Hours:

Mon-Sun 8 pm - 11 pm

Outdoor Seating:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Parking:
Street
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Price Range:
$
Music:
Live
Best Nights:
Fri, Thu, Sat
Happy Hour:
No
Alcohol:
No
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Good For Dancing:
No
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
No
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites' | Facebook Friends'

116 reviews in English

  • Review from Junebug J.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Manassas, VA

    5.0 star rating
    10/27/2011

    First of all this is a music lover's mecca.  I cannot say enough good things about Preservation Hall.  We showed up as recommended 45min before they opened the doors and were about 10th in line, sat in the first row of benches and proceeded to have the best time over the next three sets.  Having read that they don't serve food, drink, or have bathrooms I packed a little bag with some of Zapp's and a beer.  

    This is the only venue in New Orleans where music wasn't blasted at us from speakers...there are no amps, mics, or ringing in the ears, just pure and simple jazz.  

    My only regret is not having come here every night of our stay.

  • Review from Andrew B.

    Anaheim, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Head hear for authentic jazz. That's really all you need to worry about. The place itself is pretty barebones, you're really just going for the music. Don't expect anything posh and make sure to get there early enough to grab a good seat.

    If you're going for anything besides music then you've made a terrible mistake. Grab a drink from the cheapest place you can find and head over here for great jazz!

  • Review from Sing W.

    •  
    • 148 friends
    • 146 reviews

    San Gabriel Valley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/28/2011

    LOVE LOVE LOVE the Preservation Hall! My family and I went on a thursday night...we were warned to arrive early so we could actually find a seat but did not follow the warning.  Boy did we regret it!  Since this place does not have alot of room, there are not alot of space for furniture...as in, there were only a couple of benches.  

    My family and I opted to stand in the back because we didn't want to squeeze onto the floor with some of the audience.  Although we were in the back, we still felt the energy of the band!  When they started playing their first set, I swear---everyone started getting into the groove!  
    Even my dad, who never really dances, started jiving and snapping along to the beat!  

    Although some may say that this venue is TOO intimate, I know I loved it!  I enjoyed being in close proximity with strangers because after about 5 minutes, it seemed as if we all became friends!  We would go back in a heartbeat!  Definitely worth the $12!

    Suggestions: bring your own water, it gets kind of hot & sweaty inside due to the crowd and be prepared to have a good time!

  • Review from Karen B.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    CHESTER SPRGS, PA

    5.0 star rating
    2/6/2012

    Best experience ever!!  Evening was lovely, not the heat or odor others have mentioned.  Definitely recommend getting tickets in advance for a perfect seat.  Musicians were friendly and the music was all absorbing.  Trombone player made his instrument sing in ways I've never heard and oh that clarinet!!! This is what music is all about.

  • Review from Lisa G.

    •  
    • 17 friends
    • 351 reviews

    Richmond, VA

    5.0 star rating
    1/21/2012 1 photo

    If you like pure New Orleans jazz, then don't miss Preservation Hall.  Arrive early (easy to miss due to minimal signage) to get a good seat, 'cause this tiny, rustic  venue does not accommodate many.  You might even have to sit on the floor.  No food or drink served here, either so get that elsewhere.  I once had the rare opportunity to see the band perform on tour in Richmond, VA and that show was equally as impressive.

  • Review from Nisse L.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Fort Collins, CO

    5.0 star rating
    1/23/2012

    This is a life changing musical experience. If you even *think* that you might like jazz, you need to go here. It's amazing, it's pure. They don't serve food or drinks or anything, there's no photos allowed and they don't encourage requests. It's just great music, the way it used to be, no distractions. Sit down, shut up, and let it wash over you.

  • Review from Johnny C.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 29 reviews

    Laurel, MD

    5.0 star rating
    1/16/2012

    How I learned to stop worrying and love Jazz.

    My GPS took me to a little unassuming hole in the wall some sounds coming out.  Walking in was like walking through a time machine.  Warm dim bulbs lit up parts of the room, revealing the cracks and classy portraits on the wall.  I sat down and waited, as the people piled in and waited.

    I had never heard Jazz music so energetic, passionate, and emotional.  The band was so in to the music, the notes and horns bouncing off each other's instruments and ideas.  I swear I could've stuck my hand out the 3 feet and snatched one's hat and they wouldn't notice.

  • Review from Cassie C.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 4 reviews

    New Orleans, LA

    5.0 star rating
    12/2/2011

    Take it from a life-long New Orleans Native,
    this is the real deal.

  • Review from Kat S.

    Washington D.C., DC

    5.0 star rating
    12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Preservation Hall is the one touristy necessity in New Orleans. Set in a small, nearly dilapidated, artful, mic-free room Preservation Hall is a legend that serves as a truly intimate showing of the some of the best Jazz in New Orleans. There's seating for maybe 50 with the rest of the small space being standing room only. We arrived 45 minutes prior to the show (the first show nightly is at 8) with a few beers (no food/drinks here but feel free to bring your own) and were met with a long line and no possibility for seats. For seats or the front row make sure to arrive an hour early at the very least. Standing in the back was no problem as the room is so small. The band was incredibly, authentically talented and played a number of New Orleans Jazz classics. It was absolutely worth the $12 tickets, though I wish the set lasted beyond 45 minutes.

  • Review from mike G.

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    1/18/2012

    no drinks, frills or cozy tables. just pure, unadulterated jazz.

  • Review from WaYnE c.

    •  
    • 101 friends
    • 837 reviews

    Maple, ON

    Canada
    4.0 star rating
    8/17/2011 2 photos

    08/09/2011 - 07:25 pm

    After a much needed intermission break from the midday heat, it's time to head over to the French Quarter to see the landscape and acclimatize to the constructions, popular streets(Bourbon st), pedestrian-only paths, sketchy outlying zones, vacationers and locals.

    I passed by Preservation Hall earlier on without recognizing it simply due to the fact that the sign was small-ish and faded as well as other stores had more to catch the eyes. It wasn't until I did my second round on St. Peter that I noticed a semi-queue developing and I took part in the wait until the first-show @8:00 pm.

    TIP: Bottled Water($1.00) inside for purchase but waiting in line might become a THIRSTY matter, so make sure you have enough cool Beverages in your hands before waiting in the queue. FYI, House of Voodoo shop across the street has Fridged Drinks for sale if desperation sets in.

    15 minutes prior to Gates opening, a Gentleman comes up to announce exact change($12.00) preferred. Soon after, the Band members stroll in carrying their individual instruments. Upon entrance, the space was dark & dim giving it that historical atmosphere.

    Seats are limited so half the visitors had standing-room only and that's the reason for the early line up of the 1-hour performance. Some of the lyrics singing is not as audible at times, so the closer you sit the more enjoyable it becomes.

    New Orleans JAZZ, that's why Tourist must-visit here as you know Traditional style Jazz will be here every night rather than taking the risk visiting other Restaurants & Bars possibly performing New Jazz or Rock-n-Roll at certain evenings. If you have extended time in NOLA, then you might have time to search for other destinations with the same style Jazz instead.

    Entertaining, casual, funny, Good-times.

    TIP: After the performance, there is Tshirts, Music CD, misc items for sale but there is only 1 staff while there's another line-up of Tourist looking to make purchases. I was at the end-of-the-line almost waiting for a good 15-minutes before my turn. BUY during the performance or make sure you sit near the Memorabilia stand so you're first to buy, first to leave.

  • Review from Eleana C.

    Irvine, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/22/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Southern jazz at it's best. Two shows play nightly at 8pm and at 11pm. Start lining up up to an hour ahead of time, otherwise you won't be able to get a seat and it'll be standing room only! It's a small and intimate venue; when we went, it was filled with about 75 people. Standing is not too huge an issue, since the set lasts a little more than an hour.

    $12 cover to get in but it's totally worth it! It was one of the most authentic, touristy but non-gimmicky places we went to. Highly recommended if you can fit it into your itinerary.

  • Review from Matt J.

    •  
    • 20 friends
    • 282 reviews

    New Orleans, LA

    5.0 star rating
    8/21/2011

    Listen to the other reviews - show up 30-45 minutes early and you'll be guaranteed one of those much-needed pew seats. We opted for the seats on stage left and had a hell of a time. Don't worry about the long line though, usually an intrepid server from Pat O'Brien's will walk around and take drink orders. 30 minutes of waiting in line is a lot better with some booze in hand.

    The music inside is a wonderful treat. But be prepared to put $10 in Phillip the Hat if you want to hear 'The Saints" - that one doesn't come for free.

  • Review from Elizabeth D.

    •  
    • 8 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Lees Summit, MO

    5.0 star rating
    9/28/2011

    This place does jazz, and that's it. No food, no drinks, no bathrooms. Just jazz. But boy, does it do jazz right.

    For $12 on a Thursday night, I got three sets (about two and a half hours) of excellent music from the New Birth Brass Band.  I actually got the last seat before they went to standing room only, and I probably got in line some time around 7:20 p.m. for the 8 o'clock show.

    A lot of people left after the first set, which I found sort of baffling, but it allowed the SRO folks to get seats, so if you don't get one at first, just stick around.

    It's a very intimate venue, not a lot of room, and you'll be shoulder to shoulder with everyone else, but it just adds to the atmosphere if you're willing to give into it. It's New Orleans after all, so just go with it even if you're usually a little on the stuffy side.

    One thing I really appreciated was that the band was not mic'ed in any sort of fashion.  It's totally unnecessary given the small space, but that wouldn't stop a lot of other venues. As it was, my highly sensitive ears survived the experience unscathed.

    Also worth knowing, a server from Pat O'Briens provides the opportunity to purchase a drink before you go in (you're welcome to take the drinks in, per New Orleans tradition) while you stand in line waiting for the show to start. I ordered a mint julep, which was ridiculously strong and ridiculously good. It provided a nice accompaniment for the show.

  • Review from Jason B.

    Toronto, ON

    Canada
    5.0 star rating
    8/23/2011

    If you are trying to experience the music and culture of Nawlins, this is a must.  What lies inside is a tiny room with only a few benches and floor seating for the closest live performance of all the classic jazz songs... sung a capella by the greats!  The room will be packed with people standing at the back.

    We grabbed dinner and a drink (to go) and then showed up 45 minutes before doors and were near the front of the line and got in for the first show (there are usually three different shows each night).  We also stayed for the second also.  They give you a stamp and you can leave during the break and come back... you'll just have to forfeit your seat!

    Very unique experience!

  • Review from Alex V.

    •  
    • 11 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Anaheim, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/1/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Very cool dive. Old school jazz hall. I loved seeing this place. It was my first real taste of jazz and the ambiance really help set the tone. My only complaint is that I could smell cat urine most of the time. Poor kitty looked lonely...

  • Review from Maggie H.

    Troy, MI

    5.0 star rating
    6/19/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Go to Preservation Hall!  I think I am going to make t-shirts that say that to wear around.  :)   Not only does this place hold so much historical significance it is crazy, but you will hear amazing local music.  

    The setting of Preservation Hall transports you to a time when people would sit around in a hot room, lined up like school children on a bench, and listen to local bands.  There is no sound system, definitely no air conditioning, and no pretenses.  

    One word of warning, as stated above, there is NO AC...that regrettably my body is not only used to, but adores.  Be ready to sweat, but I promise it is worth it.

  • Review from Daisy C.

    •  
    • 14 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Miami Beach, FL

    5.0 star rating
    8/2/2011

    Amazing live jazz!  But here's the inside scoop:

    Do not purchase the "Big Shot" tickets (almost 30 bucks per person!!!)  You will be sitting behind the band and looking at their backs the entire time. Not cool.

    Instead, get in line at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 8pm and show starts at 8:15 p.m. Best part?  Front and center floor seating (again, arrive at 7:30 p.m.) and you can stay for each show at 8:15, 9:15 and then again 10:15 p.m. Only $12 entrance per person, and $1 water.  Band takes requests.  

    Loved this place.

  • Review from Samantha F.

    Berea, OH

    3.0 star rating
    8/14/2011

    Jazz, if you're in NOLA, it's a must.  So is preservation hall.  This place has been around forever....and it looks it.
    The music here is the best around.  
    You get about 45minutes of music, great music and all for about $12.  The room is small, dark and dingy.  The staff rotates you in and then rotates you out at the end of the set so that the next group can come in and get comfy...well, as comfy as you can get on old wooden benches and floor pillows.
    Not the classiest joint around and seriously the walls could probably use some drywall, but hey...it's about preservation, right?
    I loved it, loved the atmosphere, and loved the band.  Go, you'll be glad you did.

  • Review from brunho j.

    •  
    • 23 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Salt Lake City, UT

    5.0 star rating
    11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Best time in the whole city.  That simple, no place like it.

  • Review from Brad P.

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    5/21/2011

    Incredible Jazz music played by finely dressed men in a hot, sweaty New Orleans venue, far from your hometown - This is what you came for, right?

    Now, some folks may point out that that this is New Orleans and plenty of music can be heard everywhere. These folks will insist that you don't need to go to Preservation Hall to hear great jazz. This is true - There are many musical locations on Bourbon st. that have no wait, bathrooms, and booze...but that's just the thing. The other locations have a wide variety of distractions that take the focus away from the music. Whether it be a flaming water fountain, drink specials, or a reputation for attracting frat girls...there will be something other than jazz music that you will pay attention to, whether you like it or not.

    Preservation Hall demands reverence because you have NO CHOICE but to pay attention to the performers.

    People aren't pushing you aside to get their next hurricane. Nobody is obnoxiously singing along to the one tune they recognize. Everyone listens intently because that is what they waited in line and paid for.

    The room is tiny, hot, and chock full of history. There are no amps. There is no fog machine. The most advanced pieces of technology in the room are the light bulbs and a steel fan on the piano(that was probably built by Rosie the Riveter herself and could probably mince a poorly-placed finger into powder within seconds).

    Protip - If you are near Pat O'Brien's while waiting in line, you are not getting a seat. I got in line at 7:20 for the 8 o clock show. It was well worth the experience.

    On the action-movie-parallel-satisfaction-scale, this place is Enter the Dragon in 3-D while that person who is out of your league starts kissing your ear.

  • Review from Anna H.

    Torrance, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/5/2011

    Amazing little 30 min jazz show. We waited in line for about 20 mins with the previous group already inside teasing us all outside for what great jazz music to expect that night. Once we got in the small joint, we all perked up our ears and listened to great classic jazz songs. There's no alcohol, drinks, or anything served- just great music. The performers did not let anyone down and led my friend and I into a great first night in New Orleans. Preservation Hall, you set the bar high for all jazz clubs. Los Angeles jazz clubs needs to learn a thing or three from you.

  • Review from Patricia M.

    •  
    • 12 friends
    • 201 reviews

    Kirkland, WA

    5.0 star rating
    6/19/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    WOW! What a great place! We came over thirty minutes before the doors opened and stood in the long line to enter. We paid our admission which was $24 for the two of us and walked into a tiny room smaller than our bedroom. The room was dark, muggy, and resembled the exact way I would have expected it to look back in the 1960's. It was like going through a time warp.

    The band that performed for us was Charlie Gabriel's All Star Preservation Hall Band. They were unbelievable! What an experience!

  • Review from Leigh H.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Selden, NY

    5.0 star rating
    5/26/2011

    UNBELIEVABLY INCREDIBLE.  I can't say enough good things about this place.  It makes you feel like you stepped in a time warp and are experiencing what old New Orleans jazz was in the early 20th century.

    Get on line early!  My advice is to be there no later than 7:15 for an 8 pm show.  We went on a Monday and just barely made it in. It's a $12 cover, but well worth it.  They play three 45 minute shows.  We made it for the 8 pm show and then they clear the hall out for a new round of guests waiting on line.  You can come back at 10 pm to see a second show.

    This place is really the bare minimum, so be prepared.  There are a few rows of benches, a couple seats, and some pads on the floor, but most people will be standing.  There is no bathroom, food, or drinks, but since they only play for 45 minutes, it goes quick.  You can bring outside drinks in.    

    While waiting in line, grab a drink to-go. My suggestion is the Firefly vodka from Finnegan's across the street--a great deal for $5 and very refreshing.

  • Review from Deborah B.

    Indianapolis, IN

    5.0 star rating
    12/11/2011

    If you miss this you may as well not have bothered visiting NOLA.  Just an unbelievable treasure and probably one of the greatest places IN THE COUNTRY for live music.  They do not open till 8pm, but it is a good idea to line up early.  We were there on a weeknight and at 7:30pm there was a line a half block long.  We got in and at this point there were no seats left, but a really nice lady that works there let us know there were seats in the front (albeit on the floor) there were two seats left on the 2nd row so I quickly grabbed those (as the front row means you are literally ON TOP of the band)  We were then told that the NY Times photographers were there for a story that will be run in the Sunday NYTimes magazine in Jan '12.  Which means were photographed and probably are going to be in a really cool feature coming out about this great place!! So happy we made it there! The music is really just incredible. Love Love Love!!

  • Review from Diana M.

    Jacksonville, FL

    5.0 star rating
    9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here

    You have to see Preservation Hall!! Only it's BYOB and be prepared to sweat! The room has zero ventilation and I'm pretty sure the kitty who seems to live there has been using the backroom as a litter box. Icky. So try to stay away from the back of the room and enjoy the music!!

  • Review from Derek R.

    •  
    • 10 friends
    • 148 reviews

    Destin, FL

    4.0 star rating
    5/26/2011

    LIVE old school New Orleans jazz in the heart of the Quarter.

    A MUST DO - at least once.

    Tip:
    Get there early. It gets crowded and there are not many seats.

    Also, this is all about the music. No frills here. No A/C either!

  • Review from Thomas H.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 38 reviews

    Albuquerque, NM

    5.0 star rating
    1/12/2011

    I'll start by quoting a person sitting next to me on my first visit to Preservation Hall: "The best $12 I've ever spent."

    This is no-frills entertainment -- nothing to eat, nothing to drink, you'll probably have to stand at the back of the crowd for the first set or two, etc. Who cares! There's one reason and only one reason to go to Preservation Hall, and it overrides all those silly frilly desires: the best jazz you will ever hear.

    One simple recommendation from me to you: if it is at all possible, do whatever it takes to make sure you can go on a Tuesday night. Line up early (30, 60 minutes early if you have to) and get in. Tuesday is "Hall-Star" night, when the best of the best come together to play.

    Regardless of what night you go, you will NOT be disappointed, and you will NOT be able to go to bed that night without humming a bunch of jazz tunes to yourself in the dark. For a good 3 hours each night, Preservation Hall is home to the happiest people on the whole planet: a bunch of cool cats playing great jazz, and a full house loving every minute of it.

  • Review from Theo R.

    •  
    • 66 friends
    • 89 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here

    If it's you're first time in New Orleans it would be an injustice to not go and see some live jazz, I mean come on, jazz was founded here. The cover is $12.00 cheapest concert you might ever go to.

  • Review from S R.

    •  
    • 1167 friends
    • 1067 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    8/23/2011 2 photos 1 Check-in Here

    the best music i heard in new orleans.  $12 cover well worth it.  but, for the privilege of hearing this great music, you will be punished.  you can either sit on very uncomfortable hard wooden benches or stand the entire time.  it is always 90+ degrees in the damn place, but they dont turn on the fans, and there is no ac.  it has been around for probably 100 years.  the decor is nonexistent.  it consists of one room of unfinished concrete (not the cool kind that has come into fashion on home and garden) and is held together with peg board.  however, when i was here, i realized 2 things.

    1. new orleanians not only enjoy being hot and sweaty, but they are also proud of it.  that is the only explanation i can come up with as to why so many establishments in nola dont have the ac on.

    2.  nola has something that california doesn't.  its called soul.

    tidbits - there is a cool resident cat that apparently is not bothered by large  groups of people and loud music.  no pics or videos allowed.

  • Review from Denis S.

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/6/2011 1 Check-in Here

    So here's how it works (I think).  They are open from 8:00pm until 11:00pm and do 3, 45 minute sessions.  When we got there at 7:30pm on a Monday night, the line was huge.  No way were we going to get in for the first session.  We left and came back around 10:00pm and were able to get in to the last session no problem, but were in the back - standing room only.  

    The place has no frills, no food, no drinks, just music.  The front half of the room has wooden benches, in the back half you stand. The music itself was great and felt authentic (though I'm no expert).  

    Cover is $12 and they remind you to tip the musicians.

  • Review from Tina T.

    Newport Beach, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/13/2010 1 photo

    This place is just art, from the moment you see the trombone case sign on top of the entrance.  It is a bit hyped up, but if you really love authentic jazz music, you'll quickly forget how hyped up it was in your mind.  Warning--the line will always be super long and lengthy, and you will not be guaranteed the most comfortable and best spot in the house, but if you wait, it'll get better.  

    They play around 3 sets of music, and after each set, the front crowd who are seated will most likely leave--it is up to you whether you want to leave or stay, but try to be courteous and let others in the back enjoy the front seating if you already sat in the front.  We were stuck in the back and tippy-toeing during the whole first set, and it was hard to really engage into the music because you're so cramped up in your standing area.  After waiting for that set to finish, make sure to politely scramble up to the front, and Then you'll know what people were talking about.  The music and quality of sound was so beautiful once you're up front, and reminds you why New Orleans is such a different city than any other in the States.  

    *Be prepared to wait. On weekends, I would definitely go at least an hour before the show, maybe an hour and a half.  Half an hour is basically the same thing as going in, 5 minutes before--so plan ahead.

  • Review from Alice T.

    •  
    • 58 friends
    • 94 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    4.0 star rating
    9/13/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    I love live jazz!  Like the other reviews they play 3 sets of music starting at 8PM.  We got there after we had dinner and caught the 2nd set and it was good.  They played 4 songs and 2 of them were requests.  The other two were really mellow jazz.  I preferred more upbeat ones.  It's $12 cover and we were able to get a seat but everyone is right.  The place is super hot!

  • Review from marlenee e.

    •  
    • 27 friends
    • 57 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/27/2010

    Preservation Hall goes on the list of sacred places such as Castro Theater in San Francisco or The Paramount in Oakland.

    Opposite of a gilded movie palace, Preservation Hall is in a tiny,  rustic room where you can listen to Dixieland jazz in the heart of the French Quarter.  I guess what I like more than the intimacy between audience and musician is the fact it is very much in the family.  The younger band members, Mark and Ben, have taken the place of their parents giving Preservation Hall a nice sense of tradition and timelessness.  

    One final note:
    Whoever says no to the good-for-kids question, I have to kindly disagree.  I can not wait to take my kids here.  I  think this would be a great experience for young person to be exposed to live jazz.  It's a safe setting (no alcohol, and smoking has been band since my visit) with a live band, and you have the opportunity to request your own song.  What a great way to get kids to interact with music.  The tickets are not too costly ($12 dollars) so even if the kid has a short attention span or feels restless, not much is lost if you leave a little early.  

    Kid or adult, Preservation Hall stays with you and you will find yourself humming "Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans..." on your way home sitting in the Louie Armstrong airport.

  • Review from David W.

    Foster City, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/8/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I'm almost embarrassed to say that after all my trips and time spent in New Orleans, this was my first time to go to Preservation Hall.

    First, the basics:
    No bathroom
    No Food
    No Drinks
    Cash Only
    Limited seating (perhaps the first 30 people will get bench seats, everyone else stands)

    Get over it... You don't go here for the food or the drinks...

    Despite visiting during a very busy time (New Years/Sugar Bowl Week), we were able to get in with less than a 10 minute wait... Granted, we had to stand....

    This is a must visit on your next trip to NOLA. 12 dollar admission and the opportunity to hear some phenomenal musicians in one of the best Jazz venues in the world.... at $12.00,  It will also make for one of the most reasonably priced evenings you can have in the French Quarter.

    My advise, eat before you go.... Get there early for a seat and ENJOY the not only the music, but appreciate the venue for its rich history.

    Some people have complained about people smoking inside.  As the venue is very small, I can see why that would suck.... I don't know if they changed the rules or there were no smokers in our group, but I didn't experience it.

  • Review from MistiLynn L.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Thousand Oaks, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/8/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Get in line early, we didn't and I ended up in the very back (standing room only). I'm short so I couldn't see anything. I could, however, hear fine and the music was amazing. It's legend for good reason.

    It's $12 cover charge - room is small and simple, just musicians and a couple rows of hardwood benches. No bathrooms, no drinks, no food... just great music. Afterwards you can go to Pat O'Brien's next door to get your fill on food/drinks.

  • Review from Jeff R.

    •  
    • 60 friends
    • 83 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    1/26/2011

    If you want an authentic New Orleans jazz club experience, THIS IS THE PLACE.

    Hard wood benches for general seating, no bar, no toilet, not flash, no pomp, no amplification. Just a very old room in a very old building with a band playing very old, very important American music the way it was meant to be heard. This is an absolutely low-fi experience that, if you appreciate any music, you need to experience.

    The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is made of old timers, plus a revolving cast of guest musicians who sit in with them depending on the day. Since the room is so small and intimate, rude jerks who feel the need to talk and text and whatever else can easily distract and disturb not only fellow audience members, but the band. As the bandleader put it after scolding a woman who was trying to film "Pay attention now, let this hold the memory for you" [tapping his temple]

    Wonderful unpretentious experience. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

  • Review from James B.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 68 reviews

    Madison, WI

    3.0 star rating
    3/24/2011

    After we couldn't get in the first night, we came even earlier to wait in line and get in.  It was $12 at the door, and we ended up standing in the back.  The music was good, and I enjoyed the band, but the place is small, not well ventilated, you can't have drinks, and there is no bathroom.  The show went on for maybe 45 minutes, and it was good while it lasted, since the musicians were pretty good showmen.  

    Maybe I don't appreciate jazz as much as most people, or something, but I'm not sure I understand why this place is so legendary.  Still, a good time, and something to do if you can get in.

  • Review from Rebekah D.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 47 reviews

    Austin, TX

    5.0 star rating
    1/11/2011

    Great music venue, feels like you are stepping back in time. Definitely one of a kind place, so happy it was recommended.  We paid $12 to see the Tom Sancton and his jazz band, just beautiful!

    If you need to a drink or a bathroom break go next door to Pat o briens.

  • Review from Meghan B.

    •  
    • 30 friends
    • 195 reviews

    New Orleans, LA

    4.0 star rating
    10/20/2010 1 Check-in Here

    I love love love this place!
    4 stars because of the smoking.

    I feel like I walk back in time when I walk into Preservation Hall.
    It has history oozing all over it.  The uniqueness is incomparable to any other place I have been.

    Each time I have been, the music has been amazing.
    This is a must when experiencing New Orleans.

1 to 40 of 116 (5 Filtered) |  
Page: 1 2 3
Write a Review

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...