The Big Easy, as the vibrant city of New Orleans is known as, is famed for its exciting music scene, exotic cuisines, and pulsating nightlife scene. Set on the banks of the majestic Mississippi River, this sprawling city is a commercial and cultural hub in the Gulf Coast region. Mardi Gras is its most notable annual celebration but definitely not the only one. The influences of French colonial rule prevail in the city and there are plenty of architectural examples that stand testimony to its past. The French Quarter, Bywater, Gert Town and Fontainebleau are some of the popular neighborhoods of New Orleans. If you’re planning a visit soon and wondering where to stay, there are several vacation rentals and party hotels in New Orleans. There is also plenty for tourists to see and do in the city and some live music must feature on your list of things to check off. So, drop by these best piano bars in New Orleans, Louisiana, on your next trip down south.
1. Ticklers Dueling Piano Bar
This trendy and modern restaurant in New Orleans is a good place to drop by for some delicious food while you listen to live piano music. You can also request your favorite songs to be played and with a generous tip, you can sing or play an instrument too! Besides interesting items on the menu such as alligator sausage po'boy, you can also find classic favorites like BBQ ribs, and even the humble mac and cheese. Plenty of parking is available around the restaurant and you will be able to enjoy your meal in peace without having to worry about your car.
Ticklers Dueling Piano Bar
Address: 635 Bourbon St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Website: Ticklers Dueling Piano Bar
Opening hours: 1pm - 3am (daily)
2. Capri Blu Bar
This Italian restaurant serves up a range of lip-smacking delicacies and it has been the recipient of a number of awards and accolades over three decades. Offering an elegant European dining experience, this stylish bar has live piano music on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 pm to 11 pm. Enjoy the cozy ambiance of the comfortable bar and listen to the music while you sip on a glass of champagne or one of the many wines on offer. Just like the cocktail bars in New Orleans, this property also has an interesting selection of exotic cocktails such as Pumpkin Spice White Russian, Classic Sazerac, Sgroppino, and Winter Old Fashioned to name a few.
Capri Blu Bar
Address: 4909, 3100 19th St, Metairie, LA 70002, United States
Website: Capri Blu Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat: 8am - 2:30pm, 3pm - 10pm; Sun: 8am - 2.30pm, 3pm - 9pm
3. Spirits On Bourbon
Everyone needs a little piano for French Quarter Fest #duelingpianos #frenchquarterfest
Posted by Spirits on Bourbon, Home of the Resurrection on Saturday, 13 April 2019
The perfect place for some signature cocktails to go along with the Cajun-style food, this place is known for its piano duels on a nightly basis. And don’t forget to down a couple of shots while occupying their famous barber’s chair. The legend associated with this barber’s chair has it that the previous owner of the place was a barber who met a tragic death at a young age. It is believed that his spirit lives on, quite literally, at this bar today and has expressed displeasure whenever the chair was removed! Do try their gumbo which has become a signature dish of sorts. The dueling pianists are quite talented and just as amiable as are the servers.
Spirits On Bourbon
Address: 615 Bourbon St. , New Orleans, LA 70130
Website: Spirits On Bourbon
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10am - 5am; Mon - Wed: 10am - 3am
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Carousel Bar & Lounge

Carousel Bar & Lounge is the city’s only revolving bar. It is located within the Hotel Monteleone, one of the most famous hotels in New Orleans. With its unique carousel theme, it appeals to young-at-heart patrons who relish being able to enjoy a slice of history at the place. Apart from the revolving bar, there is also an adjacent room that offers you a pick of tables and booths with live jazz music and piano every night. The Carousel Bar has seen its share of celebrities ranging from Ernest Hemingway to Tennessee Williams to Michael Jordan to Sally Struthers from the time it first opened its door in 1949. The bar is known for its signature cocktails crafted by a veteran mixologist, which have become legends in themselves.
Carousel Bar & Lounge
Address: 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Website: Carousel Bar & Lounge
Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)
5. My Bar at 635
Gypsy Elise tonight!!!
Posted by My Bar at 635 on Tuesday, 9 July 2013
This elegantly restored place has a bar on the ground level and one upstairs, with views of Bourbon Street. Their famous Voodoo Purple Daiquiri is not-to-be-missed when you are here to enjoy a drink all by yourself or with some friends. The dueling piano players here are pretty good and seem to know every song that is requested. There is also a small dance floor should you wish to shake a leg, and a balcony if you like to enjoy your drink under the starry sky.
My Bar @635
Address: 635 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Website: My Bar @635
Opening hours: 11am - 2am (daily)
6. Bayou Bar
Friday night sounds ? provided by @kennedykuntzmusic starting at 9pm. Join us for a night of great vibes, cocktails, and...
Posted by Bayou Bar on Friday, 8 March 2019
Its claim to fame is being the bar where the New Orleans Saints football franchise was christened way back in 1966. It has also been frequented by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Capote. With its casual, tavern-like ambience, this is the perfect spot to catch up with friends over a drink and excellent food in the evenings or on weekends. Live piano music performances are held from Wednesdays through Saturdays and sometimes on Sundays too. The dark wooden furniture and exposed timber beams lend the place charm. Comfort food such as burgers and fried mozzarella sticks are a definite try while petit mignon with steak fries is something you might want to order when you are really hungry. Don’t forget to stop by on Whiskey Wednesdays.
Bayou Bar
Address: 2031 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Website: Bayou Bar
Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 11pm; Mon - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am
7. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
This is the perfect place to head to for a dose of history along with a refreshing beverage. Don’t be duped by the exterior of this ancient building. Dating back to the early 18th century, the building that houses this bar has a colorful past embellished by hearsay over the years. Named after the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte, it is believed that the place is haunted by him to this day. It is considered the oldest structure used as a bar in the country. Enjoy the generous portions of homemade onion rings to go with your sandwiches. Their live piano music is great especially when you have a Voodoo Daiquiri to go with it!
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
Address: 941 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Website: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar
Opening hours: 10am - 3am (daily)
Experience New Orleans' rich cultural heritage

Live piano bars are fast becoming a thing of the past and can be seen only in a few selected cities nowadays. New Orleans is one of the cities trying to cling on to its rich cultural heritage in various ways. This list of the best piano bars in New Orleans, Louisiana, is an attempt to help you experience this fast-dying phenomenon. There are also rooftop bars in the city if you’re looking for a casual and breezy atmosphere. For a more sophisticated experience, the wine bars in New Orleans are worth checking out.
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