We were hesitant because there were only a few people sitting at the bar when we walked in. It…read moreturned out that was the band, which meant it was just the two of us girls, so we decided we'd just have a drink and see what happens. It was 2 p.m. afterall, so not a lot of people were out in general. Turns out the band was great! Then people started trickling in and there was a good crowd enjoying the music with us. We had a great time, chatted with other patrons and a few of the band members. Good drinks, prices are on the higher end at ~$15, but still affordable. I had a Pimm's cup which was refreshing, they are served in souvenir to go cups that are really cute. Glad we decided to stay! A great time was had.

Before I start, this is my review based on my experience. I've noticed some people complain about…read morethe music, paying the cover charge, seating or the size of the venue. I'm not here to argue any of those points. I will say this: expecting live musicians to perform for free until you decide whether they're worth paying is ridiculous. The cover is usually only $5...$10 max. If that's a dealbreaker, this probably isn't your place. Stay home and stream Spotify. Now... I have some friends in town, and whenever that happens, a Monday night trip to the Spotted Cat is basically mandatory. I've been coming here for years and years. Yes, it's super touristy now, but it still gives me the warm fuzzies every time I walk through those doors. So I'm presenting the "compliment sandwich" review. Never heard of it? You start with a compliment, slip in some constructive-ish criticism, then end with another compliment. Supposedly people receive feedback better that way. Let's see. First, the music. Outstanding. Chris Christy wasn't what I thought I wanted to hear until I actually heard him. I felt completely transported. Man, can that guy play the guitar. It felt kinda like gypsy music. Then came the Frenchmen Street Allstars. The last time I saw them, they had a different lead singer and, honestly, they kind of felt like a completely different band, aside from the phenomenal drummer. This version did not disappoint. It was a great mix of jazz and New Orleans standards. Both bands were great! **Now a note to management.** Great music isn't enough. The bar should be every bit as memorable as the stage. Forgive me, I didn't get the bartenders' names, so I have to describe them by physical traits. The first bartender, the guy with the mountain of curly hair, was friendly enough and made decent drinks. Later, another bartender with a short haircut took over and made the best drinks of the night. Then there was the bartender with the black and hot pink hair. She looked like she'd rather be anywhere else. She rarely smiled, her demeanor felt unwelcoming, and it almost came across as hostile. On top of that, the drinks she made were so weak I genuinely wondered if there was any alcohol in them. Seriously. They were that bad. Here's my philosophy: if you're going to be grumpy, aloof, or have some other off-putting trait, you'd better make a mean drink. Years and years ago there was a bartender named Curtis who wasn't exactly sunshine and rainbows, but that man could make a cocktail. I didn't need him to smile because the drink did all the talking. If the drink is mostly soda, though, friendliness becomes a lot more important. Unfriendly and bad bartending is a double whammy. She must be somebody's child or partner because I can't think of any other reason to employ a bad bartender. I hate to belabor the point, but the drinks aren't cheap. Cheap and bad I can take. For another comparison, there's another bartender there, I'm pretty sure her name is Chris. She's been there for years. She's all business. Maybe a little surly. Who am I kidding? A lot surly. But she's a character. More importantly, she makes a great drink. That's the kind of personality that somehow fits the Spotted Cat perfectly. Now let me end with the final piece of "bread" on my compliment sandwich. The doorman deserves his own review. That gravelly-voiced "Welcome to the Spotted Cat!" is part of the experience. Then he absolutely hammers that stamp onto your wrist. Somehow you don't even mind because you know what's waiting on the other side: incredible music, a fun room, and one of the best nights you can have on Frenchmen Street. Just don't let the bartender with the pink and black hair make your drink.

Seahorse is a great spot all year round. Many people visit during jazz fest. It is a very…read morereasonable priced bar that serve powerful cocktails, In addition they serve great food. One of the best burgers in the city Pool tables, lots of seats at the bar and great at accommodating large fun parties. It also serve as a great neighborhood bar. The entire staff are super friendly. Try it for yourself.

Established in 1853 this cool dive bar joint is popular in the area for pool. They are right across…read morefrom the main entrance to the Fairgrounds and this bar gets really packed during Jazz Fest! The old vibes are present and pleasant all over this space. The only challenge here is they often don't have enough bartenders so it can take awhile to get a drink during busier times.

A lovely late nite dive bar. We were actually in a walk and found it by chance. They served drinks…read moreand beer. Fun bartender. Lively crowd. Full but not packed. My kind of place.

Cool neighborhood bar with great drink prices. This was my first there and it was very chill lowkey…read moreenvironment. Staff well bartender was friendly and we enjoyed the experience overall. Good variety of drink options and drink specials!!!!

Stopped in since we were in the neighborhood. Nice little Dive bar that has a music lineup as well…read moreas good drinks and a great vibe. I had a mimosa and forgot to take a picture, but it was an amazing mimosa at a great price. Played a Poker Machine and hit a few times. We plan to go back to check out some of the events!

It smells like an interesting combination of garlic, turmeric, and other weird that probably…read moreshouldn't all be combined together. Our goal was to leave faster than our clothes could start smelling. The cocktails were great though. A six dollars tito's and water in a big cup, with two lemons was perfect. Two TVs were on, one was playing football. The other survivor - so that should tell you something we left before we finished the first drink probably won't go back , but maybe. Didn't stay long enough to snap a photo or to look at any possible food options. After the smell inside that place, they must be running a chicken Shawarma operation in the back.

Food is Amazing 10out10 Service as well…read more Stick to your stomach,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, No Food Truck food

A little piece of New Orleans. Great fried chicken and catfish. Wonderful gal serving and taking…read moreorders at the bar. Fast service, fun music and movies on. Not quiet but very friendly service.

Awesome spot! The service was great, the vibe was relaxed, and everything felt welcoming from start…read moreto finish. I definitely recommend them and can't wait to go back again.

Great service, fresh cigars, great selection, nice whiskeys can't get better. We can highly…read morerecommend

Let's be real: Can you truly say you've had a thorough New Orleans Black Experience without a good…read moreKermit Ruffins night story? Listen, when you come here to Kermit's, you have to know it can be a little raw. It's so different than most spots! You just never know what you're going to get with Kermit. He might be making his famous red beans one night, and the next night you might catch the TBC (To Be Continued) Brass Band or even the Big 6 Brass Band setting the place on fire with that Second Line music. Shoot, you might see Kermit and his own band performing and jamming out in Treme! You could even catch his talented daughter singing, or maybe artists like Tank and the Bangas or Angelika "Jelly" Joseph drop in for a set. Then, in addition to the food and music, you never know who will be in the building that night! The vibe isn't always consistent, but I feel like having a good experience at Kermit's in New Orleans--specifically in that Treme neighborhood, bruh--is absolutely necessary. Now, for the serious part: It is dangerous, too, though. So don't think for one minute that things can't go wrong! When you come here, you need to know how to have your fun and yet be careful. This is the real Treme, and while the experience is priceless, you must stay aware of your surroundings. Enjoy the magic, but always prioritize your safety! In the words of the Rebirth Brass Band song: "I don't know what you been told, but I love them Project 304s!" LOL!

Have been wanting to go here for years and finally made it during our last visit! So much fun - a…read moregreat evening of fabulous live jazz! Don't expect fancy cocktails, but the service is great and the beer, wine and drinks are plentiful. Kermit is a treasure! Can't wait to go back.

We discovered this spot years ago during a visit and have been itching to come back ever since…read more This spot is in the 7th ward and a real locals joint. When you come here, you get yourself a "set", enjoy the music (or play your own from the jukebox) and people watch. To our delight, we have seen some amazing brass players and The Original Pinettes, an all woman brass band, is the highlight for the evening. As long as this spot is open, every time I'm in Nawlins', We will be here.

This is one fantastic place!! Atmosphere, people, music and drinks!! I couldn't have asked for…read moremore!! My cousin brought me here and I wasn't disappointed and I'm from Chicago!!

I have random days that I just think, PURPLE DRANK! It is delicious. I am not really a daquiri girl…read moreas they usually taste too sweet or artificial. Not this VOODOO PURPLE DRANK! I love it so much. Its vacation in a cup - even if you are not on vacation. I need to come here at least once or twice when I am in New Orleans. The staff is always great. Thank you!

What a cool place! I cannot believe it took me so long to actually check this place out. I believe…read moreit's the oldest building in New Orleans and it used to be a black smith shop. The blacksmith fire pit is still there. I had their voodoo slushie. It was great on a hot day but killer hangover later! Either way it's a must stop!

Hands down... this is a very, very divey spot in the best way possible…read more ​I love that they have a great variety of brands. A lot of good dive bars tend to have a limited selection of spirits, but this place definitely isn't one of them. It's a great mixed crowd, and the regulars are regulars for a reason. The drinks are super reasonably priced, too--the frozen drinks were only $7, which was awesome.

Ok so I have never spent real time at this bar until recently. It's a super divey sports bar with…read moresuper cheap drinks lots of TVs and two levels of seating. It's a cool place to hang and they even let you bring in outside food due to the lack of menu. Cool place to hang on a chill night catching up with a friend. The regulars are always there and super friendly.