Frenchmen Street Reviews

We visited frenchmen street and had a blast! Great jazz clubs and the area was very cool. It's like bourbon street but for locals. If you take a trip to new Orleans I'd definitely recommend checking out this area .

Music everywhere at all times of the day. All different types of music to enjoy. Just find a spot you want to vibe with and go in, have a drink and check it out.

We first spotted this area when taking a city tour by horse and carriage. It was so pretty, interesting, and the architecture was amazing. We immediately knew we had to come back and we did. But we also chose to come back at night. Bourbon St is for some folks, this was perfect for us. We had a friend with us for the last few days of our week who gave us a personal tour. So glad we didn't miss this area. Lot's to enjoy.

Place was recommended by a local for great Jazz music and food. It did not disappoint. A much more laid back vibe than Bourbon Street. Bamboula's had the best food and drinks, but all the venues we visited had great music. Note that it's best to stick to the "main" area on FS, as the surrounding area can be sketchy.

We don't have anything like this in my city, and I wasn't sure how we would go about fulfilling my mother's wish to "listen to some music." After waffling about other opportunities in town, we ended up just walking to Frenchmen Street. There are a few blocks lined with bars where there is music every night of the week. You just wait until you hear something you like, go in, get drinks, and enjoy. With Covid, some places are selling tickets to limit audience size, but you can still just show up and find a good band playing. Tip your musicians!

This is how I remember Bourbon Street in the '60's and '70's. Lots of great music, not played glaringly loud. Good drinks at reasonable prices. Outdoor seating. If you're going to get your drink on, go to Bourbon Street. If you're going to enjoy the ambiance and the people you're with, go to Frenchmen!

the bars are open here, you just cant go in. so many people are just hanging outside their favorite bars and drinking.

We finally ventured out to Frenchman Street and so glad we did. We had an 17 year old daughter with us and we were able to find a place where she could go with us to enjoy a great live band. Then we discovered a jazz band playing at the Frenchman Hotel’s courtyard which was a local party and was wonderful. If you had enough of the Bourbon Street, go the Frenchman Street!

Well worth a visit while there. Less of a tourist trap than French quarter. Check out Blue Nile for music.

This is a lively spot for drinks and live music. There is no cover but there is a required drink purchase. The music is great. The food is not the best but the atmosphere is the reason to go.

Amazing and colorful street art.
I suggest to head this street early morning if you wanna take nice pictures before it's crowded.
All bars and restaurants fully booked in the evening, we had no chance to experience the food or a show.

The atmosphere is beautiful, pleasant, festive and a visual pleasure. Compared to the wildness and craziness of Bourbon Street, this is a more casual experience, more friendly to something romantic or family-friendly. It could be said that it is the most cultured version of New Orleans nightlife, without saying that it is boring or anything less. Live jazz is a must in any of its restaurants or bars.

Negative point? The food... Don't be fooled, the food in New Orleans is far from what is advertised by tourists. It is, to say the least, average on the bad side and the cost is really high. A junk food restaurant will not go below 20 USD per person. Do you want quality meat, in a good and iconic restaurant? prepare your wallet between 70 and 150 usd per person.

Alcoholic drinks, on the other hand, are spectacular... Very varied style and flavor of cocktails, prices between 10 and 25 USD per drink. Highly recommended to take advantage of the happy hours! (do not forget that the age of alcohol sales is 21 years and therefore admission to many places is based on it).

Return to New Orleans, definitely yes, but preferable to look for food from home!

I would highly recommend Frenchmen Street if you are looking for a place to hear great live Jazz and taste great food. Frenchmen Street is clean and vibrant. Every place we went into was awesome. There are also street vendors and great local artists. Whether you’re in town for business, or with family and friends, Frenchmen Street is the place to go.

Frenchmen Street is the best street in New Orleans! The best music! And Vibe! Few drunk or outrageous people - unlike Bourbon Street where you can witness most anything …

When jazz is here, ...it's to do java!
I am not a big fan of jazz but here I feasted going from bar to bar to vibrate to the tunes of blues, soul, funk even reggae.

We’ve been visiting New Orleans (driving from Virginia in two days) for my birthday. We love the Brakeman Hotel on Basin Street. It’s a converted train depot building and the rooms and building have a lot of charm. It’s a perfect location and easy walk to many popular venues. Parking is free. We celebrated with a birthday dinner at GW Fins, one of our favorite restaurants in town. I ordered the Dry Aged Yellowfin Tuna Chop and my wife had the halibut, and we shared lobster dumplings and tuna tartare appetizers. Everything was outstanding (the tuna was $75, but it was worth it to me and I’m not complaining). We ended the night at Bamboulas on Frenchmen Street listening to great jazz. We haven’t tried the food at Bamboulas , but the drinks are good, the beer is cold, and the service is excellent. Stay far away from the house wines, though. We much prefer the Frenchmen neighborhood to the French Quarter—all the same food and entertainment options but much less sleaze (okay, a little sleaze is fun). There’s not much better after a night of drinking and dancing than made-while-you-wait warm beignets and strong coffee for breakfast. We golfed at the Joseph M. Bartholomew, Sr. Municipal Golf Course (aka Joe Bart or the Old Bart), which is well maintained, flat (or course) , and pretty open. We saw a number of Mardi Gras parades during our three nights there. Although we had a car, we used Uber quite a bit—wait times were very short and fares were very reasonable and of course no need to find parking or drive tipsy. We visit NOLA once a year and few US cities can compete as a destination for excellent food and music. We’ve had friends question safety in NOLA, but we’ve never sensed a threat or felt uncomfortable (the hotel is across the street from a police precinct headquarters). I’ve also been to Final Fours in NOLA. I’d vote for it to become the permanent venue for sports championships. It can accommodate the crowds easily; has much to offer in the way of food, drink, and entertainment; and the venues are within walking distance to hotels, restaurants, and entertainment.

The area is several blocks long on a street slightly separate from the French Quarter area. It is not near the famous Bourbon Street strip. It is similar in that it consists of one bar after another on both sides of the street. Most or all of them have a live jazz band and limited food and unlimited alcohol is served. Everything opens around 7pm but the real action starts after 9. It’s best to get there earlier than 9 to get a seat and table. It’s similar to Bourbon St but, in our opinion, better.

Have some fun and take a look around Frenchmen street. Lots of venues with places to eat, spots to have a drink, shops. Best of all it is a fun place to people watch!

Had a great time walking up and down the street and going to the various music venues. Glad to see masks were required.

frenchmen street isnt as great as they say, a few bars, some music but i like bourbon st more. spotted cat was fun

I loved the smell of the air. There was a live band and it just seemed so alive and cultivating. I really enjoyed being there. I look forward to another visit and hopes and good faith.

Just walking along the street is an experience. Music starts early during the day but the best time to visit is in the evening/night. Our favorite was Margny Brasserie for live music.In between bars and restaurants you can find courtyard turned to open air art markets.

Nice little hideaway just off the French Quarter. Still plenty of local jazz and drinks. Went to the Spotted Cat and saw a great jazz band, but it was crowded. For a nice break from the hustle and bustle check out Washington Square, lots of park benches and quite atmosphere.

Hannah was amazing
Food excellent
atmosphere great
Music was wonderful
Must place to go too won't be disappointed NOLA

We much prefer strolling Frenchmen street rather than Bourbon. So much fun!!! Great music too! Plenty of bars!!

I spent one evening in December in this colorful part of town. Many music choices and a friendly vibe all around.

Stopped in early evening and listened to a variety of music. Enjoyable evening and felt more comfortable here than on Bourbon Street. Also stopped by on our last day in NO to take photos.

What a amazing street full of great people and great music, the best place we found in New Orleans and I would highly recommend any music fan to go here. Far better than Bourbon street :)

We had our fill of Bourbon street and found Frenchman street on our last night. What a great place to listen to live music and party with the locals. FANTASTIC...

We sat on the balcony and the atmosphere was great ,food was brought quite quickly nice and hot ,service was good

Visited Frenchman and it was a nice break from Bourbon St. Tons of live music and drinks. A more relaxed place to just sit and enjoy.

Beautiful atmosphere for an evening of jazz. Several restaurants and bars, less touristy than Bourbon Street. To have!

We went there around 2 pm. It was a stranded street and a few places open. A short street - nothing from what I read about it. Perhaps it’s more lively in the evening. I would not go there again.

We went to see a jazz show after dinner - it was great - the musicians were amazingly talented and they have cocktail service during the show!

Just walking down this street is amazing. There is music pouring out of the venues, People sitting outside at tables with drinks. It was just great!

Not only does this short stretch of New Orleans have top notch musical offerings in its establishments, it had an artists bazaar and street musicians. This street offered everything to experience without the masses of crowds at Bourbon St. so if you're looking for experience without the crowds, this may be more for you.

So much to see and do on Frenchmen street! Great music at so many spots including Bamboulas and a wonderful craft market.

Frenchmen Street is the best place in New Orleans for live music and a great atmosphere. The street is full of amazing bars and clubs with talented musicians playing jazz, blues, and more.

It feels less touristy than Bourbon Street and has a more local vibe. The energy is fantastic, and the nightlife is unforgettable. There are also cool art markets and street performers that make the experience even better.

If you love music and a fun atmosphere, Frenchmen Street is a must-visit!

Really enjoyed frenchmen street. Get away from Bourbon street to some great music and muted, but awesome fun.

bout my 3rd time to NOLA and never really experienced this area as i should of, think once we went through at around 9pm or so, lots of music going on, but looked to difficult to get in anyplace, too crowded. this time we were smart, music startsup around 6 there, get your spot, dont even have to buy a drink if u dont want, the music is closeup, great jazz, great places, walk past, see which one you want to listen to and stop in, wont be disappointed. looks a little like a "trouble" area but i wasnt concerned and saw no incidents of any trouble.

Some of the best jazz music in New Orleans can be found on this street in a two block long section. When my husband and I visited in the late afternoon, several of the clubs were not open yet. Bamboula's was open and the live jazz was wonderful! I recommend strolling down this street the next time you are in New Orleans.

Spent a few evenings walking up an down the street. Went to 1 show. Lot's of good music and a pleasant vibe. A change from Bourbon St.

Very unique and glad we went there! We went during the daytime and wish we would have also enjoyed at night

a good way to experienced what the old life back in the day. so much energy in this city. Totally different from the other city in the USA. culture ,traditions ,foods music and all.

Great music, friendly staff, reasonably priced drinks. Can’t wait to go back. The Dapper Dans were fantastic.

A group of about 10 friends and I visited a restaurant on Frenchman street. We walked that way at about 5pm, and then after dinner around 8. It felt VERY UNSAFE. There were so many sketchy people around, dark sections of the sidewalk, lots of homeless people as well as drugged out people sitting in the middle of the sidewalk. I almost abandoned our venture for dinner but we were starving. At one point on our way back we even crossed to another side of the street because of a group of super sketchy guys we would have had to walk right between in a dark sidewalk. I would NOT recommend this area at all.

What a street. The drunks and d^*heads can have Bourbon St and those wanting some class and damn fine music - go to Frenchman Street! So so good.

New Orleans French quater can be seen in 2 days max. Lovely and good vibe. Bourbon steet reminded me of Spain in 80's.

My wife & I were delighted to learn that if you want to hear Jazz, Frenchmen St is where the neighborhood people go. We spent three hours in Maison Frenchmen listening to a great Jazz band called Eight Dice Cloth. The price of admission was that you had to buy a drink/beer during a set. The kitchen was closed but we were allowed to bring in food from across the street. Not being drinkers, I sipped my beers while my wife drank water. The waitress could not have been more welcoming and polite. There are other live venues along Frenchmen St. Have fun!

First time we visited thanks to someone in our hotel suggesting it. This is soooooo much better than Bourbon Street. Better music, food and drinks better priced. The 2 block must be alive with about 12-15 acts in the evening. We had such a great time on Frenchman Street we went there for 2 evenings. Highly recommended

friendly natives, good weather, terrible driving conditions!, bought authentic pralines to take back home!

We were told this was the place to be .. so.much better than Bourbon St. We followed the suggestion and visited the local brewery about 5pm. By 7 we were.om the streets looking for food, beverage, entertainment. What we found was no food options. Only beverages, outside of the brewery, were to go. SO MANY establishments closed and boarded up. One group of street musicians provided a few minutes of entertainment. Otherwise it was dark, sad, lots of vagrants.

Wonderful restaurants, great jazz music. The spotted cat is wonderful. You absolutely want to venture out to Frenchman St.

Authentic experience outside the hustle and bustle of The French District. Not as many tourists yet you can find amazing music and art. A jazz band posted up right outside a chicken joint while we were there and it was definitely one of the highlights.

Skip Bourbon and head here. Better music, safer, more fun. Like Nola was back in the day. I love that there's a brass band playing on the street corner.

We loved staying in the French Quarter. So much to see and do. Frenchman street is such a lively place. We ate at this restaurant and loved the interior decorations. A must see in NOLA.

many live bands to enjoy -- walking distance to bourbon street -- the french market with local artist -- what's not to love!!

We are visiting New Orleans for two weeks and are here during NolaXNola. There are great free or inexpensive jazz shows every day at venues across the city. Many of the venues are on Frenchmen Street. The music is fabulous.

We have given up on Bourbon Street (too busy, lewd, and noisy... and very little jazz). Frenchmen Street is our place to go for the music scene. During our recent visit, we enjoyed jazz/swing by the Rug Cutters who appeared at at Favela Chic (no cover but tips strongly encouraged). They even had a set where we enjoyed watching a couple of swing dancers. We sat at the socially distanced bar and ordered cocktails, but the pizza seemed to be flying off the shelves in the rest of the restaurant. There's always lots to see and do on Frenchmen Street!

Skip bourbon street...this is where it's at! The music in every bar was incredible, plus the whole street overall has such a vibe specific to Nola. Most bars do not charge cover, and if they do (Spotted Cat), its like five bucks. The Cat gets crowded, as it's small inside, but the music is the best. I am not sure where to eat around here. We had a po boy in a bar that wasnt too great. But the drinks, music, street poets with their typewriters, and the artist market all make this place a must.

Looking for live Jazz music... search no further. Frenchman Street has it all! Great music, fun bars, and plenty of quick bites. Don't miss The Spotted Cat and Dat Dogs. Fun will be had by all... guarantee it!

Frenchmen Street is AMAZING!! The live music in EVERY SINGLE bar on the block is spectacular!!! What you don't find in one spot...well just go next door...literally! Make sure to get a Po-Boy. :)

Walking down Frenchman's Street, you are surrounded by exceptional music vary few steps. We stopped at the Spotted Cat at 3 in the afternoon and heard some wonderful music from Andy Forrest and this trio. Beer was cold and the audience was appreciative. Into the second set, "Lucky" joined the group playing a fabulous piano. Two hours flew by before we had to leave for a dinner but hanging out on Frenchman's Street is fun if you enjoy good music.

Frenchmen Street is located on the outskirts of the French Quarter in New Orleans. There is a number of different bars & it has a little bit of a different vibe than Bourbon Street, but certainly not less enjoyable. Recommended.

This is a very interesting street with several music venues. It's a very nice place to photograph and enjoy the street activity.

We asked our server at Ruby Slipper (see that review) where we should go that evening, and he recommended Frenchmen Street. It was on our list and that just moved it up higher. We went and were not disappointed.

When we approached Chartres Street, the corner was full of people spilling out onto the street making it hard for cars to get through. It turns out there were musicians in front of the Willie’s Chicken Shack. It was the same way when we visited again three evenings later.

We also enjoyed listening to a gentleman freestyling who included verses about our friend as we walked by, as well as a group in front of Frenchmen All Day. Not to mention all the restaurants/bars along Frenchmen that had musicians performing inside.

Another bonus was the evening makers’ market apparently called the Frenchmen Art Bazaar that is open in the evening until midnight. We enjoyed being able to shop and purchase gifts from local artists.

Definitely worth checking out Frenchmen, especially as a more tame alternative for nightlife than Bourbon Street.

Uber drivers told us the vibe was different from Bourbon Street. I'd say the music was different but still a strong party vibe and more crowded so harder to get around. Smaller venues.

You haven't really been to New Orleans if you don't do Burbon street in the day and Frenchman street at night! the hard working jazz musicians were dynamite and extremely entertaining. Especially the BANBOULAS and jazz group at the Devlin {?} Too many great jazz bands on Frenchmen Street to name.

I would skip this and head to the French Quarter instead if you're short on time. There isn't much special here.. mostly bookstores and so on.

Frenchman Street was lively, but not overcrowded, with great bars offering live music. Very enjoyable and not intimidating.

We went to the Spotted Cat at about 5pm and saw a Jazz band. But ate at DAT Dog. I would go with a group, though. Don't drive here, parking sucks. Take a shared car or taxi. Or ride one of the mule wagons. We walked here from Carondelet and Lafayette but took a Lyft back to the hotel.

Really close to the French Quarter, there is a lot happening on this safer street. Music and performances are fun to enjoy while getting a bite to eat for lunch or dinner.

I absolutely loved Frenchmen St. Eventhough, the area was crowded with people the vibe was chill. There's art, jewelry, drinks, live music and just good vibes. I preferred Frenchmen St to Bourbon St.

it a party area thats way better then the drunk amateur night on bourbon street vibe. Good music vibe

Great jazz at the Spotted Cat and saw Dominick Grillo and the Frenchmen Street All Stars, with only a $10 cover charge. Relaxed atmosphere of people appreciating the good music. We’ll be back on our next NOLA visit.

Frenchmen Street was a more laid back ground. Lots of jazz & R&B bands. No cover but a drink minimum at most places. They had a night market & it was very lively. It’s different from Bourbon.

spend one night at Frenchmen street, definitely a much better alternative to Bourbonstreet. can be reached from down town by walking Royal street all the way east, 20 min walk.
great bar/restaurants, excellent live music everywhere, and outdoor Art market during weekends.
Avoid Dirty Bourbon street going there..

Before I went, I pictured a lively street filled with music, people, colors and life. What I saw instead, at 6 p.m. on a weekday, was a semi-dark street with some people walking, some cafes, bars, etc with live music inside them, and a few homeless people here and there. Almost a typical street, nothing out of the ordinary. We left soon because we didn’t see the point in staying. What is all the hype really about?

The street is lined with multiple great music venues and was a much better experience than Bourbon Street. Loads of energy on the street and a terrific atmosphere.

French Market lacked a high level of local artisans. Too much touristy mainstream merch.
The street is teaming with live music, less drunks and homeless. Has a nice vibe.

You can bar crawl to your heart's content and listen to so much music. So much fun and great music!
Drop into the Spotted Cat...It's a must.

Fun & lively place! Pretty area! Loved walking from there to Bourbon Street. Our friends, family, & I enjoyed our time here. We enjoyed the music as we were walking through the area.

Bourbon St. is fun but Frenchman is more my style! Still hopping but a bit more relaxed. Many music venues located here!

Live music, plenty of food and drink, lots to do (museums, aquarium, shops, etc.). The streets do get odorous as the day/night goes on, but they try their best to clean every AM. The people were completely genuine and super nice. Although you will encounter some that want to sell you beads, hats, etc. for a fee. Try not to get caught up in this, it can become costly, quickly. All in all, it was a great time, and I will go again.

We spent part of our last night in New Orleans on Frenchman Street. It was very laid back, there was some great music and cool little bars. It was a nice change from the craziness on Bourbon Street.

This is a lovely part of the French Quarter a bit removed from the craziness of Bourbon St. I recommend a long leisurely stroll, maybe with a written guide to explain what you are looking at. Lots of history here.

After partying on Bourbon Street a few times. Frenchmen really offers something different and unique and really gives you a great feeling on an evening of fun and music.

Crazy by night, Frenchmen Street offers a less intense experience on a Saturday afternoon when bars are open, music is playing and the crowds are a fraction of what will arrive in the evening. My insider advice.

Walking down Frenchmen and listening to all the live music was the highlight of my time in New Orleans. Walk down the street and just listen to everyone playing. Eventually, you'll find one that really calls to you. Stay there, have a drink, and soak in the music. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

We wandered onto Frenchman Street, found a little pub, snagged a front row seat and enjoyed a great band for a couple of hours. Fun time.

We were told to go here stead of Bourbon street, better food ,better prices ,less people. So we went. My food was awful, my husband like his, the prices were the same and there’s were NO people. Lol. This was a Saturday night. We left and went back to bourbon street. This is good for older ones I think, not so much noise and people

Nice colorful buildings and not nearly as busy as the rest of the French Quarter. The Jazz Museum is over by Frenchmen Street too.

I have no idea why Bourbon Street gets all the hype. Unless you are a 21 year old college kid letting loose, there is nothing there for ya. Go to other parts of this amazing city, just like Frenchman, garden district, or across the bridge on Mardi grass Ave.

Best street in New Orleans...hands down. Amateurs do Bourbon Street. This street is full with awesome music, many places having 2 to 3 bands a night. 30 90 and The Spotted Cat are a must.

Most authentic jazz music is found on Frenchmen St. Not all venues are open yet and some are open only on certain days, so check your info. Websites not always reliable.

Forget about bourbon! This is the street you need to patronize. Great food and dynamic bars line Frenchmen giving visitors a taste of culture! It’s safer than bourbon and has a lot of live bands. It won’t disappoint.

Awesome experience! We had way more fun than on bourbon street! Awesome music and people! It was so relaxing!

If I get back to NOLA I would love to go to one of the bars here and listen to music. Walk around the area and it was fun to just soak it in. All the locals come here

Went to Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro-great dinner and fabulous jazz show, The New Orleans Nightcrawlers! Hadn’t been on Frenchman Street, lots of great jazz clubs here, cool laid back vibe👍

What an amazing place, never dissappoints. Vibrant, firendly people, truley amazing neighborhood. Loved juts walking around and viewing the unique architecture.

Everything was closed on Monday and Tuesday. May be resting from Madi Gras?? We didn't have time to go later in the week.

We enjoyed Frenchman Street so much we went back. Fun clubs, great music and little shops. A must see when in New Orleans!

Frenchman’s Street is at the far end of the riverside area. It’s very bohemian and lots of graffiti art. Bars and music everywhere.

My husband and I walked from Canal Street to Frenchman Street in the stifling hot as we were told if you want to hear jazz music, that is the place to be. However, no one told us that it does not happen until later in the evening so once we arrived, nothing was happening and that was at 7:00 p

Great jazz music in relaxing atmosphere. Good for outdoor sandwich , beer, with music. Must be friendly and assertive with wait staff.

There were so many places with great music and great food. We were able to watch the parades near by.

Once you've seen Bourbon St. head over to Frenchmen St. ... it's where the locals go. Just as many restaurants and bars here.

Frenchman area is a must go to. Lots of great bands playing at dba, Maison, etc etc. And food ranging from hot dogs to fine dining.
A problem venue is Frenchman hotel: room is tiny; way too small to accommodate bands and patrons. For example Tuba Skinny was playing and zero room for dancers as well as patrons. Find a courtyard or use dba more.

A lively street filled with clubs offering live music, food and drinks. Also home to Dat Dog where you can get one of the best hot dogs you will ever eat. Frenchmen Street is a must visit for music lovers visiting the Big Easy!

Walk around and look at all the cast iron porches that are decorated. Jump in and out of bars along the way, buy a drin=k and enjoy NOLA the real way.

There were lots of jazz clubs here and we ended up in Cafe Negril for a couple of beers and to watch a live band. Can’t remember name of band but they were really good.

It is about a 15 to20 min walk from Jackson square. The road is busy so we felt safe walking up it at night.

Strolled here a couple different ways. Several clubs with live music in the evening. Stroll in, have a drink, and move on down the street. There’s music outside as well. There is a vendor’s market near the Spotted Cat. Evening is best. Many tourists..so if that’s not your jam..avoid!

Stayed in the French quarter for 2 days. That was plenty for us, but we loved it. The building are awesome!

They had a special watermelon margarita the Monday we were there. It was so refreshing on a hot evening. Great music as well.

I'd been told that if I was looking for real New Orleans jazz to skip Bourbon St and head to Frenchmen. Spot on! I found amazing music every night and particularly enjoyed The Spotted Cat Music Slub.

I hope this opinion serves many people, because what is happening on this iconic street in New Orleans is to take extreme precautions when traveling at night.
I'm referring to Bourbon Street. Every night and to prevent them from passing vehicles, they put up fences, (apparently concrete) because they look very heavy; in the center of the street they leave an opening of less than one meter, so that people can pass, but being so narrow this opening and with so many people who transit through this street, it is piled and that is where they take advantage of the robbers (thieves) to practically assault you. I sense that it is not a single tycoon, but a gang that is already organized, I realized that my wallet had been stolen, immediately after passing through one of those openings, and I reached to identify the robber and claimed, told me that he did not bring anything and to check it, obviously by that time my wallet had already passed it to another robber. There was no one, it was Friday (25 July) around 10 at night and there was no police.

Frenchman is my favorite place without Covid! We walked along the street after dinner and were sad to see the restaurants and jazz clubs with locks doors. We heard jazz and noticed the Spotted Cat had a band. Unfortunately, they were filming the band and a singer and we were not allowed inside which is protocol. It was lifting to just stand outside and listen to the music!

We went down to Frenchman St to see what the hype was and wasn’t impressed. Most to see in other areas with better choices of food and bars. I didn’t even take 1 photo of the area and I take LOTS of pics. I would say skip it if you are on the fence or don’t have much time.

Very disappointed. Everything is closed. Nothing to see except for homeless. Very sad. This is due to Covid.

Great Poboys and Muffalettas! Best we’ve ever had!! 👏🏾👏🏾 The staff was very Friendly and welcoming. We will definitely go back the next time we are in New Orleans.

Jazz music is coming back. We hung around for a while listening to various styles of music. Lots of food, drinks. Enjoy your time

Frenchmen Street is what I remember of Bourbon Street 40 years ago. Good Dixie and Jazz bands...especially enjoyed 30/90 bar! Great music every night and our bartender (sadly don't remember her name but she was great!) was outstanding!

Far better than Bourbon Street. Spotted Cat had amazing jazz . This street is the way Bourbon street was , if you want to hear good jazz come here.

the arquitecture is nice, the streets a re to dirty and smell a lot of garbague , once you vist it you have checked it , once in a life time trip

Frenchmen Street is a must see if you visit NOLA. Certainly not like Bourbon street, just a great flavor of NO and music.

My 13 year old son said this was his favorite part of the city. Went to Snug harbor and Three Muses.

On a Saturday night after a dinner in the Bywater, my wife, my cousin and his wife took a walk down Frenchman Street to see if any bars had music. We were totally satisfied. We went to the fifth bar, no cover, and enjoyed a full set of some really awesome blues. Everyone was getting up and moving on the dance floor, smiling, and having a relaxed, joyous night. Everyone, get out there and enjoy your live, local music.

Had dinner here. Great walking. Felt pretty safe including at night. Fun people watching. Flea Market. Purchased some gifts.

This was fun to walk around at night and listen to the different musicians int he different establishments.

A "must do" walk in NOLA to enjoy food, drinks, music, art, and fun. Wear comfy shoes and be prepared to meet friendly people and good times.

Great music! Less rowdy than Buroborn Street but still very fun! Very easy to walk around and flet very safe!

We had been told before that this is the place to go for live music and it's very much true. There aren't too many places here, but all the ones we went to had great live music.

I much preferred Frenchmen to Bourbon. The music was great, lots of cool bars, neat shops and restaurants to check out. Great Vibe, people from all walks.

Live music , bands that change and expose you to different styles. Nice art shops. Good food and drinks. Don't miss it. This is the place to go at night!

The Jazz Soul of NOLA. Excellent vibe. Better than the overly hyped Bourbon street scene (not to mention better choice of musicians and venues)

Bourbon Street is sadly no longer for jazz - it's all clubs playing either rap or country. Frenchman Street is filled with jazz clubs and the groups are extremely talented musicians. Prices are very reasonable to boot!

We came from the French quarter to Frenchmen Street to see how it was and what was going on for Halloween night. Upon our walk there, there are lots of homeless people everywhere I'm very sad to see. Some were literally lighting drugs in a pipe on the sidewalk also while walking there I noticed several syringes on the ground.
We came across a bar with outdoor seating that we ended up staying at for a bit. We ended up seeing a Halloween parade with some really awesome costumes had a few drinks met a really nice couple and then left.
While speaking to a local they told us that a lot of the homeless people had moved over to this area because they knew that the police presence was going to be very heavy on bourbon or over in the French Quarter.
This was pretty much like bourbon but a little bit more laid back with the older crowd not as wild.
Please do not let this review discourage you from visiting Frenchman because you absolutely should. Just be very careful of your surroundings and where you're walking and you'll be fine.

This was what I thought New Orleans should be. Great live music all around, great bars, Definitely drinks are MUCH cheaper than Bourbon.

Not worth the hype.. dirty dirty, drunk people vomiting, bums laid out everywhere. People selling drugs in the street and the drinks are good if you get booze no slushy drinks high cost no alcohol. Third time and it will be my last

This is a fun little three block area to walk around in. Live music so many places and an art bazaar open at night! We loved hanging out here and the people watching is great. Our favorite was Three Muses for both food and music. We spent about 20 minutes of our long weekend on Bourbon Street, but two whole nights in this area.

We had heard a lot of great things about this area from friends who had visited before. We rode down the street finding most shops closed and not as many as we expected.

If you are much of a drinker or pub goer like myself, I think Frenchmen Street is the best place to visit in NOLA. There are great restaurants, bars with live music, and great places to walk around. While I was on a short work trip, we made sure to have some great eats and listen to live music. I would say those are best parts of NOLA.

This was a treat recommended by several of our tour guides, and it did not disappoint! I'd highly recommend visiting Frenchmen Street instead of Bourbon, and it will be one of my first stops when I return to NOLA!

It was amazing! So much to do and so much food and drinks! I ate at Willy's Chicken and the jumbulia was great (as well as the chicken). Cafe Dumand is also there if you don't mind the line.

The music on Frenchman street was a delight to hear after listening to some of the stuff coming from bourbon street. Try not to have too much to drink otherwise you’ll end up spending money on great artwork that you have to work out how to get home 😂

I am SO glad we found Frenchmen Street - a welcome adventure after the non-appealing Bourbon Street. Wonderful vendors & restaurants in a safer environment.

Frenchman street is where the locals go in the French Quarter. It's quieter than Bourbon, but has better live music venues and restaurants. There is also an art market that runs most nights that is definitely a worth while stop.

Get out of the french quarter and take a long walk down Frenchmen street, you get so many beautifull houses i all shapes and paintings it is all worth it

Not sure why everyone told us to go here? It was excessively dirty, smelt, and we couldn't find any place to drink or eat that we thought wouldn't give us some sort of infection. Worst part is we felt very unsafe, even during the day, and this is the ONLY area of New Orleans we felt this way.

I only wish that we had learned about this sooner. We visited Frenchmen Street on our last night in NOLA, per the advice of our food tour guide, and enjoyed some amazing live music in a couple of venues. Would've visited more places on this street on more evenings if we had known about it sooner. All of the music that we experienced was high quality. Highly recommend checking out this area (even over Bourbon Street, which is full of silly young adults)!

Great place to have a drink and listen to some good jazz. Environment is wonderful. Just a few blocks from the French quarter. I highly recommend.

WE are always looking for music in New Orleans and had been told to go to this area but never seemed to get there. The day we were leaving we wandered around before going to the airport and stopped at several of the bars along the street. We were very comfortable though I have to say it was mid afternoon.

We were in New Orleans for Mardi Gras and it was a great experience walking down this street and the buildings are great.

If you don't stop by a Frenchmen Street in New Orleans for incredible music, you kind of missed the point. Just know that you're going to have a sultry, sweaty night of incredible music should you choose to take a stroll.

It doesn't feel like the secret music street it once was. But it still has some great music, but it's definitely more touristy these days. 2 blocks of music venues, it's easy to find what you're looking for, very few cover charges.

Frenchmen Street was the place that was recommended by everyone for a Friday evening stroll. Lots of performers in bars and pubs, some highly entertaining but I preferred Bourbon Street overall

The live Jazz performances you experience here were my number one reason to return to NOLA! Seriously a great time to have!!!

While the clubs on Bourbon do host some good bands, the drunk crowds make the whole experience totally unappetising. So if you’re into the music do yourself a favour and head down to Frenchman.

It’s a fairiy small area with wall to wall bars, clubs and lounges with great bands crossing a multitude of genres.

It has a laid back vibe & bar crawling is par for the course especially as most change bands every couple of hours.

Blues, Cajun, Trad Jazz, funk .... all tastes are catered for.

Most venues require you to buy a drink or tip the band but if preferred you can stand outside & still enjoy the music, with no pressure to move on.

It felt much more authentic to us and met the expectations we had of NOLA, rather than Bourbon which we avoided after our initial visit.

Eclectic area of New Orleans, Came for the music but had a nice meal. The evening is when everything happens

Definitely check this street out. There are some good restaurants, like Adolpho's, and lots of music venues. Covers for music were usually 1 drink. Music was always very good. Not the zaniness of Bourbon street. More for the serious music listener although it is lively.

Forget Bourbon, this is the place for music lovers. There's plenty of alcohol, but the debauchery is modulated by the love of the music... this is the place for music lovers.

Nice street with a lot of live music and bars. Much more calm and laid back than Bourbon Street, it has lots of options for live music.

If you love music, drinks and culture do yourself a favor and visit Frenchmen St. It's fabulous and a most see every time I visit.

Looking for great entertainment? Go here. So many wonderful types of music to listen to. We spent a whole day here and came across Indie, Blues and Jazz. Definitely a must do.

Absolute best of real, authentic New Orleans. Relaxed, fun and jazzy vibe! DBA bar was excellent for drinks and comfort.

Some things are nice to see, but overall not really impressed. Rough, dirty, such a sad sight, would of loved to visted in its hayday.

If you have every enjoyed an episode of Yancy derringer, this is a must go place to visit. Lots of shopping and great places to eat / drink in the local area.

We walked several blocks to get to Frenchmen Street. The walk was nice but it wasn't worth it. Businesses, bars and restaurants were open but it was just so dirty. Did not have a good vibe to it at all.

What a horrible place!!! DO NOT GO IN THE DAY. December 2024 at 1pm there were nothing but homeless people, many with large dogs. One of the ugliest places I’ve seen. Maybe it looks better in the dark I’ll never know because I won’t be back.

Vibrant community with multiple locations to here Blues music. It is not nearly as crowded or crazy as the Bourbon Street area and allows you to relax and enjoy listening to good music

We can't wait to come back to NOLA as this is the area we plan to stay during our next visit. Authentic NOLA at it's best.

I was here last year after the hurricane and there weren't a lot of people, Went to Cafe Negril and had a blast listening to live jazz. This time it was so crowded, there was barely standing room. Had to leave because it was just too much. They have an outdoor market that was really cool, Lots of artists selling all kinds of things. Would love to go on a week night and see if it is better.

Skip the bars with bands on Bourbon and head to Frenchman Street instead. Much better experience overall.

We took the 49 trolley to a Frenchman street. It was worth it. We had dinner at bamboulas. The band playing was enjoyable. If I hadn’t sprained my ankle I would have got up and danced. They had an outdoor artisans fair. Very different collections for purchase. You walk down the street and pop into whichever sound you like. I would have preferred and old jazz band but they’re were not play that night.

Excellent option for music and drinks in New Orleans! It has a good atmosphere, and the live music is great. IT'S NOT WORTH GOING TO BOURBON STREET.... THIS IS A BETTER OPTION.

No so crowded, better music the off the beaten path places so amazing to walk the streets everyone was so friendly.

I rated Frenchman Street a 10 because of the cool people and the great architecture was nearly A+. There are so many places to stop and look and get a drink. We went during the day and we still had a great time walking around and sightseeing.

got tired of people asking for money, sleeping across the sidewalk and drunks being a bit obnoxious. Walked through one afternoon, just to ‘check the box’

Amazing place to see live music!!! This is where the "locals" go. More of a grown and sexy vibe. Definite recommendation.

We walked to The Spotted Cat (a couple times) and went to Bamboula's. There are so many great venues in this one area. There is also a local artisans market on the street. One evening there was a fantastic brass band of teenagers playing on the corner across from the hot dog place. People were dancing in the street. So glad we spent time here. A must see if you love music.

Neat area of clubs and better scene than Bourbon, NOLA version of what the Village used to be. I would plan on spending time there especially if you like the music.

Every few steps along the street brings something new to look at, something new to listen to. So much entertainment in a few blocks. Amazing.

We are in our 60s and we enjoyed Frenchmen St more than we did Bourbon St. It was pretty clean, there were plenty of bars and places to eat and it was fun to walk around.

Well, the one night I went (on a Thursday) the music was amazing, but it was modern disco and classic rock. No traditional jazz and no table/chairs but rather small dark stand-only rooms! Not at all what I had expected. Reminds me of the dingier basement clubs in NYC's Greenwich Village. Also, no food places were open (we were there from 8pm to 10pm!!) The art/craft showcase was also very amazing (bowties made of feather?!?!?).

Not at all a substitute for the far more traditional Boubon Street jazz. Not even close.

The places here had the best live music I saw in NOLA for sure. At night some food tucks come through and you gotta hit one or 2!

an amazing experience all round felt totally safe ate well at food stores spent loads at stalls totally recommend a visit take your time have food drink beer shop chill enjoy visit stall and shops
a must to visit

Frenchman street is so much fun. So many different jazz bars to go to, but the Spotted Cat was our favorite. Dat Dog is also on this street which is delicious and usually has an impromptu jazz band pop up outside. There is also an outdoor art market with local artists. We came back here almost every night we were in NOLA. Loved the culture and music!

So fun strolling along, hearing the music and seeing the musicians and singers up close and personal. You could stop in, listen a while, then move on to another place - easy!

So many amazing bars, so much great music. We had an amazing night here- it’s definitely worth a visit!

This has the makings of being the only piece of NOLA left where the atmosphere of Frenchman Street used to be in so many places. This is a MUST SEE for music scene. Again, a lot of places have shut down, so you are limited to this street to catch the fever of the old days. There were people in the street waiting for bands to begin and rotate indoors in festival like manner. Walking to/from the neighborhood was just as enjoyable to see the working class in refurbished housing.

A must see street in New Orleans, great buzz about the place especially in the afternoon when it is very family friendly. We had to go into the Spotted Cat for a drink and to see some music. Legendary place.

Skip Bourbon/French Quarter and go here instead. Great music, history & cool vibe. Way more enjoyable & authentic than FQ.

Music music music. Definetly New Orleans is a place for music lovers. So many discoveries, so much talent in the streets and so many people coming together and enjoying what this magnificent city has to offer.

This street has so much atmosphere! It's not fancy, it's a place to hear great music by local musicians. There are seating areas accessible by everyone outside the clubs. Walk from one club to another and enjoy the sounds of New Orleans. While food is available, that is not the focus of this street - it's music. Basic food is available, but don't go there for a good dinner - go for the music. It's a friendly place with people parading down the street, musicians set up on the corner, lots of clubs with great bands. An outdoor art fair offers art and crafts for sale until 11pm/12pm. FRenchmen Street was the best part of our trip to New Orleans.

The live bands were incredible. Nothing but professionals on this street! Whether you like authentic jazz, blues, soul, second line vibes or any other genre, this street has a place for you.

This must stop in New Orleans never disappoints! The vibe and music will leave you in a great mood! The art market near the Spotted Cat is fun as well. We walked from the French Quarter along Royal to Frenchman and made a brief stop at the R Bar (I’m a bit NCIS New Orleans fan and this is “Dwayne’s bar”). We grabbed a quick sandwich at the Market Verti (recommendation from a local - grab and go -yum!) and see Tuba Skinny at the Frenchman Hotel - a quiet and relaxed venue -so much fun. Brendan, the bar tender, was the Best!

This is a fun stroll to take in some music at the many bars. Music starts around 2 pm, so you can go early to avoid some crowds. But nighttime is fun and vibrant despite the crowds. Also the craft/art shopping is only open at night

Fantastic experience - Bourbon street has all the publicity but this is where you really should be going to hang out if you want to hear great music. Just stroll along the street and have fun.

To attend a jazz, funk or blues concert, Frenchmen Street is, without doubt, a must-see alternative to Bourbon Street. The street is short but has excellent clubs. It is much less crowded and quieter, allowing to enjoy the Mood and music. In addition, several establishments offer the option of dining on site.Be aware, however, that New Orleans requires increased vigilance. Consider safety without paranoia: use common sense and avoid wandering around late at night.

This was my favorite part of our trip. This is my third trip to NOLA and my first time making it to Frenchmen St and wow have I missed out! This is the quintessential Nawlins feel, sound, vibe! I am a middle-aged woman and Bourbon Street is just too young and wild for me but Frenchmen St... oh yes!

THE MUSIC was amazing. Live music so varied and inspirational. Loved every minute of it! We heard many bands and a variety of music from jazz to old school orchestra music. So much fun!

I may be alone when I say this but Frenchmen Street is so much better than Bourbon Street. Frenchmen is smaller (about 4 blocks) but the music here is fantastic. Jazz, blues, rock, pop just follow your ears. We sat at some tables just outside a music venue and listened to the incredibly talented musicians. A local was next to us and they were so nice, telling us where to go and what to do. Then a man pulled his truck up in front of us and he was towing a smoker. After about an hour he put out a sign and his food was ready to serve. You could just walk up and get the most incredible BBQ right off the street while listening to music. Heaven!

Very fun and festive part of town, way less crowded and wild as Bourbon St. Great small jazz venues all along about 4 blocks. We were there on Fri night and Sat afternoon. We didn’t have a meal but there are places, we just enjoyed the music and scene. Cool record store there too.

Few to no buskers but a nice art market. It's just a little street. Didn't think it was worth me walking over there

You can park on the street 1-2 blocks away. Cheaper rates than the FQ. At/after 7pm it is FREE parking & that is when the bands really start going. Much nicer & cheaper then the French quarter. I rec this area..you can also walk here from the FQ

We had a blast! Plus the best chargrilled oysters ever!!! The music was fantastic!
No Admission fee. We loved the atmosphere!

Great for strolling along. Plenty of music and bars. Lots of people. Very energetic scene. Maintaining social distancing can be a problem, especially when not everyone in the street and sidewalks was wearing a mask.

Mature crowd great time great music great food just great period! Make reservations for the shows it’s worth it! Close proximity to all .

Had a wonderful time and experience bar hopping on Frenchman. Drinks are of course a little pricey. Most venues have a 1 drink per person per set rule. It's a good time!

This street boasts so many great venues offering live jazz, good food and great service.
We visited Bamboula's, The Spooted Cat, and The Maison. All were really great.
Highly recommended

Frenchmen Street is the place to go for local flavor of both music and food. We enjoyed walking down the street and listening to a wide range of music coming from many small clubs.

we wondered from club to club drawn by the music. Mostly small cafe's most with live music. Most had one drink minimum instead of cover. all the venues along 2 block street

Just a fun fun place great ambiance. everyone one was sooooo nice. it was refreshing to go on a vacation and the locals are happy and pleasant for you to be there.

Had a wonderful dinner at Adolfo's, then walked up and down the street listening to great music. Found a fabulous bookstore, too. So many things going on!

I have been to New Orleans few times and Frenchmen Street is still my favorite spot to come to enjoy some great music. You cannot go wrong with starting your trip from the 1st block of Frenchmen and making your way up. There are so many gems on this street, Snug Harbor, Spotted Cat, 3 Muses just to name a few.

No trip to NOLA is complete without a trip here.... Lots of food options, but most of all the music! Such talent, so many choices.

This is a place like no other. The french quarters is like no other place in america. I loved visiting.

We were able to listen to a wonderful pianist and a group who played love songs from the 20s & 30s. Spoke with many of them, gret talent and great people. Had a ball.

A small and upbeat area filled with great music venues and bars. Dat Dog (in the picture) seals the deal for me as one of my favorite eateries in town. Head upstairs to see all the cool Starwars stuff. Try the gator dod first if you are unsure as to what to get.

We took a jazz nightlife tour here with a musician named Quay. This was one of the most enjoyable nights of our trip. forget Bourbon street! Do Frenchmen instead!

As with all of the French Quarter you just need to plan a day to go up and down all of the streets! The shops and food you’ll find will make your sore feet worth it!

It is the first time I go to new orleans and when we arrived in the French quarter expecting to hear good jazz we were a little disappointed, but then we were recommended to go to this area and changed our perspective completely.
Many very good places, with excellent musicians and good music, we spent a couple of days in the area but I wanted more.

The French quarter is where you go to have great music good food and an environment that you could see live bands playing on the streets vendors and there’s just so much that you can do that’s great with groups. I really like going down there to get drinks at a hotel and sometimes I get my henna done by the French quarter Henna lady. It’s just an overall great place to relax and have a relaxing time but at the same time it’s very engaging in fun you could definitely find an adventure.

Fun little street with so many venues you can pop in and out of. And great little art market with local artisans.

Better than Bourbon St. Great Live music, food and people. Meet the locals, and embrace the environment. A MUST stop while in NOLA

Cool place but don’t venture far out of the area unless you want to be shot or robbed. Cool spot though! My heart truly goes out to the people of New Orleans. The police do not care about their own people. Crime continues to rise.

With COVID still raging, there were only a few places open the day we visited and, because of this, they were packed. We sat outside and listened, but felt with our experience, it was a bit of a letdown.

We visited by foot during the day where we found Frenchmen Art and Books, a lovely independent book and gift shop and lovely, colorful cottages. We went back in the evening to enjoy the revelry (without Bourbon Street), the music, and the street tacos. Great place to visit before or after dark.

We have been to French Quarter many times, but never knew about Frenchman Street and BMC. So much better than Bourban Street for these mature travelers.. BMC was the best!!

We truly enjoyed our night on Frenchmen Street, a clean, vibrant street with a variety of shops, bars and restaurants open

It was billed as a great place for fun, food and drinks. This is not true. All shop fronts are boarded up as if waiting for hurricane. No one here.

Full of bars and clubs where you can see a great variety of high quality music. Fantastic atmosphere at night. Avoid Bourbon Street and go here!

Walked to Frenchmen Street from Bourbon and had a blast! It's not as commercialized as Bourbon. The drinks - no matter where you order them - are STRONG! Go into the shops, but the drinks, and have the fun!

Busy area. Walkable. Park and eat, drink, and shop for hours. Lots to see and do. People watching is the most fun.

We had a blast listening to Glen David Andrews at the Royal Frenchmen Hotel’s courtyard! Ohhh so worth it! He had everyone up and singing! I have not had that much fun in a while!! Stop by for a show on Saturday night.

'The place to be' in New Orleans...you can see the best old-fashioned jazz clubs there even if the negative side is that you have to have enough money for the tips (tips) insisted on..

After a crazy night on Bourbon St the night before, we opted to head to Frenchmen St for a change.

Five minute walk from our hotel and I immediately knew this was where we should be.

Craft breweries, cafes, endless bars with no cover charge with amazing jazz muses doing their thing. A super art market with locals on show. Restaurants, street art - it has it all except the ridiculous crowds.

Made our trip.

More low-key, real music scene than Bourbon St. If you want to listen to good music and not deal with the tourist scene, this is your spot.

Always enjoy seeking out new restaurants and classic bars. Never got into Lafitte’s Blacksmiths Shop due to big crowds and this was mid week.

Try lunch at Willie Mae’s in the Treme for a NOLA experience.

Great music Great food ....even in the little general store great sandwich love Fri Sat the local venders with Food. Had amazing crawfish pie from lil old lady if you ever see a guy toting tamales grab one ...he has been around new Orleans long time his wife makes them.

Just returned from one of many, many trips to NOLA - but first encounter with Frenchmen Street. Dat Dog (our reason for going there), Frenchmen Art & Books shop, music floating everywhere and - wow! - Street Poets! Great concept. Lucy Lloyd enchanted passersby with her vintage Royal portable typewriter fitted with red ribbon and typed a lovely spontaneous personal verse sparked by our brief conversation on a 4x6 notecard .

Walked to Frenchman from the Quarter on a Thursday evening. Was hoping to walk the two blocks of clubs and listen to some live music before deciding which one to visit, but the overpowering noise (loud hip hop music) from the parade of vehicles who felt THEY needed to do the entertaining simply ruined it.

Not the vibe I expected.

Saw this on a buggy tour. Definitely plan to spend time in this neighborhood next visit. Seems like a great place to experience the true flavor of New Orleans without the shoulder to shoulder crowds.

Interesting streets. Very picturesque. Which is what we did! Took video though too. We drove to make it easier.

You feel a different atmosphere and an incredible sense of history that is hard to find in US...buildings and street with hundreds of history and a present energy that is unique!! A mixture of religions, cultures, music and history that makes New Orleans a “must to see” place!!

This is where the best music in town is. Street acts as well as bar performances, better vibe overall than bourbon street.

In 2019 we went to Frenchmen St. and had a great time. This year, not so much. Nothing was happening except a lot of construction. Very disappointing, restaurants and jazz bars were closed.

If you're looking to enjoy the scenes and have a ball doing it, you must come here at least 2 nights!

The History, The Vibe, The Sights and Sounds. Your either love it or hate it. I Love it and can't wait to return!

Feels dirty, smells of wee and poop and unsafe. Wouldn’t want to eat or drink anywhere here as it feels filthy. Applies to the whole of NOLA

Definitely the best part of New Orleans if you want to hear the true music of the city. We tried Bourbon Street, but I would avoid it and instead head to Frenchman road, especially the Spotted Cat.

If you're tired of the French Quarter, this is a good option. It's just off of Esplanade. Ruby Slipper is good for breakfast. The brewery in this neighborhood is good too. Nice courtyard in back. It's fun to just walk around the neighborhood and look at the houses.

Only a few bars are still open and only one had a jazz band playing. The street seems abandoned.
not worth it.

By far the best for music and bars. Keep Bourbon street, this is ten times better for bars, music in the bars and music in the street. A must go to to enjoy your stay.

Amazing experience. Really felt as if we were part of the culture. Loved the local artists. Loved Willies Fried Chicken. Loved the overall atmosphere!

Much nicer than Bourbon street. Cleaner, less of a criminal element and less panhandlers. Much better music, drink, and food.

Frenchmen street is a must to sit and listen to great music. get off of dirty bourbon st and enjoy these live musicians.

My bf and I did this separately, solo. He took himself on a bar crawl and found the best musicians he'd ever heard. I went to the artists market and got a vegan po'boy that changed my life. Not as rowdy as bourbon street, but just as full of zest and energy.

My sister’s Bach party and I stayed right in the heart of the French Quarter. After a fun, friendly, slightly drunk, chaotic night on Bourbon Street, we were looking for something more chill. We heard that Frenchmen Street offers a good amount of jazz music, so we headed over. Funny enough, we were a little late getting there and ended up at Café Negril because most places were either super packed or had a cover charge. (Feel free to look them up for my review!) – Dope live reggae band and no cover charge!
Overall, Frenchmen Street was quite a fun experience. We enjoyed the lively music and vibrant atmosphere. Even better, we decided to walk back to our Airbnb—which was about a mile or so—and the whole area felt safe, even late at night. Definitely a great spot to unwind and soak in some authentic jazz vibes after a wild night on Bourbon!

A large part of why we came to New Orleans was because of the music, and it is definitely here on Frenchman's St. Live music in just about every bar (during the day!) We walked here from the French Quarter using Decatur St and the walk was not as scary as some other reviews seem to indicate. If you come to visit, we strongly suggest coming here! We spent about 2 hours here listening to some great musicians and got some food and drink. Well worth it.

Great street to hear wonderful music from local musicians. The architecture is wonderful, don't see colors like this often. The street was a little rough but they were working on it. Not a street to visit alone at night.

Wow. Excellent music. Do this!!! Great music and venues. We went on Sunday. No covers but bring cash for tips or be ready to use Venmo.

This is the New Orleans you want to experience. Real Jazz clubs with excellent musicians, good creole food and fun! Take a break from the Bourbon Street bustle and head down here for the real deal.

Enjoyed Frenchmen Street but was unsure where to go in, which place had food or music?
Due to Covid a band played music out on the sidewalk which was great but do nothing understand why cars are permitted to drive up and down the small street. We sat out on the sidewalk to eat so as to hear the music but cars, cabs, Uber’s were constantly driving up the street forcing people onto sidewalks with no room to move. Could be a lot more enjoyable without car traffic

You could spend all your time meandering the bars of Bourbon St, but i don’t know why you would. Where the majority of those venues feature mediocre cover bands, Frenchmen St is home to several clubs featuring amazing musicians every day and night! Spotted Cat upholds it’s reputation as the home for great jazz/bluegrass/ragtime/blues at any given hour, Three Muses serves up great good and music (we were able to take our teenage kids here to experience it since they have food!), and everywhere you turn there’s layers of good ol’ NOLA!

with such a past, that street has everything from great food, to music all day long and night, to a happy atmosphere and amazing architecture

Great music, cheap drinks. If you're looking for jazz or blues in New Orleans at night, you have a better chance of finding it here.

This area is amazing - filled with music clubs. The musicians we saw at the 4 clubs we visited were amazing - we saw different styles of Jazz, R&B and Pop. The clubs are intimate, the music is great and the whole area has a great vibe. We'll definitely go back a few more times on this trip!

Less touristy than Bourbon Street, and no end to great music. Bourbon is a must first stop, but Frenchman is worth repeat visits.

There are a number of restaurants and bars on Frenchmen Street that have great drinks and amazing music. We very much enjoyed visiting the night time art market as well.

We bar hopped and had a great time. If you are feeling a little old to be on Bourbon St then check out Frenchmen St. Great live music at every bar, not as many drunk idiots and lots of fun.

At this time, due to COVID, everything on the street was basically shut down and very barren. I am sure once things open back up, it would be better.

New Orleans is birthplace of Jazz, so the trip can't be complete without visiting Frenchmen Street and listening to enthralling band at The Spotted Cat! Get ready to be mesmerized!

Kind of on the fringe , but easily walkable. Restaurants, bars and the like - kind of the alter ego of Bourbon Street...

It’s more filthy than Bourbon street at 4AM, if that’s possible.

It seems like every building has some homeless-looking hipster in a black leather jacket slumped on the stoop.

It’s loud, with some decent music. Wander about until you find something you like.

If you like good service, the core of the street completely lacks it. The server at one bar we went to was either drunk, or (more-likely) stoned. It seems like everyone is too cool to give a $hit.

At the far end of the street at Royal, is Marigny. It has good food and service. That’s about the lone exception.

If you like Bohemian, then this is your spot.

All of New Orleans is wonderful, its people, the food, the drinks and the tours.

The city surrounded by water and music. On every corner I found extraordinary musicians.

The variety of places to eat or have coffee exceeded my eyes and expectations and what can I say about the shops to buy souvenirs

Food was just ok. Better than fast food, however, did not make me feel I'd want to go back. Had the crayfish mac and cheese. It was cheesy noodles, but for the life of me. I couldn't find much crayfish. Wife had the red beans and rice...again a set up from Popeye's.

Pleasant counter person. Clean place.

Not sure why this is in the top list of things to do. There was not a lot going on and the area did not feel as safe as other areas. The only plus was we got a lot of steps in

Disappointing experience. Went there about 9:30pm and the place was a mob scene; the air was choked with pot and tobacco smoke (I smoke pot, and it was too much for me!). Most of the music was stupid loud.

OK this was listed as a must see, little known place and so we walked to find this and why I will never know. IT was not at all what I had understood it to be. There are venues, music, and a few painted walls..not sure the purpose. But it was a questionable area.

Way cooler than the touristy areas, great music, great food, and the nicest people you'll ever meet in a large city. Just a wonderful experience!

If you want to experience the "real" New Orleans, you should go to Frenchmen Street. Here there are all kinds of people, bars, musicians and visitors who create a wonderful mix, mainly based on jazz. Works fine regardless of what type of jazz you prefer and can also entice the uninitiated into learning a bit about new styles of music. Highly recommended!

I am so glad the music street is back open after the pandemic. This is such a fun place to go at night when in New Orleans. I hope to see more restaurants open in the next year or so.

Similar to Bourbon street but more for the older, quieter crowd. The streets are not full of people and the bars are good for live music. Less restaurants but much more chill vibe.

This is one crazy place especially at night. At times walking around I felt a bit uncomfortable with some of the dicey characters around

Last evening in NOLA was spent wandering the streets - seeing the art market, listening to music. I do wish they would close the street at night, as some people feel the need to drive extremely loud cars (music and "muffler") so that you couldn't hear the bands in the bars.

I stay in this neighborhood every time I visit New Orleans and the scene is not as hectic with more intimate restaurants and bars.

This bar is EXACTLY what we wanted to experience when we visited New Orleans. An amazingly relaxed vibe and musicians who clearly loved their trade.

We sat, drank rum and soaked in wonderful live music.

If you're in New Orleans you'd be letting yourself down if you didn't go here.

LOVED it here. Bourbon is bourbon lol, this was alot better. So beautiful and filled with old buildings and history .

We spent every night of our five-night stay on Esplanade on Frenchmen Street, delighting in the music that the many musicians, bars, and clubs had on offer. In just two blocks, you'll be shocked with the sheer amount of music pouring out of doors and feel free to sample the sound from door frames before committing to a band you like.
We had a great time at just about every spot on the street, especially at the Spotted Cat (Sunday night Aurora Nealand and that band was phenomenal), Maison (maybe the best Sazeracs on Frenchmen), and Blue Nile (they have an actual schedule and paid ticketed sessions, too, if you want to check that out in advance—we recommend Yoshitaka "Z2" Tsuji for jazz piano, Irvin Mayfield, Kermit Ruffins, and the New Breed Brass Band.) And I'm pretty sure that every night, you'll find some iteration of a brass band out on the street corner in front of Willie's Chicken Shack.
A few things to note before you go. Sets often start at the top of the hour, so you might want to ask the person checking IDs at the doorframe if the act just went on or if another act is just about to start if you want to avoid settling into a bar only to have a band finish their last song. Be prepared and come with cash, as you'll want to tip each musical act that you see and the recommended tip is $5+ per person for a set. Do not be the terrible people who walk out without tipping. The musicians make their money from tips. Some bars charge a cover of $5 or $10 and that does not excuse you from tipping, it's an added fee. Other clubs may charge an actual ticket price for the musical act and then tipping is on top of that. For most every establishment, they'll expect you to get a drink per set as well, especially at bars that don't charge a cover. You can take your drinks to go if you want to check out something else, but finish your drink before entering a new bar or club as they won't want you bringing it in (they want you buying a new one inside). Many of the bars and clubs have limited seating, so you should be prepared to stand, but that just makes it easier to dance to the music!
And in addition to all the great music, we also enjoyed the Frenchmen Art Market (lots of fun crafts and items on offer—I bought earrings, my partner bought some art), chicken and hot dogs at Dat Dog, browsing books at the bookstore, and breakfast at Frenchmen All Day. You'll find people selling a variety of things from the backs of cars or folding tables along the street, too.
Whatever your reason for visiting New Orleans, try to make some time one evening to get to Frenchmen Street and sample some music. Your soul will thank you!

felt safe and there was great music everywhere we turned. Couldn't help but return twice during our trip.

Bourbon street is for tourists. Great music on Frenchman Street. nice bars. Hidden gem. They have an evening artisan market for locals to showcase their wares. Lots of top-notch bands.

Amazing atmosphere.great for restoring your joy of life.lovely food & music.visited both day and evening.felt really safe

Ran into this area while we were at Mardi Gras great spot to catch some of the parades and check out a couple restaurants not as crowded as the French quarter

Definitely worth the Uber if you’re staying in the French Quarter. There were a couple of courtyards with artists selling their creations. We were able to get some early Christmas gifts for the kids. Yay! The Spotted Cat was a cool place to grab a drink and listen to some live music. A Must Visit attraction.

The streets were much dirtier than we expected. Yes there was music but in places that seemed more like bars than places where you could appreciate music. We walked from there to Café du Monde and during that time we saw many people lying down, they seemed to be under some influence as well as showing private parts. We had bad luck, I think.

We walked through to choose a restaurant with live music. On this night we chose The Maison. The menu had the typical selection of jambalaya, po'boys, etc. for reasonable prices. We saw two different bands playing traditional New Orleans jazz. No cover charge, so the bandleader would go around with the tip jar at the end of each set. The vibe on the street was a bit more subdued than Bourbon Street. There were a couple of artist enclaves to walk through. A couple of other restaurants and bars also seemed inviting.

Had a blast checking out music on Frenchman St. Really just went from venue to venue enjoying music at each. There wasn’t one in particular that stood out, they were all great. Highlight of that part of the visit was the bbq guy that was setup at the end of the strip. Fantastic! Huge portions and incredible flavor!

Frenchman Street definitely has authentic music and a better vibe than Bourbon Street. However, I'd say enjoy it while you can. I don't think it will stay like this for long. My friends and I went in April 2022 and we saw some of Bourbon street crowd spill over here, such as groups of rowdy Bachlorette parties. I hope this street stays authentic.

Listened to a great band at the Spotted Cat. Wonderful and friendly owner, AWESOME music. It's a small bar, but it added to the appeal.