Honestly don't understand the comments on the service. We've been here twice this weekend, and, to a person, the multiple servers who've helped us have been attentive, quick, and friendly. The music has been spectacular, the ambience is casual, laid back, and filled with old New Orleans charm. This is an unpretentious place that is welcoming. Drinks are delicious. Stop in and give it a try! read more

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!!! read more

Bamboula's - The band! - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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 read more

Bamboula's - That's literally over $30. You're looking at. - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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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! read more

Bamboula's - Jambalaya - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Bamboula's - Seafood Gumbo - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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! read more

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Waited two hrs for food and manager was rude! Order came wrong after waiting. Stay clear.

Came here randomly on a Saturday night. Live jazz band, love it (Never finished review ) read more

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! read more

Bamboula's - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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! read more

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Music was nice, drinks fine, but food was not good. One plate was inedible. Let them know and the manager was rude and disrespectful. He accused us of eating it (we each had one bite) and waited over an hour for the displeasure. We're adults on vacation and not here trying to get a free $20 meal. We came for good vibes and food but left bummed and disappointed. Two stars b/c of the music read more

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

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. read more

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Womp WOMP. What a terribly-run place. We came here on a weekend to have a drink and listen to some music--on a *holiday weekend*--and do you know how many people they had working? TWO. Two people for the entire damn place. Unbelievable. We waited, no joke, almost an hour to get our drinks. And we don't even blame the poor server who was running around like a rockstar; we blame some dumb management person. Get your act together! Nothing else about this place is much better except for the tin ceiling and the space itself which has that NOLA charm to it. The band that was playing was unfortunately not very good. Neither are the acoustics. The stools we sat on were on the verge of collapse. It was really cold in there. The drinks--a hurricane and a daiquiri--when they finally came out were sickly sweet and tasted artificial. At least they were strong! We will say that the fried okra we got as an appetizer was passable. Even though almost everything about this place sucked, we did end up having a nice conversation with a table next to us (that started by commiserating about the wait and lack of service), so that was nice. But otherwise, wow, you should definitely go somewhere else if you're looking for good music, good drinks, and good vibes because you will certainly not find it here. Two stars, and we're being generous. read more

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. read more

Bamboula's - Jon roniger Good for nothing - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I read a previous review stating that the service at this establishment was the worst a yelper had received since an experience in 1981 Soviet Hungary. I now understand that review. My gawd, did we wait.. and wait and wait and wait. And then a few of us received Luke warm food. The majority of the food was pretty decent and the lava cake was killer but do not go to this place if you're in a hurry.. or if you're hungry... maybe for a drink and some jazz. read more

Music and food was great! Service absolutely sucked!!!!! Just abandoned at my table no bill no how's the food.

Dinner was wonderful! Delicious meal. Fun atmosphere and nice upstairs patio dining. Music downstairs as well. Great service! read more

Bamboula's - Upstairs bar - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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The food was killer! Service was a little on the slow side but maybe the waitress was overwhelmed that day. Super fun daytime to night vibe. Great jazz music. Loved the seafood nachos & Brie oysters DAMN read more

Bamboula's - Truffle butter & Brie baked oysters - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Food is mediocre at best. Ordered a lot of things none of which were outstanding. Service was good. Definitely not for locals who have standards of New Orleans foods. Oysters not salty at all and the premix cocktail sauce needs a remake. Love the look of the place read more

A great little place with lively energy, live music and very friendly staff. The food was delicious and as someone who struggles to enjoy alcohol it was one of the best cocktails I ever had! 100% will return! read more

Walked in not expecting much. Wonderful jazz, great oyster appetizer! Very unassuming venue. read more

Bamboula's - Grilled Oysters - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Great live music and lots of space for everyone! The service is efficient and kind. We got some drinks and they were a bit sweet but reasonably priced and worth it to hear the music and hide out from the rain! read more

Bamboula's - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

SERVICE: Quick and easy. Drink menu available AMBIANCE: Great music and lots of seating FOOD: Normal fried food for this area read more

Bamboula's - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

The food was incredible, we had the Blue Crabcakes, Jumbo, Jambalaya, and a shrimp PoBoy...all of it so good. Our waitress Trell was just great, friendly, knowledgeable, efficient, made great recommendations. Overall a fabulous experience. Beautiful place with live music and singer amd band were terrific. read more

Bamboula's - Gumbo, Jambalaya and Shrimp PoBoy - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Food is Overpriced, small portions, not worth it, not good. Vibe is okay. Service was good. read more

Bamboula's - 16 dollar gumbo entree - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Busy! The music and food draw you in. It's spacious, but most people want to sit in the front and at the bar to experience the live Jazz. There is another room, however it is all cramped. We sat at a small table against the wall. Walk ways are not wide. The food was awesome. We had the chicken jambalaya and the gumbo. Great. There seems to be no system with seating and waiting on tables. It took about 10 minutes for anyone to recognize we sat down. Lastly, the bathrooms are something out of a nightmare. The men's room was dirty, the urinals were full and only one would flush. The toilet seat in the only stall was on the floor. Just. Don't. If you need to use the restroom, wait. Overall, the music was great and you get to relax. I just wish they would do something g with the bathrooms. ‍ read more

We waited more than 30 minutes before making the decision to leave. We kept flagging the waiter. He kept saying (tall/thin/white guy) he was coming back. We went to the bar and ordered our own drinks trying to be patient, we told other waiters that our order had not been taken and they just kept saying they would let our waiter know. Really bad experience. Needless to say we left and found this wonderful place "Cane and Table". read more

Great live band during the middle of the day. Friendly service. Indoor seating available. Good amount of drinks to choose from. Ordered a couple of items from the food menu but wasn't a big fan. Probably wouldn't recommend the food but a good place to grab drinks and listen to live music. read more

Bamboula's - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Defiantly worth a visit. We visited twice in 1 week. Music was good mix of what you expect to hear for Jazz. Goat cheese balls were the bomb! read more

My friend and I were walking down Frenchman and heard some incredible music coming from this place, so we stopped in. There was a live band playing and the female singer had an amazing voice. They performed a great rendition of "House of the Rising Sun." Unfortunately, we arrived at the end of their set, so we didn't stay long. However, even though the place was packed we were escorted to a table near the stage and a server showed up right away with menus & water. I ordered a cocktail to go and left a good tip. The food looked yummy, and my drink was tasty. The place is spacious. I will return, and hopefully that band will be playing again so I can catch their full set. read more

Bamboula's - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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

What a wonderful spot! The music, entertainment, service, the food, and crowd were all on point! The band, the 3rd Degree, is a very lively band; their energy is so infectious! LOVE IT!! Want to send a special shout out to outer server/bartender, Ellie has such a great personality! Definitely will be back! read more

A Frenchman staple with a gregarious doorman and amazing live music. You will be transported to timeless good times. But the food is just meh. Goat cheese balls with habanero sauce were the highlight. My shrimp poboy was misfired as a platter. Regardless, the shrimp was fairly flavorless but it was fresh and the right amount of crispy. The jambalaya was okay, not too exciting either. Service with a smile, sure, but also confusing: not one person assigned to the table just a flow of over stepping, yet friendly, servers. My drink came out wrong 3 times and they were out of several things. Now, the music of Ed Wills and the vibe from the crowd made up for everything! Check it out- just eat somewhere else first. read more

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bomb oysters great beer and great music . I don't understand the bad reviews on this place, people have high standards and need to just chill out a bit and pull the voodoo hairs out their bung read more

Bamboula's - Music Venues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Walk down Frenchmen Street and keep your ears open to some music you enjoy. That's how we found Bamboula's. On a Friday night at 9pm, there were still some seats available, but they quickly filled up. We ordered drinks and a burger. The food was fine. Nothing to call home about, but did the trick for what we needed. No cover for the band and the food and drink were well priced. Service was excellent and so friendly! Don't forget to bring cash so you can tip the band. read more

Was the only bar not allowing something from outside. I had a fresh drink and food with the rest of the group I was with. The door guy was beyond rude and racial profiling. Definitely ruined my night. The only place here in New Orleans with someone not cut out for their job. The dude is sitting there eating a bag of chips and won't let me in with what I had. Wouldn't recommend. Ruined my night and vacation and hope he gets what's coming. Poor service all around. There is always a right way to do things. The African American guy at the door definitely has something more wrong inside with him and instead let it out with customers. read more

My wife and I were wandering around looking for a place to eat, and we wound up here almost reluctantly. We both got the burgers and they were among the best we've ever had. They do magic with the french fries, which sounds kind of strange. In addition, the service is beyond outstanding. Callout and thanks to our server Ian! read more