Best Restaurants zydeco and jazz

Question

We will be in New Orleans in about two weeks. We will be there two nights. I need recommendations on restaurants that have good or better food and music.

Thanks in advance

JoeB

Answer

New Orleans is legendary for combining excellent food with live music, so you have some wonderful options for a two-night stay. Since you’re looking for restaurants with good food and zydeco or jazz music, it’s best to focus on venues that emphasize both.

French Quarter Options

Maison: Classic Creole fare with nightly jazz performances. The ambiance is traditional and lively, great for a first New Orleans experience.
Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub: More of a casual spot with live jazz in the evenings. Small bites and drinks are available, and the music is the main attraction.
Pat O’Brien’s: Famous for its courtyard piano bar and dueling pianos, often featuring jazz and local musicians. Food is solid pub fare; drinks are excellent.

Marigny / Frenchmen Street Area

For more authentic jazz and zydeco, heading just off Bourbon Street to Frenchmen Street is ideal. The neighborhood is packed with live music venues that also serve food.

The Spotted Cat Music Club: Cozy club known for jazz; food is limited but there are nearby casual spots to grab a meal before or after the show.
Three Muses: Creative small plates with live jazz in the evenings. The combination of food and music here is excellent, and it’s family-friendly if visiting early evening.
Blue Nile: Larger venue featuring jazz and occasionally zydeco; food menu is standard, but music is the main draw.

Uptown / Zydeco Options

For zydeco, a bit outside the French Quarter is often best. Many zydeco nights are at dedicated music halls or community venues, with food trucks or small restaurants nearby.

F & M Cafe: Traditional Creole and Cajun dishes, sometimes with zydeco music on weekends.
Maison de la Musique: Known for authentic zydeco and Cajun bands. Food may be limited, so consider eating beforehand.

Tips for Planning:

Check live music schedules online, as bands can vary nightly.
Make reservations where possible, especially for French Quarter and Frenchmen Street restaurants.
Arrive early to get a good seat, particularly for popular jazz clubs.
Consider hopping between a dinner spot and a nearby club to experience both cuisine and music without long waits.

Overall, for two nights, a good plan might be to have one night in the French Quarter with classic Creole dinner and jazz, and the second night on Frenchmen Street for small plates and a mix of jazz and zydeco in a lively neighborhood atmosphere.