Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
No
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Dinner
Music:
Live
Best Nights:
Fri, Thu, Sat
Happy Hour:
No
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Good For Dancing:
No
Ambience:
Intimate
Has TV:
No
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"Came here to see Charmaine Neville who was absolutely..." (in 9 reviews)
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"...needs fries when you have the loaded baked potato as a side." (in 7 reviews)
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"One of my very favorite jazz places on Frenchman Street." (in 7 reviews)
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97 reviews in English

  • Review from Mennlay A.

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    • 19 friends
    • 89 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Top notch. The poster-child for the new, New Orleans Jazz venue.

    Deeeelicious food, decently priced and decent mixology on the drinks.  I only recommend going to see a show if you're familiar with the artist.  It also helps to eat dinner during the first show to (hear) know what you're getting yourself into.

  • Review from Richard L.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    New Orleans, LA

    2.0 star rating
    1/27/2012

    Hello -  Food and Jazz fans.  Although we are not avid reviewers of the many businesses ( restaurants) that we frequent, last night's dining experience at this bistro deserves mention.  Before the 10 PM jazz performance, we wanted to go to Adolpho's across the street but since they had a 40 minute wait, we decided to try the bistro part of Snug- after many years.  It was Thursday nite, 8PM, 50% tabled patrons.    
    Firstly, there was one female and one male server who both did well handling their load. Our female server was adorable, efficient, polite.  The two of us ordered a Caesar salad with house dressing; fried calamari, Rib Eye steak with sauteed mushrooms and a 'loaded' baked potato, paired with house Chard and Abita amber.   Here's what we wound up with.  
    1). We brought our own wine and was told that there would be a $20. corking fee !!!
    I said, what if it's a 'screw-top'.  She said either way, [ you'll get 'screwed' ] since that's the price of THEIR cheapest bottle.
    2). The Caesar salad was NOT suitable for Caesar himself and would have resulted in the cook's beheading for serving mainly romaine lettuce stalks with a mound of (pre-bagged) croutons.  The dressing was decent and obviously bottled.
    3). The $11. Calamari  was an insult.  It was a (generous) portion of bagged pre-cut, pre-breaded,  fryer flash dropped  small pieces.  Upon complaint, the misinformed server said, "that's the way it's done in New Orleans".  She was politely corrected.
    4). The $30. Rib-Eye steak was menu touted to be [a delicious cut, well marbled,
    better piece of beef].  Ordered med. rare, a decent sized portion arrived properly cooked, but lacking any meaningful seasoning, marinade or garnish.( $30.!)
    The 'marbling' was 30% fat and grizzle.  The tenderness was fair.
    5).  The sauteed mushrooms were admitted to being from the can.
    6).  The 'loaded' baked potato was of the sister estab. Port of Call fair-good standard.  

    Summary:  It ain't what it used to be.  They seem to have structured their kitchen,  offerings and procedures to a tourist crowd turnover who are hurried, and not looking for (or aware of) a good only (not great) dining experience.  I can understand their protocol, but the prices are NOT commensurate with quality.
    What was disturbing to my wife is that the popularity of Frenchman street should offer our food conscious tourism guests a better sampling of a quality or fair value meal.  How hard can it be to prepare a fresh, in-house salad dressing, with fresh toasted croutons on a bed of trimmed romaine ?  Or, saute a fresh, sliced shitake mushroom ?  A popular dish like Cal, (presumably like their fish) could be fresh, sliced, gently breaded and fried.  Our sweet server recognized our comments and admitted to the shortcomings, would no longer offer the Cal. and removed the Cal and shrooms from the bill.  She still got a 25% tip on the balance for good service, personality and spirit.  If it's jazz and drink your after, this is a cool spot.
    But if you want good food at a fair price, move on, up or down the block.

  • Review from Kelly S.

    Austin, TX

    4.0 star rating
    1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Behold! The power of suggestion! My parents found a little thing that said "Snug Harbor! Jazz Bistro! Super double amazing!" Or something similar. So when we went to Frenchman street, we inevitably ended up at Snug Harbor when my phone was dead. After waiting a respectable 10 minutes, we grabbed a table by the front.

    That was a mistake. The people watching was great but all the jazz is in the back so we missed it unfortunately. The food was pretty good -- specifically the fish marigny. We were licking the plate that stuff was so delectable. Our BBQ shrimp was kind of odd -- in lots of oil with seasoning that you had to dig out. As with the rest of new orleans, the bread was to die for.

    All in all, a decent spot to get food. However, if I had my druthers, I'd skip the food there (go to the adolfos down the street) and pay the $20 cover for really great jazz in the back.

  • Review from Champian F.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    4.0 star rating
    2/6/2012

    Ate here while visiting New Orleans. Great service and great food at decent prices for the area. I had the fried shrimp platter, a cup of gumbo, and a house salad. Very fresh and tasty. Would definitely recommend.

    Gumbo was some of the best I've had!

  • Review from Natural N.

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    • 12 friends
    • 35 reviews

    Oakville, CT

    2.0 star rating
    1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Food blows, and no beer on tap. Go for the music.

  • Review from Sherri S.

    Denver, CO

    4.0 star rating
    11/7/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Gotta love live music...

    New Orleans does it and does it well.

    This is an upscale (pricey) experience for Frenchman Street. The band that was playing had a $30 cover. Downstairs, you could sit and watch on TV what was going on in the other room, but it doesn't compare to the other venues along the same Avenue.

    If it's a special occasion, do it, but just wandering around...pass.

  • Review from Natalie L.

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    • 2 friends
    • 42 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    1/9/2012

    This review is for the food only, which was really good.  I had the fried chicken with baked potato.  Hubby had the fish marigny.  Both dishes were very tasty.  Service was good.  No real complaints but not so totally blown away to give five stars.  We'd come back for some music.

  • Review from Raucus B.

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    • 11 friends
    • 38 reviews

    Salt Lake City, UT

    4.0 star rating
    10/22/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Snug Harbor is an awesome spot for music. I've been twice and each time the musicians have been phenomenal. The sound is excellent. The space intimate. The experience enjoyable. You'll also see a diverse crowd so people watching can be just as much fun as the music.

    Frenchman Street and the general area is great for walking around. A bit artsy with several other clubs within ear shot.

    The staff is great. Approachable, super helpful and easy to talk to. The waitresses treat you well and are sensitive to help ensure the best experience when the musicians take the stage.

    The bar is good. The Sazarac was well done. Not the best I've had but good.They don't have beer on draft (Does anyone in NOLA?!), but they do offer a full selection of Abita beers.

    The restrooms are a curious thing. They offer an disconcertingly Snug Harbor to be sure. Uncomfortably so. If you don't need personal space, you'll find no bother. But this feature may be worth drinking up for as an excuse to see just how cozy a restroom can be.

    ~m

  • Review from Amanda C.

    New Orleans, LA

    2.0 star rating
    1/22/2012

    It took us until our third trip to NO to visit this place and I knew it would eventually be for a good reason. We saw one of the Marsalis brothers (or his uncle? don't remember) play here in a pretty large 2-storey room. Everyone sat at tables, bought expensive drinks and continued to be quiet and still while the music was playing. I don't like that. I can't imagine going to a music venue and not being able to nod or wiggle at the very least without attracting attention. It was almost as if we were watching a play! It was also really annoying how pressured we felt for drinks because the waitress kept coming back and asking if we were sure we're okay with our drinks. For a better, more intimate/inclusive experience, I'd head to preservation hall or even fritzel's. But, if going to a sort of upscale (and just a taaaadd uptight) show where you simply watch is your thing, this is the right place for you.

  • Review from Akande S.

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    • 6 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Upper Marlboro, MD

    5.0 star rating
    9/26/2011 1 photo

    Loved, Loved, Loved it! I traveled to NO for my birthday and stumbled across Snug Harbor. I love jazz and good drinks and Snug Harbor has both. I missd Ellis Marsalis (just another reason to return) but was treated to Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony.

    The drinks were great, the jazz band awesome and the vibe (which I really get high off of) was phenomenal. I can't wait to return. Wether you are watching from the balcony or on the lower level, it's a total experience. I travel out of the country every year for my birthday but had to have a "staycation" this year for business. So, I stayed in domestic waters and returned to NO. BEST BIRTHDAY TO DATE. Can't wait to go back and Snug Harbor is definitely on my list.

  • Review from Rebecca P.

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    • 9 friends
    • 45 reviews

    New Orleans, LA

    4.0 star rating
    9/17/2011

    I'll admit it... I come here for the burgers, the music, and the monsoon.  The rest of their menu looks great, and I've heard wonderful things, but I can't stop myself from ordering the burger with mushrooms and a loaded baked potato.  So good!  The Monsoon, signature drink of sister restaurant Port of Call, is fruity and packs a punch that surprised me the first time around.  I remember telling the waitress, "Wow!  I'm actually getting tipsy and I'm barely halfway through!"  When she chuckled and said, "Yeah, we hear that a lot" I replied with "But... I'm a local!  I know how to drink!"  

    If you're in the mood for a cheap burger, Snug Harbor probably isn't worth the wait and the price, but the jazz club inside is second to none, and it makes for a wonderful evening to have dinner and your first drink here, then just walk on up to the balcony and enjoy Ellis Marasalis, or any of the other local greats that have a regular gig.  Just be careful on those steps after the Monsoon!

  • Review from Dr T.

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    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Slidell, LA

    3.0 star rating
    12/30/2011

    This review is about the music venue, not the food, although my general impression from reading yelp is you can get better food in the French Quarter at a comparable price. The music room has many positives: reasonable ticket prices in a nice "snug" setting (although be warned the second floor has limited viewing depending where you are, so get there early to get the best seats).

    However, the musical style is almost exclusively contemporary jazz, and this is not many people's taste. We went to see the Uptown Orchestra hoping it would lean more towards New Orleans jazz and big band jazz. Only the first and last songs were traditional New Orleans jazz tunes (where they second-lined in and out, very cool!). The rest was contemporary jazz with lots of improvisation. Again, if this is your taste (okay with me, but probably not many people), its 4 stars. For example, since it was a Christmas, they played What Child is This, and toward the end the improvisation went way off the deep end until it had no semblance to the song or even music whatsoever. So, I made it 3 stars. To each his own. If you're just interested in traditional jazz, there are better places to go. If you like contemporary jazz, its a good place to start.

    By the way, they had a singer for two songs, and she was awesome and the tunes were wonderful. Would have liked to seen one or two more.

  • Review from Lynn C.

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    • 1 friend
    • 12 reviews

    San Bruno, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/23/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Grilled shrimp was delicious. Jazz was good.

  • Review from David B.

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    • 20 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Arlington, VA

    4.0 star rating
    8/29/2011

    My parents have been a few times and loved it.  It's more of a ticket place and can sell out so getting them in advance isn't a bad idea.  

    It's a warm and cozy spot where you can get a table and listen to some great music.  There is a cool upstairs area with a great view of the band and crowd.  Not my favorite Frenchman joint, but definitely a great music venue.  

    Favorites are: Music

  • Review from Ketty T.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Grymes Hill, Staten Island, NY

    5.0 star rating
    6/5/2011

    Best food In Nola!

    We found this gem on our last day while walking frenchmen St (think Bourbon St, minus the decadence, but so much better).
    Food wasn't anymore expensive than any other place we'd eaten and it was top notch! Fried chicken was amazing (crispy on the outside with wonderful spices, moist and tender on the inside). Accompanied by the best baked potato I've ever had.
    The Fish Marigny? Well, simply the most delicious dish there is in Nola.

    I have to say, being from NYC, I found Nola to be expensive food-wise and not as spectacular. Maybe I'm just not a jambalaya/étouffée/creole kind of gal. Maybe I think a po boy is unimpressive (especially at 12 bucks!). Whatever the case, Snug Harbor hit my culinary spot.

    Ps: you can hear the music even if you're not seated for the show. Nice added touch to the food :-)

  • Review from Tom M.

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    • 1779 friends
    • 1550 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    3/27/2011

    Nice place: 3 different rooms for three different moods - bistro, bar, and music. Two sets each night (8 and 10pm). They clear the room between sets.

    Especially important to me, it seems to attract attentive listeners in the music room. Straight-ahead jazz seems to be the choice here - nothing too progressive nor dated.

  • Review from Madame Pamita M.

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    • 170 friends
    • 32 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/30/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Nice cozy dive-y (in the good way) kind of bar. There's a cover charge to go see music upstairs, but if you're cheap and don't want to pay the cover charge (like we were) you can hear the music coming down and see the band on the video monitor!

    Weeknights seem too crowded, but Sun-Wed are just perfect!

  • Review from Taylor S.

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    5/5/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Wanna go to Port of Call but the line is out of the door? Walk down to Frenchmen Street and get your burger, potato and monsoon (without the cockroaches) at Snug Harbor while listening to some live jazz.  It's exactly the same food, less of a wait and you can place an order to go.

    You might even enjoy your meal at a table next to one or more of the Marsalis family, which I have done on more than one occasion.

  • Review from rebecca m.

    New Orleans, LA

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/21/2011

    Went to Snug Harbor again recently with a party of 4.  I called ahead and they told me 45 minutes, but wouldn't let me put my name on the list.  Fair enough.  I showed up probably 10 minutes later, and they told me an hour wait.  When we were finally seated (after what was probably 45-1 hr in the bar), I realized that it was a large, obnoxious party of 20+ that was crowding the dining room.  I couldn't help but think that my big party from before was equally if not more annoying and loud.  

    The hostess was a little snappy, I thought.  And our server was clearly stressed and overworked with that other huge table, thus he paid next to no attention to us.  He dogged the shrimp remoulade (what a salesman, right?), which we ordered anyway and thought was fine.  They were out of gumbo -- really?

    Not a great experience, but still awesome big drinks and tasty burgers, Port of Call style.  Lesson learned -- go with a big group or go on a quiet night, or risk being ignored.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      12/6/2010

      *Note: this review is of the "Bistro" element of Snug Harbor, although I also love it as a jazz… Read more »

  • Review from Kepi D.

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    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Houston, TX

    2.0 star rating
    10/17/2011

    Music is in separate room, where theres no food allowed, jazz plus bistro should equal music while you eat....

    Food was horrid, first the menu boasts that everything is fresh and locally caught, coming from Houston I know the difference between gulf shrimp and frozen shrimp, also the difference between a tilapia and a catfish.

    When you tell me the fish marigny is a fried fish,with gulf shrimp and a creole sauce? I expect southern fried fish (cornmeal based not some crappy batter that looks (and tasted) like long john silvers) i also expect gulf shrimp, not frozen ones that STILL taste like the freezer ugh (i guess they got freezer burned? idk) I also expect a creole style sauce, i.e. something with FLAVOR not watered down alfredo!!!

    the rice on the side was on par with uncle bens, which some love and some hate, so take that as you will, only this wasn't completely cooked, ever take an uncle bens bag out of the microwave about 20 sec too soon? yeah rice shouldnt have that kind of crunch....

    Service was impeccable, the drinks were tolerable, the food was barely edible, i WISH i would've gotten a burger because thats clearly the specialty, we saw a lot of people order it... Just wish they wouldn't pass themselves off as a bistro... bistros have variety, this must be a burger place since nearly everyone here on yelp seems to only have gotten that.

  • Review from Tara Q.

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    • 36 friends
    • 7 reviews

    New Orleans, LA

    5.0 star rating
    8/14/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    I am a New Orleans native, and let me tell you, this IS the best burger in the city! It is one of the only places I will eat a burger.  If you like Port of Call, but hate the long lines and the feeling that the kitchen prob just isn't clean, go here.  It's dark, but not as dark as Port of Call. It's owned by the same people, so if it's a big, juicy burger with a large, overflowing potato that you are craving, this is where you need to go. Or, don't go so I can still get in without a wait. They do have jazz shows late at night and they get packed, so just plan to make it your first stop of the night to ensure no wait (Port of Call ALWAYS has a wait, so this is nothing). Even if you do have to wait, the bar on the other side of the restaurant makes excellent drinks, including all your favs from Port of Call that aren't listed on their menu. Yep, that's right, their bartenders will whip up your fav Port of Call specialty like my personal fav, the Monsoon. It's large enough to share with another person unless you are feeling brave and want to stumble down Frenchmen.

    I'm not quite sure how they do it all so well; the ingredients seem rather basic.... Their potatoes: Basic shredded cheese, imitation bacon bits, regular sourcream, nicely sautéd mushrooms - but it all just works. Who needs fries when you have the loaded baked potato as a side?  Be sure to add the sautéd  mushrooms to your burger as well, but totally not necessary.  Their chicken sandwich is also quite good as my husband orders it every other time when he's not ordering their burger med rare.

    The atmosphere is very laid back.  There is a large window so you can people watch while you eat (and there is always lots to see on Frenchmen), you can hear the jazz music playing in the back room (it almost feels like an underground jazz club, you'd never even know there was a back to this establishment), and there are several well-known bars across the street and to either side that you can stop in at.  Also, there is a nice coffee shop with outside seating for after you stuff yourself here.  The restaurant isn't that large, so I wouldn't bring a large group here unless you go when they first open for dinner.  They don't open for lunch any day except Sundays, and you may want to go online and check their jazz schedule to plan when you can ensure a seat.  

    As for service, we always have the same waiters and they are very attentive.  We love that their turn-around for the staff is very low and they always know us and remember what we like.  

    In summation:  LARGE, nicely poured drinks served over crushed ice, amazing burgers that are the top in the city, and the best food item to ever be a side item at any restaurant (their baked potatoes).  You will be stuffed and happy leaving here.

  • Review from Shane J.

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    • 8 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    3.0 star rating
    5/1/2011 1 Check-in Here

    This venue was a true treat that I discovered on my latest trip to New Orleans.  It is on a block lined with other jazz clubs.  I found this venue to be one of the best.  

    We had a bite to eat - the food was good and the music was better.  The live show for the night was "sold out" but I will make it a point to get tickets ahead of time - next visit.

  • Review from Jeremy S.

    Las Vegas, NV

    4.0 star rating
    2/28/2011

    I was really surprised at how good the food was. I had sort of low expectations given the location and the look of the place, but it was packed and (from my experience), with good reason.

    The service seemed a little slow, but in all fairness, we did have a large party and it was a Saturday night.

    The food was all really (I had the steak) and the appetizers in particular were a big hit.

  • Review from Lovey O.

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    • 86 friends
    • 275 reviews

    Spokane, WA

    4.0 star rating
    12/28/2010

    I was a bit skeptical going to a jazz club called Snug Harbor and having to pay a cover charge when other well reviewed places down Frenchmen seemed lively, had a good crowd, and no cover.  Nevertheless, we went for the Christmas concert.

    I've never gotten into the jazz scene, but I could appreciate a good performance when I see one.  This was definitely a solid performance showcasing a good group.  When my friend leaned over and explained the improv nature of a jazz performance, I started to appreciate their talent much more.  I can't comment on style or anything, so I'll stick to what I know: my fave was the pianist, I could feel the emotions he played with.  The singer fascinated me with how he changed his voice and how he kicked his leg up in the air a few times when he was really feeling it.  

    Last set, THE best female jazz performer of NOLA, according to the singer, happened to be having dinner there and came up to sing a special performance.  Again, still no idea about this genre of music, but she did some awesome vocal tricks, can I call it that?  

    Weak and too sweet drinks but great performances.  Main performer was available afterwards to chat too.

  • Review from Marielle S.

    New Orleans, LA

    4.0 star rating
    1/18/2011

    Although considered kind of "touristy" this is my favorite place to see live jazz.

    I've seen Charmaine Neville play here multiple times, as well as some of the Marsalis'.  If you go early, you can enjoy dinner or drinks before the show.  They used to have free shows on Friday nights at Midnight, but I'm not sure if they still do.  The food is a little pricey, but I like it a lot.

    When I went, I had a filet with fried calamari for an appetizer.  Yum!

  • Review from Jessica R.

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    • 1009 friends
    • 321 reviews

    New Orleans, LA

    4.0 star rating
    9/9/2010 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Snug harbor is one of the best music venues in the city, at least when it comes to trad jazz. The interior of the bar is dark and mostly wood surfaces, and as a friend pointed out there are almost no straight lines inside. (The floor is sloping, the shelves behind the bar are sagging, when you look around you're hard pressed to find anything that resembles an actual straight line.)

    Although I'm really not a fan of paying a $15 cover, anywhere, I will say that Snug Harbor is generally worth it. They do two sets every night, 8 pm and 10 pm I believe, and the musicians are across the board top-notch.

    It's one of my favorite date spots, perhaps because I've been on several awesome dates there, and I love the way it's set up inside. Great acoustics, and you can see everything from the second floor balcony. If you've never been, I highly recommend it. Definitely worth checking out at least once, and I'm pretty sure you'll be back.

  • Review from Kevin N.

    Fort Worth, TX

    4.0 star rating
    9/9/2010 1 Check-in Here

    A Wednesday night's as good as any when it comes to jazz, which, we were reminded by the band onstage, is one of those gifts bestowed upon the world by Americans. Flag waving aside, these guys were cool as cucumbers as they made their way through some standards, and when a local legend drummer made his way to the stage (looking like he'd just come from the back nine), they ripped off a number of inspiring tracks for a now rollicking crowd.

    It's an interesting setup - to make your way into the main performance room, there's usually a cover (last night it was fifteen), but if you're content to park it at the downstairs bar, they pipe the music in from upstairs and have a tv feed showing the band happening. Oddly, this bar appears to be tilting a little, there are very few straight lines at play here. But if you're in the market for a decent pour and some straight up fab jazz, Snug Harbor's got what it takes.

  • Review from Sean B.

    Washington, DC

    2.0 star rating
    10/12/2010

    We got sucked in by the jazz and our grumbling stomachs. It was the worst move we made on our trip to NOLA.  Super average food for high prices so if you like that feeling of wasting your money and time, go here!* Also poor service (waitress messed up my girlfriend's order, she didn't notice we were both missing silverware, etc) and decor that makes you go zzzzzz..  

    *This is strictly based on the restaurant and not the music venue.

  • Review from Terry F.

    East Point, GA

    4.0 star rating
    1/16/2011

    One of my very favorite jazz places on Frenchman Street.  

    Top bands and a nice venue to hang out.  The drinks are strong, too.

    Check it out.  This is where the locals go!

  • Review from Dianne M.

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    • 19 friends
    • 244 reviews

    San Ramon, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/22/2011

    I'm writing a review long after the fact but I just remembered the name of the joint. It was a crazy fun Superbowl week and I want to make sure to return here during my next visit. We were told that Frenchman Street was a great place to check out, off the touristy path of Bourbon Street so off we went. We did not make it over for Jazz so instead we had dinner, a juicy burger served with a mile high baked potato.  If they take reservations make one otherwise just make sure you don't sit in the very back of the room, the ceiling is low so it can be a little claustrophobic and the height of the burger/potato probably added to the closed in effect.  Scrumptious!

  • Review from Jennifer H.

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    • 19 friends
    • 50 reviews

    Costa Mesa, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/31/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Frenchmen street is alittle sketchy, but one you go into this unassuming little Jazz club you are immediately taken into the back alley,small,  dark, sexy ambience that is live Jazz. I saw the Rob Wagner trip here (Sax, Drums, Bass).  It was very sexy, and I almost would have been okay if they allowed smoking here, because it would have just "fit". Great music, lots of history. Worth getting away from the tourist areas and whether you like Jazz or not, you'll like this place...

  • Review from Lindsay A.

    New Orleans, LA

    4.0 star rating
    4/28/2011

    I was told that Snug Harbor has the same burgers as Port O Call. I can't attest to that because I've never had the patience to wait to eat at POC. I went with some co-workers to Snug Harbor mostly for the burger, then for the bar, then for the music. I have to say, this is probably one of my least favorite places on Frenchmen. First, the burger, it was a solid burger but it was like eating a mass of ground beef. This is not unusual when eating a hamburger of course, but this burger had little to no flavor. It wasn't particularly juicy or tasty, just OK really. The loaded baked potato was good but nothing I couldn't do at home. Our server was far from the greatest and I ended fetching most of my table's drinks from the bar myself. The bar is in a separate and oddly dark area. I could see and hear the band warming up in the next room and it looked like a good space for music. I enjoyed the jazz at Snug, and would go back to see another performer like Charmaine Neville or Deacon John, but I think I'll pay the cover and skip the food next time.
    Food:  3 stars
    Music Venue:  4 stars

  • Review from Jenn C.

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/3/2010

    After living in New Orleans for 4 years, I confess - I never made it there to hear music.  It was always just too expensive for my budget as a graduate student, and I never ever knew anyone who went there for the food.

    For his first visit to New Orleans, my friend wanted to see Ellis Marsalis - so we headed in for the cattle call of the "first come first serve" seating arrangements.  The bar interior is like an old sea vessel - well worn, dark wood and way colder than needed for the time of year.  The inside of the club was also a bit shabby - and way overly refrigerated - but the show was magic.  Ellis Marsalis and his band put on a solid, smooth and very tight show.  There was no sloppiness or miscommunication among the players - they were all professionals.  Even the guest singer who came up from out of the audience (having just met Ellis that evening!) was a real treat and an amazing singer.

    Don't go there for the decor, the service, the drinks or the food - just go there to enjoy the music, live in the music and carry it away in your heart.  (I only gave 4 stars due to excessive AC induced hypothermia).

  • Review from Carmen G.

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    • 30 friends
    • 48 reviews

    Austin, TX

    5.0 star rating
    1/18/2011

    I love New Orleans.  Every time I go there, I visit Snug Harbor.  
    It's a fantastic restaurant.  It's friendly.  It's romantic.  It's delicious.  Service is always great.
    Plus, I can eat a relatively healthy dinner there.
    Because, after days of eating in New Orleans, eating a nice piece of grilled fish and a baked potato is like a vacation from my vacation.
    I miss you, Snug Harbor.
    See you in March, darlin'.

  • Review from Lica N.

    Orange County, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/8/2010 2 photos

    Its all that JAAAAAAZZZZZZZ!  One of the best place to listen to jazz in nawlins.  Its a visit I make every year.  Seen some amazing artist play throughout the years.

    Yes the place is small but that what gives it the charm.  Its one of those neighborhoos bars where you will see locals there shooting the breeze with the bar tenders.  Everyone is friendly and they are happy to have you join in on the conversation.

    Had dinner here once and I was ok.  I wouldnt say its the best.  Ive never eaten here since but reading the reviews I may need to try one of those burgers that everyone is raving about.

  • Review from Erin C.

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    9/11/2010

    This bar is my picture of perfection. Old coots and crazy women with A-type personalities. The ceiling is low inside, the lights as well.. were there lights? I can't remember. The only reason my friend & I left was that this was our first or second stop of the night and we only had this one night to see as much of the night scene as possible.

    Drinks are cheap but certainly not light on the liquor. The bartenders & co. were interesting conversation and more than willing to tell us what to check out in NOLA. We quickly became friends while hauntingly beat music rolled in from the other room. If I lived in NOLA, this bar would be one of my regular spots, no question. It is just welcoming and not a particular draw for tourists.

  • Review from Kim S.

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    • 2 friends
    • 59 reviews

    Vienna, VA

    4.0 star rating
    4/29/2011

    Went on Monday night to see Charmaine Neville and had a fantastic time.  Good ambiance, cozy room, acoustic a bit loud for the size of the room. Her voice was amazing, brilliant voice impersonation of Louis Armstrong. Cover charge was $15. Great entertainer and singer.

  • Review from Edgar S.

    •  
    • 57 friends
    • 76 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    2.0 star rating
    9/20/2010

    I'm not sure what this place is like as a music venue but as a restaurant... it kinda sucked. The wait staff left much to be desired and the food was overpriced and mediocre.

    For food, you're better off going around the corner to Port of Call

    For drinks, head across the street to the Spotted Cat.

  • Review from Daniel W.

    •  
    • 14 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/30/2010 1 Check-in Here

    This place hosts great music EVERY night. I saw Donald Harrison one night, Delfeayo Marsalis's big band the next, and Herlin Riley tonight. That's pretty sweet. The venue is intimate and has a great sound/vibe which only makes the music that much better.

    The only reason this doesn't get five stars is because it's really hard to reserve tickets--you can't do it online, you have to call a number that is seemingly always busy. You can't call until after 2PM every day and you should be prepared to call back about 30 times before you get someone on the other end. But if you're successful, then have a blast!

  • Review from Randy S.

    New Orleans, LA

    4.0 star rating
    9/4/2007

    When in New Orleans, one thing you should do is to go see Astral Project at Snug Harbor. Located on Frenchmen St in the Faubourg Marigny, this local institution is a great, cozy space where lots of NOLA entertainers have played. Most of the tables and chairs are regular height. But in the back by the main entrance to music hall, there is one high table with barstools that makes you feel like you are on a perch overlooking everything else. Get those seats if you can. After the show, you can cruise the Marigny for all kinds of treats...

    Check out their website for event calendar. And most times the musical acts play twice in the evening (i.e., an 8 and 10 pm show)...

    Charmaine Neville and Ellis Marsalis have regular gigs there and are worth checking out.

    There is also a restaurant, but so far I've only gone to catch the jazz...

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