DBA In New Orleans on April 24, 2026, the first Friday of the 2026 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. It had been a busy day at the fairgrounds, shuttling between the Blues tent (featuring Al "Lil Fats" Jackson) and the Gospel tent (featuring LB Landry Gospel Choir and St. Mary's Academy Gospel Choir) for most of the day. Lorde began her performance around 5:30 p.m., by which time I knew I'd had enough sunshine for the day. Taking the Express Shuttle bus back to my hotel, I made plans to stop by DBA for a drink and a listen. This is a modest venue - a traditional stage at the back, maybe a dozen tables - no food, just a well-stocked and diverse menu of beverages priced for the going market . . . not cheap, but not over the top expensive; and very tasty. The musicians were just setting up when I arrived around 6:30 p.m. on a Friday. There was one hi-top table for two left when I got there, so I claimed it and went looking for the bartender. The band fired up, and away we went. No cover, acoustics were great, the audience vibe was enthusiastic, and you get a sense that this is what New Orleans brass band jazz is all about. Time well spent! read more

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Trivia: Two of the owners, Cheryl and Brad also manage what establishment located across the street? Wine on tap. An interesting concept! Takes some time for the carbonation to escape. It is also cold, which was weird for me in a red blend. Friendly and attentive staff and the jazz was excellent. The seating situation is a little weird. Plan on standing if you come to hear jazz. read more

DBA - Paradise - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

We popped in and caught the tail end of a great jazz band here, and enjoyed a cocktail. The vibe is very chill and chic. Sort of artsy coffee house meets jazz bar. A very enjoyable time. read more

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Came here as part of a Jazz tour and this place was so cool. The hurricanes are made with real fruit juice which I love. The ambiance was super cool and I loved to see the dancers. Wish we would have spent more time here. It does get crowded but we made our way to the front still. It is also right across the street from the night art market. read more

Great spot for jazz music & crafty mixed cocktails! Plenty of seating with friendly service. We sat in a window seat where you can hear the music, have table conversations & watch people walking by outside. read more

DBA - Great drink selection - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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We hated Bourbon St. so we came to Frenchman. A man was outside and said there is no cover charge. Originally I was going to the Spotted cat but it was crowded and it had a cover charge of 5. So d.b.a it was! I'm glad it happened like this Secret 6 was playing. I adored their music and couples were dancing. Yes they sell cds and albums. I bought one. The bartender was nice and the bathroom is up the stairs by the other bar. Warning there is a graphic drawn pic in one of the bathrooms. Still though it is a much nicer place than the spotted cat. That's a dive I'm sorry. We had a PERFECT time here and it will be a memory I cherish. The Secret 6 play on Mondays I think. If you like easy listening, 1950's jazz then this is your jam. You can carry on a conversation without yelling. As it should be!! A muffler was used on one of the instruments so it wouldn't be awful shrill unlike the spotted cat ugh! It wasn't crowded til it got a bit later. It didnt feel at any time claustrophobic. Just felt Cozy and exactly what older people like me want. What We are looking for. This is not the loudness that is Bourbon st. Young, college kids probably will not be your particular jam. I only went Monday when Secret 6 was playing. I cant speak for the other music they play. I tried going yesterday at the time listed on Yelp. It was a lie they were not open at 4 . So the hour listing is worthless. This is the reason I docked them at star. Its quite a walk from my hotel and not a walk I would willingly have made if I knew they were not open!!! Too far to make that mistake again. I will only go on Mondays for Secret 6 read more

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I don't want more people to come to Frenchman street and turn it into another Bourbon street.... Frenchman street is its own vibe. It's laid back, fringe, as is. There are these grimy old bars, musicians who's been performing for ages keeps doing what they love, and patrons paying for simple booze to keep the night going. Spend an afternoon going bar to bar somehow you will land in d.b.a and stay. Plenty of seating in a wood paneled dark space, and plenty of space for a little dance. The bar is in the middle of two rooms and the other side is always pretty easy to get drinks. $10 cover charge but you can go in and out. read more

DBA - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Enjoyed my time at DBA on a Saturday night in New Orleans with some friends. Band was good and the crowd was dope as well. Don't remember what I drank or the prices I paid since it's New Orleans. read more

Pro tip for the management: keep the bands, fire the bartenders. I've had better service from a vending machine. They're cheaper to run and they aren't rude to the customers. Just so that the right bartender gets the credit for this one, it's the young man with a dark man bun pulled back and a white spandex long sleeve workout shirt working on Monday, Feb 23, 2026 at 10pm. I'd love to give a name for the review but if I can't get a beer than I really can't get a name for the complaint. Any time you can enjoy 45 minutes of live music while paying for zero drinks (because the staff was so awful) it's a win for the wallet and a loss for the bar. read more

Tried the Sazerac, one of New Orleans' most iconic drinks--but honestly, wasn't a fan. The taste just didn't do it for me, though I get why it has its place in local cocktail history. The bar itself had a decent vibe, with not bad music, though it wasn't authentic jazz--more like jazz-inspired background tunes. If you're going for the full jazz bar experience, you might want to look elsewhere. read more

DBA - sazerac drink - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I was told if you wanted to hear good jazz music, you needed to stop by Frenchman Street. We were not disappointed when we came here. There was no cover charge, a live jazz band playing, people dancing, two full bars, and a good atmosphere. There were many bars on the street to choose from. Many required a drink purchase every hour, had a cover charge, were small, crammed. and had standing room only. We decided on coming here because there was no cover, and a live jazz band could be heard tearing it up inside. We walked in, and found the bar divided into two rooms. One side had full bar, tables, and chairs, and was a little quieter. You could still hear the jazz band but were able to carry on a conversation. The other room had a full bar, tables, and chairs, an open floor area for dancing, and a stage with the band. There was plenty of room to enjoy the music on both sides and bar tenders to assist you. The service was exceptional, the prices were reasonable, and the pours were generous. Overall, great experience and a fun time. read more

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Strolling along Frenchman Street after lunch, I heard the blare of a brass band and followed it to dba. I was pleasantly surprised that the Treme Brass Band, a well known Mardi Gras parade band, plays at 3pm on Sundays. With a $10 cover charge, the bar has two rooms and easy to get drinks at either bar. It's a wood paneled room with a stage in the back, with comfy seats in front and along the wall. They had a good selection of beers on tap and finger food in the afternoon. I would go every Sunday if I lived in NOLA! read more

DBA - Front along Frenchman - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Quintessentially New Orleans. Great music, cheap drinks, friendly service, and amazing live music. read more

DBA - Music - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Best cocktails I had in my time in NOLA!!! tried a drink on almost every bar on Frenchman, but this bar had the most luxurious and well made cocktails!!! Their hurricane was not sugary or watered down it had an even amount of liquor balanced with just the right amount of fruit and shaken to perfection!! Their lush lychee tasted like was strong authentic martini if I could try every drink here I would!10/10 recommend read more

It is hard to believe almost 15 years have passed since I played a gig here at d.b.a. in the Marigny Triangle neighborhood of Faubourg Marigny. Walking East from the French Quarter, it gets quieter along the way and then it gets more neighborhood-y. I remember staying at the Lamothe House Hotel, which is a short walk to and from d.b.a. What I love about this part of New Orleans, which also includes Louisiana Music Factory and Check Point Charlie further to the South, is the coolness, good vibes and randomness. One only in New Orleans sight: the MarchFourth Marching Band, straight out of Portland, Oregon, walking near d.b.a at night - and one of the guys from the band was walking on stilts! I can't remember if he was a clown or not, but I thought the whole scene was awesome. (Haha!) Of all the places I've DJ'd at, d.b.a. is definitely high on the list (easily top 5). The layout, stage, acoustics and atmosphere are all top notch, in my opinion. I am so glad this place is still around. read more

What a great place to go for great music! Friendly staff and friendly local people. No food available but the drinks were really good. Arrive early to get a seat. Otherwise you'll be standing throughout the show. The cover charge is low so plan on being kind and tipping the band. read more

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Wow incredible music great service at the bar all around fun night great vibe for all people Soul Rebels !! read more

Really classy decor and lighting, great music, and they made a decent espresso martini!

Great spot on Frenchmen Street to check out live music. It's an intimate space with stage in back. A large bar is in the center area with most seating ringing the bar or along the walls.. If you're here for a show come on earlier side, if you want to grab a seat on stage side. The sound is great throughout the bar. Really not a bad seat in bar for the sound. Just your view is obstructed by a wall, if you're not in the seating room in stage area. read more

DBA - Stage - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Great place for live music in Frenchman Street. The Soul Rebels were on the calendar during my visit and was a great night. Great music, great service, great music club. Grab a drink with your friends or paramour in the seats with a fishbowl look out onto Frenchman, there might be a cover for evening music, but it's well worth it. In 2022, the craft beer selection was extensive! Urban South and other locals come to mind. I didn't find out until later about the semi-private unisex bathroom on the mainfloor, which was nice and clean, and always seemed to have a line. The Soul Rebels did a great job bringing NOLA Brass Band party to d.b.a. and did some nice cover versions as well. read more

DBA - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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We were looking for a place where we could just sit and relax and listen to some great Jazz music and d.b.a. did not disappoint!!! The band was amazing!!! The main singer had pipes on her that gave me goosebumps! The atmosphere was cool, dark, with soft lighting that made the ambiance on point for a great jazz bar. The bartender was also amazing and made sure we were taken care of with fabulously poured drinks and also made some recommendations for us to do the next day of which we did and she was dead on! We will definitely be back! read more

It's not what it was it used to be. It still has great music but the bar and bathrooms are neglected.

One of the best venues in New Orleans history! It's my war room . Oh and they have great ac! read more

DBA - Interior - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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music is good. cocktails are terrible. stay with extra basic such as a G&T or a beer and a shot.

This place is 21 and over. Doesn't say anything about that on the website like other venues. I sent an email via the website a week ago asking about age restrictions, got no response. Went there with my 18 year old today, we were turned away. This place sucks. Will never come back. read more

D.B.A. is a fantastic bar off of Frenchman street if you want to experience some great jazz and dance a little. The bar can get a little crowded so it can take a little to get a beer but the bartenders are diligent at serving everyone as fast as they can. I highly recommend this bar!! read more

DBA - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Did not try food and do not think there is any. Good jazz but too loud by far and gave me a headache. Drinks very expensive and there is a cover charge. read more

DBA - Bar interior - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Amazing stage and music. Band was upbeat and engaging. Sadly the only white wine offered tonight was a prosecco or Pinot Grigio..

Came to see Tuba Skinny and we were not disappointed by the band one bit, and just a little disappointed to learn that seating was so scarce but yeah it turns out I just didn't research enough before making plans. No fault of establishment. That being said, if you're easily fatigued from standing or wearing uncomfortable shoes, get yourself to the front of the queue before they open up the room where the bands perform so you can snag a seat! Okay, now with seating out of the way, drinks were good and the bartender who took care of us all night was delightful! Didn't catch her name but she had black hair and bangs that made me think "do I need to get bangs?" that's how cute they were. We were there from 5:40 until 9:00 and the crowd turned a little fratty around 8:30 but before that it was a lot of folks really interested in the music and an awesome crowd of swing dancers! That was fun to watch (and fun to try! Shout out to the kind gentleman named Seth who took me for a spin!). Will absolutely come back in the future...and will absolutely be wearing my Allbirds again with some orthotic inserts when I do. read more

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Walked into this club, the band was good fun. The drinks were good but way overpriced $23 . The service was the most inhospitable. We came here because it was highly recommended online. We like the neighborhood and make sure to come this side when in town. I would not recommend to anyone, just bad vibes..... Move along to somewhere friendlier!!!! read more

DBA - Live jazz band! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Stopped by here in August and paid a cover charge for $10 to walk into an almost empty space here. The jazz band performance was good but there were around 5-6 people in this huge club. We ordered a drink. The drinks were okay. I wonder why they charged us cover for an almost empty club. I recommend visiting other better jazz clubs instead of paying cover charges and sitting here. read more

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Great music, great staff, great selection. My wife and I found this to be our favourite stop while exploring Frenchman on our recent trip. We'll certainly be back on the next visit. read more

DBA - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

We came just for the music. The night we were there, a Thursday, was bad. Way too loud and not good . We left after 1-2 songs. Better off at the spotted cat. read more

Wandered in off the street to catch Treme at d.b.a. on a Tuesday night. Ok, that's not entirely true. A friend who grew up here said that even though we are old fogies who are typically in bed by 10 we had to see this band. So we went to Cafe Du Monde and got coffee and drove over to experience this place. So absolutely glad we did! I'd never been over to this end of NOLA before. Much more artsy and hipster kind of place but also a much more enjoyable energy vibe from the bars and the bands on the other side of Esplanade. Treme started promptly at 10pm and very quickly the fairly empty bar filled up with friendly people from the street. The band is well known as one of the local marching brass bands, so seeing them sit and play is apparently different. They did not disappoint! Excellent way to end a fantastic day in NOLA. read more

DBA - Getting set up for Treme Brass Band - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

It's called getting "A Wild Hair", otherwise known as no I'm going to chill and stay in tonight when SUDDENLY and without warning, you're dressing for downtown and driving to the edge of the Quarter to rock out with your favorite local band. I haven't been here in yeeeeeeeaaaaars. Sure the crowd was a lot of tourists, it was loud, a little crowded-but if that's not for you, stay far away from Frenchman Street. The cover was a decent $10 and the drinks didn't take long to be served. The club is cozy, with tall ceilings and plenty of space to dance. The sound is great, and it truly is an intimate club for local acts that you'll be telling your friends about "That one time in New Orleans...." read more

We went to D.B.A to see the Swingin' Gypsies on a Fri night. We were aware there was no cover, instead a requirement to buy one drink per person-per set. The band started at 6:30-we got there around 6:15, thinking it was set to start at 6:00-and decided to wait. While waiting, we took time to review the expansive liquor and beer menu. We attempted to order right when the band started, and were greeted by a very moody bartender. She rudely scolded us for 'sitting around too long without ordering'. I asked if I could get a water before I grabbed a drink-and basically the message was order a drink and just hold it with my water. It felt pushy and rude. We had a spot we're settled in for the band, we were planning on drinks, but apparently you need to drink at the bartender's speed. The moment the band finished the first set, we were ushered to buy another round. I'd have rather paid a 10$ cover up front then be harassed sip by sip. I enjoyed the band though; the stage is well placed with lots of dancing room, they put in a great show. We will just go see them somewhere else. read more

DBA - Swinging Gypsies - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Stopped in for a drink to kill time before our tour and ten minutes in this place I was regretting that we had a tour to attend. I did not want to leave. The band was amazing and the bartender was quick and friendly. There were couples dancing to the jazz music which was awesome. Tuba Skinny i believe was the bands name, such great music. Great draft beer selection and clean restrooms! Would visit again! read more

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Seven years (and dozens of visits) since I've last reviewed DBA? How is that even possible? And because I'm on a bit of a nostalgia trip these days, it seems an update is due. My favorite time to hit up DBA is within the first hour or so of opening. The place is all sparkling and empty and smelling of that new bar smell. My guy and I belly up and over to our choice of coveted window seats. This is the ONLY place to sit, trust me on that, daylight or nighttime, you're going to get an epic show of people parading down Frenchman Street in various states of sobriety and questionable attire. While we're on the subject, whatever happened to travelers looking sharp, y'know, wearing those special vacation clothes? NOT. ON FRENCHMAN. EVER. I mean, maybe there's an awful lot of people vacationing out of their cars these days, but there's some seriously interesting looks going by those windows. I digress. I will leave it at this: One of my favorite things to do in New Orleans is to sip a glass of sparkling and gaze outside at the local flavor here at DBA. That said, this will always be a favorite music venue. It's a MUST for anyone visiting New Orleans and the cover is worth it. The selection of wine, beer and spirits is impressive (especially beer and brown liquors, but any bar (that's not a wine bar) that carries both Prosecco *and* Cava has my undying loyalty. DBA will always be on my regular rotation when I'm back in New Orleans. read more

DBA - Jazz & Blues Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Refused entry tonight because of my service dog! I was on the clock as a licensed new orleans tour guide, bringing in a small private cocktail tour group of 3, when I was denied entry by the doorman because of my trained, licensed & credentialed service dog. I asked for a manager and he forced me and my tour group to leave! Later i walked by on the sidewalk and that same doorman threatened me and my service dog, and it was terrifying i was genuinely scared for my life, mind you this man was 3x my size read more

Great music acts, but that's a given since it's on Frenchmen. They are under new management so time will tell how things turn out. What was once the best curated beer list this side of the Avenue Pub has become absolutely standard. It's probably what more people want, but I went there for the friendly staff and the great beer and both of those have changed a lot recently. But I'm Willing to give it another shot! read more