Want to visit the best piano bars in New Orleans, LA?
New Orleans, popularly known as The Big Easy, is a lively city in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, USA. It is famous for exotic meals, exciting music scenes, and thumping nightlife.
The influence of French colonial rule dominates the city, and many architectural examples stand as proof of the past.
The French Quarters, Gert Town, Bywater, and Fontainebleau are among the well-known neighborhoods of New Orleans.
There is an abundance of things for tourists to see and do in the city, and its music scene is also worth exploring. As such, you should check out the piano bars in the city.
Let’s explore some of the best piano bars in New Orleans, LA.
Best Piano Bars in New Orleans, LA
1. Spirit on Bourbon
Spirit on Bourbon is in the center of the French Quarter on the world-renowned Bourbon Street.
Although it features many specialty drinks, its fun and pleasant staff will mix up anything you want.
In the kitchen, their menu comprises local favorites and has become popular with the locals for their Gumbo.
It is the ideal place for some signature cocktails to complement the Cajun-style food. Spirit on Bourbon is famous for its piano duels on a nightly basis.
A stop at Spirit on Bourbon would not be complete without sitting on Edwards Barber Chair.
The reason for this chair is that the Bar previously belonged to Edward DeBoire, a barber. He was known for allowing his patrons to enjoy homemade beer during their haircuts.
Despite meeting his tragic death at a young age, it is believed that his spirit still haunts the Bar to this day and expresses dissatisfaction whenever the chair is removed.
Address: 615 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
2. Ticklers Dueling Piano Bar
This stylish and modern restaurant in New Orleans is a terrific place to drop by for some tasty food while you listen to live music. It is one of the top piano bars in New Orleans, LA.
You can also ask for your favorite song to be played, and with a tip, you can play an instrument or sing.
If they don’t know your favorite song, they will suggest another perfect one for your taste.
The Bar is excellent, and the drinks are affordable, but the musicians are what draws people. They can perform almost any song and sound just fabulous.
In addition to music, they have fascinating items on the menu, like alligator sausage po’boy. You can also discover classic favorites like Mac and cheese and BBQ ribs.
Ample parking is available around the restaurant, and you can enjoy your music and food in peace without fretting over your vehicle.
Address: 635 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
3. Bayou Bar
The Bayou Bar offers a relaxed tavern-style atmosphere warmed by exposed woods.
Once a drinking spot for Capote and Sintra and the place for the historic christening of the New Orleans Saints in 1966, the Bar features an extensive beer and whiskey list.
Everyone is invited to stay at the rollicking Steinway Piano, the shotgun bar, and the private tables.
Bayou Bar is an ideal spot to hang out with friends over a drink and fabulous evening or weekend meals.
Live piano music performances are hosted from Wednesdays to Saturdays and occasionally on Sundays.
The exposed timber beam and the dark wooden furniture give the place charm.
Comfort foods, such as fried mozzarella sticks and burgers, are an undeniable try, while steak fries and petit mignon are something you may want to order when you are ravenous.
Address: 2031 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
4. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar
Nicolas Touze constructed Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar between 1722 and 1732.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is ideal for a dose of history, live piano music, and a drink.
The building that houses this Bar has an exciting past decorated by gossip over the years. It dates back to early 1900.
The Bar is named after the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte. It is believed that he haunted the place to this present day. It is seen as the oldest structure used as a bar in America.
Relish the generous portions of homemade onion rings to compliment your sandwich.
Their live piano music is fantastic, particularly when you have a Voodoo Daiquiri to go with it.
Address: 941 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
5. Carousel Bar & Lounge
Carousel Bar & Lounge
Carousel Bar is New Orlean’s only rotating Bar. It is within Hotel Monteleone, one of the city’s most popular hotels.
This revolving Bar with a carousel theme was established in 1949. The Bar offers visitors a delightful, slight rotation around a top-tier cocktail bar every 15 minutes.
This unique carousel theme charms visitors who enjoy appreciating a piece of history.
Besides the rotating Bar, there is also an adjacent room that offers visitors a pick of booths and tables with piano and live jazz music every night.
The Carousel Bar & Lounge has entertained its share of renowned stars ranging from Sally Struthers to Ernest Hemingway to Tennessee William to Michael Jordan since it was established in 1949.
The Bar is well-known for its signature cocktails crafted by a professional mixologist.
The Carousel Bar & Lounge is a perfect destination for locals and tourists interested in enjoying specialty cocktails, live piano, and New Orleans Jazz music in a unique setting.
The Bar hosts weekly live music every Wednesday to Friday and faces the historic Royal Street in the French Quarter.
Address: 214 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
6. The Bombay Club
The Bombay Club
The Bombay Club, a perfect destination in the center of the French Quarter, focuses on craft cocktails, reserved bourbons, single malt scotches, premium cigars, and ports.
The Bombay Club holds nightly live music featuring numerous cadres of local performers.
This cocktail bar has many shakers and heavy-cut crystal glasses, so you will discover an emphasis on local specialties like Pimm’s Cup, the Sazerac, French 75, and New Orlean’s famous Brandy Milk Punch.
This Bar has components of a speakeasy, the sort of place that even the locals may ignore and then gladly return to for a classic cocktail, intimate ambiance, live music, and the cigar-friendly garden courtyard.
Take a break from touring the city and enjoy a drink at The Bombay Club with over 40 unique cocktails.
Address: 815 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006, United States
7. The Maison
The Maison is among the largest and finest music venues and restaurants on world-renowned Frenchmen Street.
The Maison is open daily with live music on numerous stages. Their full-service restaurant opens weekdays at 4 pm, 1 pm on Saturdays, and 10 am for Sunday’s Jazz Brunch.
They serve meals until 10 pm every night, and their menu has something for everyone.
The Maison offers a small number of nightly dinner reservations for their early evening jazz shows.
On several Saturday nights, they frequently feature more popular acts backstage in their main room.
When the backstage is not used for a live performance, it serves as the Trombone Lounge, where you and your loved one can take a break from dancing and get a cocktail.
The Maison’s mezzanine level faces the main stage of the downstairs level.
It is a perfect place to host private occasions and for watching shows on their backstage.
Address: 508 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
8. Snug Harbor
For more than 30 years, Snug Harbor has provided the finest in live jazz & incredible regional cooking at affordable prices.
It is in three rooms of a refurbished 19th-century storefront just outside the French Quarter.
This classic jazz lounge in a historic building offers something for everybody, including three rooms dedicated to dining, drinking, and live music.
Some of Snug Harbor’s mainstays comprise New Orlean music royalty members, such as James Singleton, Charmaine Neville, and Stanton Moore.
Whether you are in the mood for a loud night out or low-key vibes, this private, dimly lit space will have something for you.
Address: 626 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
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9. My Bar at 635
My Bar at 635 features regional live music, sport, and a great drink special. It is one of the best piano bars in New Orleans, LA.
This stylishly renovated place has a bar on the ground floor and one above with a view of Bourbon Street.
Their popular Voodoo Purple Daiquris should not be missed when you come to enjoy a drink with your friends or alone.
The dueling piano bars players here are pretty good and know every song asked for.
There is also a small dance floor in case you want to jiggle your body and a balcony to enjoy a drink under the beautiful starry night.
Besides live regional music, including blues, jazz, R and B, Zydeco, and much more, My Bar At 635 has numerous large screens playing sporting events.
My Bar at 635 opens Mondays to Wednesdays from 2 pm to 2 am and Thursdays to Sundays from 11 pm to 2 am.
Address: 635 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
10. Pat O’Brien’s
Pat O’Brien’s
A visit to New Orleans will not be complete without going to the Pat O’Brien bar, which is a bedrock for the dueling piano industry. It is one of the top piano bars in New Orleans, LA.
It is a renowned entertainment venue where you can unwind, socialize, sing, or enjoy delicious food.
This Bar is also the home of dueling pianos. At the piano bar, you can sing along with two piano players that perform every night
Patronage of Pat O’Brien’s is relentless, which is further emphasized in its Main Bar. This Bar oozes the ambiance of a neighborhood bar.
On the walls, you will find hung framed photos of devout patrons enjoying their time at this beloved French Quarters establishment
The Main Bar, refurbished in the 1960s, caters to local customers and tourists.
The Jukebox plays many favorite bar tunes for those who want to have a rousing good time dancing with pals or sit back and unwind.
During the daytime, a gigantic screen broadcasts sporting events.
Address: 718 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
11. Balcony Music Club
Balcony Music Club
Balcony Music Club is conveniently situated on the corner of Esplanade and Decatur.
You will find various music at Balcony Music Club, such as Brass, blues, Jazz, rock, funk, country, and folk.
One fantastic thing about Balcony Music Club is that its music lineup usually starts earlier than the rest of Frenchmen Street, so you can begin closer to midday, and happy hour, particularly on weekends.
Balcony Music Club, known as the Center of The Universe, displays live bands every night.
Since the venue is more significant than most in the area, it’s usually not crowded, but on busy nights, the chances of finding a seat are pretty low.
You can unwind at their indoor/ outdoor patio bar, stand or dance until you are tired.
Nevertheless, the employees are friendly, drink prices are affordable, the entertainment is top-notch, and you will not regret it.
The jazz, funk, or blues music blasting from inside the venue makes Balcony Music Club hard to walk by and not stop by.
Address: 1331 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
12. Maple Leaf
Maple Leaf
Maple Leaf frequently feels like an exciting, fun party. It is a local favorite for watching New Orleans legends and novices every night of the week
Maple Leaf’s back patio, humble digs, and social environment are always excellent for good rims.
World-renowned jazz and jazz-influenced musicians like George Porter, John Cleary, and Johnny Vidacovich play in Maple Leaf and often visit.
Maple Leaf offers daily acts, so no matter when you feel the urge to step out into the rich history of music in New Orleans, the Maple Leaf will always be there.
Address: 8316 Oak Street, New Orleans, LA 70118, United States
13. May Baily’s Place
May Baily’s Place
May Baily’s Place used to be an infamous bordello perched outside the New Orleans red-light district.
Today this Bar is adorned in a Victorian style with portraits of madams by the famous New Orlean’s best of Storyville photographer E. J Bellocq.
The Bar features a red light that burns above the Bar and a framed copy of the operating license given to May Baily in 1857.
May Baily’s Place is also known for its many ghost sighting. The Bar was featured on Ghost Adventures, a Travel Channel’s hit TV show.
A red light that decorates its entrance pays respect to its colorful past
Address: 415 Dauphine St #3405, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
14. House of Blues, New Orleans
House of Blues, New Orleans
House of Blues, New Orleans, established in 1994 in the French Quarter, is an energetic music venue and restaurant.
It is a fantastic place to enjoy delicious meals, live music, and a fun night out. It hosts regular shows featuring funk, jazz, and several other genres of music.
The restaurant serves a diverse blend of Creole, Cajun, and Southern-style dishes.
House of Blues, New Orleans, has over 298 pieces of folk art that decorate the walls and hallways of the interior. The calendar is always filled with not just blues artists but renowned names from all genres.
Whether you are searching for a night of live music and dancing or a unique dining experience, the House Of Blues New Orleans is undoubtedly worth a visit.
Address: 225 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
15. Three Muses
Three Muses
Three Muses is a stylish, exciting, original restaurant and Bar on the musically-inclined Frenchman Street.
It is a great local hub for drinks, tasty food, and incredible jazz. The menu changes often, and most entrees are tapas and small plates.
The restaurant hosts dinner events, special cocktails, and live music gigs, making this joint a memorable New Orlean experience.
It can be hard to get around when it is filled up, but the visitors are often respectful.
Three Muses have a comprehensive list of house-made cocktails and a great food menu.
You may come for the music, but you can stay for the good drinks and food.
Address: 536 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
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Plan Your Trip to New Orleans
New Orleans draws many visitors from across the state and the globe.
Whether it is for the piano bar, the home-grown jazz, the unique neighborhoods, the colorful, food-forward festivals, or the iconic meals served at the top restaurant in the city, New Orleans won’t disappoint.