Jazz Music

[NAVY WIFE]

Where would be a good place to go & enjoy lunch or dinner & a little jazz? Also, it must be a place you can bring children (11 & 13).

[Budget Queen]

Separate the two- meals and jazz- the best of the best for jazz is Preservation Hall- cheap at $5pp and family appropriate, for free, park yourself at Jackson Square in front of St. Louis Catherdral- a wide variety of authentic entertainment.

[jgmpuma]

There is a place called (I think) The Market Cafe, in the 1000 block of Decatur Street. It is right behind the statue of Joan Of Arc, where Decatur splits. The food is pretty good, and they have a jazz combo, at least on weekends. If the weather is nice you can eat outdoors. Very kid-friendly. A little further down towards the French Market is another open-air place with a band, but they don't serve food. A nice place to sip a beer and listen.

 

The music in Jackson Square is a mixed bag: it seems like whoever shows up that day plays, but it is free. There are also street musicians along Royal Street on weekends. Some are good, and some aren't.

[Cotton]

Native New Orleanian here....allow me to add:

 

At the edge of Jackson Square, catty-corner from the left of St. Louis Cathedral, you'll find a good restaurant that's family-friendly. It's the Pontalba Cafe, and they serve authentic N'awlins food like po-boys, red beans 'n rice, gumbo, and seafood platters. (Very moderate prices!) The numerous doors are floor-to-ceiling and are open to the Square. You can always see and hear musicians, and do a lot of people-watching while you eat.

 

JPuma has given you a great place, as well. There always seem to be either a little jazz combo or a couple of musicians (solo sax, etc.) playing down past the French Market. Just keep walkin' toward the sound!:) Musicians also play around and in front of Cafe du Monde (a 'must-do for cafe au lait and beignets, anyway. And...they have milk or choc. milk for the kiddies).

 

For pure-unadulterated-fantastic jazz at its finest, I totally agree with BudgetQueen - go to Preservation Hall! You'll love it!

[NAVY WIFE]

Thanks Cotton! Do they only play music at certain times of the day at Jackson Square?

[Budget Queen]

Jackson Square will have music from mid morning until at least dinner time. Rarely much action after dark, but a lot of palm readers waiting for your then. :)

[NAVY WIFE]

Cool! Thanks!

[michmike]

Another place we really enjoyed last trip was Palm Court Jazz Cafe. Food was so so but if you have dinner there you get a seat much closer to the band and it's music to die for.. Can't wait to get back.