"Birdland in the Theater District, started in 1949: a romantic, red-lit bar that books top-notch acts — including jazz icon Freddy Cole, Brazil-born Eliane Elias, and the virtuoso house band — and serves Cajun-influenced dishes worth seeking out. With a $20 food/drink minimum per person, food isn’t necessary, but the crab cake with cherry tomatoes and remoulade or jambalaya loaded with crawfish, chicken, sausage, and bacon are both worth ordering. Tickets are available in advance or at the door." - Paul Schrodt, Alexandra Ilyashov, Eater Staff