Wandered in almost by accident as we had to wait for a table at Jacques Imo's. The band had not started its set yet so we just grabbed a beer and chatted with a very friendly bartender. We came back later and caught the second half of the set; it was $20 cover for the whole thing and $10 for the second half, though felt like if you were there before the band maybe the cover didn't apply. The music was great and the dive bar atmosphere really fed into the mood. You could also tell the bar had its crowd of regulars, and everybody was really into the music, which was great. I might have otherwise given it 4 stars because it felt slightly uncomfortable in terms of seating for the music, but the music, atmosphere, and bartender were so great it was a 5-star experience for my NoLa tourist self. read more

This dive is a great music venue. $3 High Life's and laid back. Great back patio during sets. read more

Maple Leaf Bar - Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Great, dark, little dive bar in Uptown section;. Great place for LIVE music 7 nights a week ( see below) Cool bartenders. Right next to a great restaurant ( Jacque Imo's) for pre- or post- dinner partying. Opens around 4-5 PM, closes between 12-2am ( depending on the date) Musical styles represented include blues, funk, R&B, rock, zydeco, jazz, jam bands and any combination thereof, and beyond, hosting both local performers and touring national acts. Currently home to 2018 Grammy Lifetime Achievement winner George Porter Jr. and his trio every Monday night, frequent performers at the Maple Leaf have included local legends James Booker, the Rebirth Brass Band, Papa Grows Funk, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, "Money Mike" Armstrong, The Radiators, Henry Butler, and untold more. Unannounced sit-ins are not uncommon; Bruce Springsteen once dropped in to jam with The Iguanas. Jon Cleary's band was once joined by his frequent employer, Bonnie Raitt. read more

Maple Leaf Bar - Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Great time. Was recommended by a friend who knew a local. Great band. Fun crowd. Cheap drink prices.

I only had a Red Bull and beer during my visit to Maple Leaf. The decor is dive bar chic. I loved the concert- the space was big enough to dance but small enough to be an intimate space with the artist. The bartenders are so chill and I love they treat everyone like a regular so great energy overall. We will be back for cocktails during Mardi Gras! read more

Maple Leaf Bar - Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Fantastic place for great music. The people there are so nice. We weren't there for long as we just wanted to check it out. But, had we had more time, we would have stayed all night! The bartender was especially nice and very friendly to everyone he chatted with. Drinks are cheap and in plastic cups, but, good nonetheless! Cover was $20 and for the music-well worth it. read more

We ventured out of the touristy French Quarter to Maple Leaf Bar on Oak Street. Unfortunately, Jacques-Imo's was closed (it was around 10pm on a Tuesday night) where we had hoped to grab dessert. We actually Lyft'd all the way across town from Bacchanal, which also had live music (see my review). Maple Leaf Bar has an authentic New Orleans venue vibe to it, and it seemed liked a lot of locals were there, although we surprisingly met another couple from S. Florida (small world). The bar has a back outdoor area to sit and have a drink. The music area is a bit narrow, with FCFS bench seating along the sides. We saw the To-Be-Continued brass band and they had that unique New Orleans brass and horn sections wall of sound to them, a few drummers, and a talented guitarist. What really brought it home was the tuba serving as the low-bass component (in lieu of bass guitar). If you want to experience live music off the beaten and over-worn track of the French Quarter, Maple Leaf Bar is a can't miss. read more

Maple Leaf Bar - TBC band at the Maple Leaf Bar. - Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

If you want real NOLA music, Maple Leaf is a mandatory stop. There's a cover but well worth it. Mostly you will be standing but there a few pews lining the perimeter. A wonderful artist named Frenchy was painting the live musical act, George Porter Jr, among the best of NOLA Funk. There are bricks in the back patio where those who play here are commemorated. read more

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Came here for the music. There was a brass band here tonight. The band was kinda good but not good enough for a $20 cover. The drinks were not great. I had a margarita. Then later my friend ordered a round of their iced coffees for us. They list iced coffee on the board above the bar. They were disgusting. I asked the bartender if they had any kind of sweetener. He said no. I asked if they had any simple syrup for their cocktails. He told me they don't use it. That they only have. "And" drinks. ... Having worked in restaurants and bars for 10+ years, I didn't know what he was taking about. He very rudely explained that only have "and" drinks. Vodka and soda, etc. I said. "Well, you made me a margarita." Then he proceeded to tell me he just gave me tequila and orange juice with something else. (No wonder it was disgusting. He could've just said that they couldn't make cocktails at the time we ordered. We would've ordered something else.) I told him I know there is no simple syrup in a margarita. He was confused and had an attitude about me bringing up my margarita. I explained that I only brought it up as an example of a cocktail. He made a comment about me as he walked away that my friend overheard. .... Anyway, it could've been a much more pleasant and concise interaction. He is literally the only a-hole I've encountered in New Orleans in a week of going to a convention, restaurants, and bars. I would think twice about coming to this bar again, maybe pre-game somewhere else & lookup the band first. The bartender was Nick. Zero out of 5 stars for him. read more

Another fun, classic NOLA bar and music venue. I can't add to the great things folks have said about this place for decades!

Amazing vibe with beautiful people who all share one things in common: their love for music! Divey bar tucked in between two delicious restaurants only a few minutes walk from the St. Charles & Oak Street trolley stop. Small stage in a large, long wood-floor room built for dancing and living your best life. Not only do I recommend, I demand you go!! ;) read more

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Well this is the place to listen to live band local music Everyone is happy and celebrating Very casual and comfortable read more

Maple Leaf Bar - Rebirth Brass Band - Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

It was a while ago, 2016, we were visiting N.O. during Carnival. Drove over there on a Sunday night from the Garden District B&B where we were staying. The show was Joe Krown, Walter "Wolfman" Washington and Jon Batiste, so we were super excited. By about 10PM, I asked another patron when does the music start. He chuckled and said, "Hang in there. We gotta eat first." Just about then, the staff came out of the kitchen with huge, steaming pots which they dumped out on the tables which had been arranged in a long row. There was boiled shrimp, crabs and crawfish, corn, onions, potatoes, andouilles sausage and so on. As out-of-towners, I was only vaguely aware of this as a New Orleans tradition. It was delicious, and there was so much, a very large crowd of people in the bar couldn't finish it. Then came the music. Nuff said. A truly memorable night. Thanks again N.O. and all you have to offer. read more

I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the Rebirth Brass Band's amazing set at the Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans. Such a cool experience and memory. read more

Maple Leaf Bar - The crowd during a Rebirth Brass Band set at the Maple Leaf Bar. - Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Visiting from California during the Super Bowl. what a great hospitable local bar. The bar tender and everyone were so nice !

What an amazing experience it was to dine with you all. Delicious Food, impeccable Service and Vibe five star read more

Maple Leaf Bar - Grits - Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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It's just one of the best places. I have met some legendary musicians here. Big blend of locals and tourists. Everyone is approachable but if you are a tourist...for everyone's sake, have a great time but read the room and don't get out of hand, it isn't a French Quarter "pop up" bar built purely for tourists. It is an old school Nola spot made and served with locals and the tourists that love them in mind. SO if you're a tourist and love the "real" New Orleans, this is one of those places you will probably end up at and probably already know about or have heard of. It has been years since my last time there but hey who knows...the "siren" city always calls you back :) read more

Absolutely recommended!! Wow saw Jon Cleary there. The bartenders Reagan and Ryan were terrific. Everything you want is here. Fun fun fun. read more

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Visiting the Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans was a highlight of my vacation here. After seeing Anthony Bourdain's episode of The Layover in New Orleans visiting the Maple Leaf, I was determined to check it out as I love both Anthony and the band. It ended up being quite the exciting night as my friend and I talked a few others from the hostel we were staying in, to join us. We chose to take public transportation and walk the rest of the way there. Honestly, not the best choice. We definitely felt unsafe at a few points during our walk. Taking a cab back was a good choice. As mentioned in the other reviews, you gotta get here early and it will be packed like sardines. It is definitely true and although I was there the last week of March, it was hot and sweaty in there. The thing is, everyone is happy and smiling and dancing regardless of the stuffy weather. There is a back courtyard area to hang out in and the back of the club is less crowded. People hang out in front of the bar on the street too. There were some people out front cooking some tasty and New Orleans food and selling it. What an awesome perk to an already awesome evening. Once Rebirth Brass Band started playing, the place just really lit up and was full of energy. Everyone was dancing and smiling and just enjoying the positive space. Such awesome music! They played for quite a while and I think my friends and I actually left before they finished because parties start late in New Orleans! haha. We were happy to walk out the doors at the end of the night and see a bunch of cabs waiting to take people home. I would love to go back to the Maple Leaf for a crawfish broil next time I visit. read more

A few doors down from Jacques Imo's, so you can imagine the complete infestation of tourists that throng the street. Did enjoy watching the Rebirth Brass Band on a Tuesday night, despite the insane crowd that had most likely seen the same Anthony Bourdain episode that features the place. $30 cover charge, but the drinks were cheap. Not sure if we were overcharged because I'd read that cover is $20 usually and I'm obviously not a local. At the set break, the crowd thinned and the second half of the show was much more enjoyable without drunk yuppies making out and dancing awkwardly. read more

Had a hell of a time in this joint on Tuesday night! My friend who is a new resident of New Orleans told me an awesome band called Rebirth. Cover was $15 and there isn't an ATM inside so make sure you bring the dollars. Whoever does the lighting in the place is awesome as it give off a great vibe while listening to some awesome jazz. The band rocks on stage while the crowd rocks out below on the main floor. There is a bench on the wall for sitting drinks or standing to get a better view as it gets mad crowded here so get ready to sweat. Drink prices are standard as they of course have a full bar. This is definitely a place I will try every time I go to NOLA. read more

Maple Leaf Bar - Rebirth getting busy on Tuesday nights!!! - Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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One of my favorite clubs in the City. Home of great music. Sometimes it damn near levitates.

The Maple Leaf has felt like home since my first time there back in 2002 and saw my friends Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes play one of their very first times at this famed institution. Now that I live here and the JSDN boys have become my family, it truly has become a second (or in my gypsy-like way, third, or fourth...) home. From watching the Saints games on Sundays (where Hank, the owner, will often get Popeye's for everyone), to hanging out for most of Po'Boy Fest so I could avoid the crowd crush, to grubbing on free Sunday evening crawfish and shrimp boils... I'm a regular even WITHOUT gettin down at a show! But indeed, this is also one of (if not THE) best live music venues in a city chock full of em. Two bars, great bartenders (just don't ask for any fancy drinks, I heard a tourist get the third degree when asking for a certain kind of martini), the groove room to get sweaty in, pool table in the back, a lovely outdoor courtyard - what's not to love? The Maple Leaf truly ROCKS. Experience the funky beating heart of the Oak Street community - the Krewe of O.A.K. is headquartered here, Frenchie often does his live painting at Leaf shows, Jacques from next door hangs out frequently, and you are quite likely to run into one of the lovely "Maple Ladies" at the far corner of the bar any night of the week. What ya waitin for? Go enjoy yourself, and tell 'em I'll be by to hang out soon. read more

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Great musical acts but bar service was terrible. Not the first time this has happened to me. The tenders were talking to each other and just ignored me. Then when I waived at one, he waived back, yelled "Hi" and then turned his back on me and continued to ignore me. I walked out at that point. Plenty of other places to spend my money. Goodbye Maple Leaf. read more

One of Uptown's classics. An eclectic mix of customers, ages and backgrounds all with one thing in common, to get blown away by some of the best music this city has to offer. The bartenders make great drinks and they have a good craft beer selection, and the prices are a deal. Cover charges are a steal for the quality of entertainment, usually $10 to $15 per person Allow yourself some time to explore Oak Street before going to Maple Leaf. Lots to do and see in the area. read more

Maple Leaf Bar - Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Oh yeah, I took it Uptown last night. It's been a while. I was just discussing how Canal Street seems to be this Great Divide in New Orleans. It's not unlike the, "I don't go above 14th Street" thing in New York (So maybe those words came out of my mouth from time to time. I was just trying to explain why this might make sense in excruciating detail to my friends last night, but they weren't buying it). I'm not against Uptown establishments the way *some* people who shall remain nameless are. BUT! There's this: it's a pricey cab ride from the Marigny. And I don't drink and drive. So, if you're drivin', I'm down to go Uptown! It was my first time at the Maple Leaf last night. Yeah, yeah, I know. I lived Uptown for an entire year, there shouldn't be any excuses, so I won't make any. Last night's band was not Rebirth, but they were extremely good, even if funk isn't my favorite kind of music. I like the regulars here a lot, as I encountered several last night. The space itself is pretty damn great and I love the layout. The bar is long, there are plenty of stools to park your butt and this area affords you a break from the music in the other room (yet you can still hear it AOK). There's also a back area behind the music room, with a bar that serves when it's crowded, I presume. What I especially dig, however, is that backyard patio with a sweet set-up of benches, tables and foliage. It's really pretty back there. All-around good bar and venue. I expect I'll be taking it Uptown again here very soon... read more

We were looking for a local music joint and were really happy with our choice. We came in to see the 101 Runners and they came on around 11pm. Before they went on we hit up the back bar and they bartender was very cool, letting us relive some of our college days. I would stick to the beers as some of the cocktails were a little odd tasting (the moscow mule for one!). The music was amazing. It felt like a jam session, but these are some serious musicians. We all really loved it. Later in the night we noticed Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons hanging out listening to the music, but everyone just left them alone and didn't paparazzi or spazz all over them. Very chill crowd. Make the trek out here, it's totally worth it! read more

Maple Leaf Bar - View of the stage. The room is long and fairly narrow. - Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Monday night expectations are never high for me. After a delightfully fun-filled weekend, you tend to want to lay around like red beans simmering on the stove but I had promised my gal pal, Lauren R, I'd partake in some Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen at The Maple Leaf. I've been here many a time for the late night Rebirth Brass Band show on Tuesday nights, a great place to bring visiting friends who arrive early in the week. This is exactly what a Monday night in New Orleans should be. Don't go looking for a fancy-schmancy martini or obscure import here. Get yourself a solid local brew. I went with NOLA 7th Street Wheat, a light beer that they dump a whole bunch of fresh lemon-basil into after fermentation giving it a light citrus taste and a refreshing finish. Great for when Cleary's feet start getting frantic while his fingers dance across the keys. The venue is very intimate. I could've reached out and touched Jon Cleary's nose and it takes everything within me not to hop up on stage. But I think this sort of environment creates a symbiotic relationship between crowd and band. When we arrived Jon Cleary was playing some dreamy blues for the audience of 50 or so motionless, "listen to the tunes" types but they weren't ready just yet. I was shocked to find that I had at least a 6 inch radius from the closest person and my antiperspirant wasn't working double time as per usual at the Maple Leaf. But if you're not sweatin' at the Maple Leaf, you're not dancin' and if you're not dancin'...well you're just not having enough fun! But it didn't take long for Jon and the boys to kick up that blues into some soul into some funk, and I was sweating like a red light district doll face in St. Louis Cathedral. The band's set started promptly at 9 and ended around 12 so you don't feel like you're pulling an all-nighter. He plays two more times on Monday this month, so don't miss out! In summary, for a $10 cover soul funk your blues away, get yourself a local brew or two, dance with strangers and don't be afraid to sweat! read more

Maple Leaf Bar - Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen jammin' out on a Monday night - Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Saw Rebirth here last night. I will say the show was amazing and I was lost in the music. Would definitely recommend seeing them! Venue itself was a neat cozy place with a front bar, room with the stage, back bar, and an outdoor patio in the back. The vibe was inviting. Drinks were expensive to me for how weak they were. They didn't have cherries for my friends drink (my friends told me I was so upset by that I had to post it on here, haha!). Although this isn't part of the venue I believe it's a normal occurrence so I'll make note of it... after the show there was an amazing burger truck outside and another food stand with homemade food! They were both to die for and the "ghetto burger" was my favorite. read more

Maple Leaf Bar - Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Tired of Bourbon Street? Then try Frenchman Street. Great clubs, local crowd, good food choices. Sick of Frenchman Street? Well then, hop the streetcar out past the colleges to the second to last stop - Oak Street. Five block down on your left is The Maple Leaf. As good as anything on Frenchman Street, but even *more* local, with great shows starting around 11 pm. If you have some $$ and are hungry then try some alligator cheesecake next door at Jacques-Imo's Cafe. Incredible stuff. read more

Just came in for a quick drink while passing by. They had Nola 7th Street Wheat on tap which is a huge plus for me. The prices were fair. The bartender was nice. The place was a little dreary and the bathrooms were dark and creepy. I'd come back for a drink but avoid the bathroom. read more

Maple Leaf Bar - Nola 7th Street Wheat - Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Hands down, there is no better place to party for your money in New Orleans - they always have an awesome lineup, cheap cover charges and cheap beer. The locals know how to behave in a crowded bar (just be careful when it fills up with tourists) and the place shakes and shimmies when the crowd is dancing and having fun (ok, not nearly as much as MidCity R-n-B but still...). Great patio and a great vibe. One of my favorite memories was showing up late with a 6'7"friend who was a coach at O.P. Walker - we were acquainted with someone in the band and since the front door was too packed, we were invited to enter the club through the stage door - since the stage is only like 8 feet across, I just put my hands up and danced across the stage to the front of the crowd but poor Larry tried to be unobtrusive, crouching down and pretending to be invisible - there's just no way that a 6'7" tall man can go unnoticed crossing a stage that is only like 10 x 8 feet - it was pretty hilarious turning around to watch him sneaking toward me. We had a blast that night nonetheless and I have that memory of my friend to last me a lifetime! read more

They have Frank Zappa on their jukebox! Instant 5 stars. That's all you need to know, done deal, review complete. read more

This is one of the great music and dive bar venues of New Orleans. A great night is to begin at Jacques-Imo's and end it early in the wee hours of the morning at Maple Leaf. This is also home to the Krewe of Oak which parades in full splendor in August and Mardi Gras season. This isn't a place where you're usually going to sit down or relax to "watch" a show (just like Tips). This bar is for interactive folks who will be dancing and getting their groovy funk on in a crowded sea of people all smashed together having a good time. When it gets crowded, like it often does for good shows, it might even take a little while to get your drink so plan ahead and if you frequent the place they get really good about knowing what to serve you. The great thing about Maple Leaf is that the shows start late and end early in the wee hours of the morning. The gross thing about Maple Leaf is how smokey it can get in here and I hate nasty cigarette smoke! The bad thing about Maple Leaf is that when you have to work the next morning after a Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday show your head often really pounds (as you vainly attempt to remember what happened to your great idea you were going to just start drinking water and then some vague memories float up of stopping in at Snake 'n Jake's that you attempt to block out) and you then discover you're mighty sleepy so always remember to take a nice nap ahead of time! read more

I like this place for 3 main reasons: 1) Cheap drinks with a full bar & a local crowd. 2) Decent beer selection (including local brews) 3) REBIRTH BRASS BAND every Tuesday night....even on Mardi Gras when everything else in the area is closed for business. And live music on various nights. Maple Leaf Bar is kind of a run down local spot on Oak St in uptown New Orleans. Nothing special other than the aforementioned list. I'm a fan because of those reasons. I've seen Rebirth here on 2 different occasions; once in 2009, and most recently on Mardi Gras night 2014. They never disappoint. Love them!!! I'm a big fan of both Rebirth and Maple Leaf. And I will continue to come here as long as the drinks are cheap and a band is playing! read more

Maple Leaf Bar - Rebirth Brass Band! Mardi Gras night 2014 - Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Great band on tues night! Neat little hole-in-the-wall local bar with good drinks, friendly bartenders, great crowd. read more

Maple Leaf Bar - Bar area - Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Oh, look, another review of the Maple Leaf! Does it really need a 58th review? Probably not. Will you get one anyway? Sure. I've been going to the Maple Leaf since the mid80s and it really hasn't changed too much. Sure the back patio exists and is nicer than it used to be, but much of the bar looks the same as it probably did 50 years ago...but with more outlets. It's a great place to go see live music and be swept up in the excitement. The only reason for the -1 star? I am so OVER smoking in bars. read more

Bar on oak street that has live music every day of the week. The prices are pretty decent and the atmosphere is divey (The way I like my bars!). The Crawfish boils that they hold during the spring are the best crawfish you can get from a dive bar! They come out hot and spicy. With a cold beer, I am here to say that it is the best boil by a local bar. Get there early, they will set up a table and depending on how much crawfish they get, they may do one or two boils. They usually do it on Sundays at about 10 pm, so get on out there and enjoy! read more

I only have one word to sum up the historic Maple Leaf Bar, and that word: REAL! If you're looking to hang with some real people, hear some real live music, in a real part of New Orleans, which equals a real good time, then this is your venue. It's located in the historic Carrollton area of NOLA and definitely far away from the cliche tourist-friendly French Quarter. Right when you walk in your greeted by the bar that serves a great array of liquors to an icy cold Abita brew. Head to the rear and you'll come across another bar that will serve you as you play on their only pool table. There's also a very cozy outdoor patio area in the rear of the bar that's protected by large oak trees. But the gem is its stage and live music area which is situated at the front of the bar. Tuesday nights are a must for any first-timer to the Crescent City, as I soon found out on my first trip to New Orleans. Rebirth Brass Band gets the place poppin and creates a great atmosphere once the alcohol gets flowing through the patrons. Definitely going back here on my next visit. After the bars closes, I also recommend hittin up Squeals BBQ, which sits next door on Oak Street and usually stays open to feed the hungry drunks. Ribs are some of the best I've ever had, but then again that could've been the beer talkin? Lassiez Les Bon Temps Rouler!!! read more

Maple Leaf Bar - A Tuesday night at The Leaf - Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Love this place. It's a great little New Orleans institution. The live shows here are very intimate, especially rebirth on Tuesday nights. It tends to get very packed so I suggest getting here early, grabbing some dinner on oak st ( plenty of great places to choose from) and then walking over to maple leaf. You wait out by the back bar or the outdoor patio until the live shows begin. That's the best way to beat the crowd lining up on Tuesdays! Rebirth put on a hell of a show. Snag a spot anywhere, the venue is small enough so you don't necessarily have to be in the front of the stage to enjoy the performances. Warning, the place gets packed with people wall to wall and it gets HOT. My suggestion would be stand near the back, enjoy the performance and give yourself that little extra room to dance! I myself will come back to this place as long as they keep having live performances read more

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