The Spotted Cat Music Club
Live music bar · Marigny ·
Intimate jazz venue hosting live acts on a tiny stage
Intimate jazz venue hosting live acts on a tiny stage
"If Frenchmen Street is home to the city’s best jazz, the Spotted Cat is its epicenter—a small, kind of rundown bar that comes alive each night as old-school jazz plays on. Expect to hear brassy quartets and quintets; clarinet solos and big voices; and swing when the Cotton Mouth Kings come by. Cram in and stay for more than one set; a dance floor will open up for the local swing crew to show off its moves. This stretch of the Marigny neighborhood, just as you leave the French Quarter, is changing, but there are still a few outposts that hold tight to their roots like this one does. It’s going to be packed when you arrive, especially on Friday and Saturday nights; weekdays are a good chance to get closer to the band without too much crowding. It's free to enter, but cash-only at the full bar, which has a one-drink minimum." - Paul Oswell
"Catching a live jazz set here is one of those New Orleans rites I try not to miss." - Jessica Puckett
"This Marigny institution worms its way into several episodes of the show, a hangout and frequent gig place for the show’s musicians, several of which also busk outside of it. Sonny even takes his future wife here on a date — with her dad in attendance, of course." - Missy Frederick
"Give us the big picture: What’s the vibe of the place, what’s it like?Frenchmen Street, in the Marigny neighborhood just as you leave the French Quarter, is historically home to most of the city’s best jazz clubs. Although the street is changing, there are still a few outposts that hold tight to their roots. One is this slightly dilapidated wooden bar, its run-down charm still attracting crowds of visitors when its doors open each afternoon. It's small, sure, but that just makes you feel closer to the action. Cram in for more than one set. What kinds of events can we see here?It’s a traditional New Orleans jazz spot, so expect to hear quartets and quintets playing lots of brass; clarinet solos and big voices; and swing on some nights. How are the seats?Unless you come early and stay all night, it’s going to be crowded when you arrive, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Weekdays are a good chance to get closer to the band without too much crowding. Good for kids?It’s a working bar, so it’s 21+ only. Anything in particular that makes this place special?A small dance floor will clear and the local swing set will show off their moves when certain swing bands play. There’s a roster of shows, around three or four a day, that go late into the night on weekends. If we’re going to be in town, what—and who—do you think this is best for?It feels like one of the few authentic jazz clubs left in the city, and it’s mostly free (though there’s a one-drink minimum) so it’s always worth stopping by." - Paul Oswell
"Catching a show at the Spotted Cat Music Club on Frenchman Street is recommended as a way to soak in local music—the write-up emphasizes that music is the heart and soul of New Orleans and suggests the club as a relaxed live-music stop." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines