by Lindsay Oliver

Created on: June 30, 2009

New Orleans is very well known for its live music and nightlife. The list below consists of places that combine the two; they are bars that have live music.

The Maple Leaf (8316 Oak Street) In a very unassuming building in the unassuming Oak Street residential neighborhood, you wouldn't know this place existed unless you were looking for it. It could definitely be considered a dive bar, but too many local legends have played there and it is much better suited at a music venue than just a plain old dive. There is usually a cover, but the band is always worth it and the drinks are cheap. It is a New Orleans institution. Tuesday nights are must to see the Rebirth Brass Band.

Howlin Wolf (907 S. Peters Street) This warehouse turned music venue is located right outside the French Quarter. The beer is a little overpriced, but they always have solid music lineups. The staff has gotten mixed reviews, but with just a short walk from the quarter, it is a more authentic experience than most venues in the area.

Tipitina's Uptown (501 Napoleon Avenue) There is an incredible amount of musical history at Tipitina's. Patrons cannot help but think about all the legends that have played on that stage. The acoustics are amazing and the venue very intimate. There are two floors with multiple bars, which make alcohol very accessible during busier nights. It is a modern take on an old school New Orleans jazz venue. All of the New Orleans staples play here as well as some big out-of-town names, especially during festival season. Tipitina's puts on epic shows during Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. See Galactic during either of these times if the opportunity presents itself. There is also a food coach outside after shows selling poboys, collared greens and other tasty late night snacks.

Le Bon Temps Roule (4801 Magazine Street) There are two main rooms in this venue. The front room is very relaxed with the main bar and a pool table. The backroom also has a bar and holds the performances. The bands get very loud and the room gets incredibly hot and sweaty with all the dancers, but what better way to enjoy a New Orleans show? It is located close to a strip of bars on Magazine Street, but the strong drinks here will probably keep you around. See the Soul Rebels Brass Band on Thursday nights.

Blue Nile (531 Frenchmen Street) This venue was pretty damaged during Hurricane Katrina, but it is in a position now to be the premiere live music venue in the city, after Tipitina's, of course. Go here for more up-tempo jazz.

You can walk down most streets in New Orleans, specifically in the French Quarter and find some really good live music, both in bars and from bands playing on the street corners. Three of the aforementioned bars in the Uptown area, while two are located just outside the French Quarter. The bars listed above are the best that New Orleans have to offer.

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