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.

DBA In New Orleans…read moreon April 24, 2026, the first Friday of the 2026 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. It had been a busy day at the fairgrounds, shuttling between the Blues tent (featuring Al "Lil Fats" Jackson) and the Gospel tent (featuring LB Landry Gospel Choir and St. Mary's Academy Gospel Choir) for most of the day. Lorde began her performance around 5:30 p.m., by which time I knew I'd had enough sunshine for the day. Taking the Express Shuttle bus back to my hotel, I made plans to stop by DBA for a drink and a listen. This is a modest venue - a traditional stage at the back, maybe a dozen tables - no food, just a well-stocked and diverse menu of beverages priced for the going market . . . not cheap, but not over the top expensive; and very tasty. The musicians were just setting up when I arrived around 6:30 p.m. on a Friday. There was one hi-top table for two left when I got there, so I claimed it and went looking for the bartender. The band fired up, and away we went. No cover, acoustics were great, the audience vibe was enthusiastic, and you get a sense that this is what New Orleans brass band jazz is all about. Time well spent!

Trivia: Two of the owners, Cheryl and Brad also manage what establishment located across the…read morestreet? Wine on tap. An interesting concept! Takes some time for the carbonation to escape. It is also cold, which was weird for me in a red blend. Friendly and attentive staff and the jazz was excellent. The seating situation is a little weird. Plan on standing if you come to hear jazz.

Three Muses After…read morehalf a day soaking in the sunshine, jazz, blues, and gospel at the 2026 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival I headed back to Canal Street to chill for a minute before looking for dinner and music on the festival's first Thursday. I'm aging out of late night shows, so I took a pass on seeing Kings of Leon, Raye, Stephen Marley, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Blind Boys of Alabama, and Cowboy Mouth. Instead, I headed toward Frenchmen Street, and the Three Muses. The musicians from Bad Penny Pleasuremakers were setting up as I arrived around 6 p.m. By the time my drinks arrived the band was in full swing mode. Mills at the bar took my order - beef bulgogi ($16), a bottle of PBR ($5), and a Maker's Mark neat ($10) did the job. I paid at the bar and took the number letting the server know where to deliver the meal. The band kicked in, and I was transported to heaven. This is a small, open space where the band can dominate without being intrusive. I took my time with my meal, soaking up the generous vibe the band was sharing with the 20 or 30 of us in the hall. I should note a local resource that might get unsung: 99.7 wwoz tracks the music of New Orleans year round, and does a great job alerting us to venues and performances at places like Three Muses.

we had a less than stellar time here. tbf, we had come in with a different expectation because the…read morelast time we had visited was YEARS ago and remembered it being so fun and delicious; come to find this bar has become a lot more folksy and a lot less restauranty. we came on a friday night around dinner time and it was practically empty. their menu only had 6-10 items on it. it was all kind of korean fusiony. the food did taste really good, but the portions were small. i thought their signature cocktail was also only okay. there were two people working behind the bar and maybe 3 tables in the whole restaurant with a band playing. i heard the table behind us say something like "huh, i guess we have to go order at the bar" because no one ever checked on them (nor us) so we ordered at the bar too. there are a lot of little fees listed on their menu. 3$/pp goes to the band. gratuity included. but then the singer of the band came around with a tip bucket and kind of got into our faces about tipping the band. while we were eating dinner. my friend threw in a $20 for the table, and then the singer continued to solicit us individually for more tips. it was SO tacky. we were still hungry but decided to just leave instead of ordering more. we just wanted to get out of there.

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.

If you're into live music, Blue Nile is a solid choice. Thursdays feature Irvin Mayfield, who…read morealways brings a strong, varied performance. Fridays are for Kermit Ruffins, and those nights are pure fun. He often brings surprise guests on stage, puts his own spin on popular tunes and keeps the energy high. All aboard! The bartenders can definitely hold their own, and the music gets the whole room moving. It's the kind of place where people come to dance, vibe, and actually enjoy local talent. Seating is available for a fee and reservation, but it is mostly a standing room only venue. Think well lit stage, open floor plan with a long bar left of the stage. That said, it is a crowded spot, so it's worth staying aware of your surroundings. I haven't seen anything serious happen, but I did have an encounter with a woman who seemed to have pickpocket tendencies. Just be mindful of anyone who's a little too eager to get close or rub elbows. Overall: great music, lively crowd, strong drinks, just bring the same awareness you would to any busy live music venue.

Hit up Blue Nile on a whim with my family and had perfect timing to catch a Kermit Ruffins set…read more Unfortunately, there was a cover but it wasn't too high. I had a Mockly and the rest of my crew had mixed drinks. In total it was around $46 with a tip which is fine for four people. We had a good time and enjoyed the show. It was a crowded Friday night but I really enjoyed it.

I've been to some of the best burlesque and drag shows in the country. I've seen gravity defying,…read moresultry, sophisticated shows in New York. While this is not that . . . it's perfect for New Orleans and the south and has it's own flavor. I loved the show here! Madame Kennedy was the perfect emcee (and also put on a wicked black light bubble show). Some acts were sexy and seductive. Some acts were acrobatic and martial arts based, as Madame Kennedy said, "I'm sure someone is missing their anime character somewhere." There were hula hoops, feathers, and grinders! One act was a woman who put a grinder against a metal plate on her belt and sparks flew everywhere! I also saw my first (as far as I can remember) burlesque by a transgender man. It was so much fun! We did the reserved tickets, so we got a table right up front. There isn't a bad seat in the house, but I really prefer being in the center of the action. Doors open at 6:30 for a 7 PM show, but ours was running late (we didn't mind). They have a basic bar with decent prices. They also do dance classes, varying show themes, comedy routines, and more. So you'll always be able to see something different.

We came to AllWays for the High Society burlesque show booked through Eventbrite…read more The venue is cozy so you are really in the action no matter where you sit but it is best to reserve seating if you can, or else come early to get a spot (especially if you are coming with a group). The whole production was visually stunning and engaging. Angie Z has not only a beautiful style of dance, but her voice was incredible! We were all just sucked in by her and by all the dancers that night. Remember to bring money for tips and it doesn't just have to be dollar bills. Big bills are appreciated too but very well deserved! It was classy, nostalgic and titillating. Burlesque is an art and it takes dedication to do it right. You can tell how much heart they all had for this production. Really enjoyed the experience, would definitely recommend to others.

Quick and nice server, Bonnie. Welcomed immediately. Excellent live music, John Lisi and Delta Funk…read morehad a great vibe. Recommend you visit this spot!

Came in around 5 PM on a Friday and instantly caught a great vibe--live music with no cover is…read morealways a win. The staff were genuinely friendly and made us feel welcome right away, and the drinks definitely didn't disappoint. The band brought solid energy and sounded great, making it an easy place to kick back and enjoy the evening. Only thing missing? Food options would've made the experience even better. Still, a fun spot for good music, good drinks, and a relaxed Friday night atmosphere.

While on vacation we were told about this area. We decided to walk to there one evening in the…read morebeginning of May. We stopped in for a drink and were so glad we did. Melissa, our bartender, was awesome. We chatted with her during our visit and we wanted to get back there for happy hour but it didn't happen. We hope to visit again this year and will definitely go back to listen to some live jazz!

OMG!!! Best fried Catfish EVER!!! And the fried ochre was amazing as well. Great vibes. Super…read moreawesome waitress. Don't remember her name.. but she's tall and has bleached short hair. Great job! We will be back!

Fun vibes. Service is fast & good. I have had good from random vendors while at this bar. Food…read morevendors have always been really good local food. Shawn did a really great job making my pineapple Long Island.

One of my favorite local spots/bars in the bywater!! There's always an event happening here, and…read moreyou're bound to run into atleast one person you know. There's not typically any food here but sometimes on the weekend, there will be a guy smoking meats just outside. Great smoking area outside too (enter through the doors to the left under the inside balcony) . Very cozy and very new orleans. Really cool glory hole in the women's bathroom!! Walking distance to other bars/restaurants in the area. Great addition to your bar hopping for the night.

Weird. Rude. Not into it. An employee told me to move out the way with some long dissertation when…read morethey could've simply said excuse me. And it was not in a nice way.

One of the only bars in the city with GLUTEN FREE BEER! Kind workers. Affordable. Five stars.read more