Top Things to do in Louisiana
10 Jazz Clubs & Bars in Louisiana That You Shouldn't Miss
Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
Restaurants in Louisiana
1. Siam Cafe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This Thai restaurant is a nice change of pace from the city's Creole and Cajun food. Closed due to damage suffered in Hurricane Katrina.
2. The Gator Lounge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
From blues to country to zydeco and beyond, great music of all kinds graces the stage at the Gator Lounge, a stylish bar that provides guests with a regular schedule of free entertainment from a fabulous roster of the best local and regional acts.
3. Dew Drop Social and Benevolent Hall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
4. Peoples Health New Orleans Jazz Market
5. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 611 reviews
A restaurant, bar and jazz club all under one roof.
Reviewed By wendyl901 - Evanston, United States
Although we came too early for the music, we were treated to an unbelievably good seafood meal. The bartender at our hotel (Julie, the Jung Hotel) recommended this to us and we were not disappointed. Because we came on the early side we did not have a wait, and the service was brisk and efficient. The BBQ shrimp dish was so good! It came with a very generous serving of large shrimp, which was more than I could eat (these are the peel and eat variety). I ended up taking a doggy bag back to the room with us for a snack the next day. I would not recommend this, however, as despite refrigeration, the shrimp smell permeated the fridge and hotel room all day ( I felt bad for the maids!) The venue of this restaurant on Frenchmen Street is ideal for those looking for music and food. The interior is a bit small and seating is tight, but it has a lovely atmosphere and the food was exceptional.
6. Sweet Lorraine's Jazz Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
A jazz club and restaurant.
Reviewed By C376KZmichaels
Great music and staff! Had a great time!!!A must if you love jazz this is one place on Frenchman St. You don't want to miss!
7. Maple Leaf Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Popular college hangout known for its live funk, jazz, blues and rock music.
Reviewed By gaylep450 - Chicago, United States
What a great party! The band Hot 8 was jamming, the bartender was attentive and keeping the drinks flowing, the food was excellent. We had a great time
8. The Spotted Cat Music Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,436 reviews
The Spotted Cat Music Club is the Quentessential Jazz Club of New Orleans. Located just steps from the French Quarter, in the Faubourg Marigny District on Frenchmen St. "The Cat" has been a local favorite for live New Orleans music from Jazz, Blues, Funk, R&B and Klezmer.Internationally acclaimed as a TOP 150 Jazz Club and featured in numerous Films and print media, "THE CAT" features local musicians bringing the best the city has to offer!
Reviewed By Stmbt97 - Steamboat Springs, United States
Frenchman Street and The Spotted Cat in particular, have become a favorite destination for us when we're in New Orleans. The drinks are reasonably priced and they don't push you to order while you're enjoying the entertainment. The bands are always fantastic and not to be missed!
9. Fritzel's European Jazz Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 815 reviews
Reviewed By HappytravellerLondon - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This was recommended by a friend of a friend and it lived up to the review. Definitely one of the better spots on Bourbon street ( which I didn’t like half as much as I expected).. great music, fun atmosphere, good service. I would highly recommend.
10. Maison Bourbon Jazz Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 421 reviews
Reviewed By HamSamwich
Maison Bourbon is preserving REAL jazz every night with great bands. Real trumpets, saxes, clarinets, upright bass, real piano. Louis Armstrong would be proud! They have great prices on drinks and food, and no cover charge. You can't beat this place, especially if you compare it to the place around the corner with "preservation" in its name. Keep up the good work entertaining the people, Maison Bourbon! I'll be visiting every time I vist NOLA.
