood jambalaya and even though it was good, it was gone in about two bites. What's up with that? I'm hungry. Come for the music come for a beer or two, but don't expect much from the food literally

    The band!
    Sonja H.

    The chargrilled oysters = amazing! Drinks = so good! Music = entertaining! Highlight = Jessica! This girl was on it! She was the best server so far since arriving in NOLA a week ago!! Thank you!!!

    Seafood Bamboula's Nachos
    Molly R.

    The music was great, the bar/restaurant was very spacious. I was impressed with how late they served food, a nice treat for a night out. We had great service and had a large group that was attended to quickly. Seafood nachos were super tasty!

    Margaret P.

    The performers here caught our attention while walking down Frenchmen Street, so we opted in. The band performing that night was called "The Queen and her Friendz". Wow, talk about talent! They were sooo good. They did an old school medley of 80s/90s hip-hop and it got the crowd moving. They didn't have a cover charge, but security was really stern about us buying a drink at the bar. It was a little aggressive as we were going to buy a drink anyway, but I get it. The place is really big, but most people gathered at the front as they band was there. A great jazz spot for live music on Frenchmen Street!

    Christopher M.

    Visiting for the first weekend of the 2025 New Orleans Jazz Festival I had spent the day at the Festival and headed back to my lodging near the French Market. Walking through Frenchmen Street was a cultural treat. Restaurants, most with live music, were busy and the shops and bars were doing great. As I passed the open doors for Bamboulas (514 Frenchmen Street) I couldn't resist checking out the music that was in full swing. No cover charge, and the set the band played was amazing. I chose the Ceasar's salad (with a cold poached egg and anchovies, to make it a truly Cajun offering) ($14) and a Pimm's Cup ($14). Service was friendly and prompt, the vibe in the place was congenial, and everyone seemed to be really enjoying the music. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

    Simran M.

    During one of our evenings out on Frenchmen St, we were looking somewhere to have some dinner and came across Bamboula's, where they invited us in. They had a great band playing in the front with some patrons enjoying the scene and we ventured towards the back, where the hall opened up for places to sit and some guests were enjoying the vibe while waiting for their food. The bartender was wonderful and got us the menus. As hungry as we were, we realized there was a bit of a wait for the food (ours in particular) yet he made sure we were okay and checked in on where the food, was which we really appreciated. For the wait, we thought the food was worth the wait. I had the fried catfish basket and my boyfriend had the gumbo.

    Jon roniger Good for nothing
    Melissa S.

    A music hall that also serves a full dinner menu. I love that it has the food option as there is only 1 restaurant on Frenchman street, Adolfo's. The restaurant serves all the traditional New Orleans foods along side. We went on Thursday, December 9th at around 7pm and there was plenty of seating. We got a nice table by the band. Soda was $4, a dollar more then the other club we went to. They aren't pushy on drinks so I nursed the one drink all night. The good for nothing band was playing that night. They were really good and well put together. They wouldn't say how long they've been together, but it was long enough to have smooth sets. The didn't push tips or there merchandise. I wish they had as I wanted one of there CD's but they didn't come around and offer it like the other band did. I know I should of just gotten up and gotten one, but I was lazy and didn't. Now I regret it as they were a really good band. They also said you can find them on Spotify. I really enjoyed my time in this club. We stayed for the bands entire performance. They started around 6:30 and went to around 8:30 when the next band came on.

    Upstairs bar
    Gwen Z.

    Dinner was wonderful! Delicious meal. Fun atmosphere and nice upstairs patio dining. Music downstairs as well. Great service!

    Truffle butter & Brie baked oysters

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    2 months ago

    Great vibes, oyster selection and live music, all in one place. And kid friendly too for dinner!

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    9 months ago

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    8 months ago

    Good place to see worthwhile musicians at all times if the day and night while getting some decent drinks.

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    6 months ago

    Music and food was great! Service absolutely sucked!!!!! Just abandoned at my table no bill no how's the food.

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    4 months ago

    Waited two hrs for food and manager was rude! Order came wrong after waiting. Stay clear.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Grilled oysters best in town. Britney. Plump. No shell. Great parsley and cheese topping. Music always great.

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    Page 1 of 15

    Bamboula's Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Bamboula's

    Is it family/kid friendly?

    Do they offer any kind of a jam session on Sundays or Mondays? And a drummer from the Northwest looking for a venue to play with some of the local group players this coming Sunday or Monday night. Thanks man!?

    Scott, I was only visiting NOLA (Wife's Birthday) and we only visited Bamboula's one night, so I don't know. I can tell you it's a great venue for live music and I will visit… 

    What is situation on parking?

    Street parking. But you can't park directly in front

    What is thier signature drink?

    A Bamboula?!??

    Do you have to be 21 to get in?

    After 6pm must be 21 with valid ID

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - Bamboula's

    As mentioned in my review for the Spotted Cat, there are a ton of great jazz clubs on Frenchman Street.

    Mentioned in 72 reviews

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    Napoleon House - Our Specialty Italian Muffuletta and Jambalaya

    Napoleon House

    4.1(2.1k reviews)
    0.7 miFrench Quarter
    $$

    Ambiance 10 out of 10. Pimm's flight - wow, what a neat concept (and 10 out of 10). The charcuterie…read moreboard and the half muffuletta knocked it out of the park. Now, we've eaten at the restaurant across the street probably twenty times, and while we always liked it, it seems like we would find ourselves looking across the street & wondering why we'd not made it to the Napoleon House. Today, we made it. And on a very HOT morning. Our hostess was lovely, the food hit all the right notes, and service was efficient. Something I really liked was the pastrami on the muffuletta. The bread was different from my expectations. Also it looks like a traditional muffuletta loaf, it is softer inside, and the crust avoided having that razor-sharp crustiness. The only downside was my iced Irish coffee. I got no hint of booze, and the coffee tasted like it was yesterday's leftovers from the bottom of the pot.

    Food: A charming hub for drinks and their famed muffuletta. We shared the gigantic italian…read moremuffuletta sandwich among three of us with an order of jambalaya. The muffaletta had delightfully fluffy, hamburger like bun with melty cheese and stacked variety of meats including ham, salami, and pastrami. The jambalaya was well spiced and packed full of Creole goodness. A great benchmark of how the rish dish should eat. I also got the original Pimm's cup to drink which was strong and delicious. Ambiance: Love the traditional atmosphere of the brick establishment. Lit up by the faint glow of gas lamps, adorned with small pictures and portraits, and complete with a palm-covered courtyard, it was a rich historical journey back to old New Orleans. Service: Our waitress was super friendly and made sure to accomodate any request we had.

    Photos
    Napoleon House - Front dining room

    Front dining room

    Napoleon House - Italian Muffuletta (quarter size) with a side of jambalaya.

    Italian Muffuletta (quarter size) with a side of jambalaya.

    Napoleon House - Pimm's flight

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    Pimm's flight

    Café Amelie - Pork chops and grits

    Café Amelie

    4.3(3.3k reviews)
    0.4 miFrench Quarter
    $$

    We had an absolutely exceptional dinner at Café Amélie tonight! With the recent rain, the usual…read morepotent French Quarter street smells were washed away, leaving the air beautifully fresh and the temperatures perfectly cool. Though pop-up showers were still lingering, my husband and I decided to take a gamble on courtyard dining--and I am so glad we did! Sheltered under the green umbrellas surrounded by historic brick walls, lush greenery, and rain-kissed citrus trees, the atmosphere was incredibly romantic and peaceful. The courtyard's intimate layout even brought a bit of extra magic to our evening. We sat near another wonderful couple (and their adorable daughter) and became fast friends, sharing laughs and conversation throughout the night. What truly anchored the experience, though, was the incredible service. The staff was remarkably personable, helpful, and welcoming. The dinner itself was excellent from start to finish, showcasing immense culinary skill across every dish. We started with the delicious brussels sprouts and a uniquely seasoned spring/summer gumbo that was unlike any version we've had before (oh, what I would give for the recipe). As for the entrées, the shrimp and grits were phenomenal, and the blackened catfish sandwich with a fresh salad was executed flawlessly...and the bread pudding was fantastic, too! It is rare to find an experience where top-tier hospitality, a breathtaking environment, and great food come together so (seemingly) effortlessly. Café Amélie is an absolute must-visit! We will be back.

    We were walking around open to going anywhere for dinner and it was fairly early for dinner. We…read morecame across Cafe Amelie and it looked cute inside and was able to get sat right away. The host was extremely welcoming and friendly. Our server and helpers were over quickly to drop off waters and greet us. I ended up ordered the salmon. With it being so early and only one or 2 other tables besides my friend and me, the food did take longer to come out than I expected it to. Both of us did thoroughly enjoy what we got. The salmon was crispy on the outside with a nice sauce over it. We thought we'd have time to get dessert so we ordered a couple but that too took a very long time. We finally waved down our server to cancel and get the check since we had to be somewhere and he apologized and said their WiFi was going in and out so it could be that it was registering on the kitchen side. That may have explained why our entrees took too long. If it wasn't for the service and the food being great - I would not be thrilled about timing. We got there around 5:30p and had to leave by 7:15p so an almost 2 hours experience that probably could have been 1 hour.

    Photos
    Café Amelie - The dining room as we were leaving.

    The dining room as we were leaving.

    Café Amelie - Spring salad

    Spring salad

    Café Amelie - Shrimp and grits

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    Shrimp and grits

    Commons Club - Bottomless Veuve Clicquot Brunch

    Commons Club

    4.1(83 reviews)
    1.3 miWarehouse District

    Drag Queens are icons of creativity, self-expression, empowerment, confidence, & glamour. I love…read moredrag shows, so whenever I'm in New Orleans I make it a point to check out a new one. I've heard good things about Trixie Minx Drag Burlesque shows, so I made reservations for my brother's birthday. Located inside the Virgin Hotel, this restaurant exudes Southern Charm. The kitschy décor adds a nice touch. We were a bit early, so we sat at the bar for some pre-brunch cocktails. Brunch is $40 for two courses - 3 options each. (Bottomless Mimosas $39) Since there were three of us, we each elected something different so we could try each one. Everything was delicious. I especially liked the Pimento Cheese Biscuit & Beignets. The Queens were fabulous, and their performance was a tribute to Dolly Parton. Unfortunately, we were off to the side and towards the end, so we didn't get a good view. I appreciate the Queens that made the effort to perform on our end and thankful to our server for bringing my brother a birthday dessert so he could make a wish.

    Wanted to do something different for Valentine's Day with my son and my husband so we decided to…read moregive this brunch menu a try. The waitress serving us recommended the GNOCCHETTI $25 dish that I got, which was good. But it's not really a breakfast dish unless you get extra eggs so I ordered an extra scrambled egg on the side. I don't know that I will go back and order that again because there's so many other things you can get for that price point, but it did serve the purpose of trying something new. We came during Mardi Gras so it wasn't too packed because everybody was on the parade route, but I know typically their brunches are pretty full when it comes to patrons. This is in the Virgin Hotel as you know so there will always be hotel guests eating here. Overall, everything was good, not spectacular, but we always enjoy our time anywhere in the hotel.

    Photos
    Commons Club - Dining area

    Dining area

    Commons Club - Bucatini at Commons Club

    Bucatini at Commons Club

    Commons Club - Pool deck elevator lobby

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    Pool deck elevator lobby

    Saint Claire - These sharing plates are incredible

    Saint Claire

    4.2(34 reviews)
    3.0 mi

    10/10!!!…read more Run, don't walk to this place. The food, service and atmosphere outstanding!!! Bravo!!!!

    Saint Claire is a truly unique restaurant located at 1300 Richland Road in Algiers. It is…read moreimpossible to appreciate the restaurant fully without mentioning the property itself, which is arguably the older and more remarkable part of the story. The historic building sits on nearly four acres beneath a magnificent grove of live oaks. The property was originally associated with a quarantine station serving ships and crews traveling upriver toward New Orleans, and the building that now houses the restaurant was reportedly the residence of physicians connected with that facility. During World War II, the site became Camp Algiers, an internment facility. The property subsequently served various federal purposes, including use by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security, before eventually falling into disrepair and later undergoing renovation. Today, Saint Claire occupies what is believed to be the last surviving medical-officer residence of the former New Orleans quarantine station--a property that subsequently became part of a controversial World War II internment camp and has now been given a remarkable new life as one of New Orleans' most distinctive dining destinations. The setting itself is lovely, and one of the restaurant's greatest practical advantages is the remarkably easy parking, something that should never be taken for granted in New Orleans. The ambiance is warm and inviting, while the service is prompt and polished. The servers are knowledgeable, attentive, and clearly familiar with the food and its preparation. The cuisine can best be described as French country cooking with a distinctly Louisiana twist. The menu manages to combine French technique and elegance with the flavors and ingredients of South Louisiana. The duck-andouille gumbo, for example, is a particularly imaginative interpretation, made with a chocolate roux that adds an intriguing depth and complexity. The jumbo lump crab gnocchi is considerably more delicate, served with lemon butter and fresh chives, allowing the sweetness of the crab to remain the star of the dish. I am genuinely rooting for Saint Claire's success, which I judge by what I call the Triple A's of a successful restaurant: Availability, Affability, and Ability--in that order. Saint Claire unquestionably scores high on the latter two. The staff is affable and knowledgeable, and the kitchen clearly has considerable ability. My concern, however, is availability. Making a reservation can feel remarkably similar to doing business with a health insurance company. The restaurant does not answer its telephone calls, although it will apparently return a call the following day. Reservations can be made through the website, but there is an additional wrinkle: the system defaults to a reservation on the patio rather than in the main dining room. For a restaurant of this caliber, the reservation process should be as seamless and welcoming as the dining experience itself. Saint Claire has many of the ingredients necessary to become a destination restaurant. The property is extraordinary, the setting is beautiful, the service is personable and capable, and the cuisine has both character and ambition. If the restaurant can improve its availability--making it easier for guests to reach the restaurant and, more importantly, to secure a table in the main dining room--it may well have the three A's in perfect order.

    Photos
    Saint Claire - A cozy dining room.

    A cozy dining room.

    Saint Claire - Gnocchi and Lamb Meatballs

    Gnocchi and Lamb Meatballs

    Saint Claire - Enjoyed an amazing espresso martini in the front room while waiting for our group.

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    Enjoyed an amazing espresso martini in the front room while waiting for our group.

    Doris Metropolitan - Amazing ribeye

    Doris Metropolitan

    4.4(907 reviews)
    0.6 miFrench Quarter
    $$$

    From the moment we walked in, the interior and ambiance were beautiful--upscale, intimate, and…read morestylish without feeling stuffy. The service was excellent throughout the entire meal. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience feel special. And the FOOD! We definitely came hungry and tried a little bit of everything. The Tomato Celebration was fresh, colorful, and full of flavor. The dry-aged steak was cooked beautifully--tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. The Brussels sprouts were another favorite: perfectly crispy and a great side to the steak. Of course, we couldn't leave without dessert, so we tried both the Bonaparte and Kadaif Nest. Both were beautifully presented and a perfect ending to an already amazing dinner. Between the food, service, gorgeous interior, and overall ambiance, Doris Metropolitan delivered the complete dining experience. It's definitely on the pricier side, but for a special dinner in New Orleans, it's worth it. Great food + great service + great atmosphere = an easy 5 stars. Would absolutely return!

    I visited for the first time after receiving several positive recommendations from colleagues, so…read moremy expectations were quite high. Overall, the experience was average and did not fully meet those expectations. The charcuterie and cheese board, priced at $68, was underwhelming in both portion size and value. It included only six thin slices of cured meat and a small selection of cheeses. Unfortunately, one of the cheeses had an unpleasant flavor that made it inedible for our table. The bread service was a highlight, offering a nice variety of breads and accompaniments. The ribeye was cooked well and enjoyable, but it did not stand out from what I've experienced at other upscale steakhouses. The five-cheese couscous was the biggest disappointment, as it lacked the rich, flavorful profile its description suggested. While the service and presentation were appreciated, the overall dining experience did not justify the high expectations or the price point.

    Photos
    Doris Metropolitan
    Doris Metropolitan - Australian Wagyu Striploin A-8 score

    Australian Wagyu Striploin A-8 score

    Doris Metropolitan - Beef shawarma

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    Beef shawarma

    Bamboula's - musicvenues - Updated September 2026

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