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Cafe Negril
Categories: Nightlife Bars Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Bars, Music Venues [Edit]
606 Frenchmen StNew Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 944-4744
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
47 reviews for Cafe Negril
Review Highlights
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"And get the pineapple pork, you'll thank me." In 5 reviews -
"And live reggae and no nonsense bartenders." In 5 reviews -
"This is the best place to eat on Frenchman, late night." In 10 reviews
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47 reviews in English
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Review from Farrah A.
1/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm ready to go full on Rasta, mon. These fellas so damn friendly. And they sure know how to have fun - if you know what I mean. I probably couldn't pull of the dreads, tho...
We stumbled in here and the place was packed. A giant, colorful mural of Bob Marley set the backdrop for the stage. There was live upbeat calypso and mixed in with the slow reggae, perfect for that sexy "dutty wining."
Bartenders were fast. There wasn't a cover. Restrooms were kinda icky, but what more can you expect from a dive hangout like this? Dunno what was cookin' in the kitchen, but it smelt perfect for the munchies. Had I had 'em. -
Review from Keith A.
Wilmette, IL
4/27/2012
This was a stop-in with my friends towards the end of the night for us. We were here mostly for getting some tacos and maybe another drink.
I was fine with there not being that many people in here around 2amish, but I couldn't get into the bad 90s cover band that was playing. I was told that isn't normal, but it was a pretty big departure from the last place we were at.
The tacos were decent. They ended up falling apart on me and were decent. At least they were cheap, but all they really served for me was just some food in my stomach.
I would give this another try the next time I'm down in NO. I'm willing to have an improved experience (that and I'm also likely to come down to frenchmen again), but this was pretty meh for me. -
Review from Faby P.
3/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Popped in here as recommended by a local friend who raved about the taco stand in the back. We ordered the pineapple pork tacos and chicken tacos. Both were yummy - very authentic - but overly salty which didn't fall well on sober tongues. I imagine they would probably taste like a million bucks after a few beers.
We got there while the band was setting up so we really didnt have a chance to enjoy the scene. We ate our tacos and darted out to dodge hobos in the street on our way back to the FQ. -
Review from Tim E.
New Orleans, LA
4/22/2012
Stinks. I mean it smells bad and they leave their gnarly garbage cans out on the sidewalk for everyone to trip past. The three poorly drained palms out front have stagnate water festering at their base. It smells like a skunk latrine. I can't even review the music, some of which is good, because I can't get over the stench bog. Wretch. Blech. Awful. Any place on Frenchmen St. is better than this hole. The health dept should pay them a visit.
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Review from Ananda C.
Austin, TX
4/7/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The live music at this spot is hit or miss and it is full of smokers. You will leave smelling like an ashtray. The stage is small and you pretty much have to either sit at the bar or stand in front of it if you care about seeing the musicians play. Kind of dive-ish. Did not try the food so I can't speak to that. No cover is a plus. Music there is decent, but this would not be my first choice.
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Review from Siv L.
12/19/2011
Place is small. Stage is small. Which guarantees you'll be close to the band.
The best thing about this place is their delicious burritos! Service is a bit slow since it's only one lady taking orders and making the food. But the burrito was soo delicious -- my friend and I split the pineapple chicken burrito. It had tons of cilantro and flavor. Probably the best burrito I've ever had! -
Review from Alex M.
New Orleans, LA
2/7/2012
The music is always solid though It tends to be more on the jam-band side. The drinks are reasonably priced and the "food truck" is not so much a food truck as it is a kitchen in the back. The food is SO dope. Tacos, Gorditas, and Burritos are what they serve back there and everything is delicious! That food will really save your butt if you're going out hard on frenchmen!
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Review from Amanda C.
2/6/2012
Naturally, we went in after krewe du vieux. No cover, awesome music and drunk/happy people made for a really good time. Can't wait to come back in a sobered state and explore the drinks and food!
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Review from casey m.
New Orleans, LA
9/19/2011
Those Burritos are killer.
Oh and the music is great too. To me, all of Frenchman is one cohesive live music venue as I am often stumbling in and out of each place letting different sounds and music flow together. But, yes Cafe Negril and those burritos are an important part to a night in Frenchman street. -
Review from Greg N.
Brentwood, CA
9/8/2011
Oh man what a good place to be on a New Orleans muggy humid summer night.
I was told to skip French Quarter and Bourbon street and head over to Frenchman Street to get a taste of the local music scene. I willingly lost 3 hours of my life listening to people jam on stage. I was in shock how good music sounds in NOLA. It was a night were people would come in and sign up on a roster later they would be called up to join the band in whichever musical instrument they played. There was a shy looking scrawny dude that was killer on the drums, then some chubby balding man who looked like a California Tech nerd came up, when this dude began to sing, the whole place went nuts because this average looking fellow had the depth of a voice which would blow Joe Cocker out of the water. This place was packed with talent.
Meanwhile I was sipping away one brew after another. The bartender was awesome. The crowd was chill. Don't get me wrong this is not your average hipster dive nor is this the place to be scene (if you know what I mean) however, oh man was the the music loud and sweet.
Some asian man was siting next to me the entire night indulging in the music, finally it was his turn, oh lord was he good on the guitar. A lady next to me told me that he is one of the three legendary Japanese guitarists who moved from Tokyo to NOLA to part take in the music culture. Then these African American fellows pulled up and started to hit the harmonica so well it made my jaw drop. Wow I guess enough said hu?
Oh and the food was great too. This place is also know for good Mexican food. All night long people would be coming in and out taking burrito and taco orders togo and while all this is going on there is a huge mural of Bob Marley behind the stage watching over the crowd.
This place is great. -
Review from Ari A.
9/26/2011
Everything in New Orleans is amazing. Period. Don't waste your time going to music club on Frenchman that charges a cover when plenty of places like this one are FREE.
Plenty of space for you to dance, sit, people watch etc. When we went here it was mostly Reggae music which was really good.The crowd here was younger than at Spotted Cat, but no babies crawling. -
Review from Ali K.
New Orleans, LA
8/16/2011
Being that I just moved here about a month ago and have yet to write a review, let me begin my New Orleans yelping career with cafe Negril.
Tue music is consistently very good to great. I get the feeling that this is a common theme on Frenchmen st. As a whole, though. That said, the Honduran kitchen in the back is awesome. Seriously, I go here to eat as much as the music. The gorditas are my personal favorite, basically a torta. And get the pineapple pork, you'll thank me. -
Review from Chad C.
7/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
No cover, easy bathroom access, and late night food make Cafe Negril a winner not as a Frenchmen Street destination, but as a quick walk-in stop to recharge.
Cafe Negril is a reggae club, even though the musical offerings sometimes vary. There's still a giant mural of Bob Marley on the wall over the stage. Unfortunately, the music has always been middling at best. Still, it draws big crowds.
* Bartender gave me my non-alcoholic drinks for free *Listed in: Free Drinks for Designated…
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Review from Brian D.
5/30/2011
Live music venu on Frenchman St with a kitchen in the back. I caught the act prior to the reggae band on Saturday and they were very good. The place is primarily standing with a few seats and tables in the corners. The lay out of the place makes for little room to see stage well, which is the only downside.
The taco truck sets up in the back, with Tacos, Burritos, and Gorditas with either chicken, beef, or pineapple pork. -
Review from Christy M.
Sacramento, CA
The least friendly bartender we've encountered so far in NOLA. The place is run-down and falling apart and slightly dirty, which in a way just adds to the charm if what it is. The taco stand was a great surprise, of course we tried the pineapple pork, which was fresh, tasty and spicy. The band got a late start, so we enjoyed a solo classical guitarist for a while. When the band finally started, they played a swingy/funk jazz style, which was good, but we'd been hoping for reggae at a place named Negril! But the band was talented, nonetheless! I liked that the crowd was older and more laid back.
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Review from Catherine D.
East Bay, CA
3/6/2012
Great fun here, great music and we really liked the Food at the Taco Bar, it was made to order, very tasty, fresh and we really enjoyed everything we ate there and prices were reasonable for the food. Definitely recommend.
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Review from Victoria C.
Seattle, WA
10/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
A great bar to go to for an older crowd, no cover, and live reggae music. The musicians didn't appear to be as musically put together as perhaps other bands on Frenchman Street, but the music is fun nonetheless.
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Review from Mary Katherine B.
New Orleans, LA
2/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Tacos, Tacos, Gorditas!!!
That's what I ordered last time. Yummy! This is the best place to eat on Frenchman, late night. They have little tables around poles and you can listen to the awesome reggae music and then after you've digested you should get up and dance.
Cash only!! Try the salsas in the squeeze bottles. -
Review from Ashley D.
New Orleans, LA
8/15/2010
Even before you enter Cafe Negril, you'll be dancing. The simple, seductive reggae beat beckons you from the sidewalk outside and your hips begin moving involuntarily. You'll encounter no cover, no line and no stern appraisal from the bouncer. Once inside, you'll feel instantly relaxed.
Bob Marley is depicted, larger than life, on a vibrant mural that covers the back wall. From his stance above the band and crowd he seems to bless the revelry in all its hedonistic splendor. The band, situated in almost the center of the room, is surprisingly talented. And the musicians dance and sway with the audience as they play, making even the most uncoordinated feel comfortable. Cafe Negril is perpetually crowded, yet the bar service is quick and friendly. Booze isn't watered down and menu offerings are authentic and plentiful.
If you come out of your reggae haze long enough, you may notice the venue's small size, dirty floors or lack of proper air conditioning. If that happens, pretend you're in Jamaica and take a lesson from Marley himself - "Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing is gonna be alright." -
Review from jeff s.
New Orleans, LA
12/3/2009
Always said I would never write a bad review at this site...at the site where I review people who litter and cut me off while I am biking without giving me the required friendly apology wave, I write bad reviews galore, but here i try to dwell on the positive.
Now the owner is not a bad guy, he salvaged the Spotted Cat and with his new managers that place is better than before...but this place is going to lead to the Bourbinization of Frenchmenn and in 10 Years and that's a pain nobody needs to consider.
It's fine that this place plays the worst music on Frenchmen Street..Folks with little taste are allowed to enjoy the world too. Problem is this place blasts the reggae/bad rock so loud out the door you can here it a block away, bourbon Stret style. Gives me the willies.
Walking from Esplanade my mood shouldn't have to sour like it does having to hear what they feel the whole neighborhood should be subjected too...no other place on Frenchmen ruins the pleasant old fashioned mood on the streetas with blasting speakers outside, and there is a reson for that.
How the same man can run the best and worst place on Frenchmen is beyond me, but this is not a difficult problem to fix if he cares about the street as he has told friends of mine he does.
Disclaimer: This review was written without me ever stepping foot in the place...can't comment on that. -
Review from Tina D.
Long Beach, CA
8/18/2007
I seriously LOVE this bar! The bartenders are friendly and quick, the chef, bless his heart, dancing to the music and meeting everyone around, everyone here is in such a fantastic mood! It's no doubt all the great music being played by live bands nightly!
30's & 40's jazz, blues, reggae, all sorts of seriously amazing musicians come in and play for you to dance to. It's such a great vibe, Bob Marley mural on the wall and columns turned palm trees with Christmas lights on them, i'm just sayin... you can't get any better than that!
The kitchen serves general new Orleans food: red beans & rice, chicken & beef burgers, etc. Nothing vegetarian, tho... what was i thinking! even their beans & rice have pork in it, hehe
Gotta try a shot of Absolut New Orleans chilled, $6
mango & pepper flavored vodka, it's the best! and what a tribute to one of the most flavorful city in the US!
P.S. SERIOUSLY DO NOT HAVE THE $1 CHERRY BOMB SHOTS. SERIOUSLY. Do you like the taste of lighter fluid? seriously. -
Review from larry b.
Woodstock, IL
1/18/2012
fun place on Frenchman st. live music. mixed crowd. good for dancing.
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Review from Emily And Allen L.
New Orleans, LA
10/10/2011
This is a review of the "Taco Truck" only: delicious! What a surprise to find authentic tacos in a Jamaican-themed bar on Frenchman. They keep late hours which works out great for taco fiends like ourselves. If we had a complaint it's that they're soupy and really need two tortillas but we'll take soupy any day over dry or none at all.
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Review from Meghan B.
Bloomington, IL
6/21/2009
We arrived here at about 10 on a Friday night, lured in by the blues we could hear out on the street and the colorful lights inside. Grabbed a spot right at the bar directly facing the musicians. Began to sip a beer (bottles only, plus mixed drinks) and then noticed... that guy is playing a bass guitar with his toes and a regular guitar with his hands.... and wait... there is another guitar on his shoulder.... which, shit!.... he plays with his other hand sometimes, too. THREE GUITARS! He plays THREE GUITARS at once!
I realize that is a review for Cafe Negril, not that guy. But it set the mood perfectly. It was intimate, fun, with lots of interaction with the band (3-guitar guy plus two awesome drummers who also interacted with us a lot). People kept pouring in, and eventually there was dancing. Music was excellent; really lively blues with a sense of humor and plenty of soul. Staff were friendly, 99 out of the 100 patrons were not pretentious (oh, I could tell a story about Bud Light Guy), and we just kicked back and had a good time.
I think you'd have to try to not have fun here. We left grinning and happy for the walk back to the hotel. -
Review from Helena W.
7/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great live band.... we were a bit early so it was a little dead.
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Review from Ted C.
1/6/2009
This was the first place I stopped by on Frenchmen. The guy had just opened like 10 seconds before we stopped in which was why it was empty. It filled soon enough after the band came in, and then it was cramped.
I went back later when they had reggae and also similarly packed. they have a huge area for food prep but in both those days I never saw anyone ordering, or even attempting to prepare food. Wouldn't it make sense to just clear it away to make more space? That's why I can't really give it too many stars I just think it's such a waste. I liked it, but just could see it so much better, especially since I don't like the inhale when I exhale, get your elbow out of my eye, dance and bump into 4 different people kind of cramped. -
Review from Tiffie L.
3/2/2011 1 photo
After a night of drinks and jazz, my friends and I needed something to eat and my friend suggested the Tacos at Cafe Negril. Thank God for those tacos. They are 2 for $5 and there is beef, pineapple pork and chicken. We ordered 3 beef and 5 pork. I definitely preferred the pork as the beef was a tad dry. And boy are the tacos spicy! But as someone who is does not handle spicy too well, I was okay. And besides, the pineapple pork tacos were so good that I could not put it down.
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Review from Nicole M.
Chicago, IL
1/14/2012
No cover and great reggae music! (Friday night). They sell Mexican food (tacos, burritos, etc) in the back. Wasn't that hungry, so didn't try the food.
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Review from lin h.
New Orleans, LA
5/15/2011
This review is on the "taco truck" in the back of the bar. They have a small menu of tacos, burritos, quesedillas and possibly 1 or 2 other items. I've only tried the burritos, and the chicken, beef, and pineapple pork. Honestly, the pineapple pork burrito is one of the best i've had. the others are really good, but the pineapple pork is off the hook! it's chunks of fresh pineapple and pork cooked together with a blend of spices. and they use shredded mozzerella in the burrito that makes it even better! They had live music in the bar and the bar itself is ok, but i don't really remember the atmosphere in there cuz i was in a zone eating the delicious burrito. It's also huge and moderately priced ($6 or $7 for 1). will always be back there, especially after i knock down a bunch of drinks...
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Review from Lyle D.
Union City, CA
7/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
live reggae, good vibes, good music!!
only down side is it can get a biiiiit packed in here!! other than that i had a really good time!! -
Review from Daniella F.
4/24/2010
This is a fun bar with a taco truck in the back!
The music was eh. There was some creole/celtic horror show that went on first. I wanted to stab my ears out. But, after that, a great funk band came on and everyone started dancing! It's loud, so not good for hanging out and talking (ie. you come here to drink and dance). No cover, so that's definitely a plus! -
Review from Mark M.
Astoria, NY
11/22/2010
The night I went, there was a funk band playing, and the whole place was dancing. Had I been there on one of the reggae nights...well, I wouldn't have been there on one of the reggae nights. (Reggae makes my skin crawl). Which I guess is what this place usually does. Loudly, from what I gather from some of the other reviews. I can only judge it from my experience there, which was good. It definitely struck me as the most Bourbon Street-esque of all of the establishments on Frenchmen, but it was still fairly low on the skanks and bros factor. This place isn't really my scene, but the people I was with enjoyed themselves.
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Review from Stew L.
Ardmore, PA
7/8/2011
The best burrito I have ever tasted. And live reggae and no nonsense bartenders. What more could you ask?
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Review from Christopher D.
Los Angeles, CA
2/16/2010
The Frenchman block had plenty of choices to choose from to bar it up. This place happen to be one of spots I went to. My cousin who lives in New Orleans took me here because she knows I like reggae music.
Guess what, there was reggae band playing inside. The Bob Market mural on the wall is a dead giveaway I'm gonna love this place. Live reggae band, dancing, and beers. Smashing good time. Another cool memory I have here was the video camera that showed everyone in the bar. LOL, watching people try and dance is hilarious. People making out with pink wigs is even funnier. Come to think of it, I saw the weirdest people in that bar. -
Review from Michael J.
Oakland, CA
5/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Love the cooked oysters! The fish of the day is also amazing. Not a wallet breaker, and worth the visit!
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Review from Debba D.
Los Angeles, CA
11/11/2008
Friday Night Reggae!
Great place to go with friends.
Don't worry about finding a chair
get on the dance floor, throw your arms in the air and
dance! dance!dance! the whole night. -
Review from Jason C.
Updated - 10/4/2010
Alright...they get an extra star for the tacos.
Listed in: The Frenchmen St. Shuffle, Tacos! Tacos! Tacos! Tacos!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/29/2010
Prices aren't great...but they have awesome tacos and no cover. Also as far as i know this is one… Read more »
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Review from Dan B.
12/6/2009
I loved this place because the musicians that were playing there were both extremely talented and they had a great sense of humor. It's hard to ignore the musical notes pouring out the doors of Cafe Negril when walking on Frenchmen St. I knew I had to go in. The entire place is blue and therefore has a very chill vibe to it. The musicians are face to face as the antithesis of the bar so there is a very personal experience between customers and musicians. They played a good mix of jazz, classic rock, alternative, and reggae. They had some great guitarists. Also, they have some of the strongest long island iced teas I've ever had.
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Review from Jennifer C.
La Costa, CA
11/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
Some of the best music I've hear in a long time. Thank you!!
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Review from Scott M.
St Louis, MO
11/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
Fun enough with different music styles depending on when you go. Can get crowded...just like everywhere else in New Orleans.
