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Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta
Photograph: Courtesy The Royal Sonesta

Where to hear jazz music in New Orleans

From old-school joints to classy clubs, here's where to hear the best jazz in New Orleans

Written by
Gerrish Lopez
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New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and that legacy lives on while flourishing in jazz clubs and neighborhoods throughout the city. Catching a live music show (blues, funk, brass, rock & roll and more genres are all represented here) should be on every visitor’s bucket list. Still, there’s something even more special about hearing jazz—both traditional and modern—in the city where it was born. Seek out local artists like Kermit Ruffins, Big Sam, Jeremy Davenport, Doreen Ketchens and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, all of whom proudly carry on the tradition of the genre. Catch them and many others at cozy clubs and classy haunts around town. Here are some of the best places to see jazz in New Orleans. Once you’ve dined at one of the many amazing restaurants in the city, you’ll welcome the chance to dance off the calories to the sounds of live jazz. Pro tip: tune in to local jazz and heritage radio station WWOZ to hear the latest concert updates while getting in the mood for some live music.

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This guide was updated by New Orleans-based writer Gerrish Lopez. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines

Best bars and clubs for jazz in New Orleans

Preservation Hall
Photograph: Zack Smith Photography

1. Preservation Hall

Preservation Hall is an iconic jazz bar in New Orleans steeped in history. Founded in 1961, it’s known for its intimate live jazz shows in the heart of the French Quarter throughout New Orleans and beyond (it’s been home to jazz legends George Lewis, The Humphrey Brothers and lots more over the years). Now, you can catch live music there every night of the week, all year round, from artists from Preservation’s collective, including the world-renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band. 

The Spotted Cat
Photograph: Paul Broussard

2. The Spotted Cat

Things get funky at the Spotted Cat. The venue itself is low-key-looking, covered in local art and designed by folk artist Dr. Bob. But come evening, this music venue comes alive, and you’ll be swung arm in arm, foot tapping or singing along. Check out the Spotted Cat’s calendar for its upcoming events – frequent performers include Miss Sophie Lee, Washboard Chaz Blues Trio and Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns. 

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Snug Harbor
Photograph: Shutterstock

3. Snug Harbor

Snug Harbor on Frenchmen is a classic jazz lounge. The historic building offers something for everyone: three separate rooms are dedicated to drinking, dining and live music respectively. Members of New Orleans music royalty, like Charmaine Neville, Stanton Moore and James Singleton are Snug Harbor mainstays. Whether in the mood for low-key vibes or a swinging night out, this intimate, dimly lit space will deliver. 

 

Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta
Photograph: Courtesy The Royal Sonesta

4. Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta

This upscale jazz lounge in the Royal Sonesta has a classy-retro vibe. With luxurious seating and top-notch cocktails, it’s THE place to see some of the best jazz musicians in New Orleans, representing a range of styles. From Nayo Jones to Big Sam’s Funky Nation, the Jazz Playhouse always has a show worth checking out.

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Fritzel’s European Jazz Club
Photograph: Shutterstock

5. Fritzel’s European Jazz Club

Nestled between the strip clubs, neon signs and bars serving hand grenades and hurricanes on Bourbon Street, it is the oldest operating jazz club in New Orleans. Fritzel’s European Jazz Club is the place to hear traditional jazz and French gypsy jazz music with a classic cocktail in hand every night of the week. 

Maple Leaf
Photograph: Shutterstock

6. Maple Leaf

Maple Leaf in the Riverbend area of Uptown always feels like a really fun house party. It’s a local favorite for seeing New Orleans legends and newcomers every night of the week. Its humble digs, back patio and social atmosphere are always prime for a good time. World-class jazz and jazz-influenced musicians like John Cleary, George Porter, Jr. and Johnny Vidacovich play the venue regularly.

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7. Dos Jefes Cigar Bar

Dos Jefes is an unassuming oasis on Tchoupitoulas Street in Uptown, boasting laid-back vibes alongside live jazz music. It’s where the New Orleans jazz tradition thrives in a low-key, relaxed setting perfect for hanging out with old and new friends inside or on the tropical patio. New Orleans jazz professionals John Fohl, Rick Trolsen and Joe Krown are Dos Jefes staples.

Bayou Bar at the Pontchartrain Hotel
Photograph: Shutterstock

8. Bayou Bar at the Pontchartrain Hotel

Right inside the entrance of the Pontchartrain Hotel is the cozy, wood-paneled Bayou Bar. Its storied past includes frequent visits by Frank Sinatra and Truman Capote, and it’s the spot where the New Orleans Saints franchise was christened in 1966. But the intimate vibe is perfect for live music—mostly jazz trios and solo artists—on tap Wednesdays through Saturdays.

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Three Muses
Photograph: Shutterstock

9. Three Muses

As the name suggests, Three Muses checks all the New Orleans boxes: music, food and drinks. You’ll find the highest quality versions of all three at this cozy club on Frenchmen Street. Listen to jazz and its variations while enjoying an expertly mixed drink and delicious small plates. Don’t miss the La Soldadera cocktail, the chili verde pulled pork and Ms. Moon’s Bulgogi rice bowl.

New Orleans Jazz Museum
Photograph: Shutterstock

10. New Orleans Jazz Museum

Not only does the New Orleans Jazz Museum celebrate the history of jazz and its influences on the city through engaging, interactive exhibits, it also hosts live music in the courtyard, on the balcony and virtually. One of the best series the museum hosts is Prime Examples of Excellence in Music, curated by composer, jazz pianist and educator Jesse McBride. The series pays tribute to the legacy of the Prime Example Jazz Club (closed in 2020) and features musical arrangements by McBride performed by up-and-coming contemporary jazz musicians and veteran musicians.

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Tipitina’s
Photograph: Shutterstock

11. Tipitina’s

Although Tipitina’s isn’t primarily known for jazz, any music-related New Orleans list would be remiss to exclude this institution. The venue was named after a song by Professor Longhair, who spent his later years playing here and whose portrait is displayed above the stage. Tipitina’s is a favorite of both local and touring bands playing funk, brass, rock, hip hop and, of course, jazz. 

Peacock Room at the Hotel Fontenot
Photograph: Courtesy Kimpton Hotel Fontenot/Cris Molina

12. Peacock Room at the Hotel Fontenot

The Hotel Fontenot’s fanciful Peacock Room is elegant with a touch of eccentricity. In addition to expertly crafted cocktails, you can enjoy the sultry sounds of Da Lovebirds, featuring contemporary-jazz singer Robin Barnes—"The Songbird of New Orleans"—every Thursday night.

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Davenport Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton
Photograph: Courtesy The Ritz-Carlton

13. Davenport Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton

Located on the third floor of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Canal Street, this elegant lounge features its namesake musician Jeremy Davenport every Friday and Saturday night. Davenport, a renowned jazz trumpeter and singer, performs originals and standards with his band. It’s a classy spot to hear some swinging jazz before or after a night out in the Quarter.

d. b. a.
Photograph: Shutterstock

14. d. b. a.

One of several Frenchmen Street clubs, d.b.a. is among the top places to hear many different types of New Orleans music, including jazz. Its sleek, dark wooden interior generates cool vibes and those who appreciate craft beer and cocktails will love the extensive and well-curated drink selection. Hear the likes of Treme Brass Band, Smoking Time Jazz Club and the Palmetto Bug Stompers, among other genres.

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Bacchanal Wine
Photograph: Shutterstock

15. Bacchanal Wine

Besides being one of the top wine bars in the country, Bacchanal down in the Bywater neighborhood offers a dreamy setting to hear local jazz bands. After picking out a bottle of wine from the front shop, head out to the spacious patio, cozy up by a canopy of trees and order from the excellent food menu. To complete the experience, Baccchanal hosts a variety of established and up-and-coming musicians, part of the next wave of New Orleans talent.

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