Preservation Hall stands as New Orleans’ most iconic jazz venue, drawing music lovers from around the world to experience authentic traditional jazz in an intimate setting. Historic music venue in the French Quarter founded in 1961 to protect, preserve and perpetuate the spirit of New Orleans jazz. When you’re traveling for music events in the Big Easy, the area surrounding this legendary venue offers some of the most atmospheric bars and watering holes in the city.
The French Quarter neighborhood where Preservation Hall sits has earned its reputation as America’s premier music city. The cobblestone streets around St. Peter Street pulse with energy every night, creating the perfect backdrop for your live music getaway. These bars serve as gathering places for musicians, tourists, and locals alike, each with their own unique character and musical heritage.
Whether you’re looking for a pre-show drink or want to continue the musical journey after your Preservation Hall experience, the surrounding bars offer everything from historic charm to modern craft cocktails. The beauty of this area lies in its walkability – you can easily hop from one venue to another, creating your own musical pub crawl through the heart of jazz country.
Historic Haunts and Legendary Watering Holes
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar tops every list of must-visit bars near Preservation Hall, and for good reason. Most likely built as a house in the 1770s during the Spanish colonial period, it is one of the oldest surviving structures in New Orleans. The building’s history runs deep, with legends claiming it once served as a front for the famous pirate Jean Lafitte’s operations.
The bar operates in near-darkness, lit only by candles and a few dim electric lights. This atmospheric choice isn’t just for show – it creates an intimate setting where conversations flow as freely as the drinks. The worn wooden floors and exposed brick walls tell stories of centuries past, making every visit feel like a step back in time.
The drink menu keeps things simple but effective. Their signature purple drink, a mysterious concoction served in a plastic cup, has become a rite of passage for visitors. The bartenders know their regulars by name and often engage visitors in conversations about the building’s colorful past. On busy nights, local musicians sometimes set up in the corner, adding live music to the already rich atmosphere.
Pat O’Brien’s is unwavering, and no where is that more obvious than the Main Bar. This bar exudes the atmosphere of a neighborhood bar. On the walls hang framed pictures of loyal customers enjoying years spent at their favorite French Quarter establishment. Famous for creating the Hurricane cocktail in the 1940s, Pat O’Brien’s has become synonymous with New Orleans nightlife.
The courtyard setting provides a unique drinking experience, especially during pleasant weather. Flaming fountain centerpieces create dramatic lighting while piano players entertain crowds with sing-alongs that often last late into the night. The dual piano bar format encourages audience participation, making strangers into friends over shared songs and laughter.
Music Venues That Double as Bars
The line between bars and music venues blurs beautifully in the French Quarter. Many establishments serve dual purposes, offering quality drinks alongside live performances. This creates perfect opportunities for live music getaway travel tips – you can discover new artists while enjoying well-crafted cocktails.
The Spotted Cat Music Club, just a few blocks from Preservation Hall, exemplifies this concept. The intimate venue books jazz, blues, and swing acts nightly, creating an authentic New Orleans musical experience. The bar serves craft cocktails and local beers, but the real draw is the music. Shows typically start around 8 PM, making it easy to catch a performance after your Preservation Hall music show.
Snug Harbor on Frenchmen Street represents another excellent option for those seeking live music with their drinks. The venue books both local and touring jazz artists, often featuring musicians who also perform at Preservation Hall. The comfortable listening room atmosphere encourages focused attention to the music, while the full bar keeps drinks flowing throughout the evening.
These venues understand that people travel for music events, so they’ve created spaces that honor both the musical traditions and the social aspects of bar culture. The result is an environment where serious music appreciation and casual socializing coexist comfortably.
Craft Cocktail Culture in the Quarter
The French Quarter’s bar scene has evolved significantly in recent years, with craft cocktail culture taking root alongside traditional establishments. Several bars near Preservation Hall now focus on artisanal spirits and house-made mixers, creating elevated drinking experiences that match the sophistication of the area’s musical offerings.
Bar Tonique stands out for its extensive absinthe selection and creative cocktail menu. The bartenders treat drink-making as an art form, using fresh ingredients and house-made syrups to create unique flavor combinations. The intimate space encourages conversation, making it an ideal spot for pre-show drinks or post-performance discussions about the music you’ve just experienced.
The Napoleon House offers a different approach to craft cocktails, focusing on classic preparations with premium ingredients. Their signature Pimm’s Cup provides a refreshing option during hot New Orleans days, while their extensive whiskey selection satisfies those seeking something stronger. The building’s historic atmosphere, complete with peeling paint and classical music, creates a unique backdrop for serious drinking.
Practical Tips for Bar Hopping Near Preservation Hall
- Timing matters: Start your evening early if you want to experience multiple venues. Many bars get crowded after 9 PM, especially on weekends.
- Cash is king: Many historic bars still prefer cash payments, so come prepared with bills in small denominations.
- Respect the music: When live music is playing, keep conversations quiet and tip the musicians when possible.
- Dress comfortably: The French Quarter involves lots of walking on uneven surfaces, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Stay hydrated: New Orleans heat and humidity can be intense, especially when combined with alcohol consumption.
Planning your bar route strategically can enhance your entire live music getaway experience. Consider starting at quieter establishments earlier in the evening, then moving to more energetic venues as the night progresses. This approach allows you to appreciate the nuances of different atmospheres while building energy for the evening ahead.
The beauty of the French Quarter bar scene lies in its diversity. You can experience a candlelit historic tavern, a craft cocktail lounge, and a live music venue all within a few blocks of each other. This variety ensures that every member of your group can find something appealing, regardless of their specific preferences.
Local Favorites and Hidden Gems
Beyond the well-known establishments, several lesser-known bars near Preservation Hall offer unique experiences for adventurous visitors. The Chart Room attracts a loyal local following with its no-frills approach and strong drinks. The dive bar atmosphere might seem rough around the edges, but regulars will tell you it’s authentic New Orleans at its finest.
Pirates Alley Cafe occupies one of the city’s most atmospheric locations, tucked away in a narrow alley between the Cathedral and the Cabildo. The outdoor seating area provides a quiet escape from the bustle of the main tourist areas, while the bar serves quality drinks at reasonable prices. Local musicians often stop by after their gigs, creating impromptu jam sessions that can last until dawn.
The Dungeon lives up to its name with a dark, underground atmosphere that attracts a diverse crowd of locals and tourists. The bar’s location below street level creates a cool retreat during hot summer months, while the eclectic crowd ensures interesting conversations. Live music happens frequently, though on a more casual basis than the established venues.
2025 Trends and New Developments
The bar scene around Preservation Hall continues evolving in 2025, with several new establishments opening their doors to music-loving visitors. These newcomers respect the area’s musical heritage while adding contemporary touches that appeal to modern travelers.
Several bars have expanded their live music offerings, recognizing that people increasingly travel for music events and want comprehensive musical experiences. This trend has created more opportunities for visitors to discover new artists and musical styles during their stay.
The rise of craft cocktail culture has also influenced traditional establishments, with many historic bars updating their drink menus while maintaining their classic atmospheres. This evolution ensures that the area remains relevant for new generations of music lovers while honoring its rich traditions.
Planning Your Evening
Successfully navigating the bar scene near Preservation Hall requires some planning, but the rewards justify the effort. Start by securing your Preservation Hall tickets well in advance – Limited online reservations are available at preservationhall.com/tickets and at the box office daily between 12-5pm. Shows typically run at multiple times throughout the evening, giving you flexibility in planning your bar visits.
Consider the timing of your Preservation Hall show when planning your evening. If you have an early show, you’ll have plenty of time to explore multiple bars afterward. Later shows might call for a more focused approach, perhaps visiting one or two establishments before the performance.
Your Musical Journey Awaits
The bars near Preservation Hall offer more than just drinks – they provide windows into New Orleans musical soul. Each establishment has its own personality and musical connections that contribute to the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
When traveling for music events, these bars serve as gathering places where musicians, music lovers, and curious visitors intersect. The key to maximizing your time in this musical neighborhood is embracing the spirit of discovery. Allow yourself to be drawn into conversations with locals and follow the sound of music down side streets.
New Orleans earned its reputation as America’s music city through centuries of cultural mixing and musical innovation. The bars around Preservation Hall continue this tradition, connecting you to the countless musicians and music lovers who have walked these same streets in pursuit of the perfect musical moment.
We are music fans that travel the world for concerts and music festivals.
