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    Preservation Hall

    4.4 (952 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:30 PM

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    Stage setup
    Kavitha P.

    Cannot miss this iconic stop on a visit to NOLA If you want to hear intimate jazz music this is a really cool venue to visit They have nightly shows where you have to buy tickets ahead of time When I visited it was super hot and they offered hand held fans but I've heard AC has been added No recording is allowed , very cool to hear acoustic performances

    Jessica A.

    This was one of the highlights of our NOLA trip. There's so much history at Preservation Hall and it was such an intimate experience. We booked standing general admissions on the night that featured Mark Braud and Haruka Kikuchi. Mark's voice is so soothing and all the musicians were incredible. The band played a tailgate trombone song and incorporated the audience in Big Bad Bully (a song that frequently is an earworm now). No recording or photos were allowed until after the show. We took a photo with Mark and the bass player. The rest of the group scattered after the show was over. Souvenirs and albums were available to purchase outside.

    Greg Stafford band leader at preservation Hall
    Chris Y.

    Touching your soul with a smile. Preservation hall, jazz master the Greg Stafford band, connected with me in a way that moved me, stirred my soul, felt the history of jazz in New Orleans, and appreciated the artists. Greg Stafford connected to Dixieland Jazz and the audience. Having a sing-along led by Greg and his clarinet player brought the house down. "You are my sunshine" made me think about our Saints in our family that are gone. Greg ended the set with. Participation, sing, along number, " I'll be glad when you're dead you rascal you!".... The music the words were absolutely enjoyable. If you haven't been to preservation hall , get a ticket and go you will not be disappointed. The music connect us with the spirit of New Orleans. Bravo!!!

    Courtney K.

    It's a New Orleans icon. It's always a good time. Incredibly talented musicians. Sure, the bench seats are a little uncomfortable. But it's worth the experience!

    Outside of the music hall
    Misato L.

    I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Before you know it, you will feel your body moving to the music. My husband and I bought tickets through their QR code for a 7:30p.m. show on a Monday night. The show ticket prices are different depending on what row you choose to sit in. We chose the standing option as we weren't sure how long we wanted to stay for the duration of the show. However, we ended up staying even after the show to take pictures with the band members because of how much we enjoyed their performance. Their energy and passion for the preservation of jazz music could be felt every moment of the show.

    Eilleen L.

    Preservation Hall is a must when visiting New Orleans. I highly recommend purchasing tickets (on their website) well in advance since they consistently sell out. I wasn't sure what to expect, it exceeded my expectations! The music was phenomenal, the band is fun and engaging and the ambiance was uniquely New Orleans. The space is small. They have bench seating and standing. You wait in line outside and they come and check you in about 30 min prior to show time. Once you're inside, someone will walk you to your seat, if you purchased seats. The show is only 45 min so if your only option is standing, I feel it'll still be worth the experience.

    Nil G.

    Tourist trap. We waited in line because of the venue's historic significance, and to be fair, the ambience does live up to that reputation. The space itself is atmospheric and charming. Unfortunately, the music was a major letdown. It felt flat and uninspired, especially given the expectations set by the venue's legacy. On top of that, there's a strict no photo or video policy during the performance, which honestly comes across less like preserving the experience and more like an attempt to hide how underwhelming the music is. Adding to the disappointment, the experience is overpriced for what you get. If you're curious for historical reasons, you might stop by once. But if you're coming primarily for great live music or value, this may not be worth it.

    Preservation Hall
    Edward S.

    What is there to say? If you love Jazz, this is place is a must visit. They book great acts in an intimate venue. We have been there a couple of times and both shows were outstanding. There are many options to watch jazz in New Orleans, but this is a special setting. It is very sparce and kind of crowded, but it really focuses your attention on the music. It can get a little hot and some people need to stand, but the shows are not that long. It is definitely worth a visit.

    Stage
    Clark C.

    Preservation Hall is a Nice idea but... 1) it's really not that historic (opened in early 1960's) 2) it's a small, crowded space with limited air flow... has AC but really tough on hot day 3) standing room space is cramped 4) seats are unassigned and on backless benches that are cramped 5) show is very short (45 minutes) If you do go... show up early to enter so you get good seat. Kinda Worth going once but much better value to go to good jazz club on Frenchmen Street.

    Sums it up
    Michael B.

    I wish I could tell you about the music at Preservation Hall... but honestly, this is what I'll remember instead. Trying to buy a t-shirt. We went on a weeknight and enjoyed the show, but the line after was too long to grab merch. No problem, I figured I'd just swing back another day since we were staying nearby. That turned into a three-attempt ordeal. Attempt #1: Arrived during the unknown sales hours (11am-2pm). Closed for a private event. Attempt #2: Stopped by before a show. Doors open, shirts clearly visible inside. Asked security if I could buy one, flat "no," with zero explanation of sales hours. Completely unhelpful. Attempt #3: Came back again. Doors open during a show. Asked another guard if I could quickly buy a shirt, again denied. This time I'm told sales hours are 11-2. I check my watch... it's 2:15pm. It's sad because once again I could see the shirts. So after three attempts, I couldn't give them money for a simple jazz souvenir for a person who loves the jazz. For a place that represents New Orleans jazz culture, the experience felt unnecessarily rigid and unfriendly, more like dealing with a prison visitation schedule than a music venue. Decent music, perhaps. But the customer experience? That's what stuck with me, and not in a good way.

    Itzel F.

    Had so much fun here! Stopped by to hear the Preservation Allstars ft Mark Braud and had a 10/10 experience! They were so good and I loved how they had a no cell phone policy, it really made everyone enjoy the present moment. Also got some cool merch to take home! Must visit if you are visiting NOLA!

    Wendell Brunious
    Gregg R.

    If you are ever in the French Quarter and like live traditional Jazz music, a stop at Preservation Hall is a must. This venue takes you back to the old traditional music halls of the past. No air conditioning, no fancy venue, small bench seats, or if you can't snag one of those , you stand! The show lasts about 50 min with no intermission. Truly world class musicians right up close and in your face. Pro tip, pay the extra for first row seats and you don't have to worry about the cue which lines up an hour before the performance. You still have to wait in the same line, but your seat is reserved so you can show up later.

    Sravya V.

    We went to a show at Preservation Hall for an experience with traditional jazz in New Orleans. The space itself is quite small and intimate, with a couple rows of seated benches and some standing area in the back, and they had enough people in there even early on a rainy Friday. We were glad we had bought our tickets online in advance to skip the line. The performers were very talented and all with great experience in their specific area, with several having performed with household names. The show was a little shorter than we expected, around 45 minutes, but it was enjoyable the whole time! The performers take turns singing or starring in the songs and there is a fun banter throughout the performance. Since we went in December, they also did a Christmas song sing along, which was quite fun!

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    We visited there before Katrina, and it was a packed house. The line was worth the wait.

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    Preservation Hall Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Preservation Hall

    Is the venue handicap/wherkchair accessible? If so, what type of tickets should be purchased; seat or standing?

    Yes, definitely. I'd contact Preservation Hall directly but have been there when other guests were using wheelchair

    How many people?

    It's tight, maybe 50? Definitely need to have tickets ahead of time. It's a small space. Seats are benches, flat room so if you're back you don't see a lot, but you're there for the music, which is great.

    Is it 21+?

    When I was here in 2015, there were teens/pre-teens with their parents. I would be surprised if they changed it to 21+.

    How much general admission?

    $20 per ticket. More if you want front seating. I wouldn't do that though.

    When are tickets released for future dates not listed on the site?

    Yeah, you can look up who's playing when but it's more of a "Walk-Up-And-Listen" kind of joint. There are about 6-7 venues right next to one another and you can pop in and out just taking it all in.

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    Review Highlights - Preservation Hall

    Being that my cousin is a musician, I wanted make sure he was able to enjoy some JAZZ while he was in town.

    Mentioned in 21 reviews

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    Latrobe's On Royal

    Latrobe's On Royal

    4.8(35 reviews)
    0.2 miFrench Quarter

    I don't know if there are superlatives enough to describe how exceptional Latrobe's is and I…read moreunequivocally recommend it to anyone planning an event in New Orleans. The historic space is beautiful and provided excellent flow at my daughter's wedding. The food was exquisite. And I simply can't say enough about Rylan, Millie, Hana and the rest of the staff at Latrobe's. Their professionalism, their attention to detail, their care and patience - all are unmatched. We did not hire a wedding planner and now, knowing just how much work is involved in planning a wedding, I think we simply couldn't have done it without their guidance and tips, which they provided even for events beyond the wedding and their scope of work. The whole event ran so smoothly that I was worry-free and thoroughly able to enjoy the wedding myself. And the rave reviews from the guests (as well as from participating vendors!) prove just how exceptional Latrobe's is.

    Latrobe's on Royal is the perfect wedding venue! As an out of town bride, booking at Latrobe's made…read morethe planning process way easier. So much so that we did not feel the need to hire a wedding planner. The venue's highly-skilled and experienced team are able to provide helpful insights every step of the way and are always willing to answer questions. Their vendor list is very helpful, everyone they recommended did an incredible job. The building itself is nothing short of magical. Giving our guests a real taste of New Orleans was incredibly important. If our guests did nothing else during their trip, we wanted them to feel like they had an experience unique to the city. Latrobe's definitely helped us achieve that. From the beautiful courtyard complete with burning gas lamps, to the grand banking room, to the wonderful food selection of delicious regional delicacies. Many of our guests told us that they felt they had been transported back in time. That it was the best, most unique wedding they had ever attended - and with the best food! Lastly, the team at Latrobe's is incredible - I actually miss talking to them every week! (LOL) Rylan, Hana, and Millie are the best. I am so grateful for their expertise, patience, and kindness during the entire planning process. A big thank you to Rylan especially for her guidance during our tasting and rehearsal! We would also like to thank the day-of event team, including Marté and David, who made us feel so special on our wedding day. Many of our guests commented on the kindness of the Latrobe's staff who made them feel so welcome. In conclusion, there are simply not enough stars to accurately review Latrobe's! If you have been searching for a venue in New Orleans, congratulations, you've found it! Trust me. We will cherish the memories forever.

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    Latrobe's On Royal
    Latrobe's On Royal
    Latrobe's On Royal

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    Buktu - (Frim the Facebook page)

    Buktu

    4.5(2 reviews)
    1.3 miCentral City

    What a nice place for an event or just to hang out after a looooong work week or equally looooooong…read moreday. Totally off the beaten path. I passed it up the first time looking for it, as it sits off the street abt 50 feet, so passing it by is a definite possibility. The crowd initially was sparse, but soon picked up as the night grew on. The speciality drinks seemed appropriately themed for the location & the prices were good as well. The bartenders were very friendly & attentive. I was here for a party for my good, good friend Candi, but I'm told this is also a venue that can be rented out. I also hear this was a happening place during Essence Fest 2018 & understandably so as it's simply PERFECT. One of 2 overflow areas is adorned with over-sized Connect-Four games & other over-sized games for your entertainment. This night I was there a cigar guy was there rolling FRESH cigars BY-HAND!!! How sweet!!!! The other overflow area has a grassy lot with benched-seats for your pleasure. It's a little haven of sorts, definitely a breath of fresh air. I'll definitely visit again and have even logged this place in my head for a venue to host a soiree!!!

    Very nice and cute area to have a nice party. The inside has high ceilings, nice glossy bar…read morearea,nice back end area for guest that may not want to hang around inside. Very clean and nice. My 10 uear reunion party was held here and it was really nice . Parking was a little hectic due to trying to find the spot and the area had other events at other places so patking was a bit whack. This lil spot can definitely be a good hopping area due to other good places in the area.

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    Buktu
    Buktu - Overflow

    Overflow

    Buktu

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    Paradigm Gardens

    Paradigm Gardens

    4.8(25 reviews)
    1.2 miCentral City

    This place is so unique and lush and spacious! It is a one of a kind destinations in NOLA…read more I have visited here two or three or so times for their goat yoga in the early spring and it is absolutely the best way to start your day. The yoga instructor is calming; it makes for a peaceful begining. The goats are so adorable and there were babies in the spring, not more than maybe 8 lbs or so. I think this is one of the best experiences anyone can do. They have you set up outside, on your yoga mats (don't forget to bring a mat - they supply thin ones in case you forget). and there is a small fence around your yoga group so the goats cant get out. The group is maybe 10 or 12 people. If it rains, they have a tent set up so the yoga goes on, rain or shine. And you just a nice, hour long relaxing time in this beautifully, tranquil garden. After you finish the best yoga in the city, they offer vegan empanadas as a nice snack and a baseball hat with the Paradigm Gardens logo on it. You can bring your own water and they have nice clean bathrooms as well. They are doing everything right! Everyone should experience the joy of goat yoga!

    Came here for a wedding in October, and it was one of the best weddings I've been to in a long…read moretime. The overall vibe of the venue was romantic without being over the top just beautiful and perfectly done. The drinks and open bar were great, but the food was truly a highlight. Everything was made fresh right in front of us, and it was absolutely delicious easily rivaling some of the best local restaurants. I've been wanting to visit Paradigm Gardens for their concert nights, and after experiencing this event, it's definitely going on my calendar!

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    Paradigm Gardens
    Paradigm Gardens
    Paradigm Gardens

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    Marché - Nov 2019

    Marché

    4.5(14 reviews)
    0.3 miFrench Quarter

    Beautiful venue for a recent wedding we attended. The staff were also very attentive and excellent…read more Very fancy vibe

    Wedding at Marché - Outstanding Experience As the mother of…read morethe bride and overall wedding planner, I highly recommend this venue. My daughter and her fiancé did a detailed search for just the right wedding venue to meet their needs. We booked Marché about six months in advance after visiting multiple venues, and it quickly stood out. The planning process can be tedious and tricky, but their Special Events Operations Manager, Wallace, was truly exceptional. He is the primary reason we chose Marché and, ultimately, the reason our wedding day was such a success. Why we chose Marché: * Excellent French Quarter location * Beautiful views from multiple balconies * Great layout for ceremony, dining, and dancing * Incredible, authentic New Orleans food * Excellent value for the price * Wallace's professionalism, responsiveness, and willingness to go above and beyond What impressed us most after the wedding: * The tasting was extremely helpful in finalizing food and drink selections * We were able to customize ceremony and dining layouts to fit our vision * Time allotted for both ceremony and reception was more than adequate * Food was outstanding and widely praised by guests * Bartenders made great drinks and happily accommodated requests * Wine, liquor, and beer selections were very good * The "flip" from ceremony to dance space was executed flawlessly--fast, organized, and exactly as planned Guest feedback: * The staff welcomed our guests with enthusiasm and excitement. They made everyone feel welcome. * We received countless compliments, with many saying it was one of the best weddings they had ever attended * Guests loved the food, drinks, and smooth flow from dining to dancing Helpful recommendations: * Take full advantage of the balconies--we threw beads to guests waiting in Dutch Alley before the second line, which was a highlight * Have champagne passed as guests arrive to set a celebratory tone * Do not overdecorate the ceremony room--the chandeliers, floors, windows, and lighting are already stunning * Encourage guests to use the balconies at night; the views are amazing (our cigar bar was a big hit) * Highly recommend a second line--it creates a fantastic guest experience and allows time for reception setup * A separate "day-of" coordinator is unnecessary if you are organized--Wallace and his team handle everything seamlessly One small negative (for transparency): Our assigned salesperson was slow to respond to emails, and her in-person communication style was abrupt. However, this did not impact the success of our wedding and should not discourage anyone from choosing Marché. Overall, Creole Cuisine Company and its employees are consistently professional and hospitable at all levels of leadership and staff. Planning tip: Carefully review the food and beverage brochure and ask detailed pricing questions. We created a spreadsheet to track costs and maximize value. Be sure to ask about reduced pricing for minors and vendors. Final note: Wallace is a true gem--kind, positive, respectful, and incredibly attentive. Because of his leadership, the entire team operates at the highest level. Not a single guest needed anything all night, and the bride and groom were truly taken care of. Marché delivered an unforgettable wedding experience, and we recommend it without hesitation.

    Photos
    Marché - Brandi, who works at Marche  - She made our time there so wonderful along with the rest of the staff.

    Brandi, who works at Marche - She made our time there so wonderful along with the rest of the staff.

    Marché - Collage form my nephews glorious wedding at this Spectacular Venue!

    Collage form my nephews glorious wedding at this Spectacular Venue!

    Marché - Cold shellfish

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    Cold shellfish

    The Building - Our front door graciously welcomes 
         you  to
     THE BUILDING --
      Built in 1866

    The Building

    4.8(4 reviews)
    1.4 miCentral City

    I attended a benefit in this space a few months ago and wow it is gorgeous. The open floor plan,…read morethe exposed rafters, the beautiful bar, the throwback corner door access. And I loved all the artwork on the walls. The space does not appear to have regular hours so viewings are by appointment only. Seriously with the revitalization of OCH/Dryades corridor, it's great to see such lovely historic buildings come back into their own.

    I had the opportunity to check out this space thanks to Alvin and Re because this is where the Big…read moreClass Luau was held. I want to start by saying how excited I am for the development of the entire Oretha Castle Haley corridor. I think in a year it is going to be one of the hottest areas in the city. It took me a few minutes to actually find this place at first. My good ol' GPS just led me to the 1400 block of OCH and left me to find the actual building on my own. Just a note: it's on a corner and I took a picture of the door, so that you can be on the lookout. The venue itself is lovely. It's a wide open space with a nice bar and plenty of seating. There is gorgeous art on the wall and I like that there is a lot of space to move around. Big selling point: the air conditioning here works like a champ. A lot of times you get into these old buildings, and the ac can't keep up with the space, but that was not the case here. Plenty of windows let in the light during the day, which I am always a fan of; I hate going to dark event spaces during the day and feeling like I'm in a dungeon. There is a stage area where students for Big Class read poems. I presume that other performances take place on the stage as well. There are even some sofas for comfy seating as you enjoy whatever is happening on stage or just mingling with friends. I didn't get to explore it, but there's an upstairs area as well. It should be noted that the building is located on an extremely well lit block, so if you attend an event here at night you should feel pretty safe. I look forward to attending more events here and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more fundraisers that may be held here.

    Photos
    The Building - Local and visiting conventions, welcomed!

    Local and visiting conventions, welcomed!

    The Building - Ideal for all types of business meetings and fundraisers

    Ideal for all types of business meetings and fundraisers

    The Building - Allow us to host your private event.

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    Allow us to host your private event.

    The Spotted Cat Music Club - band getting ready

    The Spotted Cat Music Club

    4.4(1.1k reviews)
    0.6 miMarigny
    $$

    We were hesitant because there were only a few people sitting at the bar when we walked in. It…read moreturned out that was the band, which meant it was just the two of us girls, so we decided we'd just have a drink and see what happens. It was 2 p.m. afterall, so not a lot of people were out in general. Turns out the band was great! Then people started trickling in and there was a good crowd enjoying the music with us. We had a great time, chatted with other patrons and a few of the band members. Good drinks, prices are on the higher end at ~$15, but still affordable. I had a Pimm's cup which was refreshing, they are served in souvenir to go cups that are really cute. Glad we decided to stay! A great time was had.

    Before I start, this is my review based on my experience. I've noticed some people complain about…read morethe music, paying the cover charge, seating or the size of the venue. I'm not here to argue any of those points. I will say this: expecting live musicians to perform for free until you decide whether they're worth paying is ridiculous. The cover is usually only $5...$10 max. If that's a dealbreaker, this probably isn't your place. Stay home and stream Spotify. Now... I have some friends in town, and whenever that happens, a Monday night trip to the Spotted Cat is basically mandatory. I've been coming here for years and years. Yes, it's super touristy now, but it still gives me the warm fuzzies every time I walk through those doors. So I'm presenting the "compliment sandwich" review. Never heard of it? You start with a compliment, slip in some constructive-ish criticism, then end with another compliment. Supposedly people receive feedback better that way. Let's see. First, the music. Outstanding. Chris Christy wasn't what I thought I wanted to hear until I actually heard him. I felt completely transported. Man, can that guy play the guitar. It felt kinda like gypsy music. Then came the Frenchmen Street Allstars. The last time I saw them, they had a different lead singer and, honestly, they kind of felt like a completely different band, aside from the phenomenal drummer. This version did not disappoint. It was a great mix of jazz and New Orleans standards. Both bands were great! **Now a note to management.** Great music isn't enough. The bar should be every bit as memorable as the stage. Forgive me, I didn't get the bartenders' names, so I have to describe them by physical traits. The first bartender, the guy with the mountain of curly hair, was friendly enough and made decent drinks. Later, another bartender with a short haircut took over and made the best drinks of the night. Then there was the bartender with the black and hot pink hair. She looked like she'd rather be anywhere else. She rarely smiled, her demeanor felt unwelcoming, and it almost came across as hostile. On top of that, the drinks she made were so weak I genuinely wondered if there was any alcohol in them. Seriously. They were that bad. Here's my philosophy: if you're going to be grumpy, aloof, or have some other off-putting trait, you'd better make a mean drink. Years and years ago there was a bartender named Curtis who wasn't exactly sunshine and rainbows, but that man could make a cocktail. I didn't need him to smile because the drink did all the talking. If the drink is mostly soda, though, friendliness becomes a lot more important. Unfriendly and bad bartending is a double whammy. She must be somebody's child or partner because I can't think of any other reason to employ a bad bartender. I hate to belabor the point, but the drinks aren't cheap. Cheap and bad I can take. For another comparison, there's another bartender there, I'm pretty sure her name is Chris. She's been there for years. She's all business. Maybe a little surly. Who am I kidding? A lot surly. But she's a character. More importantly, she makes a great drink. That's the kind of personality that somehow fits the Spotted Cat perfectly. Now let me end with the final piece of "bread" on my compliment sandwich. The doorman deserves his own review. That gravelly-voiced "Welcome to the Spotted Cat!" is part of the experience. Then he absolutely hammers that stamp onto your wrist. Somehow you don't even mind because you know what's waiting on the other side: incredible music, a fun room, and one of the best nights you can have on Frenchmen Street. Just don't let the bartender with the pink and black hair make your drink.

    Photos
    The Spotted Cat Music Club - High seats by the door

    High seats by the door

    The Spotted Cat Music Club - Spotted Cat

    Spotted Cat

    The Spotted Cat Music Club

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    Preservation Hall - musicvenues - Updated August 2026

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