By Caitlin Williams
ITWPA Member
Crossing the threshold of The Spotted Cat and into the semi-darkness beyond, I hear a jazz singer channeling Norah Jones. And I am mesmerized.
While scores of jazz spots in the French Quarter of New Orleans have their own appeal, travel another mile or so beyond the Quarter and you’ll find the hidden gem that is Frenchmen Street — a narrow avenue with over a dozen venues guaranteed to satisfy aficionados of smooth and sultry jazz.
If it’s your first visit to Frenchmen Street, you can easily sample a handful of spots — all intimate in size and sound and all within a three-block stretch.
Just step inside one and order your beverage of choice (cash only, please, at The Spotted Cat). Then lean into the music and prepare to get lost in the sounds.
The action on Frenchmen Street starts around 7 each night, but no worries if you’re running late — the cab driver assures me that the music doesn’t wind down “till the wee hours” of 2 a.m. or so.
Nightlife Spots on Frenchmen Street
The Spotted Cat Music Club
623 Frenchmen St.
504-943-3887
https://www.spottedcatmusicclub.com/
d.b.a.
618 Frenchmen St.
504-942-1731
http://www.dbaneworleans.com/
Three Muses
536 Frenchmen St.
504-298-8746
http://www.3musesnola.com/
Snug Harbor
626 Frenchmen St.
504-949-0696
http://www.snugjazz.com/
Cafe Negril
606 Frenchmen St.
504-944-4744
http://www.cafenegrilonfrenchmen.com/
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