The Jazz Playhouse
New Orleans
At a glance
Located on the bustling Bourbon Street, The Jazz Playhouse offers an authentic New Orleans jazz club experience nestled within a historic hotel. The Playhouse invites guests into an intimate setting where live jazz performances echo the golden age of jazz. Whether one is a seasoned aficionado or new to the genre, the club serves as a captivating venue to enjoy the craftsmanship of talented musicians. The club's proximity to New Orleans' iconic French Quarter makes it not only accessible but a noteworthy destination for both residents and visitors.
The Jazz Playhouse caters to those in search of an evening of musical delight paired with flavorful bites and craft cocktails. The culinary offerings are inspired by traditional Cajun and Creole cuisine, providing small plates perfect for sharing among friends or savoring solo. Cocktails, named in homage to legendary jazz musicians, complement the distinctive New Orleans atmosphere with their thoughtfully curated flavors.
For those seeking a private experience, The Jazz Playhouse offers facilities for personal and corporate events, accommodating groups in a way that maintains the cozy and sophisticated atmosphere of the club. Whether for an afterwork gathering or a celebratory occasion, guests can reserve the space and create enduring memories in an elegant setting. Attendees can enjoy themed events or simply revel in the ambient soundscape of live jazz.
The Jazz Playhouse is suited for those who appreciate a casually refined ambiance where patrons can dress smartly or opt for a more laid-back attire. Its vibrant locale, coupled with the soulful backdrop of jazz, makes it a notable addition to New Orleans' rich musical tapestry.
Reviews
The burlesque performance was amazing the music and dancing were both great. Even the food and drinks were good. The only reason I’m rating 2 stars is because of the very unpleasant young lady at the door. My friends and I came to see the performance that was supposed to start at 9:00. We arrived around 8:40 and saw a small line at the door so we waited about 10 minutes before the very unpleasant young woman opened the door and began aggressively yelling at the small group of people waiting to get in. She told us not to “bum rush” her or the door and wait our turns to be seated. I understand wanting everyone to wait their turn to be seated but the manner in which she spoke to everyone was very rude and aggressive for no reason. It was off putting to me and one other friend and we wanted to say something but the other friends in the group said that we should let it go because the young lady was probably just having a bad day. When it was our turn to be seated she wasn’t any more pleasant, she asked how many people, walked us to the table then just walked away, no smile no pleasantries no other words said to us at all. Once the show started we were consistently disturbed by the same young woman from the door talking and laughing very loudly with several other employees so loud that we could hear her from across the room even over the band playing. The next night my friends and I were walking by in the lobby and heard her aggressively screaming the same speech she gave the night before to a group of people that I’m assuming were there for the show that night. I would give her the benefit of the doubt and believe she was just having a bad day but nothing seemed different the next day. I understand that sometimes good workers have bad days but it seems our experience was ruined by one bad worker. We would definitely see the show again, but if I saw her at the door I’d turn and leave.
Fellow jazz snobs do not overlook this place. I check the WWOZ Livewire before I arrive in town and I always ignored the Jazz Playhouse because I assumed a hotel bar would have some Murf and the Magic-Tones version of jazz. I'll tell you if you walked past this place on your way to Fritzel's or Frenchman's on 6/27/26 you made a bad call. We had been at Kermit's earlier in the evening and he said he was going to stop by the Royal Sonesta as soon as he was done smoking (he never showed). Since we were staying at the hotel and had a $15 credit we checked out the show at the Jazz Playhouse. Wow! Nayo Jones and her band were great. I cannot think of a better singer that I've seen live in a club in the past decade. If she is a regular here I'm coming back and bringing my friends. And there was no cover charge! The room looked great and the bartenders were solid. One of them ran over the kitchen to get an egg to make me a gin fizz.
If you're looking for a break from the lively, high-energy crowds on Bourbon Street, The Jazz Playhouse is the perfect escape. It has a classy, intimate atmosphere that lets you enjoy incredible live music in a comfortable setting without sacrificing the New Orleans vibe. We were lucky enough to catch Brass-A-Holics, and they absolutely brought the house down. The musicians were phenomenal, the energy was infectious, and the sound quality was excellent. It felt like a true New Orleans music experience. The cocktails were equally impressive—beautifully crafted, delicious, and served by attentive, friendly staff. It's the kind of place where you can actually relax, sip a great drink, and appreciate world-class live jazz and brass music. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, on a date night, or just want a more refined music venue after exploring Bourbon Street, The Jazz Playhouse is well worth a visit.
It is a must to do to spend an evening in a jazz club in New Orleans. At this club, you are close enough to see the musicians’ expressions, feel the pride of soulful vocalists and watch a trumpet solo played his story. The atmosphere is relaxed, playful with New Orleans energy that keeps pulling you to stay longer than expected. If you want to feel the heartbeat of New Orleans jazz, spend an evening at this club. This is a place where you will lose track time because the music keeps playing and pulling you in. Cheers!
A great place with live jazz music and a truly wonderful atmosphere. The music was excellent, the singer was fantastic, and the cocktails were delicious and well crafted. Overall, it’s exactly what you expect from a jazz venue in New Orleans. Unfortunately, the experience was partially spoiled by the service. The waitress was very unfriendly and rude, which noticeably affected the evening. It’s a shame, because the venue itself and the music definitely deserve a high rating.
