Cancel

Open app

Search

Bamboula's

3.5 (597 reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
Updated 2 months ago

Bamboula's Photos

Business Info

BAMBOULA'S ATMOSPHERE

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

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Bamboula's

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

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

See all

1 month ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Rudy M.
130
611
2400

3 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

13 days ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

27 days ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 20
Thanks 7
Love this 19
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Sandino N.
110
41
56

3 months ago

Great vibes, oyster selection and live music, all in one place. And kid friendly too for dinner!

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 1

9 months ago

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

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of W C.
1
1432
0

9 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Savanna G.
113
80
44

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of B N.
1
11
3

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jille A.
59
26
30

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

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

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 40
Thanks 10
Love this 48
Oh no 1

1 year ago

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

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

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

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Music Venues 322 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Preservation Hall - Bananas foster ice cream special

Preservation Hall

4.4(956 reviews)
0.6 mi•French Quarter
•$$

This is an easy 5-star review. Lazy me would just cherry pick from the other 5-star reviews but…read more.. Preservation Hall is a must when visiting New Orleans. Picture exceptional musicians playing traditional jazz in your living room or backyard. There are no frills, light shows, just benches and standing room areas which allow you to be transported back in time when jazz was king. From their website: "Operating as a family business, Preservation Hall supported the unique culture of traditional jazz in New Orleans, which developed in the local melting pot of African, Caribbean, and European musical traditions at the turn of the 20th Century. Preservation Hall was a rare space in the South where racially integrated bands and audiences shared music together during the Jim Crow era." I would strongly suggest that you purchase your tickets well in advance as these shows sell out. In the past the Hall was BYOB and there were no rest rooms. They have upped their game and there is a full bar and bathrooms! Each show is only 45 minutes in length for those 45 minutes you are in for a truly magnificent experience.

This is a historic spot. It's small inside- not fancy- it's real. No big lights, no big speakers,…read moreno mixers or autotune. Think- sitting in the living room. Old church style benches. Get your tickets early. The musicians were great- music was great. I loved it.

Photos
Preservation Hall - Preservation Hall

Preservation Hall

Preservation Hall - Post show photo opportunity

Post show photo opportunity

Preservation Hall - Preservation Hall stage

See all

Preservation Hall stage

Tipitina's - Honey Island Swamp Band

Tipitina's

4.3(179 reviews)
4.1 mi•East Riverside
•$$

Eleven years since my last review for Tip's? Update demanded…read more I've seen many a great show here since then so that hasn't changed. The sound and sightlines remain superb (I'm partial to watching from above, right where the NKOTB video for The Right Stuff was filmed and I was today years old when I found out this video was shot here, thanks Jen L) and the drinks remain reasonably priced. They have bubbly by the glass (I mean plastic cup), and that's the way I roll these days. And clean bathrooms... at a big music venue?! OK but I was not familiar with these cover-less shows... We had friends in from out of town on Friday and everyone wanted to go to Tips. We were pleasantly surprised by no cover on a Friday night to see the Brass-A-Holics. What a phenomenal show this was, too. There you go. Always a good time at Tip's and if you disagree, well you have to go back. Update delivered!

Well if there is a world famous musical institution in New Orleans, this is the place. Really great…read moretalent on display here and the place just oozes history, if the wall could talk as they say. Two big bars one upstairs and one down. Downstairs is the dance floor, and often folks are rocking it out, upstairs a mezzanine with a railing you can lean on to see the shows and also upstairs are some benches to sit when you feel you need to get off your feet. The whole place is a pretty intimate venue for hearing some of NOLA best. If you have tickets be sure to get there early for a good spot!

Photos
Tipitina's - Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes

Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes

Tipitina's
Tipitina's - View from the upstairs mezzanine

See all

View from the upstairs mezzanine

Le Bon Temps Roule - To Die For Bloody Mary

Le Bon Temps Roule

4.2(161 reviews)
4.1 mi•Uptown
•$

One of my favorite dive bars in Nawlins. Open 24 hours!!…read moreVery diverse crowd, all ages, all types. Super chill if you're chill. Currently home to the infamous Soul Rebels Band on Thursdays when they're not on the road. Back bar ( where the small stage is) opens up late when there is a gig. Great selection of beers and spirits at very fair prices. Pool tables; Jukebox, kitschy decor. The place defines "the dive bar" in a city with great dive bars. Love the place

Had a rough experience here this week with Lynn…read more Very emotionally disregulated bartender that seems to hate her life. David was amazing. Fantastic bartender. Tipped him literally 100% because he deserved it and her 0% because she deserved it. Went back this morning to talk to the young lady working and leave the owner my number and would love to discuss. My mom lives across the street so it's not like I'm just some A hole passing through and I was also a bartender for 5 years myself before becoming a nurse and then a nurse practitioner. I would never treat a patient nor a patron how I was treated by Lynn this week. Great bar, shameful service by Lynn. All the other bartenders I've encountered were amazing but she's a cancer on this place in my limited experience with her on two separate days. Dave, you rock. Will update review once I hear back from owner who I met the other night but didn't discuss because I hadn't had the second experience with Lynn yet. I HATE leaving negative reviews as I'm sure you can tell by my review history but this woman has definitely gotten me out of my character and I apologize.

Photos
Le Bon Temps Roule - LeBonTempsRoulé

LeBonTempsRoulé

Le Bon Temps Roule - Loaded chili fries and a soft pretzel.

Loaded chili fries and a soft pretzel.

Le Bon Temps Roule - Front Window

See all

Front Window

Toulouse Theatre - Cocktail

Toulouse Theatre

4.6(14 reviews)
0.6 mi•French Quarter

Last time I stepped into this building it was the famed One Eye Jacks. So to try to picture this…read morevenue as something else was hard to do. But having it now as a theater is actually really cool. The open mic of hell is a very cool local comedian night, where they have the comics give their standup with a twist, which is chosen by the panel. They had a awesome DJ as well, and the acoustics in the building are fantastic. It's still a stunning building with a really cool bar as you walk in the door. I'd love to check out more events at the Toulouse theater, definitely a cool spot! Last time I stepped into this building it was the famed One Eye Jacks. So to try to picture this venue as something else was hard to do. But having it now as a theater is actually really cool. The open mic was hell is a very cool local comedian night, where they have the comics give their standup with a twist, which is chosen by the panel. They had a awesome DJ as well, and the acoustics in the building are fantastic. It's still a stunning building with a really cool bar as you walk in the door. I'd love to check out more events at the Toulouse theater, definitely a cool spot

We checked out a concert at the Toulouse Theatre and decided to splurge on VIP tickets--because…read morehey, it's Jazz Fest season! Unfortunately, the VIP experience was underwhelming, to say the least. No seating, no added perks--just access to a "private" bar that wasn't much different from the general one. So here's a little tip from me to you: skip the VIP at this venue. It's not worth the upgrade--save your money and thank me later.

Photos
Toulouse Theatre
Toulouse Theatre
Toulouse Theatre

See all

Bamboula's - musicvenues - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...