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Balcony Music Club
Category: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Music Venues [Edit]
1331 Decatur StNew Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 599-7770
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Live Music, Huge Dance Floor, Beer, Booze, Babes, and Bowling
32 reviews for Balcony Music Club
32 reviews in English
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Review from Duncan H.
Wilton, CT
3/29/2012
My favorite music bar - finished the night here 2/2 in New Orleans.
Gritty atmosphere with high quality and lively music, brass jazz and blues from what I saw.
Room to move and dance, but lots of table space too and some quieter rooms at the back.
The dance floor dynamics were interesting. A lot of the time people are just chilling and listening, but then every now and again someone will come along and light the place up. Once it was a old couple, probably in their eighties, jiving. Another time about 20 schoolkids came in off the street, went wild for a couple of songs before bopping out into the night. That kind of place. -
Review from Melanie B.
Brooklyn, NY
4/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Like my dear, dear CM, Peter D., I was enticed into BMC by the live music that sounded good as I was walking around near Frenchman Street (or as he terms it, WASBWLMSG). A huge posse of my pre-cousin's-wedding friends and I stumbled into BMC in search of starting our evening off right. None of us made it to the room with live music, I don't think, though.
There are great deals on beer here - super cheap bottles and shots - and the bartender even filled up the two ENORMOUS bottles that two of my friends had acquired somewhere (I'm guessing they were the equivalent of a growler - yes my friends are drunks). There is a lovely outdoor/indoor patio with benches upon which to sit and stumble over, and that is where we spent most of our time. That is, until we decided to stumbled over to LaFittes and then some strip club that I apparently checked in wrongly at because where I checked in came up as a gay bar (and while that would have been awesome, that is not where we were).
Does this make any sense? I hope so. Because if it did, it wouldn't be representative of my time in New Orleans. ;)Listed in: Wish I was in Dixie
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Review from Marielle S.
New Orleans, LA
Here's another one of those cool music clubs near Frenchmen street. It seems that whenever I pass this place there is some wonderful music coming from it. It seems that there is always some kind of fantastic band playing here.
The other night some friends and I stopped in here and there was an eclectic band playing some amazing music. I don't know how to describe it, but the band consisted of a sax, a trumpet, a bass, a guitar, a drummer, a keyboard and the leader of the pack was a rapper/hype man. It was a combination of hip hop and jazz and it was really amazing and unlike anything I had ever heard. They did a good job at getting the crowd up and dancing and we had a fantastic time.
All kinds of musicians are welcome to play here, as the Balcony hosts an array of artists. No matter when you stop in, you are bound to hear something that you will like. -
Review from John L. H.
New Orleans, LA
2/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Balcony Music Club is a cool place.
This bar/music club is located ta the end of Decatur. until recently, this is not an area I frequented. After an event nearby, a friend and I decided to check it out.
As I entered, I knew I would like the place. The club is large enough to accommodate a good crowd, but every spot seems to have a good view of the stage. We were able to grab a table and watch the band without issue since it wasn't packed the night we went.
The bartenders and staff were friendly and helpful. I never had to wait to get drinks which is unfortunately usually the standard at music clubs.
Because it is so close to Frenchman street, it has a different vibe than most French Quarter places. That is a good thing as it seemed less touristy.
If I am in the area again, I will be glad to stop in and see a show.Listed in: NOLA Bars, Nola Live Music
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Review from Alex M.
Issaquah, WA
5/18/2012
Loved this place! The brass band that played was awesome...could come here every weekend.
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Review from Janelle L.
San Jose, CA
5/14/2012
I would come here every night for the rest of my life if I could. The brass band that plays here a lot is like a party on stage. Bartenders weren't the nicest, but who cares. If you show up on a night when one of the brass bands is playing, it is worth it one thousand times over. It's my new favorite place in the entire world.
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Review from Stef M.
Kissimmee, FL
3/27/2012 5 photos
This is the best kept secret in New Orleans. Drink prices super reasonable and bartenders very friendly. Ask for Melanie we love her and Renaldo! coolest music club live music every night open late. Beautiful patio outside to enjoy great place all the way around. Gret for events and parties.
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Review from Nikki M.
Washington D.C., DC
2/20/2012
Fun place to catch a good band and have a few beers. We saw the YPS Brass Band...great guys...and they were joined by a clarinet player off the street who really made the show. No cover and less crowded than many of the spots on Frenchman.
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Review from Dave D.
Saline, MI
1/2/2012
We were walking to Frenchman Street to hear some live music and struck up a conversation with a local along the way who recommended that we check out BMC. After stopping in at a couple of other clubs, we heeded his advice and are glad we did. Great blues band the night we were there, with several people sitting in for a few songs apiece.
Peter D. summed it up well earlier: " the drinks were cheap, the crowd was moving, the bartender was sweet and life was good "
To top it off, I accidentallly gave the bartender a ten and one when tippiping for a drink, and she brought me the ten back saying "I think you made a mistake." -
Review from Robert R.
Atlanta, GA
1/3/2012
Loved BMC! Saw Dana Abbott band here with some friends. The band was excellent, the drinks were generous, & the atmosphere in the bar was electric.
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Review from Dennis S.
Humarock, MA
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Awesome.
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Review from Gigi G.
New Orleans, LA
11/25/2011
Apparently, the BMC bartenders are just as rude as the ones over at Balcony Bar Uptown. Last night I was at the patio bar with a friend who was a bit tipsy and I guess she forgot to tip the bartender because when we went back for a second round the girl yelled at us and said she wasn't serving us because we didn't tip her and kicked us out. My friend and I are both waitresses and have never not tipped for service. It was obviously a mistake that my friend forgot to tip the first time. What's funny is that we had a group of people with us in the front so when we left they all did. I might still venture into BMC for the music but I'll make sure to get my drinks elsewhere from now on.
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Review from Scott S.
10/3/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Jesus Christ plays a mean guitar.
These were the words that entered my head the first time I ever entered the magical musical domain of the Balcony Music Club, or BMC for short... not to be confused with the Bowel Movement Club, which is a sandwich you really want to avoid. I don't care if it's got bacon on it. But they don't serve those here, so relax my shit sandwich avoiding friend. There's plenty of time for those come election season. No, here they serve great local music on a platter of cool, with a side of ethanol, just like it should be. Simple, no frills, and just what the bottomless hole in your soul ordered.
Located at the end of Decatur where it intersects Esplanade, putting it right on the edge of Frenchmen Land, it's kind of the first of the local live music venues you'll find if you're visiting our awesomesaucesome city and have wandered your drunken way over from Bourbon, ya damn lush you. Congratulations on finding where we hid the good shit. Step inside BMC and enjoy whatever ye shall find.
For me, I found Jesus, aka Domenic, Lord and Savior of the steel guitar. You may be lucky enough to find the same, or maybe you'll find some jazz, bluegrass, or blues. Or maybe you'll find some salsa music begging those hips of yours to start shaking on the dance floor like a Shake Weight in the hands of Shakira... okay that visual's going in the shake bank... Whatever you find here, it's a good bet you'll enjoy yourself. And if it's not to your liking, just keep on movin' on, and follow your ears to the musical Wonderland that is Frenchmen Street.
And seriously, if you are ever fortunate enough to catch Domenic playing, sit your ass down and bear witness to the miracle of acoustic guitar orgasmatronning. He won't turn water into wine, but he will damn well turn Jameson into heaven for your ears.
Amen.
(Insert video of Domenic at BMC)
http://www.youtube.com... -
Review from casey m.
New Orleans, LA
9/19/2011
I was bored here, full of Tulane Undergrads who think they are adventurous for venturing passed The Bulldog.
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Review from Misha T.
2/7/2011
When I went there was no cover, and a 1 drink minimum which is fine because wtf are you doing in NOLA if you're not drinking?
The bands rotate I'm sure but when I went it was like a 10 piece brass and percussion band doing some jazzy funky stuff and they were great. Swear some of the musicians were like 15 -
Review from Peter D.
On my most recent trip to NOLA, the BMC was the winner of my favorite game, which I like to call Walk Around and Stop in the Bar Where the Live Music Sounds Good.
(Yes, it's a bit long as far as game names are concerned, but it's self-explanatory, which is always nice. Plus, it can be conveniently shortened to WASBWLMSG.)
On this particular evening, the band was playing Johnny Cash covers, the drinks were cheap, the crowd was moving, the bartender was sweet and life was good.
That's all you can really ask for.Listed in: the best of new orleans (with…
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Review from Melissa S.
New Haven, CT
7/20/2011
Stumbled into love. Lagniappe Brass Band was playing and as Amber says" they were so tight".
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Review from Eric S.
Middletown, RI
9/13/2011
Great live music all week. I went tue wed and thur nights and there were no covers. Very friendly staff. I just would like a better selection of draft beers.
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Review from Paul B.
San Francisco, CA
2/11/2008
It was a complete fluke. I know this. And yet, I have to review BMC even though this may never happen to anyone else.
On the final night of my stay in Saint Bernard Parish, I headed (back) into the French Quarter to crawl my way through various bars. Coming off Esplanade towards Decatur, I happened past the open doors to a very very empty live music venue, and thumpy thumpy industrial music was pouring out. My visit had been well blessed by blues, jazz, rock, punk, and other music, but very little industrial yet, so of course, I had to poke my head in. Well, when I entered, I was tickled pink that the DJ was playing Ministry.
Later in the night, I asked the DJ who he was. I'm sorry, but I've completely forgotten his name. I'm useless, I know!
The adjoining kitchen put my pizza slice on my bar tab, but I doubt that's standard practice; there were two girls at the bar bopping about, the DJ, the bartender, and that was it for attendance. I would bet that on a night with a decent crowd, you'd have to pay separately.
A shot of Beam later (which would be something like the 8th for the night), and I'm taken with the sudden urge to mosh my way through the empty venue, instead of just nodding my head at the bar. Lucky for me, the bartender also thought this was a fine idea, otherwise I'd probably be in Orleans Parish Prison's drunktank, or at least trying to wash French Quarter curb scum from my clothes.
At high enough volume, even EBM sounds good. And when it's back-to-back Skinny Puppy, Ministry, and Front 242, forget about it. Why "proper" industrial clubs frown on moshing I simply do not understand. I ducked and weaved and punched my way around metal frame chairs and tables, past the slightly elevated stage, and back around, stopping only to stumble up the steps to the elevated bar to catch my breath.
And don't believe that mysterious DJ when he says "last song", because if you continue to stomp around like a maniac, there's a good half-dozen last songs. Unfortunately, last call really was last call.
Incidentally, my knees really, really, really hate concrete floors. They told me so today. BMC could use a proper dance floor. That's pretty much my singular complaint.Listed in: Things To Do In New Orleans…
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Review from Unicorn Y.
New Orleans, LA
4/10/2010
Two stars. I ordered a Manhattan -- OK, so it doesn't say the ingredients in its name (i.e. gin & tonic), but few would consider it incredibly rare or complex. Usually any decently stocked bar has vermouth, Jim Beam, and some bitters.
But when I saw this bartender pouring soda water and squeezing a lime into my glass, I knew something was amiss. The conversation went like this:
"This isn't what I wanted."
"What's the matter? It's not sweet enough?"
"Uh, no. I ordered a Manhattan. What did you put in this?"
"Jim Beam... soda water... lime."
.............
.
.
.
...
OK, you dumb broad. I know the tips usually flow because your thong is hangin' 3 inches out of your pants, but my predilection is not for a sugary drink... I'm more concerned about getting what I ordered. It's like ordering a Big Mac at McDonald's and getting a Happy Meal instead. Uh, if you don't know how to make a Manhattan, perhaps you should rethink your trade.
OR, at least ask me! I held no grudge when at Rendezvous I had to provide explicit instruction for crafting the bourbon-y delight (even though I told him it was 3 parts bourbon to 1 part vermouth... ha ha ha) but bitch if you don't know, you can't just MAKE SOMETHING UP.
They get one extra star because they have a free house jazz band on Thursdays that is pleasant. -
Review from Remy O.
Gulfport, MS
7/8/2009
Ok its Friday night and you want to go out but don't want to get mugged on Bourbon Street. Well head out to Frenchman street and stop in at BMC and dance the night away to some really good Salsa. We were over partying at the Dragon's Den but it got real hot and we decided to walk down the street.
Across the street caddy corner to the Dragon's Den is BMC and they have the coldest AC and great live music. They have a back patio and bar where there is a very cute and friendly bartender named Mia!!!
Even if you are not into salsa, they have a great live band line up and a great place to meet up with friends. -
Review from Nasim K.
New York, NY
7/21/2010
Cute fun place
The live music was good - fun to watch people swing dancing to it too
Bought a round of Patron and I think it was only $8 per shot. You don't get that in New York! -
Review from Jellybean G.
Laurel, MD
7/11/2011
I love this place and have started popping in every Tuesday night to see the royal Rounders!
A really good local band that does alot of Tom Waites type stuff on Tuesdays...and if they show up...there is a good brass band after that!
The pizza in the back is good and it's cheap, the drinks are reasonable and the music is great! -
Review from Jackie M.
Metairie, LA
4/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice friendly place for a drink and some music .....
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Review from Amanda F.
Chicago, IL
1/17/2011
Just spent the weekend in New Orleans for my birthday, and was brought to this bar by friends. I loved the music and the fact that everyone was dancing and having a great time. The band was amazing- my friend told me it's not really a "band", people just show up and play...a New Orleans style jam band. I don't like jam bands, but I liked this!
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Review from Tim K.
Wheaton, IL
7/14/2009
Needed a change from Bourbon Street. Got a text from a friend to meet at BMC. The cab driver did not know where it was (more a statement on his skills than BMC's reputation), but we got there for $5.
Nice place. No cover. Friendly service. But it's about the MUSIC.
This is by far the best jazz I've heard in New Orleans. The local musicians are truly gifted and you can't leave the place when they're playing -it's too good.
After about an hour of fine playing, the band took a break and we skipped out.
I'll be back for sure! -
Review from Laila B.
10/20/2010
I haven't been here since about 2001 when I think it was called the Matador? And I think all those pretty windows used to be blacked out or otherwise covered? Anyway, Friday night we saw TWO great bands for FREE, had a cute table in the window that fit several of us. I didn't have a drink so I don't know if they were good or cheap etc but I am still so thrilled about not paying a cover and not feeling crowded or cramped by hordes of people.
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Review from Christa C.
San Francisco, CA
12/29/2008
We were walking down Decatur after a lovely Sunday night meal at the Nighthawk, and we stopped for a second on the corner of Barracks St. A guy in baggy shorts and a big t-shirt came dancing out of the BMC and yelled 'you gotta come in here, it's a great band, and NO COVER!' We thought he was strange, but lingered a little and the music was good, so we went in, and boy am I glad. Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue are awesome-- I can't tell you how great they are. If you love Patsy Cline and Dwight Yoakam (like me), you will love them. Even if you love Depeche Mode and Miley Cyrus you will love them. They're that great! They play every Sun at 9. The club is a perfect size with a nice bar at the back and a good mix in the crowd.
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Review from Randy S.
2/1/2008
I was out with some friends and we decided to check out the Balcony Music Club when we discovered one of my favorite local acts, Kermit Ruffins & the BBQ Swingers, was playing there. Located on the edge of the Marigny and the French Quarter, this is really a nice little spot to catch local acts. The club isn't that big, so you get a great view from just about anywhere - gotta love a little intimacy. They do charge a cover and I found the drinks to be a little small and pricey (especially when you are on a date with a woman who can out-drink most men). The place is conveniently located across from Checkpoint Charlie's and Frenchmen Street.
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Review from Ty M.
Milwaukee, WI
10/29/2010 1 photo
The first time I was there was Halloween 2009 we were just walking around the Quarter looking for something to do and I hear this amazing music (Fredy Omar) coming from this place I said to my wife WE ARE GOING HERE! There was a guy collecting cover I was so blown away by the music I just pulled out a cash I didn't even care! The bartender was awesome she made PERFECT drinks and was very friendly. The second time was last May I insisted that we go back I didn't even know the name of the place I just needed to go back! We went on a Friday night Fredy Omar was playing again we stayed all night amazing music, perfect drinks, the whole staff was very friendly! We are getting on a plane today to go visit our home away from home and I will be at BMC tonight!
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Review from Jessica L.
Austin, TX
10/5/2010 2 Check-ins Here
They had great music here the night we went and the back bar/patio is nice if you want to stay away from the crowd. Oh and there's blow pops at the back bar!
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Review from John H.
New Orleans, LA
7/12/2008
Great local artist play here, including Kermit Ruffins. They also have improv comedy by Sketchy Characters here on Thursday nights. Cheap drinks and good people
