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    Bamboula's

    3.5 (598 reviews)
    Closed • 12:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago
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    Bamboula's Photos

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    BAMBOULA'S ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Bamboula's

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    Myra Y.

    Best live band / singing and definitely our vibe! The crowd is mixed with different age groups and styles.

    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

    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!

    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!!!

    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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    3 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

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

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    7 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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    1 year ago

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

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    9 months ago

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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 mi•French Quarter
    •$$

    The Napoleon House is well worth a visit when in New Orleans. This establishment has been operating…read moresince 1914 and are not serving righteous Italian Muffuletta sandwiches, Gumbo, and Red Beans and Rice and of course their famous and fabulous Pimm's Cup cocktails. We dined here twice during our last visit and lady luck was on our side as there was no line and we were seated immediately. Of course we started with a Pimm's cup. There are three options, but we stuck with their original. Want to sample all three then order their flight of Pimm's. The muffuletta is served warm and can be ordered whole, half, or quarter. This is a classic sandwich stuffed with all your favorite cold cuts, provolone cheese, and of course their homemade Italian olive salad. Do not sleep on their hot pastrami sandwich served with creole mustard. Of course, their gumbo and red beans and rice is to die for. Napoleon never dined here but if he did, he would have left a happy man as did we.

    Bourbon milk punch $12 easy to drink, ok flavor. Got because Alton Brown talked about it…read more Dark and Stormy. Liked Muffuletta one half $15. They toast the sandwich. Overall nice sandwich and plenty big. I do not care for olives so I went on a limb with this sandwich. There are lots but mild flavor ones. So good sandwich but not for me. Others liked their food. Muffuletta salad, avocado salad and a shrimp poboy Jason was very helpful and dealt with the many questions. He was great.

    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 mi•French 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

    Gallier Restaurant & Oyster Bar

    Gallier Restaurant & Oyster Bar

    4.4(2k reviews)
    1.0 mi•Central Business District
    •$$
    Casual dining
    Happy hour specials

    Good food for a good price and good service. We order the…read morecalamari and the oysters charbroiled, I think that the ousters had too much parmesan cheese but you can take it out or ask for less.

    Do NOT be steered away from this place! It may not be the fanciest restaurant in New Orleans, but…read morethe seafood was amazing and the service was spectacular. We came in Saturday night without a reservation and only had to wait a few minutes. Our waitress was amazing from the second we sat down. I really wish I remembered her name because she was super attentive, funny, patient, and honestly made the whole experience even better. My boyfriend and I started with the Creole oysters and OMG... probably some of the best oysters I've ever had. They were incredibly flavorful, and dipping the bread into all that sauce afterward was SO good. My mother-in-law had the fried calamari, which came with remoulade, and she really enjoyed it. For my entrée, I had the jambalaya with chicken and andouille sausage. It was definitely spicy, but really, really good. My boyfriend and mother-in-law both had the grilled red snapper topped with their creamy crawfish sauce, and they loved it. My father-in-law had one of the oyster specials with shrimp and crawfish, which was also excellent. We finished with dessert... boyfriend and I had a chocolate mousse/cake dessert and my in-laws had the bread pudding. Everything was delicious. The atmosphere was casual and fun, they had the football games playing on the TVs, and our waitress was fantastic the entire night. Just an overall great experience. If you love seafood and oysters, definitely give this place a try. I would 100% come back!

    Photos
    Gallier Restaurant & Oyster Bar - Gallier's... Great Seafood & Oysters with Cajun Style

    Gallier's... Great Seafood & Oysters with Cajun Style

    Gallier Restaurant & Oyster Bar - We are right off Bourbon Street (Corner of Canal St and Carondelet St)

    We are right off Bourbon Street (Corner of Canal St and Carondelet St)

    Gallier Restaurant & Oyster Bar - Gallier Special Dozen Oyster

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    Gallier Special Dozen Oyster

    Doris Metropolitan - Amazing ribeye

    Doris Metropolitan

    4.4(911 reviews)
    0.6 mi•French Quarter
    •$$$

    Everything was just absolutely amazing from start to finish…read more Started with some tuna, tartar, tar tar was so good ordered a second and chicken Shawarma so good also could have ordered another but used my self control saving room for steak lol For steak The table tried the butchers cut and classified cut both absolutely amazing truly phenomenal steak. Also, the bread brought to the table like stupidly good haha. It's dark and moody. It feels like in old time steak upscale bistro. Patio is gorgeous if it's nice out definitely request to eat out there. They have a huge dry aging fridge And also super cool it's a butcher shop. You can walk in and buy cuts of meat to make at home. All the servers are absolutely amazing It's in the French Quarter area, not far from Bourbon Street loved 10 out of 10 definitely on the list to go back next time. I'm in one of my favorite cities in America. Good old New Orleans.

    As New Orleans locals, we've been fortunate to enjoy some incredible restaurants, and Doris…read moreMetropolitan absolutely lived up to its reputation. From beginning to end, the food and service were exceptional. Everyone we encountered was warm, personable and professional, and our server, Bobby, was top-notch. Our ribeyes were cooked perfectly, and both the tomato salad and Little Gem salad were standouts--fresh, beautifully composed and full of flavor. The mashed potatoes and truffle fries were incredible, and we somehow managed to save room for two wonderful desserts. It was just an all-around great evening, and we'll definitely be back. One additional note for anyone visiting from out of town: Doris is on a well-lit street, and we felt perfectly comfortable walking to and from the restaurant.

    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

    Streetcar Cafe - Blackened Salmon and Homemade Iced tea

    Streetcar Cafe

    4.2(819 reviews)
    1.1 mi•Central Business District
    •$$
    Full bar
    Outdoor seating

    This was a wonderful little restaurant not a two minute walk from our hotel. (The…read moreInter-continental.) Obviously, being so close it was easy-convenient and priced very reasonably. It also looks like a local hangout with their very comfortable bar. The team here is very friendly and like all places in New Orleans... always looking to help. We were traveling with our friends, which we do often and we're very predicable on what we order for breakfast. Our server came right over to the table to bring us water and take a drink order. After a very quick turn-around she was back with our coffees and we were ready to order. Over easy eggs and potatoes French toast VERY well done friend eggs Over easy with sausage Eggs Benedict (or any variation you have.) All was good. All was fresh and what needed to be hot was. What more could you ask for? We tend to get to breakfast fairly early so it wasn't too busy, but people were coming in through our meal and the place was filling up quickly. I love coming to restaurants where they have a good flow of customers and their regulars. KUDOs to the team at Streetcar Cafe.

    Not good. Actually, a tourist trap…read more We wanted fresh fried seafood. The fried 'seafood' platter contains farm-raised imported shrimp, farm-raised imported Swai (a foreign garbage-eating pond-raised fish), and farmed oysters for $26. No thanks. Ok. Switching to gumbo. Uh, their 'gumbo' is a thin broth with virtually no solid ingredients besides white rice. A very few minuscule shreds of chicken and maybe a 6-8 tiny cubes of some tasteless sausage for $17. It did come with a nice biscuit. Be aware of what's being served. Stick to the well-known real-deal restaurants. Not everything is what it claims to be. Nothing real about this ripoff. We'll never go back to this tourist trap.

    Photos
    Streetcar Cafe - Beignets better than the other famous beignets place

    Beignets better than the other famous beignets place

    Streetcar Cafe - Panacota, Peppermint tea with honey syrup

    Panacota, Peppermint tea with honey syrup

    Streetcar Cafe - Our Famous Beignets

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    Our Famous Beignets

    Bamboula's - musicvenues - Updated October 2026

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