Top 5 Best Small Live Music Venues in the New Orleans Area

If you love the thrill of listening to live music in the intimate atmosphere of a small club, pub or restaurant, the New Orleans area has several popular spots to enjoy shows. Settle in for cold drinks and local performances at one of these five hot spots the next time you’re out on the town.

1. The Green Room
521 E Boston St, Covington
6.9 miles from Springs at River Chase

The Green Room Music Club offers live entertainment every night of the week. The daily happy hour takes place from 2 to 7 p.m. Covington Brewhouse and Guinness Draft beers are available, along with food from Baba Ganoush on the patio. If you like getting on the stage yourself, mark your calendar for Sunday night karaoke or Wednesday’s open mic night. The rest of the week, you’ll catch a wide variety of local acts on stage.

2. Ruby’s Roadhouse
840 Lamarque St, Mandeville
9.1 miles from Springs at River Chase

Ruby’s Roadhouse offers a welcoming stage for musicians. Bands are booked on Friday and Saturday nights, and some regulars to grace the stage include The Boogie Man, Big Daddy O, Johnny Sansone and more. Known for its friendly ambiance and loyal local following, Ruby’s is the place to go if you want to sip your drink, swap stories and enjoy the atmosphere.

3. The Jazz Playhouse
300 Bourbon St, New Orleans
30 miles from Springs at Fremaux Town Center

If you’re in the mood for jazz, look no further than The Jazz Playhouse. Admission is on a first-come first-serve basis for walk-ins, so show up early to make sure you get in. To secure a guaranteed spot, preferred seating is available for $20 a person. All guests must adhere to the one drink minimum requirement. The Jazz Playhouse is booked every day of the week with shows starting at 8 p.m. If you’re looking to fill an empty evening, this is always an easy pick.

4. Columbia Street Tap Room and Grill
434 N Columbia St, Covington
6 miles from Springs at River Chase

You probably think of food and brews when you hear about the Columbia Street Tap Room, but this is also a popular venue for live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. To add to the appeal, the Tap Room offers a three-course dinner for $35 on Thursdays. On Fridays, you can enjoy Happy Hour from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

5. The Spotted Cat Music Club
623 Frenchmen St, New Orleans
30 miles from Springs at Fremaux Town Center

Jazz, blues and funk reign at The Spotted Cat Music Club. You’ll find as many as three different bands a night at this cozy venue. Look for performers like Miss Sophie Lee, the Washboard Chaz Trio and Shotgun Jazz Band. Food is not available on the premises, but there are several restaurants nearby where you can easily grab a bite. The bar is cash-only, so come prepared.

What are your favorite small venues for live music? Share your top picks in the New Orleans area in the comments section below.