Fritzel's Jazz Pub

The noise, crowds and general intensity of Bourbon Street aren't necessarily my scene. That's why I relax the instant I walk into the homey little cubby hole that is Fritzel's. It feels warm and familial. The music is 5 feet in front of you, and has a looseness and joy that isn't easy to find in the touristy French Quarter. I haven't been back since Katrina, but I was delighted to look it up and find it still in operation. Great beer, great music, great company. Even the drunk guy who got pushy with my friend came back later with a sincere apology. For my money, Fritzel's IS New Orleans. Highly recommended.

We happened upon Fritzel's on our very first night in New Orleans--it was an oasis of the past in the desert of Bourbon Street present. Beckoned inside by sounds we'd yet to hear on that mad stretch, we were thrilled by what we had found. A real, live jazz band was performing and we loved it. It turns out Fritzel's is like that every night! The walls are a collage of memorabilia, the beer is cold, the waitress was friendly, the bands are wonderful! More joints on Bourbon Street should have entertainment like this--jazz is what New Orleans is known for, after all. The scarcity of it is disappointing. The only drawback was the restroom. Maybe it's repaired by now, but when we were there in early May, there was but one for both ladies and gents, there was no toilet paper, and it was really smelly. But please, don't let that deter you--it's one of our favorite places on Bourbon Street, and I'll bet it'll be yours!